Dean Supporters --- Please Check In.

[Anwen]

For the very first time in the Dean campaign, I am feeling pretty unsure about his chances.

Today wasn't a very good day. Besides the nasty bickering and Dean-bashing threads here, things seem to be falling apart on his campaign as well. He didn't do as well as I thought he might in New Hampshire yesterday. All of the political analysts and pundits are saying he needs a miracle to come back. Trippi is gone and there are rumors of financial problems.

I am a strong Dean supporter and plan on supporting him until the very end. However, I've been letting all the negativity get to me today and I am starting to lose hope.

So I need a little bit of perspective. If anybody would like to offer some words of encouragement or share some ideas on how we can get his campaign back on track, or even just check in to let me know you're still on board, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank You! :)

[ProudToBeLiberal]

1. I'm here :)

As we survive these hard times it will only make us stronger. We become wiser...I SUPPORT HOWARD DEAN!!!

[bicentennial_baby]

2. Not a Dean supporter but

y'all have my sympathies this evening. I'm pulling for the Dean team to turn it around and make a comeback! Have faith and good luck! :pals:

[KaraokeKarlton]

9. You are my favorite Clark supporter by far

Thank you.

[bicentennial_baby]

17. No, Thank You!

That's quite a compliment, believe me! I think Dean has gotten the shaft from all sides, and it sucks! Of course I want my guy to do well, but if we're going to have a fight, I want Dean in this thing too. He's worked too hard for it to all go up in smoke now. No worries Dean people, I've got yer back! ;-)

[slinkerwink]

18. thank you for saying that!

:yourock:

[calimary]

85. Thanks from me, too. And good to hear from you slinkerwink!

Rock steady...

[WI_DEM]

20. we love you, baby!!

you have always been good to us and I for one and I know many other Deaniacs will always appreciate it.

[janx]

61. You are very kind.

Thanks so much. :toast:

[Anwen]

108. Thanks bicentennial baby!

That means a lot :) Clark is my second choice so I'm rooting for him as well!

[KaraokeKarlton]

3. Dean is thrifty

And he can survive a long time on a lot less money than anyone else can. Things are going to turn around and Dean's supporters will rise to the occassion and take care of the money issues.

As for Trippi...Dean's choice proves that he will not allow anyone under his administration to screw up and not be held accountable. It sounds like Trippi screwed up big time and mismanaged our campaign's finances. If that's true, he deserved to be replaced. Dean is a fighter and he's not giving up. We started out with under $200,000 and a vision of hope for our country. As long as we hold onto that vision of hope and our faith, the money will take care of itself as it always has. Give what you can, encourage others to do the same and stay the course.

[Dudley_DUright]

4. I will be proudly voting for Dean

in the March 9 primary in FL.

[SadEagle]

5. Checking in

eom

[are_we_united_yet]

6. Dean is a great man!

Gutsy determined and pragmatic. I love what the man has done and I support him now more than ever. This electability crap is another mass media marketed product folks are snapping up like they were giving away free money. Dean's as electable as anybody else and he will always get my vote.

And just how electable does anybody have to be to beat *? I mean fer Christ sake what a sorry group of people * supporters are!

[Demeter]

7. I Think that Coming in 2nd all the time

will add up to more support than the occasional frontrunner. I doubt that Kerry can take anything in the south. Or Midwest, now that the ranks are thinning. Clark will split the patriots with Kerry. Lieberman, Edwards and Sharpton will fall by wayside. It's not over until the Convention. Hang on to your hats.

[WI_DEM]

8. still here and still strong

yes a bad day but tomorrow will be a wonderful new beginning.

[UrbScotty]

10. Dean is doing just as well as Clinton twelve years ago.

Actually, probably better:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=215887

[sillymikey]

16. Im still in

:hi: Although Im a little nervous, confused and concerned, I know Dean will pull out winning in the end. Just kinda shocked in whats going on... Dunno what to say. BUT I still support the Dean Machine and just donated another $20 for the campaign

[DontBlameMe]

116. Thanks for the link in the sig line.

I forgot that we can vote online.

[UrbScotty]

118. Oh, you're welcome. (nt)

[Duncan Grant]

11. Still here!

Anwen,

I have a few friends who like to say:

"Don't quit 5 minutes before the miracle!" :)

Things *can* change in a matter of minutes, sometimes good - sometimes bad. I'm one Dean supporter who got complacent with all the good "buzz" and facetime Dean garnered (shame on me, I'm smarter than that).

I don't know if it'll bring you any comfort but do try to remember...it ain't over until it's over! :hi:

:yourock:

[Meldread]

12. Still here.

Yes, I feel as you do. A bit uncertain. A bit afraid, but I will not lose hope. We are going to turn things around, and make a come back. Howard Dean can do it, we've seen it once after the "I have a scream" speech. We'll see it again. We'll fight tooth and nail until the end.

[lastknowngood]

13. Dean just hired trippie's advertising agencey

it would be a conflict of intrest if he stayed.

[slinkerwink]

14. Dean's still going to give them hell at the debate tomorrow.....

and I'll still be with him all the way to the end, whether it means losing the nomination, or winning the White House.

[kayob1]

15. Hang in there!

Gotta have hope!

[killbotfactory]

19. Still here...

If Dean can pull off a victory after what he's been through, he'll take out Bush easily.

I'm with him until the end.

[candy331]

24. All the way with Dean! n/t

[pacifictiger]

21. just posted this on another thread

regarding trippi's departure. This is about teamwork. And Dean, if he want's to get the "ready for prime time" image, needs to bring another perspective to the table. The statement I read was that Trippi although no longer up front and center, was still behind the campaign, at least in spirit. Hang on team, its just the next crew watch coming on duty for the storm. Don't abandon ship yet.

Dean is in my opinion the most solid down to earth candidate I have seen in a long time. Enough of the smoke and mirror nonsense! I think if Ben Franklin had known the good doctor he would really really like him too. And that says it all for me.

This election is not just about this country, in this age of globalization we are also electing a leader that can affect world circumstance. I believe Deans extensive travel abroad when he was younger together with his common sense perspective make him uniqely qualified, even though it does not on the surface appear that he has experience. He does. Just because he missed placing first in a couple of rounds does not mean his message is not getting heard. Notice how the other candidates co-opted his message to surge ahead. It is the message that is important, not necessarily the candidate. And I will continue to support Dean wholeheartedly no matter what the end result, just so he has the opportunity to continue getting that message out.

[Jim Sagle]

22. I'm here.

[Malikshah]

23. Read the blog!

There are a divergence of views-- Things needed to be changed in many folks' estimation-- now is better than later.

Only time will tell. This happens with campaigns.

I'm still behind Dean no matter what and will support him.

Read the blog--it gives good perspective on the events of today.

I, for one, am happy he's done this now. The only difficulty is the same difficulty that the Kerry campaign had when he had his shakeup--the media zoned in and had a field day.

I treat the primary season like running up a long hill (ex cross country runner here) -- you keep your head down, take short steps and keep going---once you crest the hill you kick it up a notch, leaving those who take a breather at the top in your dust (i.e. *)

Not sure if this is clear, but maybe other runners will get it.

[David Zephyr]

25. Dean is the Only Thing Keeping Kerry From Running to the Right.

And the Left knows this intuitively. Dean will continue to rack up delegates.

I don't think that Kerry is going to have such a sterling week next week.

[Duncan Grant]

35. David, you are *so* right.

Dean was the only one who could give these candidates a backbone transplant, too. :yourock:

edit: *enthusiasm*

[David Zephyr]

54. "Backbone Transplant."

Good one!

[Jerseycoa]

26. Chin up!

You guys have been through fire already. You are tempered steel.

:yourock:

[HuckleB]

27. "We came forth to see the stars again." -Dante

Yeah, it's hell right now. The rough road and all that, but...

"Tibetans say that obstacles in a hard journey, such as hailstones, wind, and unrelenting rains, are the work of demons, anxious to test the sincerity of the pilgrims and eliminate the fainthearted among them." - Peter Matthiessen

So, onward we go in full sincerity.

--------

Besides, since I'm quoting:

"The best reformers the world has ever seen are those who commence on themselves." - George Bernard Shaw

This is true of Dean. He clearly works to improve himself every day. It's one of the major pieces of the man that attracts me to him. It's what makes this journey worth it.

Cheers!

:toast:

[not systems]

28. Still here.

Waiting for the smoke to clear.

Hoping the Gore man coming on board can get things back on track.

I feel like my dot com just showed up of fukt company for the first time.

Yeeeaaagggghhhh!

Go Dean!

[hellhathnofury]

29. I'm here.

[NoPasaran]

30. I'm here all the way

Yes, today was a crappy day. The funny thing was I felt pretty good last night. Sure, it would have been nice to have won NH, but we did finish in the money and actually picked up some delegates. Not bad considering that our campaign had been declared dead by the pundits just a week ago. And I thought that Dean's "And We Will" speech last night was just great. It's a message that everyone needs to hear.

I don't know just what to make of the departure of Trippi. Obviously, there have been problems with the campaign and I hope this helps turn things around.

I let a lot of the negativity on DU get to me today too. We went through this crap last week and I think that what worked then will work again. Let's not post in Anti-Dean threads. Let them sink off the front page and eventually the provocateurs will lose interest. At the same time we need to be cordial to the supporters of other candidates. I am not saying we shouldn't have debate; that's what we're here for; but let's try to stay focused on things that are important today, not things that happened years ago.

When I'm feeling discouraged, one of the texts I read to find strength is Tom Paine's American Crisis which begins
These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

And from here we go forward.

[JVS]

31. Still here.

We must continue to fight the good fight.

[nini]

32. I'm right here!! Time for a group hug? :-)

I aint' going anywhere!!! I'm so glad to have this forum to see I'm among great people like all of you!



:grouphug: :loveya: :grouphug: :loveya: :grouphug: :loveya: :grouphug:

[WatchWhatISay]

33. I'm not going anywhere either

I guess I thought it might be just like this

[seventhson]

34. I'm still here!!! Dean has most delegates. Kerry won't do well in South

Hang in there. Dean HAS to reorganize and rethink his strategy.

IU am hoping Gore gets more involved - but in the south that will help some but not a lot.

Kerry will not do well in the south and this may end up going all the way to the convention.

As long as we keep giving to Dean and keep the positivity up, the MEDIA lies will not be discouraging.

Keep the faith. Dean is great and a Dean/Edwards casmpaign will work magic!

[Corgigal]

36. Still here

and will be voting for Dean in SC. So is my husband and daughter.

[kaitykaity]

37. My first time in one of these.

I thought the ABC mea culpa on the 'yeargh' was pretty
awesome, even if it was a week late. One bit of
sunshine, eh?

I'll never give up on Dr. Howard. Ever.

:yourock:

[LittleDannySlowhorse]

38. I'm still here

and I'm not going anywhere unless Dean drops out. Otherwise, I am a PROUD Dean supporter.

[creativelcro]

39. Hang in there! Nobody said it wuld be easy...

Not sure what to make of the financial rumors...

[Castilleja]

40. Here....

:hi:

[PVnRT]

41. I'm still in it

Come one folks, two states have weighed in.

Two.

Two states that do not represent a cross-section of Democrats in this country.

It is not over yet.

[joshcryer]

42. Why worry? Nothing is happening yet.

Dean is only 4 delegates behind. This is hardly anything to get worked up about. I thought that we were in trouble because of Clark and Edwards, but they're fine as long as they keep cancelling each other out, as Dean will continue to pick up delegates.

[maggrwaggr]

43. it's way too early to lose any hope at all

Let's face it, the Iowa system is a very strange system. It results in anomalies.

Kerry took his momentum from that oddball event and did quite well in NH, and don't forget, he's a northeasterner too, and it shouldn't come as such a surprise that he'd do well in the northeast.

I wouldn't worry too much about it until next Tuesday.

[mzmolly]

44. Heeeerrrrre!

:hi:

[Khephra]

45. I'm still here

:-)

[Hoppin_Mad]

46. 100% Dean " We've just begun to fight ! " -nt-

[WillyT]

47. Still Here, And Holding The Hope In My Heart !!!

Seems like once again, muscle and money will rule the day though.

Sorry guys, I'm not nearly as disappointed in Dean's chances, as I am in facing the possibility of voting for somebody...

Ah, fuck it...

ABB, under stress, once again.

[Polemonium]

48. Hey still here and still working

:hi:

[indigo32]

49. Here Here

and not giving up.

[Ramsey]

50. There is work to be done

There are a lot of primaries and caucuses next week.

I'll be canvassing for Dean in Delaware this weekend. Go forth and work for the campaign. That is how we will win!!

After all, it is the American way...hard work gives results. We don't give up because we are a little behind. We just work harder!

[ProfessorPlum]

51. This is just getting started

one of the things that attracts me to the Dean candidacy is that he is a much better campaigner than Kerry, as the next 6 weeks will prove. Just watch.

In the meantime, I'm stumping for him in DE.

[Ramsey]

53. Where will you be??

LynneSin and I will be in Wilmington and environs on Saturday.

[fabius]

52. I'm still with Dean.

Still contributing. OK, they blew thru a wad of money. One of two things will happen now:

(1) Dean will come back and win. OR,

(2) Dean will stay in the race, calling Bush* on his lies, long enough to keep the others energized (talkin' to you, Sen. Kerry) and to make 'em pound the point that Chimpy is wrong, corrupt, and bad for this country.

The longer Howard Dean campaigns, the more the nominee, whether it's Dean or anybody else, is going to sound like him.

Kerry has to do more than talk about how he was on a real aircraft carrier, IMHO. Hes' gotta take it to Bush. Same for everybody else.

Lieberman has to drop out. Please.

[mopinko]

55. bumper sitckers still available.

in "give 'em hell howard" and the new "give 'em howl howard" versions.
and they're still FREE!

yeeearrrrgggghhhh!!!!!

yeeearrrrgggghhhh!!!!!

yeeearrrrgggghhhh!!!!!

yeeearrrrgggghhhh!!!!!

yeeearrrrgggghhhh!!!!!

yeeearrrrgggghhhh!!!!!

yeeearrrrgggghhhh!!!!!

yeeearrrrgggghhhh!!!!!

[Anwen]

72. mopinko,

I would love to have a bumper sticker! :)

[RetroLounge]

56. Not going anywhere...

eom

[MODemocrat]

57. It's always darkest before the dawn

The upset in his camp, and the media harassment he has received, has really made up my mind to support him all the more. I'll never give up on a great man like Howard Dean, regardless of what anyone says.
I'm not in love with John Kerry, but, if push comes to shove, I'll try to vote for him, and forget the past. He's the media's darling, but believe me, things can always change.
:loveya: :grouphug: :cry:

[On the Road]

58. Dean Needs a Turnover

in football terms. Something out of the ordinary. Attacks on Kerry that stick. A gaffe. A shining moment in a debate. Something like the scream.

The longer it goes on, the better the chances. The schedule is compressed and stacked against a long primary season.

Kerry's momentum is real. But it can change. It needs an extrernal event.

Perhaps even the Trippi firing and accusations of financial mismanagement can redound to Dean's advantage. It's keeping him on people's lips and on the front pages and generating sympathy. And that counts for a lot.

[Cassandra]

59. As long as Dean is fighting

I will be behind him, supporting him as best I can. This is the beginning of the primaries. The process isn't as long as it used to be but it's too soon to give up. Supporting someone only because they can win is rather being a summer soldier (ask the Kucinich supporters). Support Howard Dean because you believe in his message and abilities and trust him to do his best. That, and supporting the eventual nominee, is what there is to do.

Edit: adding in Thomas Paine, who's always a comfort in times like these.
"Thomas Paine

Patriotism

The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

[bain_sidhe]

60. Hang in there!

Even though I support another candidate, I know how these moments of doubt can sap your enthusiasm. Usually, I go to the Clark blog for to rejuvenate my spirits... how's the mood on the Dean blog? Go hang out amongst friends for a bit, and I'll bet it'll make a big difference. I love DU, but I gotta admit, some days it feels like EVERYBODY'S poking at me with a sharp pointy stick. It takes a toll.

Rest, rejuvenate, and return refreshed!

(Alliterations R us) :D

[jburton]

62. Campaigns have shake-ups

I've worked on two campaigns and volunteered for dozens.

Every single one had a major staff change over the course of time.

After a mediocre performance in IA & NH, this is a good time for a change in Burlington.

Nobody joins a campaign staff with hopes of job stability. If they do, they are in the wrong line of work.

After a few days of media freak out, this too shall pass.

[drfemoe]

63. Hang on to your tooshie...

Everything is fine. I urge you to visit the blog for a dose of reality, and ignore negative press for awhile. I have lots more to say, but no time right now. Dean's organization is not disolving, but going through a tune up process. Don't let anyone convince you that *change* is a bad thing. We're still on board the Dean train, and the grassroots is evolving into a multi-faceted network in order to move forward in more cohesive and effective ways. Wish I could tell you more right now .. just don't have the time.

edit: one thing some supporters are doing right now .. brainstorming. The "elect-ability" card has turned out to be a big player. We need to realize this isn't *Survivor's Island*, but real life, and figure out ways to understand and communicate with those voters who use a more shallow approach to candidate selection than we do. There is a HUGE opportunity to bring together 'old pros' and 'regular joes', two groups who don't usually mix and only know of one another from a different room. We're all in the same Dean Hotel right now, and our individual strengths will coalesce into something never seen before.

[Anwen]

64. Thanks guys!!!!

Wow it's really encouraging see that Dean's support hasn't wavered a bit. It's great to read all the positive things people have to say about Dean!!! :)

I'm in it for the long haul and I just have a feeling things are going to turn around very soon. Dean is a fighter and if anybody can pull through this, he can! No matter what -- I'm NOT giving up. Dean is a gift to our party and I'm going to work my buns off for him!

You guys rock!!!! Thanks again for all the great posts, it has really cheered me up big time.

:grouphug:

[frustrated_lefty]

65. Here and supporting Dean til the

cows come home.

The numbers which struck me most were exit polls asking essentially "which candidate do you think really stands up for his beliefs?" The numbers were something like 60% for Dean and 17% for Kerry. Those numbers were nearly reversed when the question was "which candidate is electable?"

The SINGLE issue Dean has to address is electability, and that is largely a matter of perception. Firing Trippi and getting a replacement was a good move. I'm not sure it was the right move, but he had to do something to shift perception on the electability issue. Replacing his campaign manager suggests, on one level, that the stumbles in his campaign are due to his campaign manager's failing to control his public image.

I actually think, even is there is any truth to that, it's Dean's fault. It was his choice to continue employing his staff, and he can't pass the buck. Conversely, I think there is truth to the thought. No savvy campaign manager would allow their candidate to be portrayed as "angry," without contestation, without addressing the issue for so long. In terms of public perception, though, I think the idea could have legs and it could make the difference.

Dean had to do something. I'm not sure he did the right thing, but it's a decision which offers potential. I just hope this guy Neals (sp?) is on the ball.

edited on spellcheck

[LSdemocrat]

66. Dean all the way!

Remember the beginning of last year?
We were below Sharpton in the polls!
By the end of the year we had the most money and we were riding high in the polls.

What we did last year makes our current situation easy!

[ShadowCabinet]

67. Still here in NJ, still supporting Dean!

I'm here too! I just contributed to tonight's bat over on the Dean for America blog. They're up to over $970,000.00 as of 11PM.

If we stick together, we can still turn this around! It's not over yet!

[formernaderite]

68. Still here....

...regrouping my energies.

[Eloriel]

69. I will be on board as long as Dean is

There's nothing that will shake my faith in him. Nothing will make me abandon my dream of a better America at the hands of someone with a proven track record of incredible fiscal responsibility and progressive social improvements, and of getting things actually done. Nothing will deter my allegiance to the man who first said what I and so many thousands if not millions of other Americans had said to ourselves when he shouted out: I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK.

If Americans are too stupid to realize what they are being offered, then they truly will deserve the President they get. And it won't be Kerry. He'll be defeated by Bush even without computerized vote fraud. It'll be a cinch. Rove is licking his chops even now.

I'm in, and ain't goin' anywhere without Dean.

[Cha]

70. Thanks, Anwen, for your

heartfelt "encouragement" yourself!

I have faith that Dean will come back Stronger! ANd Wiser! This man learns from mistakes..I love it!

[slinkerwink]

71. kick

[mdmc]

73. k.i.c.k. !

:dem:

[janx]

74. ALLO! Is everybody ready for tomorrow night?

Hmmmm? ;)

[Anwen]

79. Yes!

I am looking forward to it! It's time for Dean to open up his can of whoop-ass! :D

[w13rd0]

75. I'm going to a Town Hall with Dean...

...on Friday. We live in interesting times. Magical and tragic things happen. Just keep in mind what it is we are fighting for.

[Lisa0825]

76. I'm still here!

Remember how Kerry and Clark both were supposed to be done when they had changes in their campaigns? Sure, I am feeling down tonight, but I am not giving up. and if you need a dose of positivity, page back to the posts thanking Dean for shaking up the party and waking up the electorate. No matter WHAT happens, WE caused major changes that could very well be the factor in Dems winning, regardless of the candidate. I will ALWAYS be proud of what I have done, and what I was a part of.

[stickdog]

77. Dean has his opponents, the party and the media against him.

The only thing Dean has going for him is that he's the best candidate with the best platform, the most money and the most dedicated supporters.

[Woodstock]

78. I thought he still had a good chance til I heard about the money

This sounds serious. How did he go from the most to this? I knew there was no guarantee with my donations, but hoped the stewardship would be careful.

[ibegurpard]

80. Here

until Dean wins or drops out.

[IndianaGreen]

81. For a break with the Democratic Party

Now that the DLC is going to retain its control over the Democratic Party, and the war will go on regardless of who gets elected in November, it is time to consider other alternatives.

Remember how our peace demonstrations and phone calls, letters, e-mails, and personal petitions against the war in Iraq were ignored by the political class in this country? There is a reason why that was so.

For a break with the Democratic Party

The central historical problem of the American working class has been its inability to break from the bourgeois parties and establish its own mass independent party. The established two-party system offers only the illusion of choice. Both the Democrats and the Republicans, whatever their differences, accept and defend the social framework of American capitalism: the domination of all aspects of life by private wealth and production for profit.

While working people possess the right to vote and can exercise that right, despite mounting social and legal obstacles, they have nothing to vote for, and no effective means to influence the policies of the government. Those are determined entirely by competing interests of rival factions within the economic elite. The working class is, in practice, politically disenfranchised.

The central weakness of previous mass social movements in the United States—the populist revolt of the 1890s, the militant union struggles of the IWW before World War I, the massive labor upsurge of the 1930s, the civil rights and antiwar movements of the 1960s—is that they never succeeded in freeing working people from the political domination of the Democratic Party. Consequently, the working class was limited to fighting for the mitigation of this or that social evil. It could not place on the political agenda the systematic reorganization of American society to serve the needs of the people, as opposed to the corporate establishment.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/jan2004/stat-j27.shtml

[Adjoran]

82. May an uncommitted comment?

I am still undecided, with my SC primary only days away. I had Dean, Kerry, Clark, and Edwards on my short list.

I have actually moved toward Dean since Iowa. Not for his scream speech! I voiced concerns over that and some other previous miscues. What I like is the way he has handled the adversity.

I know many of the Dean supporters are new to active roles in politics. I've been involved in elective politics since 1962 {as a lad}, and I hate to hear so many of you guys crying the blues.

If you had told Dean a year ago that he would be the clear second in the race after NH, he would have jumped on it. You had some unexpected success, and it went to some people's heads. Get over it. I don't mean to be harsh, but time is short. Get over it, or just lose.

Dean might even still lead in committed delegates after NH. He was under the magnifying glass for months, and didn't get burned - his missteps were his own fault, not anything the media found. Now Kerry gets the spotlight. Don't panic. Things can turn bad for Kerry just as quickly as they did for Dean. If Dean's the one left standing . . .

All I'm saying is, if you REALLY believed in the guy enough to make him President, why don't you trust him to know when his chance is gone?

[Anwen]

83. I do believe in Dean!

I never said I didn't believe in him! Trust me, I have never believed in a candidate as much as this before.

What was bringing me down wasn't Dean. It was the numerous pundits all nodding their heads in agreement that Dean is finished. I'm pretty new to politics and don't quite understand how the process works, so when everybody is saying is over, it's hard not to get dismayed by that.

Another thing really bringing me down is the seething animosity toward Dean on this message board. People actually gloating that his campaign was dead. Some comments so hateful that I felt like I need a shower after reading them!

So believe me -- it's not Dean that I'm losing faith in. It's (some) people.

BY the way, all the Dean well-wishers who posted tonight REALLY cheered me up and restored my hope! I'm also learning to love the "ignore" button :)

[WillyT]

100. Great Counsel Adjoran, Thank You !!!

:kick:

[onefreespiritedchick]

84. I'm here, checking in

I'm going all the way with Dean! Will never back down...

[Melinda]

86. 18 months later and I'm still Dean all the way.

:loveya: Dr. Dean :loveya:

[JCMach1]

87. He still has my vote

:(

like you, I am not hopeful

[Tinoire]

88. Just a little bump in the road...!

I have no doubts about the resilience of the Dean campaign!!!!!!


Take your country back! (Can't say our because I'm still with DK but you get my drift)

Hang in there and hang tight!

[FubarFly]

95. Thank you.

I've invested too much of myself to turn back now. I'm a Dean supporter to the bitter end. And perhaps even after...

[ArtieBoy]

89. DEAN! DEAN! DEAN! n/t

[DFLforever]

90. Dean says he'll fight a war of attrition

and I'm committed to fight along side of him with other committed supporters. I don't know where you live, but in my state caucuses are coming up March 2 and we need to prevail not only for Dean but for the restructuring of the Democratic party.

[Cascadian]

91. Right here!

I still hope he can be "The Comeback Kid"!


John

[NV1962]

92. Soldier on!

His message stands. Howard Dean's the same tough-minded SOB on a mission that he was a week ago.

Whatever happened today, he addressed the problem - and I think he did it well: cutting the whole problem out (still a doctor after all.)

Please, don't give up, don't give in to doubts - your man and what he stands for is way stronger than that. We all have doubts and media aren't exactly helping the Democrats (cough)

Here, take an Ibu and have a good night sleep - tomorrow's a better day.

And wake up with more resolve to take the fight to the Right.

I'm sure that's what the doctor orders, too. ;)

[juajen]

93. Not a Dean supporter

But I can't help the grief I'm feeling for your wonderful campaign. I still think there's hope for Dean. I don't want ya'll going down like this, it's just not fair. Please pick yourselves up, and your good man, and keep on rolling.

I would like to call on other supporters of the General to give the Dean campaign a little of the money you've been saving for Clark. If you don't have any to spare, for God's sake help stop this bleeding any way that you can. It is not good for any of us. Especially, do not add to the pain. General Clark would not wish this on any democratic campaign. Remember, he's a boy scout. GO DEAN!

[cthrumatrix]

94. Dean is the guy...the more I see....the more I like.

[KeepItReal]

96. It ain't over, 'til it's over

Not giving up on Gov. Dean now, but I am concerned.

Hopefully he can turn on a dime and reorganize.

People like him and DK and Al Sharpton have hopefully shook up the party in a good way, even if they do not make it in the end.

[newsjunkie]

97. Nobody ever said this would be easy

Dean said himself many times the establishment will not give up easy and it will take a hard fight to the finish to get this done. DON'T GIVE UP! GIVE MONEY! I'm convinced Dean is our prescription to what ails this country...he's the one we need to lead us out of this nightmare. He is ready to do it....we have to help get him there so he can. This is when we need to stand firm...things will turn around soon. Actually despite the media's ridiculous annointing of Kerry and the Rove propaganda reverse psycology trying to convince folks Dean is somehow 'unelectable'(because they have feared Dean from the beginning),Dean is determined and capable of doing what it takes to get US there and he is actually ahead because he has more delgates than Kerry already. More will come..more Americans will hear more about him now and how superior he is to all the other candidates.He will win.
http://www.channel17.org/deanvideo.html

[CWebster]

98. Today was a great day for the Dean campaign

Kerry's advantage over Dean and Clark is his established network of inside players in politics and media who pull the strings. It is Kerry's only advantage. Dean has media appeal, and wins on every score, but his campaign is operating at a disadvantage when it comes to organizing the logistics of the primaries. He has to get up to speed and needs insiders with connections who also know the ropes.

[newsjunkie]

99. Just think how sweet victory will be

after these road bumps in this hard fight and our determination to stand strong. WE WILL TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK. We will accept nothing short of the good doctor who CAN and WILL deliver the medicine and make it better for all Americans.
http://www.channel17.org/deanvideo.html

[quaker bill]

101. Hang in there

we are still raising money. We are still well ahead of the rest of the field. I see no basis to believe that Kerry's momentum will last.

[IndianaGreen]

102. There is more at stake here than the Dean campaign

What is at stake is whether we are going to take the Democratic Party back to its progressive roots, or whether it will continue to decay under the aegis of the DLC.

It looks today that Al From has the upper hand...

[JNelson6563]

106. you're a big picture kinda gal

One of the things that makes your posts worthwhile.

Rock on IG.

Julie

[WonderGrunion]

103. Why I still support Howard Dean

Last March, Howard Dean had a scheduled fundraiser in Downeast Maine. I had just started to pay attention to the candidates at the time and was intrigued by Dr. Dean. His campaign had discovered that it would arrive at Bangor International Airport early enough to hold an impromptu rally in Bangor. Arrangements were hastily made and the Dean campaign booked the meeting hall of the Bangor Motor Inn for a scheduled 1 and 1/2 hour rally of supporters.

I arrived early to get a good location (and later gave up my place to an elderly couple that had driven from Brooks to see the good doctor). As is want to do in Maine in March, bad weather set in and his landing was delayed. People in the conference hall remained calm despite the fact that the room was packed and circulation was poor (you just don't run air conditioning in March in Maine). During our wait, we were informed that in 1992 Bill Clinton had stopped by this same room at about the same time in the campaign.He had drawn about 42 participants, there were over 300 for Dean.

His plane finally arrived an hour late. Most of us were expecting just a quick stump speech and a mad dash to the fundraiser. Dr. Dean then got up to the microphone and shared his vision of where he felt America should be... for just over an hour! After he was done talking, he then began to walk the crowd. He shook the hands and talked to every supporter in the room. He continued to listen and discuss issues with everyone for just over a half an hour after he was done. With the time it would take to drive to his fundraiser, he would be at least an hour late, but still he cared more for the people than the money. I was so impressed with the character of Dr. Howard Dean that I became a loyal supporter. I attended some of the Meet-ups and wrote letters to New Hampshire. And became the caucus coordinator for my town.

I will fight for Howard Dean for as long as he wishes us to fight for him. I hope that he stays in this through the convention so that the Democratic Party will take notice of how disaffected many of us have become with their politics as usual attitude.

Take heart Anwen, the Dean campaign is as strong as it's supporters, and I'm not done fighting for him yet. :kick:

[Anwen]

105. Great story!

Reminds me yet again why I am supporting him. He really is special, and I'm not going to give up on him!

[LizW]

104. Still here n/t

[CTLawGuy]

107. I am with Dean until he drops out

Edwards is my #2.

Nominate anyone but Kerry and Lieberman

[deutsey]

109. I'm with Dean until the end

:hi:

[BurtWorm]

110. I'm here. Everyone thought Kerry was finished in December.

Things could change again. The big, big states haven't spoken yet. They may have a difference of opinion with the small and midsize ones that already have.

[InvisibleTouch]

111. Still In!

I'm in it to the end ... I'll admit, I'm worried too, especially hearing that Dean's not running ads in several states now. Is he running out of money? Not a good thing. I've donated what I could, which isn't that much (being a self-employed person with a sporadic income), but if everyone sent just a few bucks, it would help, instead of thinking "Gee, my small contribution won't make any difference anyway." Sure it will!
In the end, I will support whoever wins the nomination, but my true passion is for Dean. I'll be on his side to the last.

[Anwen]

112. I agree Medusa!

Every little bit helps. I am low on funds so I could only donate $25 yesterday. It doesn't seem like much to me, but if hundreds upon thousands of other people were to donate a little, it seriously adds up!

[chocolateeater]

113. Dean is still my guy, it's not over yet, anything can happen.

I like this man, he fights. :grouphug:

[LuminousX]

114. I'm here, and remember, this is about much more than getting Dean elected

this is about changing the face of the Democratic party and the U.S. political system. Back Dean for as long as you can. More importantly, take up his causes, take up his style, and become an active member of the party. Let's make the Dean faction the most vocal, most active faction within the Democratic party.

[JaneQPublic]

115. How'd Clinton put it? "Till the last dog is hung." (nt)

[NewHampster]

117. Just popping in to help keep the faith

and repost the 1971 Doonesbury that I never saw on DU but dropped elsewhere just for fun.

It's a 3 or 4 day series so be sure to view next etc.

http://www.doonesbury.ucomics.com/strip/dailydose/index19711021.htm

[Nazgul35]

119. Here here....

I've already voted for the good Doctor here in Michigan!

I'm already committed! Will be canvassing this weekend....

[ozone_man]

120. The Doctor is in

and tonight was no exception. If you want change from the status quo, then look no further. My support for Dean is solid through thick and thin and now is the time for our grass roots campaign to wake up the American electorate from their long Bush nightmare.

[arcos]

121. this foreigner still supports Dean n/t

[eyeswideopened]

127. Just heard the Bush Campaign is going to start attacking Kerry

They played hardball too hard with Dean now they have a problem with Kerry getting too much popularity. They are worried about a decorated war hero.

Get ready Kerry. Good Luck Dean !

[TopesJunkie]

122. Don't be unsure --

Dean is the MAN! The one! We need him!

[frustrated_lefty]

123. Dean is the man.

Balanced budgets.
A healthy economy.
Nearly universal healthcare.
Massively reduced physical and sexual abuse of children.
Massively improved education and child care.

As the bread-winner in a single income family of 5, I see no other option.

[CabalBuster]

124. Dean IS the Man.....don't the let the vultures let you down!

He is a real Patriot, fighting the media, the big corporations behind the media, the DLC, the Washington insiders, the Skulls and Bones. As someone else said before, this is psychological warfare at all levels, let's not be weak at this time, our country needs us.

[Upfront]

125. Here

We don't quit until our man says too. Dean is the best candidate I have seen in my life time. The country needs him bad. Never give up!!!!! Just so you know, many of strongest Dean supporters no longer come here and I understand why.

[THX1138]

126. Hope not fear

Hoping for a miracle (and better ads). I had my period of doubt, but I've decided I'm with Dean until the convention. After giving all the candidates a second look, I realize he's the only one who inspires me.

[askew]

128. I am still here.

While I am disappointed that Trippi is no longer with the campaign and that we no longer have our large war chest of cash, that is not why I became a Dean supporter. I am a Dean supporter because Howard Dean is the best candidate in the race, he is offering America a great message of hope and change coupled with his extensive executive experience as governor of Vermont, where he balanced the budget 5 times, brought healthcare to children 18 and younger and gave prescription benefits to 1/3 of Vermont's seniors. This is an impressive record of accomplishment. He also has stood up for his beliefs throughout his political career and through this campaign regardless of how unpopular the opinion may be. He doesn't govern by polls or by idelogy. He bases his opinions on facts, which is why he was right on the Iraq war and so many others who made their decisions on polls or idelogy were wrong. This is a person I would proud to call my president. So, I will keep on fighting and donating money for Dean until he wins the nomination or untils he withdraws from the race.

[Anwen]

129. Wow!

All of the responses and encouragement are great. :) Thanks for checking in everybody and keep up the great work! Dean deserves our support now more than ever.

[Guaranteed]

130. Deaniac here...big time, all the way

Don't worry, man...Dean isn't stopping with this. Kerry's going to lose momentum in the South, and he and Edwards are going to end up tearing each other down.

The media needs Dean. He's the only thing that's keeping people watching. They'll make sure he stays around, and he'll have a shot.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

131. Don't give up yet. All of us Clark people felt the same way a few days

ago. This race has been a roller coaster (up one day and down the next) for everybody - the Kerry people included. We've all been through it.

[lostnfound]

132. Only NOW am I on board and pushing friends to push for Dean

I've been supporting Kucinich up until now, with $ and voice, because I wanted to help him get his message out there -- pushing to the left, and fair trade issues. Also he just has so much integrity, IMO.

But I really like the fact that Dean has drawn his support from ordinary people, and I think his speeches are very good (especially the "every candidate who has ever stood in front of you has told you the same lie, that they would solve all of your problems...YOU are the ones with the power to change things" comment), and I have always preferred candidates with executive (governorship) experience over legislators..

After seeing what the media did with the Scream, I sent Dean $100 and started asking friends to actively support him. With a Washington outsider, there is real hope for change.

I think he's incredibly smart and a real person. Maybe the other "frontrunner" is pretty good but he seems really hollow -- easily swayed, overambitious -- in comparison. Dean & Clark are probably the smartest of the bunch.

Go Dean!! What can I do to help??

[Anwen]

135. Wonderful!!!

I'm really happy to hear you're supporting Dean :) It's sounds like you are already doing a lot to help -- getting the word out and donating money. Have you checked out his website? There is a list of things you can do to help -- everything from writing letters to undecided folks in the primary states, to simply wearing a Dean button and passing out fliers. Next Wednesday (Feb. 4th) is the nation-wide Dean meet-up day, so you can also check out meetup.com to find a local Dean Meet-Up group in your town. It's great to meet with a group of people and bounce ideas around.

It's really important to spread the word about Dean and what he stands for -- his message resonates with most people once you can separate fact from fiction. Most people I talk to don't really know anything about Dean except that he's "crazy" or "angry" (thanks, liberal media). The most important thing is busting those myths and informing people.

Good luck !!! Your efforts will truly make a difference. :)

[dave29]

133. Present

:)

[Lugnut]

134. I'm here!

:hi: There are four PA Howard Dean supporters in my family. We're here for the long haul.

[w4rma]

136. here. (n/t)

[freetempe]

137. Checking in late!!!

But still here. I just sent the good Doctor $20. Its all I can spare right now but I hope it will help in some small way.

Honestly, I think the new strategy to focus on Washington, Michigan and Wisconsin is excellent. Dean has great support in those states and once he wins those states and those delegates he is in an excellent position to win on SUPER TUESDAY. Plus, I happen to strongly believe he will do quite well here in Arizona on Tuesday.

Come on HOWARD!!!

[populistmom]

138. Check Check!!!

[Egnever]

139. Dean will have to throw in the towel for me to give up hope!

As long as there is even a small chance we can take this country back I will hold out.