Reply #2: I think you are right

[NewGuy]

One of the reasons the Repugs site for liking Dean is his plan to repeal the tax cuts. Whatever the nay sayers are saying, everyone is going to do their taxes for this year between now and the election and most Americans will see some reduction. Those with children, who also tend to earn less, will see the most. This is a powerful incentive to not vote for Dean unless he changes his stance.

Another thing the Repugs site often is his anti-war stance, which won't hurt as bad because America breaks about 60/40 in favor of the war currently and this has been up and down some since the "mission accomplished" fiasco. No telling where it will be in Nov.

Third is his support for gay unions. America also breaks pretty close to 60/40 on this issue but they are softening on it as time goes on. Continued pressure from hollwood via television shows and movies will help this a lot.

I think the taxes are the worst issue Dean is facing. Even if he backs off some the Repugs will continue to try to define him as tax and spend. Democrats will not allow him to abandon the tax increases as they feel that the tax cuts hurt social programs. If he can properly define the diference between the Vermont Civil Union law and gay marraige he can win on that issue. His anti-war stance is new found and could be softened or abandoned once he wins the nomination.