what makes a republican/Democrat

[LargeCents]

Nice writeup, jt1!

I think you have a lot of good ideas there. These categorizations of characteristics -- "Republican" or "Democrat" -- seem quite arbitrary. IMO, that's an artifact of a two-party system. We've got to put all human concerns into two categories. That's quite an oversimplification of the human condition! But, that's the system in place. I don't have an answer, it just strikes me as quite a problem.

Republicans have picked up quite a bit of steam carrying the "Nationalism" flag. Are you "for the U.S." or "against the U.S."? Simple choice for simple minds.

The Democrats need better leadership, organization and unification. The problem with the Democrats is that there is no strong voice or unifying cause. I choke on my vomit a little as I vote for pencil necks like Kerry or Gore. At least Bush has some balls, even if he is a shifty-eyed weasel. I hope next time the Democrats put up a candidate, he'll show some strength and courage of conviction, without squawking like a chicken like Dean in the last election. Give us some charisma. Sad to say, but the issues don't really matter as much as the voice delivering them. The Democrats don't seem to get this, despite the past success of Bill Clinton.

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I hope next time the Democrats put up a candidate, he'll show some strength and courage of conviction, without squawking like a chicken like Dean in the last election.

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It really sucked that his "squawk" was taken out of context. Did you ever see the real version of that memorable scream? The audience barely heard it because people were yelling so loud. It's a shame that cost him the Democratic nomination -- he definitely had the testicular fortitude of which you speak.

[LargeCents]

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I hope next time the Democrats put up a candidate, he'll show some strength and courage of conviction, without squawking like a chicken like Dean in the last election.

[/ QUOTE ]

It really sucked that his "squawk" was taken out of context. Did you ever see the real version of that memorable scream? The audience barely heard it because people were yelling so loud. It's a shame that cost him the Democratic nomination -- he definitely had the testicular fortitude of which you speak.

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Thanks for the link, KipBond.

Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything for me. I've never been much for pep-rally atmospheres. The best I can figure, this offering is just a rehash with the squawk edited/muted. But, I'll concede that the "mainstream media" squawk was certainly enhanced and amplified.

The link still shows me a man, begging and pleading, but without confidence or focussed conviction. I don't know Dean well, but he comes off to me to be just as much of a weasel as GWB. Trading a weasel for a weasel doesn't inspire me. We need some real leaders.