Do Dean fans understand him?

[RedSox02]

First of all, I am an "anyone but Bush" guy so I pretty much don't have a favorite candidate right now. I like Kerry and would probably cast my vote for him but don't have anything against the other candidates. Basically this is not a bash-Dean post, I am just hear for an education.

My question is: While I am a big fan of Dean, I can't quite figure out his popularity. It seems alot of people rushed to his side because he spoke out so vocally against the Iraqi war, and many of these supporters are hardcore pacifists. However Dean is not a Pacifist. He has stated himself that he believes war is sometimes necessary, but he felt that the current war in Iraq was not necessary. Dean has such wildly enthusiastic support, I am just kind of curious what his appeal is to different people. (I find it funny that Conservatives and the news media seem to think he is some ultra-leftists just because he opposed the war). Do all of his supporters agree with most of his positions? To me he appears to be a no-nonsense guy, and I respect the fact that he passed the Civil Union law in Vermont and will not run and hide from groups like the religious right etc.

So to any Dean fans out there, what attracts you to him and what do you like best about him? Does it have anything to do with the fact that most of the other candidates flip-flopped on the war issue, and are only now starting to speak tough on Bush when it is time to pander for Democratic votes?