Reply #106: Dean is good, sure. [View All]

[Tom Rinaldo]

He is my second choice, probably Edwards is my third. My argument isn't meant to marginalize progressives, it is a concern that too many progressives tend to marginalize themselves. Honest, we may disagree on tactics and strategy, but I am not a centrist! I love the cartoon you posted by the way. Does it surprise you that I fully agree with it? That is one strong reason why I have little use for Kerry, Gephardt, and Lieberman. I give Edwards only a partial pass because he was not an influential Democratic leader, and he is a populist on economic issues. I take the position that Clark has consistently been against this Iraq invasion. He admits he got tripped up in that interview during the first few days of his campaign. I think Clark's complete record of public statements including those made throughout the year preceeding the resolution vote are consistent in opposition to Bush's, as Clark calls it, "elective war" and "sideshow".

We strongly differ on Clark's progressive potential. I think he is in reality an intellectual free agent, currently being advised by ex Clinton people because he would be dead meat if he couldn't fluently articulate any comprehensive economic vision during the campaign. I mentioned Earl Warran and Theodore Roosevelt for a reason in my earlier post. I believe Clark's progressive instincts are sound, and they will continue to emerge.