Three of the four Democrats to be elected presidentsince Truman came from the south. Odd coincidence? Or is there a paradoxical dynamic at play in American politics, society and culture? Maybe some smarter folks than me should ponder upon it.
DOVER, N.H., Sept. 27 -- New Hampshire Democrat Larry Taylor was leaning toward supporting former Vermont governor Howard Dean for president until he turned out on a damp Friday night at New England College in Henniker, N.H., to see retired Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark. By the time Clark had finished his town hall meeting, Taylor was ready to change his allegiance.
"I think Clark can win," Taylor said. "I don't think Dean can win. I think Dean's going to be pegged as too liberal. He doesn't have the kind of military background and some of the strength that Clark seems to have."
Whatever else Clark's late entry into the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination has done, it has forced the issue of electability back to the top of the agenda for many Democratic and independent voters.
Lately, however, both Lehmens have begun to question whether Dean is the best Democrat to beat Bush. Peter said he finds Dean inconsistent in some of his views. Theresa said Dean is "coming across as a little more abrasive" and appears to let his ego get in his way. Clark, she said, impressed her as someone who could successfully negotiate with foreign leaders. "He certainly presented himself in a very diplomatic but forceful way that I would call presidential," she said.
Presidential indeed; but he also came across as a man who wasn't afraid to be human and say I don't know. He also did a very strange think for a modern politician--he listened to the questions and thought about his answers. You could see him thinking about what he was saying. It will be interesting to see if he can stay that way in the grinding weeks and months ahead.
