Yeah! I can go with Kerry/Gephardt!.I can do this!

[KoKo]

Will Pitt (our DU, Insider) has posted asking us to "bookmark" Gephart's voting record. Will has the "inside view into the mind of Kerry, I guess so I will take his word for truth (TruthOut.com) whatever.

Anyway, I thought about this all night after Pitt's post and others about Gephardt.

Firstly: You need to know I think Gep stabbed Dean in the back and his self-serving "photo op" with Bush made me :puke:

But, I can now see a "ticket" with Kerry/Gephardt. It's quiet. It cuts off the RW Southern Fundies who support the Falwell/Armageddonists and it really turns the party in a NEW WAY! Towards New England, with the Heartland thrown in.

I need to qualify that I was born a Southerner...it's my heritage but I've live in New England but not lived in Gephart's Heartland..

Still, I'm sick of "Southern Presidential Candidates." I think it's time for a change...to let us Southerners fement in our OWN STEW to figure out where we are coming from.

Will Pitt's Post says much good about Gephardt. No one knows who I am, but those who've been here know that I'm NO SHILL for Will Pitt..but his post on Gep's record and his "insiders" view because of his Dad do give weight to his opinions.

Let's look at Gep...much as I hold my nose...I've done it for Kerry.

Check out Gep's record. Perfect foil against Bush...AND...he's been vetted. The RW can't go against him and find "skeletons in the closet or sex acts to throw against him."

It's a SAFE ticket...and maybe a sound one. While we ANGRY FOLKS ON THE LEFT FIGHT...to REGAIN THE DEM PARTY from the DLC!

Link to Will's post with Gephardt's Record:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=1846734&mesg_id=1846734

[KoKo]

1. Corrected my post to Gephardt....n/t

[Skwmom]

2. The one downside that I see with Gephardt.

I think Republican backed groups will run ads attacking Gephardt for selling out the Democrats on the Iraq War Resolution (asking if the Iraq debacle would have ever taken place if Gephardt had stood his ground). They will try to accuse Gephardt of doing this because of his presidential aspirations (which will most likely drive up the Nader vote). Of course they would run similar ads against any other candidate that voted for the IWR.

This is another reason I support Wesley Clark for VP. I know he would not send Americans to war (if something happened to Kerry and he had to step in) because of political considerations (e.g., re-election concerns).

[incapsulated]

3. I know you can! ;)

Gephardt's no Zell Miller, despite his transgressions, which they all have.

[Southsideirish]

4. Nope - I can't do this!! NO Gep. We need some new blood here.

Edwards is the man (If it can't be Dean.)

[Cha]

6. It won't be Dean...not

an insider...Dean's doing well getting out the vote and supporting new candidates for Congress, though.

"Nancy Farmer for United States Senate from Missouri. Governor Howard Dean has been campaigning with Dean Dozen candidates and Nancy Farmer in St. Louis and Kansas City recently. In the race to win back the Senate, Farmer is one of our best hopes. She is a progressive up against one of George W. Bush's staunchest conservative allies. It's going to be close! www.nancyfarmer.com

Debra Sasser for Wake County, North Carolina District Court Judge. As an attorney, Debra has fought for children and family rights. On the bench, Debra will bring judicial temperament, common sense and integrity. There are very few Democratic judges in North Carolina - and it is about time we start electing some good progressive ones. www.debrasasser.com

Dana Rasch for Florida State Representative. As a 1st Lieutenant and casualty officer in the United States Marine Corps it was Dana Rasch's solemn responsibility to inform parents about the loss of their loved ones in Iraq. This changed him. A day after earning an honorable discharge in December, 2003, Dana went to work on Howard Dean's presidential campaign. Now he is committed to improving the lives of the people of Florida District 26 by running for office himself. www.danarasch2004.com

Peter Buckley for Oregon State Representative. Few people are more committed to getting people involved in their democracy than Peter. A Deaniac, Peter has been active in grassroots organizing and improving community life for 20 years. He has a great shot of winning this seat, as registered Democrats outnumber Republicans. Because Oregon is going to be close on so many levels, Peter will be pulling out progressive votes for candidates up and down the ballot. www.peterbuckley.org

More candidates on..
http://www.democracyforamerica.com

[KoKo]

13. Zidzi......My Hearts so with Dean and Kucinich that it 's torn out...but,

my thinking is beyond this election...which is well...what it is.

I'm trying like Dean/Kucinich to focus on the FUTURE of the Dem Party..and I'm working so that it won't be what we see today..

Can you see where I'm coming from...because it's all based on "hope."

I believe in hope, though. And I'm not some Bush "fake born again."

I believe that we are always fighting the "dark side." I'm religious in my own way that way.

But taking relgion and morality aside..Bush is ruining AMERICA...and our ideals from the foundations upward. If one isn't "moral aspiring" one can still see that Bush is BAD NEWS? :shrug:

[Warpy]

10. While I agree that a great orator would be an asset

to Kerry's campaign, I have to concede that Gephardt can't be faulted on labor issues, something Kerry lacks. His input could temper an otherwise DLC-led repeat of the Clinton economy, one which did little or nothing for 80% of us.

So he's not exciting. I think we've all had enough charisma and excitement in the past 3 years to last us all several lifetimes.

[JohnKleeb]

12. Gephardt also opposed welfare reform

He's not my tip of tea but I like the man a ton for what he does or workers. Gephardt was a cofounder of the DLC in the 80's but has since grown more liberal especially on economic issues which IMO is what Kerry and I have our biggest disagreements.

[KoKo]

16. I know, "Warpy," we all are cautioned to become "pragmatists."

But, we are left with so little..which I am so angry about, but it's the choices we have. :-( and we are cautioned to do the best we have with it and then it's "up to us" to make the difference.

But, unfortunately Gephardt does make some sense...(if you want to win and bypass the Southern RW) I wish it wasn't so..and am working here to get other folks involved at grassroots. But we are in desperate times.

[Adelante]

5. KoKo?

Is that the correct thread you have linked? I get a thread about Saddam.

[mzmolly]

8. Me too. That's not the link Koko...

:shrug:

[KoKo]

11. Here's Pitt's Post...took me awhile. Here's text and a link.

WilliamPitt (1000+ posts) Wed Jun-23-04 10:33 PM
Original message
So, Newsweek says Gep might be the VP pick



Bookmark this.

====

Dick Gephardt on Abortion

Overturn the ban on new stem cell research. (Nov 2003)
Voted 7 times against partial birth abortion. (Apr 2000)
Voted NO on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info. (Sep 2002)
Voted NO on banning human cloning, including medical research. (Jul 2001)
Voted NO on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)
Voted NO on federal crime to harm fetus while committing other crimes. (Apr 2001)
Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)
Voted NO on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)

Dick Gephardt on Budget & Economy

Return to Clinton economic policy from Bush's failed policy. (Sep 2003)
Healthcare reform is critical to economy. (Sep 2003)
I led 1990s boom-I can get economy moving again. (Sep 2003)
Push a bold plan for health care and jobs creation. (Jun 2003)
Repeal the Bush tax cuts and invest in people. (Jun 2003)
1993 tax increase & sound economics caused budget surplus. (May 2003)
Stakeholder economics: Balance for everyone’s benefit. (Jul 1999)
Top 1% have benefited much more than average worker. (Jul 1999)
People are working harder for same wages. (Aug 1995)

Dick Gephardt on Civil Rights

Voted for USA Patriot Act, but it's not balanced now. (Nov 2003)
Democrats need to earn the vote of African-Americans. (Sep 2003)
We're all in it together. (Sep 2003)
Strike a balance between liberty and security. (Jun 2003)
Christian Coalition’s intolerance has no place in politics. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on Amendment to prohibit burning the US flag. (Jun 1999)
Voted NO on ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions. (May 1998)
Constitutional Amendment for equal rights by gender. (Mar 2001)

Dick Gephardt on Corporations

Greed can kill democracy and capitalism. (Sep 2003)
$36B in tax relief for small businesses. (Mar 2000)
Code of conduct for US businesses empowers workers. (Jul 1999)

Dick Gephardt on Crime

Voted NO on funding for alternative sentencing instead of more prisons. (Jun 2000)
Voted NO on more prosecution and sentencing for juvenile crime. (Jun 1999)
Voted YES on maintaining right of habeus corpus in Death Penalty Appeals. (Mar 1996)
Voted NO on making federal death penalty appeals harder. (Feb 1995)
Voted NO on replacing death penalty with life imprisonment. (Apr 1994)
More funding and stricter sentencing for hate crimes. (Apr 2001)
Require DNA testing for all federal executions. (Mar 2001)

Dick Gephardt on Drugs

Voted YES on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)
Voted NO on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC. (Oct 1999)
Voted NO on subjecting federal employees to random drug tests. (Sep 1998)

Dick Gephardt on Education

Republicans don't want to fund special education. (Dec 2003)
Vouchers take needed funds away from public schools. (Nov 2003)
Join Teacher Corps and we'll pay your college loans. (May 2003)
Make first $10,000 of college tax deductible. (Jan 2002)
Mobilize against national security crisis in our schools. (Jan 2001)
Education agenda to improve public schools for 21st century. (Oct 2000)
Address school violence via character ed & counselors. (Oct 2000)
More teachers, more classrooms, more federal funding. (Jul 1999)
More federal help for college; outraged at rising costs. (Jul 1999)
Longer school day and longer school year. (Jul 1999)
Opposes vouchers on equity & civic grounds. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror. (Nov 2001)
Voted YES on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)
Voted NO on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
Voted NO on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)
Voted NO on giving federal aid only to schools allowing voluntary prayer. (Mar 1994)

Dick Gephardt on Energy & Oil

Apollo 2: Make US independent of foreign oil. (Sep 2003)
End dangerous addiction to foreign oil. (Jun 2003)
10-year plan to develop hybrid cars then hydrogen fuel cells. (May 2003)
Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
Voted YES on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
Voted YES on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
Preserve Alaska's ANWR instead of drilling it. (Feb 2001)

Dick Gephardt on Environment

Provide real leadership on critical environmental issues. (Jun 2003)
Base trade on shared environmental values. (Jul 1999)

Dick Gephardt on Families & Children

More funding for Violence Against Women Act. (Sep 2000)
Parental involvement with school & kids solves social woes. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years. (Mar 2001)

Dick Gephardt on Foreign Policy

Bush broke up alliances built over 70 years. (Sep 2003)
Voted NO on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released. (Jul 2001)
Voted YES on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)
Voted YES on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction. (Jul 2000)
Voted NO on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. (May 2000)
Voted YES on $15.2 billion for foreign operations. (Nov 1999)

Dick Gephardt on Free Trade

I'm for labor rights and NAFTA supporters are not. (Jan 4)
Walk the walk of labor and environmental standards-by voting. (Jan 4)
Enact international minimum wage through WTO. (Nov 2003)
Against protectionism and for trade treaties. (Nov 2003)
Trade agreements must protect labor & environment. (Oct 2003)
Fair trade saves jobs-globalization with fairness. (Sep 2003)
Progressive trade policy helps every worker in the world. (Sep 2003)
Race to the bottom if we have no trade standards. (Sep 2003)
NAFTA and China PNTR cause a race to the bottom in wages. (May 2003)
Rejected NAFTA: needed more for labor & environment. (Jul 1999)
Gephardt Amendment: results-oriented trade penalties. (Jul 1999)
Fair trade on an equal playing field. (Aug 1995)
Trade will not bring about change in China. (Jul 1999)
China: no positive economic relations with totalitarians. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on implementing free trade agreement with Chile. (Jul 2003)
Voted NO on withdrawing from the WTO. (Jun 2000)
Voted NO on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements. (Sep 1998)

Dick Gephardt on Government Reform

Fact Check: Would ban lobbyist donations, but took $4.4 M. (Jan 4)
Election reform: restore faith in “one person one vote”. (Feb 2001)
Citizen participation solves crisis of faith in democracy. (Jul 1999)
Disturbed by cynical attitude that government is the problem. (Jul 1999)
Limit campaign spending, by Const. amendment if needed. (Jul 1999)
Voting reform: easier registration, weekend voting. (Jul 1999)
Limit campaigns to 8 weeks, with no TV. (Aug 1995)
Voted YES on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
Voted NO on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
Voted YES on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)

Dick Gephardt on Gun Control

Sensible gun safety legislation & right to possess firearms. (Nov 2003)
Leading Dems distance themselves from divisive gun debate. (Oct 2003)
No additional authority for federal gun agency. (Oct 2003)
NRA opposes gun rules that vast majority support. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1. (Jun 1999)

Dick Gephardt on Health Care

AdWatch: Criticizes Dean for 11-year-old outdated stances. (Jan 16)
Link. (Jan 4)
Fact Check: Dean agreed with Clinton on cuts, not Gingrich. (Jan 4)
Lay aside Bush tax cut to fund healthcare package. (Nov 2003)
Dean sided with Gingrich against Medicare Plan. (Sep 2003)
Tax breaks to all companies to cover all employees. (May 2003)
Subsidize 60% of health costs for all employees. (May 2003)
Sharing health costs reduces overall costs & reduces worries. (May 2003)
Get everybody covered with health insurance. (May 2003)
Bush tax cuts hurt economy; same $ for health helps economy. (May 2003)
$172B over 3 years for state employee health care. (May 2003)
Help corporations give people needed health insurance. (May 2003)
Ensure that all seniors get the care they deserve. (Jan 2001)
More funding for Meaningful Prescription Drug Coverage. (Jun 2000)
Focus on seniors; no blank checks to insurance companies. (Jun 2000)
Federal tax breaks for small business health coverage. (Jul 1999)
Health care reform: no selective insurance. (Aug 1995)
Voted NO on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Nov 2003)
Voted NO on capping damages in medical malpractice cases at $250,000. (Mar 2003)
Voted NO on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)
Voted NO on Prescription Drug Coverage under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
Voted NO on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)
Voted NO on establishing tax-exempt Medical Savings Accounts. (Oct 1999)

Dick Gephardt on Homeland Security

Address the root causes of terrorism. (Dec 2003)
Voted NO on permitting commercial airline pilots to carry guns. (Jul 2002)
Voted YES on $266 billion Defense Appropriations bill. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on deploying SDI. (Mar 1999)

Dick Gephardt on Immigration

Immigration service is a mess and needs reform. (Jan 11)
Federal government should help illegal immigrants. (Jan 11)
Legalize all immigrants who've been productive for 5 years. (Sep 2003)
Bush tax plan is a failure-return to Clinton tax plan. (Sep 2003)
Celebrate diversity and welcome hard-working immigrants. (Jan 2002)
Nothing wrong with immigrants, but Americans in jobs better. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on extending Immigrant Residency rules. (May 2001)
Voted YES on more immigrant visas for skilled workers. (Sep 1998)

Dick Gephardt on Infrastructure

Space programs shouldn't be a top priority. (Jan 11)
Using raw census numbers disenfranchises minorities. (Feb 2001)
Fund schools & workplaces to close Digitial Divide. (Oct 2000)
Protect medical privacy via consumer consent. (Aug 2000)
Supports R&D funding for medical and health research. (Jul 1999)
Use gas tax for highway infrastructure. (Aug 1995)
Voted YES on allowing telephone monopolies to offer Internet access. (Feb 2002)

Dick Gephardt on Jobs

Ask the WTO for an international minimum wage. (Jan 11)
AdWatch: claims Bush did worst on jobs-but Reagan did worse. (Dec 2003)
Supports safe genetically modified food. (Nov 2003)
My presidency will have three goals: jobs, jobs, jobs. (Nov 2003)
Fight for unions & working families is in my bones. (Sep 2003)
How many Americans lose their jobs before Bush loses his? (Sep 2003)
Represents hard-working labor union people. (May 2003)
Establish international minimum wage. (May 2003)
Workers need to be paid a living wage. (Jul 1999)
Require companies to invest 1% of payroll in worker training. (Jul 1999)
Employees must “think like owners” to compete globally. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on $167B over 10 years for farm price supports. (Oct 2001)
Voted NO on zero-funding OSHA's Ergonomics Rules instead of $4.5B. (Mar 2001)

Dick Gephardt on Principles & Values

Keep "under God" in Pledge of Allegiance. (Nov 2003)
Dems need to beat Bush in Midwestern states. (Nov 2003)
Favorite song: Bruce Springsteen, "Born In The USA.". (Sep 2003)
We're all tied together to make America a better place. (Sep 2003)
We're all tied together in a single garment of destiny. (May 2003)
Not a fresh face, but experienced voice for workers. (May 2003)
Build a bipartisan coalition of the center. (Jan 2001)
Truth about votes will come out, no matter what. (Nov 2000)
No more demands for perfect morality. (Jul 1999)
Politics is a substitute for violence. (Jul 1999)
Foundation of liberalism is community activism. (Jul 1999)
Citizen participation will get us to “an even better place”. (Jul 1999)
Religious affiliation: Baptist. (Nov 2000)
Member of Democratic Leadership Council. (Nov 2000)
New Democrat: "Third Way" instead of left-right debate. (Nov 2000)

Dick Gephardt on Social Security

Don't raise retirement age over 67. (Sep 2003)
Social Security stands between many retirees & poverty. (Jul 1999)
Treat Social Security like insurance; no stock market. (Jul 1999)
Social Security is most successful peacetime program. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on raising 401(k) limits & making pension plans more portable. (May 2001)
Voted NO on reducing tax payments on Social Security benefits. (Jul 2000)
Voted YES on strengthening the Social Security Lockbox. (May 1999)

Dick Gephardt on Tax Reform

Supported Clinton 1993 tax plan, despite it being unpopular. (Sep 2003)
No Bush Lite: get rid of tax cut and get health care done. (May 2003)
Crazy to cut taxes without creating a budget first. (Mar 2001)
$900B tax cut protects other important interests. (Feb 2001)
Bush tax cut plan threatens our prosperity. (Feb 2001)
Targeted tax cuts for middle-class families. (Jan 2001)
Require national referendum to raise federal income tax. (Jul 1999)
10% Tax Plan: end loopholes, lower rates. (Jul 1999)
Remove special interests from tax code. (Aug 1995)
Voted NO on making the Bush tax cuts permanent. (Apr 2002)
Voted NO on $99.5B economic stimulus: capital gains & income tax cuts. (Oct 2001)
Voted NO on Tax Cut Package of $958B over 10 years. (May 2001)
Voted NO on eliminating the Estate Tax. (Apr 2001)
Voted NO on eliminating the "marriage penalty". (Jul 2000)
Voted NO on repealing the estate tax ("death tax"). (Jun 2000)
Voted NO on $46 billion in tax cuts for small business. (Mar 2000)

Dick Gephardt on War & Peace

Helped initiate Iraqi war resolution because of CIA support. (Jan 4)
Two-state solution for Arab-Israeli conflict. (Nov 2003)
Voted for Iraq war because of intel on WMDs. (Nov 2003)
It is not unpatriotic to criticize the president. (Oct 2003)
Would not negotiate with terrorists. (Oct 2003)
No on $87B for Iraq-until Bush answers some hard questions. (Sep 2003)
Iraq: get allies to reduce $1B per week war cost. (Sep 2003)
Yes on $87B for Iraq, but also for homeland security. (Sep 2003)
We can't cut and run in Iraq - but use UN. (Sep 2003)
We need allies and the UN to rebuild Iraq. (Jun 2003)
Congress should ask questions and find the truth. (Jun 2003)
Pay any price and bear any burden to win war. (Jan 2002)
Congressional authority united country for Kuwait invasion. (Jul 1999)
Voted YES on authorizing military force in Iraq. (Oct 2002)
Voted NO on disallowing the invasion of Kosovo. (May 1999)
Condemns anti-Muslim bigotry in name of anti-terrorism. (Oct 2001)
Solidarity with Israel in its fight against terrorism. (Apr 2002)

Dick Gephardt on Welfare & Poverty

Voted NO on promoting work and marriage among TANF recipients. (Feb 2003)
Voted NO on treating religious organizations equally for tax breaks. (Jul 2001)
Voted YES on responsible fatherhood via faith-based organizations. (Nov 1999)

http://www.issues2002.org/Dick_Gephardt.htm

==

Bio information:

http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=H2180103&PHPSESSID=841791f323...

http://dickgephardt.house.gov/meet/index.asp

==

Iraq: "I supported the resolution because I gained information from the CIA and other former Clinton security officials that Iraq either had weapons or components of weapons of mass destruction. I have been severely critical of President Bush's inability or unwillingness to get more international UN help in Iraq. Getting that help is the only way we can succeed."

Energy: "I'd first have a long-term energy policy in this country that would get us to be independent of Middle Eastern oil in 10 years. I have a program, a bold program I call Apollo 21, that is designed to do that."

Immigration: "I would enforce the immigration laws. That's first. If you've got a law on the books you have got to enforce it. I asked Immigration after 9/11 how many expired visas there were in the country. They couldn't answer the question. This is not a competently run service. It needs to be changed. But I have got another bill that I think makes sense also, I call it "earned legalization." I would say to people that have been here for five years, worked for two years, paid their taxes, not broken laws, you can get into legal status. We have got to get the people who have been here and done the right thing out of the shadows while we enforce our immigration laws."

Gun control: "I have strong beliefs in the need for sensible gun safety legislation. I led the effort in the mid 90s for the Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons Ban and I think both bills have helped reduce needless gun violence. Having said that I do support the right to possession of firearms by lawful citizens who are complying with all federal and state laws."

Minimum wage: "I would ask for an increase in the minimum wage here in America as well, to show as example to the rest of the world, but we have got to build consumers in this world, not just producers. We have got to have demand, just not supply. And we're on a way to a world where we're going to have billions of workers making a $1 a day or less. That's not good for anybody."

Gay marriage: "It is time for President Bush to end his alliance with homophobic bigotry once and for all and speak out against the Republican Party's hostile election year attempt to amend the United States Constitution to include a ban on gay marriage."

World trade: "The WTO must begin to recognize better standards for labor, human rights and environmental concerns. When I am president I will ask the WTO to enact an international minimum wage. It will be different in different countries, but we must begin to get international standards for labor and environment."

Pledge of Allegiance: "I favor the retention of the words 'under God.' In the House of Representatives we have the words over the Speakers desk 'In God We Trust.' I think that is an appropriate reference in our Pledge of Allegiance."

Education: "My education program is designed to really help local schools do better. I am for more preschool programs, after school programs, smaller classroom size programs and I have a new idea called teacher core which will be like ROTC for teachers. My belief is that vouchers take needed funds away from public schools and therefore I have opposed them."

http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/campgn04-gephardt.html

Freedom, Incorporated
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=1846026&mesg_id=1846026

[Adelante]

14. Thank you nt

[KoKo]

32. If my link doesn't work , SEE POST # 11 for GEP's VOTING RECORD!

Post #11 has Pitts post in text rather than linked, since my original link didn't seem to work.

[KoKo]

9. I thought I had it...let me recheck...sorry...n/t

[dmkinsey]

7. Gephart was the Keynote speaker

at the Michigan Jeff-Jack dinner last month and he was AWESOME. If he can give a speech like that every day we'll be in great shape.
I was never a real Gephart supporter but I could really get on-board if he's the VP nominee.
Of course I could really get on-board with Kerry/Edwards too.

[salonghorn70]

21. Michigan Jeff-Jack Dinner

Hey dmkinsey, I am just curious about why you thought Gephart was "awesome."

[ibegurpard]

15. Do you WANT Gephardt as the nominee in 2008 or 2012?

Cause that's the likely scenario if he's the VP.

[dsc]

17. Not necessarily

Gephardt isn't that young, I think he is near 60, and thus would be close to 68 in 2012. Reagan has probably made it much harder for the next 68 year old to run for a first term.

[JI7]

18. i think he is a little older than 60, but you are right ,

he wont be running if Kerry picks him. in fact i can see if kerry does pick him to be vp, that it could also just be for 1 term. and then maybe kerry will pick whoever he wants to succeed him to be his vp for his second term and move gephardt to something like labor secretary.

[cosmokramer]

26. So what? I would rather have an experienced, solid VP...

...in office in the event Kerry is incapacitated than a pretty-boy who doesn't know crap about how to be President. The VP position is a 'security' position, a second string quarterback. He should know the playbook, and Gephardt knows the playbook--the one who will not be named from that southern state is not prepared for nor can he handle the job, therefore, he should not even be considered.

The VP isn't about who to run in 2012--it is an alternate game plan for the current President. Period.

[KoKo]

29. Well, no. but compared to having Cheny, Guliani or McCain, then I could

deal with Gephardt. I know...gagging...but his record according to Pitt's post isn't so bad that compared to the Chimp we couldn't all deal with it. It's not his voting record, but his personality and what we feel he did to dean and that Bush photo op and the fact that he didn't hold the House Dems in line enough against the Repugs.

But, then, how do we know what he had to deal with in the house?

Still it's a "hold your nose," thing. Edwards would be worse, imho, but know that folks with bricks are after me when I say that. But, hey I gave mucho dollars to Edwards when he ran for NC Senate and I dislike him over how he treated us anti-Iraq Invasion protestors, and his constant running for President since he was elected as a NC Senator so I'm biased. :-(

[Dr Fate]

19. He came in near last during the primaries...

...he's not that popular.

I've never thought he was a very great politician- he's been running for the nomination for years & America always says "no."

I like him as a person & he's a good DEM, but I think we need a fresher VP ticket- like Clark or Edwards...

[KoKo]

30. No, he wasnt popular, sort of a Dan Quayle type, but he does have voting

record that looks more liberal than Lieberman. I cringed when Gore picked Lieberman but had hope after I saw Lieberman give a speech to Labor folks in Conn. on C-Span. Maybe Gep is the same, but he's not as flamboyant as Lieberman and not as much of a "Grand Stander" where he has to have center stage all the time.

[Dr Fate]

33. I'll give you that- he beats Holy Joe...

...who I also like.

I still think we need a "suprise"-somthing to really make the GOP/media crap their pants- like Clark.

[in_cog_ni_to]

20. I can see it now.

The first ad Bush will do after Gep is named Kerry's running mate....Gephardt standing in the Rose Garden next to Bush :puke: in SUPPORT of the IWR. It will not be pretty. Gep bores the living hell out of me and Kerry does absolutely NOTHING for me. <sigh> Just "thinking" about it....makes me want to cry. :cry:

[KoKo]

23. Yeah....I know that picture haunts me too. I'm trying to cough down

Gephardt...it's choking me.. but if you read his record which Pitt (oh..give me strength) posted, it does seem that Tucker and the rest of the screamers might just have big problems trashing him. He's already been vetted by his years in the house. Hopefully nothing will come out that we don't already know. His Gay daughter? already known. Unless he's a pedophile...what can one say about him except that he's boring.

But, maybe, as I said in my original post..there's a place for "boring" these days after what we've all been through here for so long on DU and even those who came into DU during the "Campaigns" are tired and want safe to allow us all time to breath and work on "grassroots."

This election is the DLC election...many of us are WAY LEFT. Those that are..aren't going to give up..because the RW isn't going away...they've escaped most prosecutions and twarted the "law of the land" too long twisting it in their favor.

We must look beyond Kerry and work towards something NEW! IMHO...only...

[emulatorloo]

24. You need to get a Playstation or something. . .you are always so bored

with all things Kerry!

At any rate, Bush will run a BS ad about whoever Kerry Picks.

Gep in the Rose Garden you say? "George Bush Lied TO ME!!!" is your answer ad.

It was fun to see Gep in Bush's "wild-eyed Demoncrat" ad saying "This President Is A Miserable Failure.

Gep is not my first choice either. At this point it is still rumor.

[in_cog_ni_to]

25. A Playstation?

:) My son has one and an X-Box....I NEVER play them. I liked the old Atari..."Space Invaders" was my favorite. ;)

I can't help it. Kerry bores me to tears. I support him ONLY because he's our nominee. Where is it written that I have to like him? :shrug: I don't. Depending on who he chooses for VP, he'll get my vote. That should be enough. Right?

[emulatorloo]

27. Yeah, give me Battlezone any day!

At least you know I was just joking. . .but I get tired of the "Kerry is boring" thing. . .Why should it matter? Why do we have to be entertained by our politicians?!? That is what Jessica Simpson is for.

Personally I don't think he's boring - each time I saw him during caucus season he more than held my attention.

You don't have to like him. . .I'm glad you are planning on voting for him,

As to VP choice influencing your vote, you don't mean to tell me you prefer Dick Cheney to Gephardt?

Best Regards You Atarian You

[in_cog_ni_to]

28. HELL NO!

I don't prefer Cheney to Gep! :spank: For shame! For shame! No, no, no, no....I HATE.....and I DO mean HATE..the chimp and Cheney.

No, I prefer Wes Clark over everyone else. I like Gep 100 times more than Edwards and would vote for him. However, I won't be happy about it.

Why do we have to be entertained by our politicians?!?

Weeeeell, I am hoping that I will have the PLEASURE of "looking" at and admiring (the brains) Wes Clark. He needn't entertain me....just let me LOOK at him every day and I will be a very happy camper! :loveya: Not to mention what the man will do for our country!

[emulatorloo]

37. It is my dream to vote for Kerry/Clark!

They would make an incredible combination

From our lips to Kerry's ears.

[KoKo]

34. Yeah...after what we've been through "boring" could be a relief...I never

thought I'd ever say this because Kerry's a "hold your nose" vote for me, but I'm so sick and tired of this crap that just having a little quiet would be good.

Aren't all of us fed up with waking up every morning wondering what Bush/Cheney have destroyed next or taken away from us? I never felt when any other President was in office that I feared for my life, your life, our children, our environment, our legal system, our monetary stability and on and on like I do with these maniac's in control. I fear for my life with these guys. But, I also know our whole system is corrupted and want to work to change it. Just need to know someone "rational is in charge" so I have time to think!

[Hippo_Tron]

22. I'll support it but I think it's dumb

Gephardt is boring as hell and on top of that is a congressman meaning that he does not hold a position that is elected statewide. Missouri will not likely be the election and the midwest is going to Bush no matter who's on the ticket.

[KoKo]

31. Gephardt is "snooze factor" but Edward's would overpower Kerry because

of that "Southern Shmooze Thang..." Edwards has Clinton's charm but no substance.

Now, Clark is interesting, but he's military and I'm sick to hell of military...both spending and Invasions. Maybe choosing Clark would send to much of a WAR/Military Message out there..not a good thing.

[Zinfandel]

35. Never going to happen...it would be suicide!

Kerry, is at the very least...which I admire, so much...methodical!

[Awsi Dooger]

36. Is Gephardt planning to read his voting record during the campaign?

That would be infinitely more inspiring than his typical speech.

Safe sucks, and Richard Gephardt is too good a man to go down in history as the most boring and ineffective VP choice of all time.