Something for the Deaniacs - you know who you are.

From Time:

> Were Dean the nominee, the Bush campaign would probably be going
> after him not as a flip-flopper but as a lefty. Lefty isn't
> exactly a term of endearment. But at least it evokes issues rather
> than character. Character debates sank Al Gore and threaten to sink
> John Kerry now. A debate about issues, on the other hand —
> especially the biggest issue of all, Iraq — is something Democrats
> could win.

I admit to a certain amount of prejudice on the electability issue, but in the desperate days of high approval ratings and "Missions Accomplished", there was a palpable feeling of irrelevence and marginalization on the part of Democrats. I've always been aghast and against the crusading adventurism and testosterone poisoning that washed over us in the wake of 9/11, but I was, for a time, infatuated with the idea of Wesley Clark as Democratic nominee (as bizarre as that now sounds), if only to be able to have a "big dog" to bet on against the reigning champ. However, in the final analysis, John Kerry is not only "electable" (whatever that means - remember Reagan before the Carter debates and how that one debate - "There you go again" - made him instantly "electable"?), but principled as well. There is consensus now that both men have imperfect histories and unique blemishes, but I believe issues (especially the situation on the ground in Iraq) have taken center stage now. You know I'll be watching the debate on Thursday and relishing in the knowledge that Kerry is the underdog and Mr. President has everything to lose. Prediction: Split decision, Kerry. Simply being on the same stage and looking "presidential" will constitute a victory for the challenger.

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