Maine Caucus Info (Waterville, ME) Attn: Dean Fans!

quispquake

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Sun Feb-08-04 04:07 PM
Original message

Maine Caucus Info (Waterville, ME) Attn: Dean Fans!

Hi all!!!

Just got back from the caucus in Waterville, ME.

Big change from 2000! Back then, 45 people showed up. Today, at least 700 and perhaps more!!! The organizers had not even set up a microphone, as they weren't expecting a crowd. Instead, a LARGE group of citizens who wanted to get George Bush out of office ASAP. Plus, as a special surprise, Howard Dean showed up IN PERSON to speak for 10-15 minutes (the alloted time for speeches)!

First was the round circle, where people went to pick up info on their candidates. I will be really surprised if Dean doesn't win here, as a LOT of people were there to push & vote for the good doctor. Kucinich people were hitting everybody with information (including my favorite give-away of the day, a 4-page newspaper with "Fear Ends Hope Begins" in large bold letters that summed up Kucinich's campaign really well I thought!!!) There were a lot of folks hoofing for Kerry, Clark & Edwards also.

Then I registered, picked up my ballot, and went into the auditorium to join the caucus. There were elections for committee positions, and then the speeches by the candidates or the candidate designate.

First up was a speaker for Kucinich (I'm bad with names...he was from the Boston area, and had stumped for Jerry Brown in '92). He was very eloquent on Dennis' position on Iraq, Nafta, and especially Universal Health Care. I was pleased he really detailed out the Health care issue. He was very well received, and energized us Kucinich folks.

Next was Sam Shapiro (? Maybe I'm wrong on that?) who discussed General Clark. He really concentrated on Veteran's issues most of the speech. Another person appeared later with another 5 minutes, where the speaker emphasized Clark's ability to take down Bush, and heavily concentrated on the southern thang (i.e. how a Yankee doesn't have a chance).

Next was a 16 year old junior from Waterville who waxed DARNED ELOQUENTLY for John Edwards. Kinda sad when I realize I could never be as good a speaker as this kid was today! He was VERY passionate about Edwards, and laid out Edward's stand on the issues and Edward's electibility (i.e. the southern thang again). But, in a very sincere delivery...if Edwards can inspire people like this kid to be so passionate about him, then he's certainly doing something right!!!

Then, a big surprise, Howard Dean showed up IN PERSON here in our little ol' burg of Waterville, Maine! Everybody stood, excited to have the man who re-invigorated the Democrat party speaking to us! He spoke for 5 or 6 minutes on Health Care & his record on the issue, fiscal responsibility, and Iraq. He then took questions for another few minutes (quite a ballsy move with a crowd of 700+!!!). Not all were softballs either, as the person who asked Governor Dean about whether he'd drop the military budget (Dean said he wouldn't, but he would switch it to Port Inspections, etc, instead of wasting it on Star Wars & the such...an honest answer from an honest man I thought).

Finally, Rep. McGovern (not George!) from Massachusetts gave a solid stump speech for John Kerry. He emphasized Kerry's integrity, and mentioned Iran/Contra (in which Kerry led the fight to bring out the info about it), Vietnam, and Iraq. He listed many achievements about Kerry, and really spoke highly of him. A very good speech (but even he had to say it was no fun following Dr. Dean!!!).

A great bunch of candidates (where was Sharpton by the way?). I have thought long and hard over who I think would be best to be President. I like all the candidates, but in my heart, Dennis Kucinich is the one closest to my views on almost every issue. I also really like Dean also, so it was a very hard decision to make. I will (of course!!!) support whoever is the nominee against Bush in November. ANYBODY BUT BUSH!!!!

perkypat23 out!!!