Dean as Gov. VS Dean as Pres.

[eileen from OH]

Okay, there's been a lot written and more will be written, about Dean's actions as Gov. of Vermont juxtaposed with his positions as a Presidential candidate - usually in an unfavorable light. That is, Gov. Dean supported/opposed this or that when he was Gov and NOW he sees things differently. All I can say is - I should hope so.

One thing that keeps getting left out is that, as Governor, Dean was SUPPOSED to do things that benefitted VERMONT. He was an advocate for his STATE, not the nation. And when those interests ran counter, he landed on the side of his state.

Frankly, if I had a governor that DIDN'T work for my state, I'd want him to hit the road. I WANT my governor (if I had a decent one) to promote the interests of my STATE, because THAT'S his/her damn job description.

So, please, when you hear that as Governor, Dean did this or that, I hope you will try to see each story from a Vermonter's point of view. He was working for the people who elected him. Just as, as he runs for Prez, he recognizes that his goal and job description includes representing an entire nation. Where those interests run counter to one state (even Vermont) he needs, this time, to land on the side of the good of the nation.

eileen from OH

[MercutioATC]

1. Thanks, Eileen. This is an obvious point that isn't stated enough.

I don't know why so many people have a hard time comprehending this. I expect my Governor to look out for my state just as I expect my President to take a larger view and think of the entire country.

Governors aren't able to shape national policy. Their responsibility is to serve their state within the framework set up by the legislature.

[Melodybe]

2. Thanks for posting this, I admit when I saw the title I prepared myself

for the worst. Needless to say, I am glad I assumed wrong.

[creativelcro]

6. Yes, obvious point that apparently smart people (no names)

don't seem or don't want to get.

[slinkerwink]

3. thanks for this wonderful post!

[Cha]

4. Grreat, eileen, ..thank you!

:kick:

[Padraig18]

5. Thanks for pointing that out.

:hi:

[AP]

7. But being super friendly to big business is a national issue.

Enough of the other candidates have been totally consistent throughtout their careers, whether in politics, in the armed servivces, or in the private sector -- they've always fought for and represented the interests of working and middle class Americans -- that you'd have to wonder why anyone would roll the dice on someone SO INCONSISTENT.

[HFishbine]

8. Now I'm laughing

Because I was just about to respond to the original post that that's something I need to keep in mind about my homestate senator, Mr. Edwards.

Alas, I think it is now necessary to point out that Edwards has been plenty "super friendly" to big business.

[AP]

9. Easy to say. Impossible to support with facts.

Have you read Four Trials yet?

Contribute just $35 to the Edwards campaign and receive a free copy of Four Trials!

Have you paid attention to his legislative record?

[AP]

10. Furthermore, you should focus on explaining Dean's actions before you

start pointing fingers at others (who happen to meet infinitely higher standards).