Howard Dean slipped in the polls immediately after Sharpton's question

[ecstatic]

Howard Dean had been the front-runner in the polls for weeks. I'm not by any stretch of the imagination the best political analyst, but it appears to me that Dean sharply slid in the polls after Sharpton called Dean out on his all-white cabinet in Vermont. I really do think that was the "straw that broke the camel's back" so to speak. For weeks, the media had painted Dean as unable to appeal to black voters, and once Sharpton (who is viewed by many as a huge, yet effective race baiter) brought that issue up, I think it scared a lot of Dean supporters away (on a subconcious level).

Now let me make it clear, I think Sharpton had a right to ask the question, since Dean does claim to be the guy who can discuss race in front of all white audiences. However, looking back, I think the media used Sharpton to destroy Dean (I hate that because I really admire the messages of both men!).

[Mass_Liberal]

1. I don't think that it played a factor at all

I think it was just Sharpton playing the race card. I bet Sharpton's staff is missing a minority. Ask Al if he has any Asians on his staff. Or Hispanics. Or native americans.


That was just about the dumbest point Al has ever made. (He's normally a great guy)

[Dark Star]

4. That's funny.

I would put it in the opposite way:

That was just about the best point Al has ever made. (He's normally a creepy guy.)

[Mass_Liberal]

7. Dean's cabinet as governer

represented the make up of the state. Like I said, Al probably doesn't have any Asians on his staff, or maybe he's missing hispanics or native americans. To go after people for not having one kind of minority on a staff is dumb, and in anyone's case, hypocritical.

[Nicholas_J]

13. But Al spoke avery important truth

Dean cannot possibly understand the racial divide, at least politically, as he never had to. Goof intentions are not enough in that area.

[ecstatic]

15. Race is such a huge issue in this country

Nobody even wants to touch it. Any candidate smeared with the title of "racist," no matter how inaccurate, is doomed.

[quinnox]

2. That was a small part of it

Other debate moments that might have been a part of Dean's slide - when Kerry turned to Dean and asked what in the world was he thinking when he said Osama shouldn't be pre-judged guilty. This was an important moment, Dean's response was very weak and Kerry just looked so much more presidential in the way he presented the question.

But I think it was Dean's gaffes, for about two weeks straight he kept on doing it, and the press covered every one, that really hurt Dean. Also, the press started reporting critical stories on Dean around this time - Vermont nuke security, Dean's sealed records, Iowa caucuses remarks.

[Mass_Liberal]

5. I beg to differ

Dean defended the rule of law, he had a strong response. Kerry had a weak question. If Kerry doesn't believe in civil liberties (namely, innocent until proven guilty) he doesn't belong in the Democratic Party.


I think Kerry does believe in Civil liberties, and did believe that Osama deserved a trial. He just wanted to take a potshot at Dean.

[Dark Star]

6. I agree.

The Trippi deal did not help one bit either.

[DuctapeFatwa]

9. Good point. Guilty til proven innocent is gaining popularity fast . Kerry

is shrewd to pick it up and run with it. Maybe he should start hinting at a constitutional amendment.

Whatever sting Dean may have felt at Sharpton's observation on the ethnic diversity of Dean's cabinet choices, Dean got his revenge in the next debate. Almost no one paid any attention when Sharpton indicated (again) that he would replace Alan Greenspan, but Dean wisely waited till the next day to metoo Al, and within minutes the media was even speculating that his comments were affecting the market!

[Mass_Liberal]

12. maybe its gaining popularity

But its unconsitutional and morally abhorrent. American ideals are worth nothing if we made the constitutional amendment you speak of. The very thought scares the hell out of me. Doesn't it do the same for you?

[DuctapeFatwa]

16. Politics is not about ideals. It's about winning

and money.

[ecstatic]

11. Dean had already begun to slip in the polls

Even after Saddam was caught, Dean was still the frontrunner. Then the major gaffes began.

[Capn Sunshine]

3. Know what else happened that week?

on Fox news, Gov. Dean mentioned we should break up the big media monopolies and bring back the Fairness Doctrine.

[ecstatic]

14. True, but we have to keep in mind that many voters do not

pay attention to the fine print. Only the major headlines and soundbites. The Sharpton thing was a huge story--as much as I watch the news, I am just now learning about the "Fairness Doctrine" comment.

[ozone_man]

17. Yes, I think you're correct.

Dean rocked the wrong boat, the one that can make or break presidential candidates. The task is now much harder, now that we have to fight the media in getting the message out. But I always have hope that people can see the truth past media distortions and Bush lies.

[nancyharris]

18. yes - the fairness doctrine!

If Governor Dean has a full hour on "Meet the Press" then Congressman Kucinich should also have a full hour on "Meet the Press" - Yes, Yes - I'm all for that!

[Lex]

8. I just didn't get why

Dean, in response to Al Sharpton's question, didn't just say "It's VERMONT, Al."

[Mass_Liberal]

10. heheh

you make me laugh. :yourock: