Help me decide, please

[bluescribbler]

Time is getting short, and I still haven't decided which Democrat to support for President in 2008. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to convince me that your chosen candidate is the best person for the job. This is not a poll. Numbers won't convince me. Neither will attacks on the other candidates. I will only be convinced by a candidate's potential to win, to be an effective President, and to govern wisely and well. As always, should you be caught or captured, I will disavow any knowledge of your actions.

[Lasher]

1. Why don't you use these tools to see which candidate best supports your beliefs?

Give one or both of these websites a try:

http://www.speakout.com/VoteMatch/senate2006.asp?quiz=2008#sec0

http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008.html

I'm gonna take a pass on the electability question.

[bluescribbler]

6. I looked at both.

Thanks for the links. Both gave me the same results for my 1st choice, Dennis Kucinich. 2nd choice, however, was split. Speakout said my 2nd choice was Hillary Clinton. Selectsmart gave me Barak Obama. The problem with this approach is that it only addresses one of my concerns. As you acknowledged, it doesn't help with the electability question, nor does it help with the question of which candidate will best be able to govern effectively and wisely.

But thanks for participating.

[movonne]

16. I guess you really didn't care what I think...

[bluescribbler]

21. I do care what you think.

And I'm waiting for you to tell me what you think. Who do you support, and why? That's different from who you oppose.

[movonne]

23. Well then my answer is anyone of the candidates with the

exception of her...right now I probably lean towards Edwards because I like more of what he has to say, but still not sure..

[bluescribbler]

24. Please tell me more

Why, specifically, are you leaning towards Edwards? What do you like about the other candidates? Thank you for participating.

[Think82]

17. Biden has:

all the tools you are looking for in the post above. He completely destroyed guliani last night in about 5 seconds.

[movonne]

2. If you like the way things are going now and want it to stay the same

way, vote Hillery...

[bluescribbler]

3. Try to play by the rules

Attacks on candidates will not convince me.:eyes: :spank:

[Byronic]

4. Very sensible

In my opinion you should leap on the Joe Biden bandwagon.

My reasons? He is by far and away the most qualified candidate (except perhaps for Dodd, who isn't far behind).

No more on the job training. No more smoke and mirrors.

Let's elect someone who actually has a passion about the issues. Let's elect someone who knows how the system works, and who can get things done.

Biden would eviscerate any Republican opponent, and having a president who could actually govern for the WHOLE country, and tell the truth, however unpalatable, would be a refreshing change.

[bluescribbler]

5. RE: Experience

What about Bill Richardson? Congressman, Cabinet Secretary, Diplomat, Governor. He knows how Washington works, he knows how the world works, and he knows how to govern.

But I will consider Joe Biden. Thank you for your input.

[Byronic]

7. Fair point

I like Bill Richardson but I find some of his foreign policy ideas rather simplistic (I think it was John Edwards who rightly pointed this out during the debate).

Richardson has a good heart and a ton of experience, but, in the world we live in, I think Biden has the edge, also, Biden is a FAR better debater. Richardson's performance thus far has been rather uneven. Can you imagine Rudy Giuliani debating Joe Biden? Joe doesn't pull any punches.

[bluescribbler]

9. Debating skill certainly is important

But then, again, Chimpy "won" two elections with no discernable debating skills. I believe it is called, "the soft bigotry of low expectations".

[murbley40]

11. yep

and look how that turned out.

[Think82]

15. Biden actually has more foreign policy experience than Richardson

he's the chairman of the foreign relations committee. He has the solution for iraq. He has the most experience and best track record.

He is the
a) most honest and straight-forward
b) can bring republicans around to vote for things
c) is the most knowledgeable.

Just watch the debates. It's REALLY apparent who the best is. Biden.

[jillan]

22. Richardson is not going to win. Simple as that.

Did you watch the debate last nite? Russert brought up a laundry list of things about Richardson, a list that I have been citing for months. But that's not even it.

He's a good guy, he's done alot of things. But try and picture him debating Rudy-tootie during the General election.
He just doesn't have it. He gets flustered too easily, and it shows on his face. He's probably a lousy poker player.
He does not come off confident. And if we are going to win in Nov '08 - we need someone who will remain strong.

As Biden said yesterday - anyone that thinks the Dems are an automatic shoe-in because of Iraq, better wake up. The Republicans are going to hit us with everything they got, and we better have someone that can stand up to them.

Spend some time looking at Biden. Not only will he be able to stand up to them, he has done some amazing things. Like yesterday, having 75 Senators agree with his plan for Iraq. He was the author of the crime bill that reduced crime during the Clinton Administration. He has the highest rating of all of the candidates in environmental issues. Part of that is because of his legislation for Li-ion batteries for hybrid cars. And over the last few days, his legislation passed to save the coastline on the east coast. He has traveled this world, has met with foreign leaders and has the proven ability to work with them to make changes for peaceful solutions.

I don't like everything Biden has done, but I always know where he stands... and why he voted the way he did.

[Byronic]

8. Hope you find somebody.

Primary season is no fun if you haven't fallen for a candidate.

Yes, that sounds silly, simplistic and naive, but it is the truth.

Take your time, make your choice, work damn hard, and enjoy the ride.

[murbley40]

10. I think you should give serious consideration to Biden.

He went a long way toward proving yesterday that he can unite this country. His Iraq amendment passed the Senate with a 75-23 vote. It has been a very long time since anyone has been able to get a majority of the Senate to agree on anything of this importance. He can lead our country out of this deep black hole,that Bush and his friends have shoved us in.

[Think82]

13. Biden I agree

he hits on every cylinder. see the above post

[againes654]

12. Well since you want some one that is

electable, effective, and experienced, I think you are out of luck. Kucinich is your 1st choice, but you don't find him electable. Well, good luck finding someone that meets all of your requirements.

IMO, the candidates that are electable aren't necessarly the best person for the job. I don't think winning it all should be your first concern right now.

[bluescribbler]

18. Kucinich isn't necessarily my first choice

He just seems to be the candidate who most closely matches my views on the issues. Winning it all isn't my first concern, but it is an important one. I have enormous respect for George McGovern, and I agree with him on most issues, but he got his ass kicked, and we got stuck with four years of Nixon and Ford as a result.

[Armstead]

14. Edwards with caveats

In regard to your question, if you basically agree with Kucinich but worry about "electability" Edwards is probably the next best choice, IMO. Not perfect but the best compromise.

Other than Kucinich, Edwards currently is the closest thing in an acceptable "package" to the beliefs and values of traditional liberal Democrats.

And, imo, this nation still has a substantial core of traditional liberalism that Democrats could draw on to win.

[againes654]

19. I agree

I have said it before, and I will say it now, any combination of Edwards/Kucinich or Kucinich/Edwards will please me

[bluescribbler]

20. Yeah, I like Edwards

I think he could have done a bit better in his debate with Cheney, though. I recall Cheney said something to the effect that he hadn't ever met Edwards until that day, and yet, come to find out, there is a picture of John Edwards introducing newly elected Senator Elizabeth Dole to the Veep. John should have called him on that. Something along the line of, "The Vice President isn't being truthful here. I have a photograph of myself with him in the Senate chamber."

Thanks for participating.

[goodgd_yall]

25. He's had years since then to grow.

I didn't think Edwards did badly in that debate. I remember thinking what a creep Cheney was being. I didn't understand why it was thought that Cheney won. I think it was more his manner---Chency had the confidence of the powerful. The substance of his answers though were nothing special.

[bluescribbler]

27. No, he didn't do that badly

I just feel that he could have, and should have, used that opportunity to expose Cheney for the liar that he is.

[sandnsea]

26. What do you want for the world

You have to decide that first, and then see which candidate best reflects your world views. Nobody can tell you that, you need to do the hard work and figure it out for yourself. They all have web sites, go read them, read their speeches, read the legislation they've proposed and/or passed. It should take you a day. Then come back and ask specific questions if you need some blank spots filled in.

[mrigirl]

28. Ok- Bluescribbler- Here's your guy

Joe Biden has been a Senator since he was 29. He's been the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Comm and knows world leaders better than anyone. He has seen the tragedy of the Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, the Iran-Contra scandal, the fall of the Berlin Wall, the re-unification of Germany, the fall of communism in the Soviet Union, 9/11 and the aftermath, a presidential impeachment, a pres resignation, and pres election by the Supreme Court. He's seen Nixon, Ford, Carter, Regan, Clinton, and 2 Bush morons as president. He's traveled to war zones in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
He prevented Bork from making the Supreme Court and was vital in stopping Milosevic's genocide in the Balkans. He created the Violence Against Women Act and recently as we all know- got the Iraq plan passed in Congress.
Need any more qualifications?????? All this info courtesy of Promises to Keep- Biden's biography.

[ChiciB1]

30. I Really Do Like Biden & I Think He's Being Very Forceful Lately...

but I don't think he can get elected. He tried before and looks very good now, but I think it's too late for him. Just MHO!

But given what THEY say in D.C. Edwards can't get elected either... IT'S Hillary or nothing!

But NOT FOR ME!

[mrigirl]

31. Chicib1- Just vote for Biden in the primary

if he loses- so be it. then I guess we're stuck w/ whoever our candidate is. that's my plan anyways. Biden's greatest obstacle will be winning the primary, not the general election. we all know he could beat any repub they put out there!!!! Beating Hillary is another thing entirely. If everyone who liked Biden voted for Biden - well, you never know what the numbers would really be. He could win.

[Think82]

32. Chicib1

that's ridiculous. Everyone this time in 04 was talking about Dean. Biden can and will get elected. He just got his Iraq bill passed today in the Senate. Many people aren't paying close enough attention and the horse-race will shift.

[Think82]

33. Check this link out:

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&brand=msnbc&vid=cecbba4f-fc95-4a88-a5b9-1d32f7f23f08

[ChiciB1]

36. I Live In Flor-EE-Duh! We Got Problems Here! n/t

[ChiciB1]

29. Edwards Has The Most Populist Message & Those In D.C. Do Not

want him as a nominee because he wants to run things differently. They want it to stay the same. With Hillary, you get more of the same, more of the same, more of the same. You get more of the same!

[kad7777]

34. SENATOR BIDEN is the best we have

What do we expect from our leaders?
Especially our President?

1) Intelligence
2) Experience in ALL phases of government
3) Strength
4) Respect from world leaders
5) Diplomacy
6) Command of issues
7) Solutions to problems that face our nation
8) Honesty
9) Integrity
10) Respect and trust from his peers
11) Respect and trust from the people who follow him

There is only one candidate running today who meets all of the criteria above. Our next President:
Joseph Biden

Please watch my video I produced in support of Joe. Send it along to family and friends and ask them to do the same.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=OtGCaqOdIJ4

[snowbear]

35. My advice: Decide for YOURSELF

Like any good Democrat would do.

[bluescribbler]

37. I do plan to decide for myself.

I just want to read the reasons people have for their support of their respective candidates. Part of me is leaning towards Bill Richardson, but the Biden supporters have made some persuasive arguments.

One thing interests me, though. Nobody has presented a case for HRC or Barak Obama. (Do we really want a candidate whose initials are BO?) Just asking.

[Clark2008]

38. I've been here forever and I've seen nothing that has made

it easier for me to decide, either.

That said, I don't like Edwards and would not even vote for him in the general. I find his populism phony. I'd go third party. I would hold my nose and vote for just about any of the rest of them, though.

[CTyankee]

39. Which candidate has the ability in the arena of the presidential race

to frame him/herself with the American people and can respond to the RW Slime Machine quickly and decisively. That's what it takes. A resume alone doesn't cut it as we have learned from our experience with John Kerry. Sorry to be so blunt, but we simply must have a candidate that can control his/her narrative. We have seen good people, with great experience in governing, having wonderful ideas and ideals, get ground into the dust.

I know this sounds like the electability issue, but it is really a requirement for the job at this point.

I would also add: a great staff, sufficient numbers of passionate volunteers at the grass roots, and savvy marketers. If your message is good, you should have the best people marketing it!