Keep the Dean Momentum Growing!
Feb. 5th, 2004 01:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
yesthattomDear Virginia Democrats,
The same qualities that made Gov. Howard Dean the best candidate three months ago, make him still the best candidate today. Here is the Top Ten List of Things to Remember When Entering the Voting Booth on February 10.
1) The Dean campaign is far from 'broke'. According to OpenSecrets.org which tracks campaign financing, the Dean campaign probably has more money currently to spend in upcoming states than any other campaign, or remains very competitive. We raised $3 million since our third place finish in Iowa, more than John Kerry raised in all the fourth quarter of 2003. And we continue to raise money.
2) No other candidate has been grilled and inspected like Gov. Dean. Yet, despite all of it, the most damaging thing the press could unearth was 15 seconds of vehemence during an Iowa pep rally for dispirited supporters and a 'scream'. -- the over-coverage of which three major television networks have gone on record as regretting. The other candidates are untested against fierce opponents (like the press, republicans, and PACs). Dean's record has been scrutinized and he survives to battle in states where he has built substantial support, like Washington where he drew 10,000 people to a Seattle rally -- in August!
3) People may be casting votes for Kerry and Edwards, but how many are contributing their hard-earned dollars and how many are pledging their precious time? It is rare to find supporters who are inspired by John Kerry. They are mostly 'satisfied' with him. In contrast, Dean has energized more than 600,000 supporters nationwide, many never interested in politics before, who will canvass and phone bank and hand-write letters to strangers.
4) Dean raised more than $40 million in 2003, more than any Democrat ever has, but more importantly the average donation was under $100. In contrast, Kerry raised more special interest money in the last 15 years than any other U.S. senator. (Wash. Post, 1/30/2004) The American people are Howard Dean's 'special interest'.
Regarding 'electability'...
5) Only Howard Dean can look George W. Bush in the eye and say, "I balanced the budget each time I was entrusted with taxpayers' money." A fiscal conservative such as Dean cannot be attacked in the general election and stamped with the label, "Massachusetts liberal" accused of having "a voting record to the left of Ted Kennedy". (Washington group rated John Kerry's liberal voting record 93%, compared to Ted Kennedy's 89%.)
6) "You can't beat George Bush by being like him." Senators Kerry and Edwards voted FOR most of the Bush Administration policies, while Gov. Dean opposed them, including the rush to war in Iraq, tax-cuts for the wealthy, and the unfunded mandate of No Child Left Behind. People say they like John Kerry's "experience." Can they name ONE thing he's done in his fifteen years in congress?
7) Only Gov. Dean can confidently force George Bush's hand on foreign policy to reveal the lack of foresight, judgement and exit strategy. John Kerry would have to admit that his vote sent Americans to an ill-conceived war. Even more embarrassing, Kerry would be ridiculed for his vote AGAINST the FIRST Gulf war following Iraq's invasion Kuwait!
8) Most Americans don't know Howard Dean was a family doctor for 10 years. He knows the health care system and the value of it in people's lives like no one in the race. Whose hands would you rather place the trust of your country in, a doctor's or a trial lawyer's?
9) His McCain-like quality of straight talk has inspired Republicans to switch to Dean (RepublicansForDean.us). His environmental priorities of renewable energy and setting aside 400,000 acres of green space in VT has inspired Greens to switch. (GreensforDean.net) His NRA favorability rating makes him attractive in the South (Georgiafordean.com), his energy attracts young people on every college campus (GenDean.com).
10) Early voting states produced record voter turn-out. Howard Dean did that. A year ago he, alone, had the character and courage to stand up to George Bush when it was not popular to do so reinvigorating the Democratic party. Having paved the way, and made it safe, all the other candidates are speaking the exact words he inaugurated so many months ago. Gov. Dean says what he believes. The rest say what they believe is needed to be elected. The choice is yours whether you want a president of caution and calculation, or courage and conviction.
Virginians: Don't give up before the miracle happens. Less than ten percent of voters have had an opportunity to weigh in and yet the media wants a coronation. Ronald Reagan lost his first nine states before he won the presidency. The Dean campaign will use its assets wisely in an effort to end up with the most committed delegates and be the last man standing as an alternative to Kerry. Virginia can offer Dean many delegates and YOUR vote will count toward that end.
Geri Weis-Corbley,
National Grassroots for Dean Project Coordinator
703-392-4118
Publisher, The Dean Essential newsletter
http://www.DeanEssential.com
Video shot on Iowa Caucus Night:
http://www.DeanPort.com/caucusnight/caucusnight.mov
