Dean for Prez
I had to land here sooner or later.

I admit it. For a while I flirted with the notion of supporting the democrat that was the least offensive, the one that might be able to beat Dubya. But of course no inoffensive democrat can beat him because they will seem too much alike. Dubya has -- no not true -- Karl Rove has a genius for misrepresenting Dubya as a centrist. And he will continue to do so for the next election. (And probably Jeb Bush in 2008 too.)

While watching a candidate forum sponsored by the Children's Defense Fund on C-Span the other day I realized how little time we have all had to focus on the looming election. And I again appreciated how truly decent they all are. But they are not the same in terms of their political philosophies, their ability to govern, nor their ability to win an election.

I have long admired Mr. Dean's views and felt that his ability to govern was without question. Also he has been a governor, which I believe is better preparation for the job. And I always find him appealing, and not only because he says what I want to hear.

Mr. Kerry is always a bit apologetic and, I fear, will suffer from the Bill Bradley pedantic problem. He is bright enough but won't play well among the common people. And Mr. Edwards, in spite of his boyishly attractive appearance and his traditional "son of a working man" presentation is just a little to smarmy. And personally
I just can't stand to listen to a southern accent any more (no offense).

The more I thought about it the more I became convinced that Mr. Dean is the only one currently in the race that has a prayer of getting elected. Not only is he a physician who can go toe to toe with Bill Frist -- no small deal -- but he speaks with confidence and pride about who he is and what he believes. He deals with the dreaded "liberal" word head on. He may get smeared for his anti-war stance, but by the time of the election the American people may come to realize that he was right all along. And he clearly cares about people.

So for my birthday next week I will invest in my future and the future of my nation and send some cash to Mr. Dean. I don't know about you, but I need to focus on a more positive possible future.