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MAY 15 - 31, 2003 |
VOL. 1 ISSUE 3 |
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ELECTIONS 2004 RATING THE DEMS ON THE ISSUES |
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Has a Comprehensive, Well-Formed Agenda 5 More criticisms than ideas. Solid health care strategy. National defense, energy policies need work he knows what he doesnt want to do, but needs to decide what he will do to deal with these very real issues. Education, economic, social policies still not fully out there. Confidence 7 Yeah, he is sure of himself and feels bold enough to take anyone or anything on, but again, often seems on shaky footing. Seemed more like someone looking for a fight than someone confidently leading. Presence 4 His closing statement in the recent South Carolina debate was atrocious. He was looking down to read more than looking out. If you cant make a basic closing statement without looking like a sixth grader who is giving a report in class, you arent ready for the big time. No other candidate had this problem. No serious candidate ever should. Otherwise, more like a punk kid looking to show he can stand up to the real leaders than like a real leader himself.
REP. RICHARD GEPHARDT Speaks Out Boldly 4 Yes, a bold stroke announcing his health plan, but during his years as House Speaker and Minority Leader showed far too little bold spokesmanship. Mealy-mouthed and overly folksy and polite at times. Stands By Statements When Under Fire 5 Doesnt really back down, but doesnt continue to fire back strongly enough. Has a Comprehensive, Well-Formed Agenda 6 Probably more comprehensive than he has shown. Of all the candidates, bet on him to have the most complete agenda by the time the votes start flying. Confidence 9 Presents himself very well. Very confident of his ideas and policies, as well as his ability to communicate them. Very relaxed, steady, and easy-mannered. Presence 10 Absolutely strong in this area. Presents a very calm, self-assured, informed face. Easily carries enough stature and steadiness to be President.
SENATOR JOSEPH LIEBERMAN Speaks Out Boldly 6 Too darn polite, BUT states his principles firmly. Stands By Statements When Under Fire 6 Yes, but, again, in too polite and nice a manner, especially if he plans to go up against the Bush attack machine. Has a Comprehensive, Well-Formed Agenda 8 Pretty much all together knows what he wants to do and how he will try to do it. Weaker in the area of environment, in terms of comprehensiveness and focus. Education is another area that needs more work. Confidence 8 Without Gore throwing him off his game, he is very mature and sure in his manner and positions. Presence 7 This is the biggest question mark for Lieberman. He is small in stature, and his face is not a strong one by nature. Can his confidence, depth, and experience make up for his droll tone and small physical stature. He may gain momentum in this area as things go on, or may seem less and less like someone who can stand toe to toe with the Bushies and seem the better leader.
THE OTHERS:
CAROL MOSELEY BRAUN A really surprisingly strong showing in the debate. Presented herself in a wonderfully likeable, confident, and well-spoken manner that made one wish she might be Vice-Presidential Material. A strong woman who doesnt carry the negative connotation of that (like Hillary does) because she is as charming as she is solid. For a moment it seemed she might be the perfect Vice-Presidential pick. But Speaks Out Boldly 4 Not much to say, except that she is a woman so that should mean something. Talks too frequently about the 2000 election having been stolen. Stands By Statements When Under Fire - ? No one is really firing at her, nor likely will. Has a Comprehensive, Well-Formed Agenda 3 Has lots of areas to fully develop. This is one of her weakest points, and makes her better characteristics less valuable. Confidence 7 An unfortunate yes and no. Solid, steady, but a bit too much of a victim feel to her rather than a confident, powerful leader aura. Makes you want to have her speak at your luncheon, but not put the fate of the world in her hands. Presence 5 Really strong, due to her charm, charisma, and surprisingly steady and solid manner. BUT, frustratingly presents herself as someone looking for approval. If she can turn the corner on this, she would seem a great Vice-Presidential pick (in reality, though, her past scandals make that something that is not going to happen.) Overall, really made you wish this woman was just a bit more polished and developed in her policies, because she would make women proud and inspired, presenting a strong role-model without the bossy unlikeability others cant escape. All we can do is ask, what if
REP. DENNIS KUCINICH Like a weirdo trekker at a Star Trek convention even has the ears to go with the persona. Similar to Dean, came out mainly to act belligerent toward anyone he could. By far the worst of the lot.
REV. AL SHARPTON By far the best speaker in the bunch. Perhaps the only one that really knows how to make a point in a way that gets across. You begin to get the impression that, despite all the talk about him being nothing but a detriment to the other candidates, he could be an invaluable asset in two ways:
1) He truly understands that winning an election is not about winning hearts or minds or having the right policies, but about who gets the most votes for them put into the ballot box on election day. This is where the Republicans have held the strongest advantage over the Democrats in the last elections. The Republicans have their people registered, motivate them to get out on election day, and organize great absentee ballot campaigns to make voting for their people easy and convenient. Al understands that more important than making speeches is registering people and making sure they will vote and that those votes will be counted. Even with his negative image, I would want this man working for my campaign in this manner.
2) Any of the other candidates would be lucky to have him as a speech writer. If they are smart, they will bring him on in this regard. His oratory and rhetorical skills are extraordinary and, coincidentally, this is the weakest area for all of the other candidates, i.e. not being able to make a point in an interesting way. Senator Kerry does pretty well on his own, but all of the others should fight, as soon as Al is out of the race, to bring this man on board for this purpose.
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