AMAZING Speech Dean's Delivering Right Now in SC

[Closer]

Even for those who don't like him, READ this. This is the kind of material Democrats have GOT to be pushing, if we're gonna win and take back our Country AND Party. No matter WHO the nominee is.


EMBARGOED UNTIL 1PM ET DELIVERY
December 7, 2003

Prepared for Delivery
Governor Howard Dean
Columbia, South Carolina

In 1968, Richard Nixon won the White House. He did it in a shameful way
-- by dividing Americans against one another, stirring up racial
prejudices and bringing out the worst in people.

They called it the "Southern Strategy," and the Republicans have been
using it ever since. Nixon pioneered it, and Ronald Reagan perfected it,
using phrases like "racial quotas" and "welfare queens" to convince
white Americans that minorities were to blame for all of America's
problems.

The Republican Party would never win elections if they came out and
said their core agenda was about selling America piece by piece to their
campaign contributors and making sure that wealth and power is
concentrated in the hands of a few.

To distract people from their real agenda, they run elections based on
race, "guns, God, and gays," dividing us, instead of uniting us.

But these politics do worse than that -- they fracture the very soul of
who we are as a country.

It was a different Republican president, who 150 years ago warned, "A
house divided cannot stand," and it is now a different Republican party
that has won elections for the past 30 years by turning us into a
divided nation.

In America, there is nothing black or white about having to live from
one paycheck to the next.

Hunger does not care what color we are.

In America, a conversation between parents about taking on more debt
might be in English or it might be in Spanish, worrying about making ends
meet knows no racial identity.

Black children and white children all get the flu and need the doctor.
In both the inner city and in small rural towns, our schools need good
teachers.

When I was in medical school in the Bronx, one of my first ER patients
was a 13-year-old African American girl who had an unwanted pregnancy.
When I moved to Vermont to practice medicine, one of my first ER
patients was a 13-year-old white girl who had an unwanted pregnancy.

They were bound by their common human experience.

There are no black concerns or white concerns or Hispanic concerns in
America. There are only human concerns.

Every time a politician uses the word "quota," it's because he'd rather
not talk about the real reasons that we've lost almost 3 million jobs.

Every time a politician complains about affirmative action in our
universities, it's because he'd rather not talk about the real problems with
education in America - like the fact that here in South Carolina, only
15% of African Americans have a post-high school degree.

When education is suffering in lower-income areas, it means that we
will all pay for more prisons and face more crime in the future.

When families lack health insurance and are forced to go to the
emergency room when they need a doctor, medical care becomes more expensive
for each of us.

When wealth is concentrated at the very top, when the middle class is
shrinking and the gap between rich and poor grows as wide as it has been
since the Gilded Age of the 19^th Century, our economy cannot sustain
itself.

When wages become stagnant for the majority of Americans, as they have
been for the past two decades, we will never feel as though we are
getting ahead.

When we have the highest level of personal debt in American history, we
are selling off our future, in order to barely keep our heads above
water today.

Today, Americans are working harder, for less money, with more debt,
and less time to spend with our families and communities.

In the year 2003, in the United States, over 12 million children live
in poverty. Nearly 8 million of them are white. And no matter what race
they are, too many of them will live in poverty all their lives.

And yesterday, there were 3,000 more children without health care -
children of all races. By the end of today, there will 3,000 more. And by
the end of tomorrow, there will be 3,000 more on top of that.

America can do better than this.

It's time we had a new politics in America -- a politics that refuses
to pander to our lowest prejudices.

Because when white people and black people and brown people vote
together, that's when we make true progress in this country.

Jobs, health care, education, democracy, and opportunity. These are the
issues that can unite America.

The politics of the 21^st century is going to begin with our common
interests.

If the President tries to divide us by race, we're going to talk about
health care for every American.

If Karl Rove tries to divide us by gender, we're going to talk about
better schools for all of our children.

If large corporate interests try to divide us by income, we're going to
talk about better jobs and higher wages for every American.

If any politician tries to win an election by turning America into a
battle of us versus them, we're going to respond with a politics that
says that we're all in this together - that we want to raise our children
in a world in which they are not taught to hate one another,
because our children are not born to hate one another.

We're going to talk about justice again in this country, and what an
America based on justice should look like -- an America with justice in
our tax code, justice in our health care system, and justice in our
hearts as well as our laws.

We're going to talk about making higher education available to every
young person in every neighborhood and community in America, because over
95% of people with a 4-year degree in this country escape poverty.

We're going to talk about rebuilding rural communities and making sure
that rural America can share in the promise and prosperity of the rest
of America.

We're going to talk about investing in more small businesses instead of
subsidizing huge corporations, because small businesses create 7 out of
every 10 jobs in this country and they don't move their jobs overseas
-- and they can help revitalize troubled communities. We're going to
make it easier for everyone to get a small business loan wherever they
live and whatever the color of their skin.

We're going to talk about rebuilding our schools and our roads and our
public spaces, empowering people to take pride in their neighborhood
and their community again.

We're going to talk about building prosperity that's based on more than
spending beyond our means, a prosperity that doesn't force us to choose
between working long hours and raising our children, a prosperity that
doesn't require a mountain of debt to sustain it, a prosperity that
lifts up every one of us and not just those at the very top.

The politics of race and the politics of fear will be answered with the
promise of community and a message of hope.

And that's how we're going to win in 2004.

At the Democratic National Convention in 1976, Congresswoman Barbara
Jordan asked, "Are we to be one people bound together by common spirit
sharing in a common endeavor or will we become a divided nation?"

We are determined to find a way to reach out to Americans of every
background, every race, every gender and sexual orientation, and bring them
-- as Dr. King said -- to the same table of brotherhood.

We have great work to do in America. It will take years. But it will
last for generations. And it begins today, with every one of us here.

Abraham Lincoln said that government of the people, by the people and
for the people shall not perish from this earth. But this President has
forgotten ordinary people.

That is why it is time for us to join together. Because it is only a
movement of citizens of every color, every income level, and every
background that can change this country and once again make it live up to the
promise of America.

So, today I ask you to not just join this campaign but make it your
own. This new era of the United States begins not with me but with you.
United together, you can take back your country.

[Frances]

1. This speech sounds like the kind of speech

that John F. Kennedy gave. It makes me feel good about myself. It gives me hope for our country.

[Kira]

3. I love it.

I love the hope and the optimism. I love the message of brotherhood. I saw Dean last night on Cspan at the Florida convention. I thought he was wonderful during his speech and the forum later on. I was wondering where he ran off to at the end. He had made a joke about catching a plane in 40 minutes I guess he really did so that he could go to South Carolina.
I think he is doing a great job turning his campaign from anti war to a positive uplifting movement. I like him more and more evertime I hear him. I am so tired of hearing people say he can't win. I know he can.

[Guaranteed]

97. RFK, even. nt

[PBinOregon]

2. Bump Away

You're absolutely right--this is the message of our party, and we need to proclaim it loudly and proudly. Thanks for posting this speech!

[chocolateeater]

4. WOW

This is a great speech. This does need to be the message of our party.:bounce: :yourock: :loveya: :bounce:

[slinkerwink]

8. welcome to DU!!!!!!

:hi:

[chocolateeater]

26. Thank You. Glad to be here.

:toast:

[slinkerwink]

31. be careful of all those anti-deanites here

they can be quite fervent in their support for their candidate. :toast:

[caledesi]

15. Yes, this is our message and what a wonderful message it is.

And yes, it does remind me of something JFK would have said.

[slinkerwink]

that's indeed the vibe I got....

;-)

[newyawker99]

57. Hi Mflorence!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[chocolateeater]

87. Thank you.

:toast: :hi:

[KaraokeKarlton]

5. How can anyone NOT like this man?

He doesn't use a speech writer, either. He wrote this on his own, in case anyone is wondering.

[caledesi]

17. Doesn't use a speech writer? No wonder his speeches are

straight from the heart and that is why there is such passion when he speaks.

[KaraokeKarlton]

21. No speech writer for Dean and never has been

Everything that comes out of his mouth comes directly from him. That's why once in awhile he'll say something he probably shouldn't. It's a trade off to be tolerant of the occassional bad choice of words and a worthwhile tradeoff when you hear him say things like this, because you know these are HIS thoughts, not someone else's. That's where his sincerity and integrity comes from. He means what he says because they are actually HIS words.

[Guaranteed]

100. Some people say they HATE him. Unbelievable. nt

[polpilot]

6. Howard Dean will crush the Bush team because he's a true statesman.

Dean '04...

[slinkerwink]

7. this is my favorite quote

"If any politician tries to win an election by turning America into a battle of us versus them, we're going to respond with a politics that says that we're all in this together - that we want to raise our children in a world in which they are not taught to hate one another, because our children are not born to hate one another."


And who was it that said that Dean doesn't offer hope? This damn speech does!

[Rose Siding]

13. He's telling us that WE will frame the debate

**jumping up and down**

'little girls get the flu and need doctors'...so basic.

I can't wait to KNOW for sure how this plays in SC

[slinkerwink]

it'll depend on how many people attended that speech

and how many of them will go home to tell their families about it ;-)

[Demobrat]

53. He'll make it again.

He'll make it all over the south. I'd bet on it.

[slinkerwink]

78. he'd better!

:-)

[caledesi]

86. You are SO right DB! nt

[Code_Name_D]

77. Hay, we are reading it on the DU.

That IS getting the word out. But what the Dean folk need to do is print this out, read it aloud in the bath room over and over again. And when you go to the next protest, have this in your pocket, and read it to any one who wants to here.

That is how you get the word out.

[caledesi]

85. I must learn to love Freepers! "We are all in this together." nt

[Eloriel]

124. It absolutely shimmers, doesn't it?

Here's another one i love, his Jume 23 Announcement Speech:

http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6455&JServSessionIdr002=egd9mbtdw1.app196a&security=1&news_iv_ctrl=1321

Eloriel

[jpgray]

9. Good speech, good plan

Speaking out about the distractions the GOP uses to keep its electorate is a good idea.

[SpaceCatMeetsMars]

10. This is great

Even though I'm supporting Clark right now, if Dean wins the nomation, I will be just as happy about supporting Dean.

[slinkerwink]

12. thank you for saying that!

:hi:

[SpaceCatMeetsMars]

23. Your welcome!

I think all the fighting threads about Clark and Dean are full of a lot of hot air because nobody can predict for sure what will happen. Both men are fighters and have a lot of strengths.

[caledesi]

101. CJ - I like Clark, but my dream team is Dean/Clark It's a winner! nt

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

11. Where is this angry man with no positive message?

So many Dean Haters talk about how Dean is all about hate and anger, and offers no positive plan. Of course, those same individuals either won't read this speech, or won't respond here to it. This entire speech is about defining the problems, and offering solutions based on hope and unity.

For those who didn't read the entire speech, here's a small snipet.

The politics of the 21^st century is going to begin with our common interests.

If the President tries to divide us by race, we're going to talk about health care for every American.

If Karl Rove tries to divide us by gender, we're going to talk about
better schools for all of our children.

If large corporate interests try to divide us by income, we're going to talk about better jobs and higher wages for every American.

If any politician tries to win an election by turning America into a
battle of us versus them, we're going to respond with a politics that says that we're all in this together - that we want to raise our children in a world in which they are not taught to hate one another, because our children are not born to hate one another.

I have hope that this country can live out the failed promise of Bush*, which was to unite us and not divide us. Dean is the man to lead the way.

[Rose Siding]

29. I'm not sure what color this anger is

but it goes with everything!

[janx]

38. It's a gorgeous speech.

Just beautiful.

[slinkerwink]

44. I can't wait to see what the state of the union speech will be like

;-)

[Demobrat]

56. How about his inauguaration speech?

I get chills just thinking about it.

[slinkerwink]

63. ooooh, that too

;-)

[caledesi]

103. OMG! Big goose bumps on this one! We can only hope we hear

probably one of the most influential inaugural speeches ever.

[janx]

79. This one ranks right up there with his announcement speech--

the American Restoration speech.

I think we're in for a lot more great speeches from the Gov.

[slinkerwink]

88. yep!

;-)

[caledesi]

102. Love your graphic PD! nt

[Jacobin]

14. This is the kind of thinking that will win the white house

You don't pander to or ignore or hide from the repuke agenda.

You FIGHT it and call it for what it is.

And you provide a positive response to it. Once the things in the speech have been said, you think: "well of course. that's obvious. that's what we should be doing."

But, I ask you......WHO else has said it so brilliantly and so forcefully?

Nevermind. He speaks to me. To my mind and to my heart.

[slinkerwink]

16. I agree with you on that!

[Upfront]

67. Wow

Inpressive speach Dr. Dean. We stand with you!

[Zynx]

18. A truly great speech.

Is it true that he wrote it himself?

[slinkerwink]

19. yes, it is.

Dean writes most of his speeches. This is one of his speeches that he wrote. It's so nice to have somebody that can write his own speeches!

[RevolutionStartsNow]

27. It's nice to have someonew who can READ, much less write

:)

[janx]

80. It's nice to have somone who can TALK!

Articulation helps.

[KaraokeKarlton]

22. He writes everthing himself as far as I know

And this speech is classic Dean. It was definitely penned by him.

[wakfs]

20. An impressive speech

And I'm as cynical as they come. This is an excellent start. I hope Dean keeps repeating and repeating this message so even the corrupt corporate media has to report it. Most Americans get their ideas from TV, so it'll be important to get this message out.

Thanks for posting this!

[joe1991]

30. A good one to email to friends of every stripe too

How can they argue with THAT?

[Jester_11218]

24. Kick N/T

[RevolutionStartsNow]

25. That's a beautiful speech

Well constructed, full of hope. Go Dean!

[WilliamPitt]

28. Outstanding

[goddess40]

32. Dean the Master

This speech is so beautiful it makes me cry. And notice how simple it is. Democrats get criticized for speaking to the "liberal elite." This speech is for every one, simple but not condescending. What a message of hope to those of us who are in deep despair over what * is doing to this great country.

[goddess40]

33. More

I'm taking a copy of this speech to read at our next Dean meetup.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

41. I sent it to a big list of people

Beautiful work.

[littlejoe]

120. Pretty good speech.

He hit all the right notes, but it remains to be seen whether it turns into beautiful music. And I am a Dean supporter. Let us hope....

[SharonAnn]

139. If Pitt thinks it's outstanding, then it IS outstanding!

And I do believe I'm more inspired after reading it than I have been for a long, long time!

[quaker bill]

34. Just another damn good reason

to send him more money. He could not be more correct than this. I will get right on it!

[BootinUp]

35. Good Stuff

I like his message...

[Closer]

39. And if Clark

wins the nomination, and talks bluntly like this, and sets BushCo. on the DEfense, not succumbing to their parameters, he'll have my vote, and I mean that.

[Zynx]

40. Won't he have your vote anyway if he wins the nomination?

I support Dean, but Clark doesn't have to do anything special to get my vote if he gets the nod.

[Closer]

42. No

No one will have my vote unless he FIGHTS and doesn't let BushCo. set the parameters.

So far, Clark and others haven't convinced me like Dean that they'll do this. But I'll remain open minded to whomever gets the nod.

And like I said, IF Clark gets the nod AND he FIGHTS and puts them on the DEfense, he'll have my vote. If he gets the nod, and talks about the military, yadda, yadda, I won't vote Democratic.

[BootinUp]

48. Don't worry Clark has been doing it and will continue

http://clark04.com/speeches/007/

Clark Speech on Healthcare
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
October 28, 2003

snip.....

We don't want to be the kind of country where grandmothers need to travel to Canada to afford the medicine they need to stay alive.

We don't want to be the kind of country where school budgets get cut to pay for tax breaks so millionaires can have more leisure time.

And we certainly don't want to be the kind of country where our own President implies that we're unpatriotic if we question the very policies that got us into this mess in the first place.

America can once again be the country it's always been in the world. But it's not going to happen with the team we have at the White House today. I am running for President because I will offer new leadership, new ideas, and a new spirit of patriotism for a country that is desperately crying out for it today.

I call it the New American Patriotism. The New American Patriotism calls for leaders that will respect our citizens and leadership that has high expectations for our country's future.

[jeanmarc]

36. I am consistently amazed at what a good pol this guy is!

There's a reason he has had such success running for offices. Either he or his team are just brilliant! What an amazing speech!

"Give us Howard Dean, we'd love him!" Well, Republicans, looks like you are going to get your wish. And you deserve him!

Way to go, Dean!

[KaraokeKarlton]

47. Dean is brilliant

And so is his team. He has always known how to choose the right people to work with him, and his vision and ability to find solutions and frame things in a way you just can't argue with make him impossible to beat. Bush can't beat this man.

[Eloriel]

125. So true

I love that ability to frame the message. The first time I realized that about him was his defense of Civil Unions. It's straightforward, brilliant, and most of all inarguable.

Eloriel

[coloradodem2005]

37. I like how Dean is adopting the "We can do better" mantra.

[robsul82]

43. Welcome to hope.

Go Dean!

Later.

RJS

[jmaier]

45. This should be the democratic message

for the party and for any nominee regarding Republican "hate" politics. I tend to be an electoral pragmatist at election time and an idealist the rest of the time, but I think it IS time for the Democratic Party to stand up to the Republicans in the entire "RED ZONE" with this sort of message. You aren't going to beat Republicans simply by becoming them -- you also aren't going to beat Republicans running to the Green position.

We need a Democratic Party that has ideals coupled with pragmatic governance. The Democratic Party IS the party of tolerance, prosperity and fairness and fighting for these positions has been historically dangerous -- it ain't for wimps!

Nice speech, Governer Dean.

[Guaranteed]

99. "The politics of race and the politics of fear will be answered with...

...the promise of community and a message of hope."


That's our message.

[caledesi]

106. Wow! Now that I have read that phrase again....just beautiful. nt

[slinkerwink]

130. and a damned good one at that!

;-)

[Justice]

113. Great Thought!

I like that idea.

[ninkasi]

46. Incredible speech...

thank you so much for posting it. Dean's message really gave me a feeling of optimism I haven't felt for quite awhile. It really addresses the spirit of unity we as a nation need to survive and thrive.

[Gloria]

49. An excellent speech. Although I favor Clark now

I admire this speech. It's a welcome antidote to the "Confederate flag" flap. I hope Dean turns off the "beet red" mode when he delivers it, because it is a message that should provoke thought and reflection. I know he can, because he did so at the FL Q & A.

If Dean gets the nomination, he could incorporate this entire speech into an acceptance speech, it is that good.
And if someone else is the nominee, I hope they would be allowed to lift from it freely!

I think all the Dems have probably referred to "doing better", I know that Clark has. He did so again in FL yesterday.

This is a common theme and Dean has presented it well in this speech.

[rumguy]

50. Great speech...

I copied it and sent it to my mom.

[ulysses]

51. maybe it's just talk

but it's damned good talk.

Excellent stuff. :thumbsup:

[Eloriel]

126. No, Uly

That's what I've been trying to tell you. Or rather ONE thing. There's more, but you'll have to discover it for yourself.

Eloriel

[DeepModem Mom]

52. It's a great speech, full of truth -- nt

[sandnsea]

54. Good speech

It's a great first step in the debate about Republican politics and how they divide the country.

[madfloridian]

55. He is calling them out on their dirty little tricks.

All these years they have just called us names, made fun of us as liberals and democrats. He is pointing out the things they do, making people aware.

If something is called to the attention of the people, you can't use it as a weapon anymore.

That is what we need to do. Call them out.

[slinkerwink]

58. and we need to keep doing that this election!

[DancingBear]

59. Kudos to Gov. Dean for this one

A very well written and eloquent speech, and one that speaks to the common bonds that hold us together as Democrats. Did anyone get to see it or hear it live? If so, I would be curious as to how it was delivered (tone, modulation, etc.).

[Sean Reynolds]

60. Anyone know where I can hear/watch it?

Also, someone above said this speech reminded him/her of something JFK would say; I agree - this speech was amazing.

[slinkerwink]

62. it might be on c-span later on sunday next weekend

[Demobrat]

68. Next Sunday? Damn I won't get to see it.

I'll be busy watching him rock out with Bonnie Raitt and David Crosby.

[slinkerwink]

72. so Dean's going to be with Bonnie Raitt and David Crosby?

[Sean Reynolds]

73. I know BOTH support him....

Now, Let's give them something to talk about! ;-)

Ok that was lame!

[RevolutionStartsNow]

128. Hey Demobrat!

I'll be there too! Coincidentally, I had a trip to SF planned that weekend with my daughter (we go every year), and found out about the event.

We will be there! What kind of seats did you get?

[caledesi]

107. I want the vid! I want the vid! I want the vid! nt

[Zynx]

61. Kick

:kick:

[Blade]

64. Great speech...

that's the reason why I love Dean.

[slinkerwink]

66. welcome to DU!!!!!

:hi:

[JNelson6563]

65. Eloquent message

Well said. This is General Election material IMO.

Rock on Doc!

Julie

[opihimoimoi]

70. A large KICK for this thread

Dean the MAN is gonna do it, send the Shrub back to the pig farm.

Make America a better place for ALL of us not just the 1%ers.

He will make this World more safe and more fun to live in.

Dean is plausible, Bush is a phoney faker, always bluffin

Dean is not God but niether is Bush

Dean will be Americas best bet to install Credibility, Respect, and Integrity back to the White House

The Smirk lied to us, bluffed us, now he has to pay the price. He went "ALL IN" and lost a stupid losing hand to a small pair of Aces.

[caledesi]

109. Funny how you don't feel fear when Dean speaks and w/ *, well

he likes to control people w/ fear. <like a Fundie>

[Woodstock]

69. Nice!

thanks for posting

[hedda_foil]

71. What Dean says here and has been saying lately makes me realize that ...

Not a single Democrat since RFK has sounded the true DEMOCRATIC clarion call. That's why we've had nothing but weak campaigns, directionless representatives, and flawed candidates (including Clinton) This is what a real Democrat sounds like. This is what real Democrats talk about. This is what real Democrats DO.

This is what a liberal is ... not the bland collection of anguished interest groups that have passed for liberalism ... but the whole picture. That's why we've wasted so much time fighting each other and fighting for our individual interest, rather than for the whole country.

This is it, folks! I haven't heard it in 35 years and had almost forgotten the sound of a true Democratic voice. This is the vision of Democracy that made America great under presidents like FDR, JFK and even Truman (who I like less, to tell the truth). It's about who we are and what we can be TOGETHER.

It's about hope, and integrity, and community. It's about US!

[Rose Siding]

74. The message is at least as vital now

as it was then. It is a spirit of The Unified Community.

I'm hearing what you hear, hedda, and I've been waiting, too :hug:

[caledesi]

110. I predict a "Liberal Renaissance" all due to Howard Dean.

You heard it here.

[Eloriel]

127. Beautifully said --

and isnt that exactly what he has been saying (promising): We're going to be Democrats again. "I'll make you proud to be a Democrat again."

:-)

Eloriel

[slinkerwink]

75. :kick:

[dd123]

76. Gov. Dean is the only one for me

and this speech is one of the reasons why.

Gov. Dean, you make me PROUD to be a democrat.

[janx]

81. I wish I could have seen the crowd and the reaction.

I'll bet it was wonderful.

[caledesi]

115. I could have gone (I live in Tampa). I am so bummed bec

I am not real well right now (most of you know about my condition) and I declined an invitation to go to Orlando. I am so mad I missed it. Saw some of the meetup people on TV. It was very cool.

Maybe when Dean comes to Tampa, I can see him.

[JohnKleeb]

82. Thats a beautiful speech

Its true about poverty, it doesnt discriminate, the GOP did use and continues to use those as a weapon of fear against the southern white poor voter, its a great speech. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Terrific. I wish I could give words better.

[Nazgul35]

83. Outstanding...

I especially love this part:

So, today I ask you to not just join this campaign but make it your own. This new era of the United States begins not with me but with you. United together, you can take back your country.

This soooo encapsulates what the campaign is all about...

We have forgot what it was that made our party so great...it was us all along....we lost our way and it is nice that we finally have a person that has given us back our voice and allowed us to spread our wings as the party of the people again....

We don't need leaders....we are the leaders! A government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from this earth.....

It's time we remembered what our responsibilities are in a democracy and stop looking for someone to come along and save us!!!!

Kudos Gov. Dean for seeing it and expressing it!

[RetroLounge]

84. What an inspiring speech

:kick: Kicking for Dean!

[w4rma]

89. That speech just ties it all together. Accurate and supubly written. (n/t)

[Kosmos Mariner]

90. Good Speech Dean!

:-)

:dem:

[slinkerwink]

91. :kick:

:kick: for Dean!

[IndianaGreen]

92. Excellent liberal speech

and duly ignored by the media. Let's talk about Jacko, or Scott Peterson, or Kobe.

[slinkerwink]

98. ha.....love the sarcasm

;-)

[TacticalPeek]

93. Kick.

Nice job. It should be soundbitetized, and beat like a drum.

:kick:

[Polemonium]

94. Kick

This campaign just keeps getting better. :bounce:

[Hailtothechimp]

95. This is a call to action for all of us. Well done Dr. Dean. n/t

[caledesi]

117. Kind of an "Ask not...." speech. Just great! nt

[NewJeffCT]

96. Excellent speech

I don't have a favorite candidate yet, but Dean is rising in my eyes. I'm impressed - I hope this speech makes it out to the mainstream.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

104. I sent this speech to my family/friends list

and got very positive response so far, especially from my sister who said, essentially, "WOW!" and that this clinched Dean for her (she lives in Boston).

[zeemike]

105. This guy is smart

He s not going to let them control the agenda.

[rucky]

108. Fukin' A

Fukin A

[ProudToBeLiberal]

111. kick

:kick:

[ecstatic]

112. After reading this, who can honestly say that Dean isn't a worthy opponent

We CANNOT continue to let fear of Republicans dictate our choices.

[MODemocrat]

114. Meaningful speech just when I thought I couldn't love him more

Dean inspires me more than any other candidate in the past.:toast: :hi: ~Thanks so much for posting it~

[quaker bill]

116. There simply has not been a politics like this in 35 years

This is the vision that can win. He has been talking about this all along, but never quite as clearly and concisely as in this speech.

You can feel it when you get around folks working for him. There is a feeling of equality where all are welcome to give what they have to offer.

Dean is simply right on this, poverty is no better for a white child than it is for a black child. The white homeless guys I cook dinner for are no better off than the hispanic ones or the black ones. This message will sell anywhere.

Some of the candidates have better liberal credentials, some support more liberal ideas. No other candidate has created a real time liberal community experience. This is how progressive ideas feel when you actually implement them rather than merely advocate them.

This is why Dean will win.

[slinkerwink]

121. and you're right on that----Dean's message will sell

why? because he has the right message.

[frank frankly]

118. wonderful--I forwarded this immediately

I try not to forward too often, but I had to with this!

[Justice]

119. Great Words, Great Passion

I am a Clark Supporter. These words are tremendous, really wonderful. I didn't see the speech, so am especially grateful that the text was posted.

Let me also say how pleased I am that so many (from all supporter camps) have posted positively (really respectfully) on this speech - which is great to see in GD. I hope this trend continues.........both on Dean threads and on other threads, including Clark threads.

Edited to say (really respectfully) as people may disagree wiht each other or a candidate, but I would really appreciate it if they could do it in a respectful way.

[Eloriel]

129. Look, Justice

Already unifying. I've been amazed at the positive response in this thread -- Dean's speech is ALREADY unifying. THAT is amazing. But it's also something I've noticed before. I love to re-read the June 23 Announcement speech which is also wonderfully unifying.

Several months ago I found a couple of posts to the blog which really moved me and inspired me too. One supporter said, "Howard Dean makes me want to be a better American."

The other quote was a little more fun, but still upretty amazing: "Do you ever feel like you're an extra on a Frank Capra movie?"

Yes, I do. And I love it.

Howard Dean has allowed us to remember our fondest hopes and dreams for ourselves and our fellow countrymen and women as citizens, as Americans. Who we see ourselves as, as Americans, with all our cherished American ideals and values -- fairness, equality, brotherhood, opportunity, etc. That's what he truly means, I think, when he uses the term "American values."

With Howard, who speaks so economically and simply, and concretely, the words he uses are not mere window dressing or hyperbole or empty lip service. When he says "American values," when he says, "community," there are very specific, concrete THINGS he has in mind.

It's one of the things I love about him.

Eloriel

[janx]

138. Dean's American Restoration Speech

Eloriel, I'll never forget the looks on the faces of two friends when I took them to see the video of Dean giving that speech. They were completely amazed.

It's one of the most inspirational speeches I've ever heard. I hope some on this thread will read it.


______________________________

"Burlington, Vermont -- Today I announce that I am running for President of the United States of America. I speak not only for my candidacy. I speak for a new American century and a new generation of Americans -- both young people and the young at heart. We seek the great restoration of American values and the restoration of our nation's traditional purpose in the world.

This is a campaign to unite and empower people everywhere.

It is a call to every American, regardless of party, to join together in common purpose and for the common good to save and restore all that it means to be an American.

Over a year ago I began to travel the country in the usual way one does when seeking the Presidency.

I believed that, by running for President, I could raise the issues of health care for every American and the need to focus on early childhood development. I wanted to bring those issues to the forefront of the national debate. And I wanted to balance the budget to bring financial stability and jobs back to America.

Most importantly, I have wanted my party to stand up for what we believe in again.

But something changed along the way as I listened to Americans around this country. On my first trip to Iowa I heard people speak of a profound fear and distrust of multi-national corporations. From New Hampshire to Texas I met Americans doubting the words of our leaders and our government in Washington. Every where I go people are asking fundamental questions: Who can we trust? Is the media reporting the truth? What is happening to our country?

The Americans I have met love their country. They believe deeply in its promise, our values and our principles. But they know something is wrong and they want to take action. They want to do something to right our path. But they feel Washington isn't listening. And as individuals, they lack the power to change the course those in Washington have put us on.

What they know is that somehow 7 trillion dollars of our country's wealth disappeared. Nearly 1 in 10 retired people have had to return to the workforce because they have lost their pensions. Young people are returning to live at home after graduating because they cannot find work.

Companies are leaving the country to avoid paying taxes, or to avoid paying people livable wages. And corporations are doing this with the support of the government and a political process in Washington that they rent -- if not own.

This was the fear that James Madison and Thomas Jefferson spoke of -- the fear that economic power would one day try to seize political power.

Theodore Roosevelt said it best, "Every special interest is entitled to justice full, fair and complete....but not one is entitled to a vote in Congress, to a voice on the bench or to representation in any public office."

_____________

Read the whole text of the speech HERE: http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6396

[slinkerwink]

143. that speech is what sold me on him!

[Carolina]

122. great speech

adding to a striking, rousing one at the convention of Florida Democrats. True confession, I was/am for Clark but after yesterday and with this speech, I am beginning to think that the GOP better be careful with Howard Dean and take heed of that famous saying:

Be careful what you wish for!

Rove said of Dean: he's the one we want. But guess what? He and Chimpy and their entire despicable crew may rue the day. Dean will prove more formidable than they think. And I am even feeling better about the consequences should he lead the ticket.

For 2004: a Clark-Dean combo or Dean-Clark!

[ozone_man]

123. I feel all "weepy and liberal" now.

It was a great speech. I did feel a tear starting at one or two points.

[opihimoimoi]

131. He is the MAXIMUS of the movie "Gladiator"

Dean will bean the First Dufus from Crawford's pig farm that has 2 ponies.

[slinkerwink]

132. not good analogy

[KaraokeKarlton]

133. Everyone needs to see this

Kick

[slinkerwink]

134. definitely!

:kick:

[Lorien]

135. I wish he had something in at least one

of his speeches about the environment and renewable energy. I don't see how we can seriously talk about healthcare, sercurity (weaning ourselves off oil), and a National program to find and implement renewable energy sources could get a lot of Americans back to work. We need to lead the way on Kyoto, too. Global warming and biodiversity loss have huge implacations for us all.I'd like to see our candidates focus on these issues a little more.

[KaraokeKarlton]

136. He's talked about renewable energy

Hell, here in Vermont automobile dealers HAVE to offer environmentally friendly vehicles by law. He protected more acres than all other Vermont governors combined. Our environmental standards are even tougher than Kyoto. He's lambasted Bush over ANWAR drilling, Clean Air Act, etc many times. Most communities in Vermont have to recycle and Dean is almost militant about recycling himself. He's not going to be a radical environemtnalist and he's not going to put the environment ahead of everything else, but he does believe in looking at environmental issues in the long term. There's something else to consider with Dean. Others will promise you more but deliver very little. Dean will only promise you what he knows he can deliver, and he will move heaven and earth to deliver what he says he will. Any politician can tell you just what you want to hear, but they rarely, if ever, actually DO what they say they will do. Dean has a great record of actually DOING what he says he will. So, either you want someone who promises you the world and gives you nothing, or you want someone who promises you a little less but actually delivers it.

[dajabr]

137. "The Next Hundred Years: Forging a Strong Environmental Policy "

Hi Jen6!

Dean usally covers this ground in his standard "stump speech," but here's the expanded version from a July 31, 2003 speech if you'd like to read about his proposals at length.

http://www.deanforamerica.com/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7383&security=1&news_iv_ctrl=1321

[slinkerwink]

141. he has spoken about renewable energy in one of his speeches

[scipan]

140. Wow.

This is exactly what needs to be said.

And he even mentions Barbara Jordan, probably my all time favorite politician.

Go Howard!

[HuckleB]

142. Great stuff.

Thanks for sharing.