Reply #36: Cali, thanks for this thread! [View All]

I have read all the posts upthread from this and agree with virtually all of them. As an ardent Clark supporter, I know of the crap that's been flung and am happy to see it end. I really **do** like and respect and admire Howard Dean (A search of my posts by anyone is invited .... you will find not one negative word about the good doctor.)

I could personally support either Dean or Clark, although I must be honest and say, personally, I see more presidential potential in Clark than Dean. When Dean said he was interested in DNC chair, I was absolutely thrilled - for several reasons. First, he proved beyond any doubt that he was an organizer who inspires his followers. He proved he could generate money - and not just from the big corporate donors, but from little guys like you and me. Lastly, his personal message appeals far more broadly than most "pundits" want to admit. As a straight talker he appeals *at least* to the Reagan Democrats who now are somewhat reliable Republican voters, if not even more widely in what we've come to call the Red States. The "too liberal" and "too unstable" crap painted on him by the pundits was just that - crap. I actually liked "the scream" and would be thrilled if it could become a Democratic rallying cry. Very in-your-face. I also thought he was spot on with his "pick-ups and confederate flags" statement, too. So yeah, I like the doctor and support him as DNC chair .... not to get him out of the way of a possible (likely?) Clark run, but because I believe in Dr. Dean for the right reasons. I consider myself thought through on that score.

My reasons for supporting General Clark are as well reasoned. Each man has different strengths and different appeals, although there is a great deal of overlap. I see not need to go into why I support The General here. I prefer to keep this post focused with honest goodwill on Dr. Dean.