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I definitely get that sense from the Edwards and Clark, and to a lesser extent, the Kerry supporters. My concern is Dean supporters, many of whom have made clear their intention to stick with their candidate to the death. My only concern re Edwards is that when he gets on stage with Bush, they're gonna bury him as completely incapable of managing the country. At least Kerry may yet improve on the stump, some signs are pointing to this. Edwards cannot acquire stronger credentials, of which he desperately is in need.

The only way to have a really excellent shot at this point is by getting another conservative to run. Pat, are you reading this?

Re: Dean's supporters...there are only 600,000 of them.

As a Dean Supporter, I might be able to answer that. No matter who gets the nomination, I'll vote for them - but without enthusiasm. For me, the key issue is not the budget, or health care, but rather, government corruption. I feel that government has been gradually getting worse over a period of several decades. Politicians seem to be using weasel words more and more often, they seem to be more and more beholden to special interests, and so forth. It seems that accountability no longer exists. I cannot envision Kerry having any sort of lasting impact on government, any sort of true reform that extends beyond his four years. Instead, I forsee four years of gradual deterioration. Admittedly, that's better than four years of rapid deterioration, under Bush. But I can't get excited about it. Dean had given me hope that we might actually reverse course - that government might start getting better. Perhaps it was just an illusion, and maybe Dean was never the man for the job. Nonetheless, it had been exciting to feel like I might someday see honest government.

I agree with JY. But I think Dean may make a real comeback if he pulls his act together.

I am an Edwards guy more than a Deaniac but I did support Dean for a while last year when Edwards was off the charts and Kerry was the front runner, because I have a REALLY hard time with Kerry.

Of all of 'em, even Dean, Kerry seems like the most sure looser against Bush. He is the most transparent, pompous and unbearably political creature I can imagine. I really don't understand what people think they are seeing in him. Dole was a war hero too!

But yes, all that said, I would vote for him over Bush and hope I am wrong about his chances. But I refuse to support Kerry until he IS the nominee. I guess you could say I am in the AOTBWBBTK ("Anybody other than Bush would be better than Kerry") camp.

I'm also a former Edwards supporter (then never strong) who went do Dean and then back to Edwards.

I will say this about Kerry: My grandfather who has never voted for a Democrat says he will not vote for Bush and likes Kerry.

I know, anecdotal evidence is pretty useless, but 99% of the electorate are not paying as close attention as we are and will not, and if they like Kerry then maybe he is the strongest candidate (besides Edwards).

For better or worse (better if Kerry gets the nom, worse if he doesn't), Dean has played the role of the guy who just irrationally hates Bush (he doesn't but that's the media representation). Kerry or whoever else steps in and people will think that Dean guy was a little too motivated but this other guy's alright. Remember, a majority of Americans don't hate Bush even if they do think he's doing a bad job. Dean's candidacy is not the one to beat him in that atmosphere.

Terry McAuliffe was at a mettup at Manuels? Did you punch him in the nose?

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