Kerry Maintains Double-Digit Lead in New Hampshire - Leads Dean by 12 points (Gallup January 24)

Gallup News Service ^ | January 24, 2004 | Jeffrey M. Jones

[Timesink]

POLL ANALYSES

January 24, 2004

Kerry Maintains Double-Digit Lead in New Hampshire

Leads Dean by 12 points

by Jeffrey M. Jones

GALLUP NEWS SERVICE

PRINCETON, NJ -- The latest CNN/USA Today/Gallup New Hampshire tracking poll results show Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry continuing to have a healthy lead over the rest of the field. According to the poll, which includes interviews conducted Wednesday night through Friday night, 35% of likely Democratic primary voters say they would vote for Kerry if the primary election were held today. Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is second with 23%. The gap between Dean and retired Gen. Wesley Clark has widened in the latest poll, from five points to nine points, with Clark now at 14%. North Carolina Sen. John Edwards (11%) and Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman (10%) are vying with Clark for third place.

Likely New Hampshire Voters:
If the Primary Were Held Today,
for Whom Would You Vote?

In the initial phase of this tracking poll, conducted before the Iowa caucuses, Dean led Kerry by 32% to 25%. Momentum quickly shifted to Kerry following his surprise win in Iowa, and Kerry has led Dean by at least 10 points in each individual night of interviewing after Iowa. Support for Dean has now appeared to stabilize after his immediate post-Iowa drop, suggesting the effects of the negative publicity he received following his third-place finish in Iowa and his often-criticized address to his supporters there may have run their course.

At the same time, support for Clark has been gradually diminishing. His 14% share of support among likely voters is his lowest so far in the New Hampshire tracking poll, and represents an erosion of one-third of his support compared with his 21% score in the initial tracking poll. Clark received some criticism for his performance in Thursday's debate. Aside from the debate, some have wondered what effect Kerry's performance in Iowa may have had on Clark's candidacy, since many previously considered Clark to be the likely alternative to presumptive front-runner Dean -- a position Kerry may now have seized. Clark's higher standing in the initial tracking poll may also stem from his decision not to contest Iowa, thus allowing him to focus almost all of his time on New Hampshire, while the other candidates (aside from Lieberman) were campaigning in Iowa.

Edwards' strong showing in Iowa apparently did not do much to boost his immediate fortunes in New Hampshire. The North Carolina senator's support in the Granite State has risen to only the low double digits.

This latest poll marks the first time Lieberman has reached double digits.

With just three days left until ballots are cast in the primary, 63% of likely primary voters say they are certain to support their current candidate of choice, while slightly more than one in three, 36%, leave open the possibility of changing their minds.

Among the group of likely voters who indicate they have made up their minds, 40% say they will support Kerry, 26% Dean, 11% Clark, 11% Edwards, and 10% Lieberman.

Survey Methods

New Hampshire tracking results are based on telephone interviews with approximately 280 New Hampshire residents per night who say they plan to vote in the Democratic Primary on Jan. 27. Results are reported in three-day rolling averages.

The most recent results are based on interviews conducted Jan. 21-23, 2004 with 641 New Hampshire residents deemed most likely to vote in the Democratic primary. For this sample, the maximum margin of error attributable to sampling is ±4 percentage points.

The "likely voter" model assumes a turnout rate of 60% of those who say they plan to vote in the Democratic presidential primary, approximately 25% of New Hampshire adults. The likely voter results are weighted to match this assumption (weighted sample size is 516).

All results reported here are based on likely voters.

		Number of Interviews
		Plan to vote in Democratic primary	Likely voters	Margin of error, likely voter sample
2004 Jan 21-23		853	641	±4
2004 Jan 20-22		848	641	±4
2004 Jan 19-21		852	646	±4
2004 Jan 18-20		849	644	±4
2004 Jan 17-19 ^		854	657	±4
^	NOTE: All interviews conducted on Jan.19 were completed before the results of the Iowa caucuses were reported.

2. Suppose the Democratic primary for president were being held today. If you had to choose among the following candidates, which candidate would you vote for? [ROTATED: John Kerry, Joe Lieberman, John Edwards, Howard Dean, Al Sharpton, Dennis Kucinich, or Wesley Clark]

2A. As of today, to which Democratic candidate do you lean most?

		Kerry	Dean	Clark	Ed- wards	Lieb- erman	Kuc- inich	Sharp- ton	None/ other/ no opinion
		%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
(LV) 2004 Jan 21-23		35	23	14	11	10	3	*	4
(LV) 2004 Jan 20-22		34	22	17	12	8	3	*	4
(LV) 2004 Jan 19-21 ^		30	25	18	11	8	4	*	4
(LV) 2004 Jan 18-20 ^		28	30	19	9	8	2	*	4
(LV) 2004 Jan 17-19 ^		25	32	21	7	7	2	1	5
^	Dick Gephardt dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination on Jan. 20 and his name was removed from this question beginning with that date's interviewing. For data collected on Jan. 17, 18, and 19, Gephardt voters' second choice is substituted. Gephardt received 4% of the vote in the Jan. 17-19 poll.
(LV) Likely voters
* Less than 0.5%

3. Are you certain to vote for -- [INSERT RESPONSE FROM Q.2] -- in the primary election, or do you think you might change your mind?

	Certain to vote for	Might change mind	No opinion
	%	%	%
(LV) 2004 Jan 21-23	63	36	1
(LV) 2004 Jan 20-22	62	37	1
(LV) 2004 Jan 19-21	63	36	1
(LV) 2004 Jan 18-20	64	35	1
(LV) 2004 Jan 17-19	62	37	1
(LV) Likely voters

[George W. Bush]

Count one Dean vote right here.

Maybe you should try to organize a Republicans For Dean group. They've been trying to claim they've got Republican supporting him anyway.

Heck, if you could show up at one of his rallies, you might even make it on the news. Or at least get some pictures of you with Howie.

I'm having some fun just thinking about it. My darned state is too boring and solidly-Red for us to ever get a chance to do stuff like this to the Dims.

[samtheman]

If I lived in NH I'd vote for Dean... but I applaud your vote for Lieberman. It's also good to keep Lieberman going. His criticisms of his fellow RATS are right on the money. He can't win, but he can keep the heat on them. It's good to hear words like his coming from within their own ranks. In some ways more effective than if Republicans were saying the same things.

Vote Dean. Vote Lieberman. But whatever you do, don't vote for Kerry. Don't let this thing end in a walk-a-way for any of those guys.

[RJCogburn]

I am a registered HN independent as well. I had planned to vote for Dean simply as the candidate the Clintons like least.

Upon further thought, I am not so certain that GWB is easily re-elected and have decided to vote for the best man in the Dem primary,

That is clearly Lieberman.....see you Tuesday.

[wylenetheconservative]

Big mistake. Lieberman is going nowhere. Kerry is very scary in the general. Dean is the guy that can slow him down. Dean is starting to rebound and could be competitive Tuesday. If you guys don't like Bush's spending, just wait until you see Kerry's.

[WOSG]

I'm really very extremely tired of Bush and his spending, spending, spending to tell you the truth.
"

Gotta be weird listening to those Democrat lies about how much Bush is 'underfunding' everything like education healthcare etc. etc.

[WOSG]

I am with post #24 ... Kerry is quite scary - a Kennedy liberal and someone who is a more accomplished liar (aka politician and Democrat) than the rest of the field.
Clark otoh is very new at lying and so it comes off as weird. Anything to stop Kerry would be good.

Lieberman is merely the best of a rotten lot; he's still a Gore-bot liberal on everything except the protection of Israel and trade.

[RJCogburn]

Big mistake. Lieberman is going nowhere. Kerry is very scary in the general. Dean is the guy that can slow him down

I am with post #24 ... Kerry is quite scary...

Sorry, guys. You miss my point. I am not choosing my vote on who would be the best (easiest) candidate for Bush to run against. I think Lieberman is the best man in the group to be president, though it is a sorry bunch.

[bushfamfan]

Regarding everyone thinking John Kerry is scary. Yes, he is right now when all he is doing is trumpeting his military service. Notice they aren't getting around to him calling fellow American soldiers baby killers and turning to support the North? Isn't there a pic of him in front of a North Vietnamese flag? He's a radical and all they've got to do to shut him up about thinking his military service makes him automatic for Commander-in-Chief is to show pics of him with Bill Clintoon. That will get the message across. Bring up stances on military/foreign policy matters and show a pic of him all smiley and approving of Clintoon in a subliminal way. He's got stances and he will be a good target as a Massachussetts liberal. His record provides plenty of ammo, especially with his confused position regarding Iraq. He, in fact, voted for the war resolution and is on record saying WHAT A THREAT IRAQ WAS WITH WMD. Those will be useful for commercials, debates, etc. on and on.

[Liz]

Poor Lieberman can't catch a break. Hey, maybe he could employ the "astute strategy" he used to get into the Senate (below).


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/872877/posts

[WOSG]

"Notice they aren't getting around to him calling fellow American soldiers baby killers and turning to support the North? Isn't there a pic of him in front of a North Vietnamese flag? He's a radical and all they've got to do to shut him up about thinking his military service makes him automatic for Commander-in-Chief is to show pics of him with Bill Clintoon."

That is why he is scary ... he is a leftist, but the media will cover for him just like they covered for Clitnon.

[longshadow]

In other words registered Dems/Reps must vote in their own party primary but the Ind. can declare at the voting booth on election day. I'm sure someone will correct if I'm in error.

You are exactly correct.

No crossover voting is allowed, and the final date for changing party registration was months ago.

Dems, undeclared, and "new" voters registering at the polls on Primary day will be the only ones who can cast a ballot in the Democrat Primary in NH.

[SunkenCiv]

Again, a partisan media shill (from Salon) takes the media to task for allegedly Republican bias, a ridiculous and hypocritical claim.

But pretty much what we've all come to expect.

The media vs. Howard Dean
by Eric Boehlert
Jan. 13, 2004

When the Washington Post introduced readers to Howard Dean in a long Page 1 feature July 6, part of a series of "meet the Democrats" candidate profiles, the paper went for the jugular, literally, with a cartoonish, unflattering description to open the article: "Howard Dean was angry. Ropy veins popped out of his neck, blood rushed to his cheeks, and his eyes, normally blue-gray, flashed black, all dilated pupils."

Six months later, an extended version of that campaign narrative, polished by Republican talking-points memos and echoed day after day by the mainstream media, remains a constant of the campaign trail: Dean is a sarcastic smart aleck with foot-in-the mouth disease, a political ticking time bomb. The former Vermont governor remains the front-runner among Democratic voters, but he's gotten increasingly caustic treatment from the media, which has dwelled on three big themes -- that Dean's angry, gaffe-prone and probably not electable -- while giving comparatively far less ink to the doctor's policy and political prescriptions that have catapulted him ahead of the Democratic field. Newsweek's critical Jan. 12 cover story, "All the Rage: Dean's Shoot-From-the-Hip Style and Shifting Views Might Doom Him in November," achieved a nifty trifecta that covered anger, gaffes and electability, all three of the main media raps against Dean.

The fact is, the journalists have been following the candidates and see them at the worst and their best. Laying aside the worst and just portraying what the candidates want everyone to see is not taking the adversarial role journalists love to claim is part of their ethos. Howard Dean has less self-control than most. Even less than most so-called Democrats. And it's obvious to anyone who sees him, including TV viewers.

To reiterate -- the nomination fight will be a bloodbath. To reiterate -- George W. Bush will be re-elected by a margin of at least 10 per cent.

[Salvation]

Info about Kerry's book "The New Soldier"

From Newsmax email:

1. Kerry's $3.95 Book a $500 Hit

In the unlikely event that you snapped up copies of John "F." Kerry's book "The New Soldier" in 1971, you could make a huge profit today.

NewsMax's investigative report about Sen. Kerry's unusual past sparked a huge response from readers this week. Although we already had posted one, many sent pictures of the hard-to-find book, which features a cover photo of anti-war protesters desecrating the U.S. flag. Kerry tried to suppress copies of the book when he ran for the U.S. House in 1972.

Many readers also told of auction sites selling the embarrassing volume (cover price: $3.95) for hundreds of dollars. As of Friday afternoon, we found that eBay had one copy going for $255 and one signed by the esteemed author for $500.

Amazon lists the book but not the price. A reviewer from Boston gave it one star out of five and wrote: "The upside down flag on the cover of the book symbolizes the Left's feelings for America and the Constitution of the United States. This book reveals a different side of John Kerry, a side everyone should know before they go to the polls.

"However, the book is good to read if you would like to get into the early mind of the New Left, and contemporary radicals, who are disgusted by 'the Bush Doctrine.'"

Amazon notes: "Customers who bought titles by John Kerry also bought titles by these authors: Wesley K. Clark, Stephen E. Lambert, Douglas Brinkley, Howard Dean, Richard Gephardt."

Amazon's sales ranking of the tome: 1,513,725. The company offers a helpful link to publishers and authors on how to "improve your sales," but even though Kerry had to mortgage his mansion to finance his campaign, we doubt he'll take this advice.

[SunkenCiv]

My prediction for the outcome of the NH primary:

1. Kerry
2. Lieberman
3. Dean
4. Clark
5. Edwards
6. Kucinich
7. Sharpton

Wes Clark will follow Gephardt out of the race soon after NH. When Clark drops out, it will probably benefit Lieberman for the most part. But the next one to drop out (short of a miraculous showing in the "super" primary days) would be Lieberman. Edwards may hang in there and do pretty well. The really low-support candidates like Kucinich and Sharpton will be pushed out, via not being invited to further debates.

Ideally, the top five candidates, or even all of these seven, will remain in the race until the convention. Edwards or Clark will be contenders for the VP nomination. Edwards is counting on the VP nomination IMHO, but would obviously be pleased as punch with the presidential nomination. The only reason I've put him in fifth is that he's from the South, and NH voters don't tend to strongly support southern candidates (though obviously it's not unheard of).

Let's not forget about these household names:

www.politicallibrary.org/lesserknowncandidates.htm

Large field of unknowns running for president as democrats There are nine candidates for the Democratic nomination for president who have received most of the media attention for a variety of reasons. However, polls show there are still a large number of New Hampshire voters who are undecided. What some may not realize is there are alternatives to Howard Dean, John Kerry, Wesley Clark, Joe Lieberman, Dick Gephardt, John Edwards, Dennis Kucinich, Carol Mosley Braun and the Rev. Al Sharpton. There are, in fact, 14 additional Democratic candidates who have paid their $1,000 fee to run in this year's first-in-the-nation primary. In an effort to supply New Hampshire voters with as much information about their primary voting options, information on those lesser-known candidates who are running as Democrats, has been included below. Candidate: Harry W. Braun Web site: www.braunforpresident.net Party: Democrat Biography: Chairman and CEO of Sustainable Partners Inc., a systems integration company that is involved in a number of renewable energy projects including the development of a 180-megawatt Mesa Wind project in New Mexico. He has been an advisory board member of the International Association for Hydrogen Energy (Coral Gables, Florida) since 1981. Braun also served as the Democratic candidate for Arizona's First Congressional District in 1984. His opponent was John McCain. Platform: Energy - Supports the Phoenix Project plan, which will shift from oil to hydrogen through the mass production of wind-powered ships -- hydrogen production systems. Candidate: Katherine Bateman Web site: www.teenvote2004.org Party: Democrat Biography: Not available Platform: Not available Candidate: Fern Penna Web site: www.pennao4@yahoo.com Party: Democrat Biography: Born in August, 1963 in Rockaway, N.Y., he completed his education in political science, law and theology in New York state. Platform: A total approach to rebuilding America by pushing for: a balanced budget; higher employment and lower taxes; strict teacher authority and zero tolerance for disruptive behavior in schools; tax breaks for children and educational support; all military weaponry to be made in USA, and health care for wounded service men and women; national health care by requiring everyone over 18 to pay $9 per month toward a national health-care program; lower crime rates by establishing Community Watch and prison rehabilitation programs; a high-speed transcontinental railroad; energy independence and fuel cell propulsion. Candidate: Gerry Dokka Web site: None Party: Democrat Biography: Not available Platform: Not available Candidate: Willie Felix Carter Web site: None Party: Democrat Biography: Studied electronic technology at Tarrant County Junior College, then joined the United States Air Force Reserve. Became Airman of the Year, promoted to master sergeant and served 28 years active and reserve duty. Carter ran for president in 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000. Platform: Homelessness - will require a serious and sincere dedication on the part of every American to end poverty; Social Security - do not privatize; Jobs - guarantee every able-bodied person desiring a job, good work and decent wages; Military - establish military capability second to none; Health care - affordable for everyone; Foreign Relations - conflict resolution through diplomacy and sensible dialogue; Crime - speedy trials and swift justice. Candidate: Robert Linnell Web site: www.my-oped.com Party: Democrat Biography: Developed and taught an environmental course on air pollution and energy, designed a three-year budget plan for University of Southern California and was principal investigator of a major study on faculty conflicts of interest resulting in the publication of "Dollars and Scholars." Was one of the first in the nation to offer retirement planning seminars for faculty and staff. Since moving to Vermont in 1992, helped Habitat for Humanity, The Community Colleges of Vermont, The Concord Coalition, and served on the Student Aid Committee of the Upper Valley Community Foundation and the Assembly of Overseers of Dartmouth Hitchcock Memorial Hospital. Platform: Energy - Legislation for mandatory rules for the operation of the nation's electric grid, to prevent another big blackout, expanded R&D and tax credits for innovative renewable energy, mandatory energy efficiency increases in vehicles and appliances, continued work on a hydrogen economy, recognizing its long-term nature and formidable scientific problems; International - Globalization of communications, transportation, trade, pollution and environmental concerns make cooperation with other nations imperative; Middle East - A stable peace in the Middle East requires Israel to draw back and at the same time Yasser Arafat and Palestinians must stop terrorism; Taxes and federal debt - Rescind massive tax cuts for the wealthy; Health care - Universal health care, change Medicare to allow containment of drug prices and remove subsidies of private health insurers; Environment - Think in terms of hundreds and thousands of years and not decades. Candidate: Edward Thomas O'Donnell Web site: None Party: Democrat Biography: O'Donnell of Wilmington, Del., is the president of the Winthrop Foundation, a charity that donates curricula in health, mental health, philosophy and religion to high schools. He has served on over 50 charitable boards including state chairman of the United Negro College Fund, United Nations Association, Foreign Policy Association and Bread for the World. Platform: Opposition to abortion - In favor of overturning Roe vs. Wade Candidate: Lyndon LaRouche Web site: www.larouchein2004.net Party: Democrat Biography: Larouche was born in Rochester. Founder: (1974) Executive Intelligence Review weekly; co-founder: (1975) Fusion Energy Foundation; Member: Schiller Institute. Larouche is the author of "So, You Wish To Learn All About Economics?" (1984,1995)and "The Science of Christian Economy" (1991). His political career included being a candidate for U.S. presidential nomination of Democratic Party: 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000. U.S. presidential candidate, U.S. Labor Party, 1976. Candidate, U.S. House of Representatives, Virginia, 1990. Larouche was convicted and sentenced on conspiracy charges, December 1988, 1989-94. Platform: The general replacement of central banking with a national banking system envisioned by U.S. Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton; Build a just, new-world economic order as a new quality of partnership among sovereign nation-states; Emphasis on both large scale development of basic economic infrastructure, adequate food-supplies, and fostering of growth of per-capita productivity through investment in scientific and technological progress. Candidate: Caroline Pettinato Killeen Web site: None Party: Democrat Biography: Previously, she ran for president in the New Hampshire Primary in 1992 (96 votes) and 1996 (393 votes), and for U.S. Senate and Arizona governor. At age 77, the self-styled "Hemp Lady" and a sometimes homeless former Catholic nun is back for another White House run. Killeen has campaigned in the past by bicycle, usually accompanied by her dog. To raise attention over the years for her legalization fight, she has pedaled cross-country at least 10 times to date. Platform: Killeen is a frequent marijuana legalization and peace candidate. If elected, she promises to personally lobby the pope to have him endorse marijuana use. She calls her campaign platform "Killeen up America," supports converting the United States to the metric system, environmental protection laws, abolishing the electoral college, protecting smokers' rights. She opposes gay rights laws, women's rights laws, sanctions against Cuba, and war. Candidate: Randy Crow Web site: www.randycrow.com Biography: Randy Crow of North Carolina, is a small businessman and former Realtor who was an unsuccessful candidate for the Wilmington City Council in 1997. Then he ran for Congress in the 1998 primary (spending $200 and getting 6 percent of the vote). He ran for president in the 2000 primaries (he got on the ballot in New Hampshire and Louisiana), then lost a primary for Congress later in 2000 (he got 7 percent of the vote), lost for council again and most recently finished last place (1 percent) in the 2002 U.S. Senate primary. Platform: "I am involved in politics to get rid of filthy communists and lots of others." Crow said he also believes the FBI blew up TWA Flight 800 with a laser and shot down Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan's 2000 campaign plane. On his Web site, Crow repeatedly expresses open hatred toward Jews. Most of the contents of Crow's site, however, appear to be conspiracy tirades against various envisioned enemies, such as the FBI. Candidate: Vincent Hamm Web site: None Party: Democrat Biography: A computer consultant from Colorado, Hamm won 70 votes (13th place) in the 1996 New Hampshire primary and just 22 votes (19th place) in the 2000 New Hampshire Democratic primary. Platform: Hamm's platform includes drug legalization, increased educational spending, preserving our natural resources, and some other liberal views. He says he's largely running "because I can," and already plans to keep running in future years. Candidate: Leonard D. Talbow Web site: None Party: Democrat Biography: As a write-in candidate for Arizona governor in 2002, he received just one vote. Platform: Not available Candidate: Randy Lee Web site: None Party: Democrat Biography: Lee, and attorney, homebuilder and real-estate broker from Staten Island, N.Y. As a developer, Lee builds affordable housing units in the New York City area. In 2003, New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg appointed Lee to serve on the Staten Island Growth Management Task Force. Lee also serves as chair of the Building Industry Association of NYC. Platform: Not available Candidate: Jim Taylor Web site: None Party: Democrat Biography: Taylor, a young screenwriter, filmmaker and massage therapist from Minnesota claims that he first ran for president at age 16. With degrees in liberal arts, massage therapy and screenwriting, Taylor jokingly boasts that he has "the showbiz and holistic health background America is looking for in a president." After directing an independent film about some of the lesser-known presidential candidates in 1996, Taylor decided to run in 2000 and made his own presidential campaign the topic of his film entitled "." Taylor competed in the 2000 New Hampshire primary (87 votes) - and completed his film (with cameos from President Bush, Al Gore, Mary Matalin and others). To raise money for his 2000 campaign/film, Taylor jokingly "sold" future ambassadorships. Contributors even get a certificate commemorating their future diplomatic posting. His 2000 slogan - "Everything is crappy!" - was intended just to grab attention for his humorous run. Platform: Taylor wants a 30 hour work week with no cut in pay. Candidate: Mildred Glover Web site: None Party: Democrat Biography: Not available Platform: Not available

[SunkenCiv]

Wesley Clark responds to The Union Leader's 20 questions News - January 8, 2004

1. How do you think Britain, Spain, Italy, Australia, Poland and America’s other allies in the Iraq war and the War on Terror would react if they knew that in your campaign rhetoric you have completely ignored their contributions to these efforts and repeatedly insisted on characterizing President Bush’s foreign policy as entirely “unilateral,” as if no other nation joined America in defeating the Taliban and Saddam Hussein?

CLARK: I made it clear that the world was acting together in defeating the Taliban and supporting America’s efforts in Afghanistan. I praised the international community’s initial response to 9/11. I would point out that, as I’ve discussed, many of the governments you mention share my concerns that President Bush has shown little regard for international opinion. I have praised Prime Minister Blair before, during, and after 9/11. In fact, I worked closely with him in defeating Slobodan Milosevic and saving 1.5 million Albanians from ethnic cleansing.

As NATO Supreme Allied Commander, I also worked closely with the leaders of many of the countries you mentioned and would do so in the future. I have not ignored their contribution; rather, I regretted that after months of diplomacy, the Bush Administration was unable to generate more support for the operation in Iraq. In other words, stating that President Bush’s failed diplomacy has weakened America’s standing in the world is not to deny the role of a few key allies.

2. Four years from now Baby Boomers will begin to retire. Not long after that retirees in America will greatly outnumber those who pay Social Security taxes. Specifically, how will you keep Social Security from running out of money?

CLARK: Saving Social Security is going to take strong and responsible leadership—the kind that I will bring to the White House. My economic plan will save $2.35 trillion over ten years. It will reduce the deficit and free up money to invest in priorities like education and health care. Under my plan, the deficit will be reduced every year — providing a down payment on the twin goals of a balanced budget and full readiness for the retirement of the baby boomers. Of course, further tough steps will be needed. But as a first step, we must stop the explosion of the deficit that has occurred under the Bush Administration. As president, I will restore responsibility to the budget process: all tax and spending proposals will be paid for without increasing the deficit; government will be streamlined and more efficient; and corporate welfare and loopholes will be closed.

3. Would you ever use military force without United Nations approval, and if so, under what circumstances?

CLARK: I have said repeatedly that I would not hesitate to use military force — with or without UN approval — if necessary to defend America’s interests. However, as a General who has commanded forces during a time of war, I believe that military force should only be used as a last resort, and that it is better to act with others than to act alone. The US should work with its allies and friends if possible and alone if necessary to defend American interests.

I realize that using force often requires the ultimate sacrifice from America’s soldiers and their families. When we use the power of international law, diplomacy, and international engagement, we can achieve decisive results, even without decisive force. I believe that if we work with our allies and friends, we can engage in diplomacy, developmental assistance, and legal action to deal with crises before they erupt into war, and to ameliorate the conditions which might lead to those crises in the first place.

4. Should the United States always wait until attacked before using military force against an enemy?

CLARK: No. Every president must and has had the option of acting preemptively if necessary to defend and protect America’s interests. But I would not turn an option that every president has into the defining characteristic of American foreign policy, as President Bush has. Contrary to the claims of the Bush Administration, the threat from Iraq did not pose the kind of danger to the US to merit the preemptive use of force. In fact, no weapons of mass destruction have been found in Iraq, even though the Bush Administration cited these as their justification for the preemptive war in Iraq.

5. As President, what, if any, business regulations would you attempt to repeal?

CLARK: I don’t support onerous regulation, but as the corporate scandals of the last three years have shown us, some regulation and oversight of business is necessary to protect consumers and investors. But, I think it should be as efficient and effective as possible. I think we can consolidate some regulators. For example, I would eliminate the Office of Thrift Supervision. Instead of having a separate system to regulate savings and loans, I would shift the regulation of S&Ls to one of the other federal bank regulators.

6. Do recent medical advances allowing unborn children to survive outside the womb sooner than ever before require any re-examination of abortion policies?

CLARK: I am pro-choice. The government has no business coming between a woman, her family, and her doctor in making such a personal, private decision. I support the recent ruling by a United States District Court requiring New Hampshire’s parental notification law include an exception for the health of the mother.

7. Will you pledge never to appoint a pro-life federal judge? What other litmus tests would you apply to the judiciary?

CLARK: I am committed to only appointing judges with the highest qualifications who are committed to upholding the law and enforcing fundamental constitutional guarantees — including the rights of privacy and equality. We, as a nation, have embraced several simple important constitutional values, including one person one vote and the right to privacy. These are both settled law. I don’t consider appointing judges that will uphold our settled law a litmus test. They are existing rights that I, and hundreds of thousands of men and women, have fought to protect. I believe judges should be just as committed to protecting them.

8. Should sales over the Internet remain tax-free?

CLARK: Taxing sales on the Internet wouldn’t be an issue if state and local governments weren’t facing the worst fiscal crisis in decades. I think we need to provide immediate aid to state and local governments for homeland security, infrastructure, and schools. That’s why I am proposing a state and local tax rebate of $40 billion dollars over two years to lessen the need for states and local governments to raise taxes (including property taxes), raise state college tuition rates, raise other fees, and/or cut critical expenditures (e.g., in health care).

9. If the rich should pay a larger portion of their income in taxes because they can afford to, shouldn’t they also receive fewer Medicare, Social Security and other benefits from the federal government?

CLARK: Social Security and Medicare are fundamental parts of the social contract that all Americans share. They are a form of social insurance that bonds Americans together – everyone pays in, everyone gets back their fair share. When Americans pay their payroll taxes, they expect to get benefits in return. But overall, I believe that both Social Security and Medicare should maintain their progressive structure.

10. Does every qualified American have the right to attend college, with government subsidies if necessary?

CLARK: No one should be denied the opportunity to attend college just because of the cost of higher education. That’s why I am proposing to help make a college education more affordable by consolidating the Pell and Hope grants into one universal grant that will expand the current maximum to $6,000 for the first two years of college. In addition, I am proposing a state and local tax rebate to help states keep the tuition costs of public universities down.

11. Are pharmaceutical companies good corporate citizens?

CLARK: I think there are many pharmaceutical companies that are good corporate citizens. They support important research and development of new medical treatments. However, we certainly need to address the high price of prescription drugs in this country. We can start by providing America’s seniors with a comprehensive, meaningful, and affordable prescription drug benefit through Medicare. The prescription drug bill passed by Congress fails to provide this benefit because it forces seniors into HMOs, increasing prescription drug costs for many seniors, and prohibiting seniors from purchasing low-cost prescription drugs from Canada. We should allow Americans to import less expensive medications from Canada, with the appropriate safety precautions. We should also cut the corporate tax shelters and red tape that keep inexpensive generics from entering the market. And we should also allow Medicare to use the same purchasing tools that are available to the private sector, including the power to negotiate directly with drug companies for bulk discounts on popular drugs.

12. In what areas of life would you prevent the federal government from interfering?

CLARK: I strongly believe in protecting the privacy of individuals— in all aspects of our lives from medical decisions to security. However, I believe that law enforcement should have access to all necessary tools to deal with the problems of terrorism. That is why I have called for an immediate investment in homeland security. But I don’t believe that we can win a war on terror if we give up the essence of who we are as Americans. That’s why I think that Congress should fully review the so-called USA PATRIOT Act – and repeal the provisions that go too far.

13. Regardless of whether it is a federal issue, has the time come for gay marriage?

CLARK: I don’t think anyone should be discriminated against because of their race, gender, background or sexual orientation. There shouldn’t be any room in this country for discrimination. I support civil unions so that gays and lesbians have equality and full rights under the law. Families in the United States come in many shapes and sizes. It is the best interest of our country to promote stable communities and families, this includes both heterosexual and same-sax families. Accordingly, I believe that same-sex couples shouldn’t be denied rights to pensions, health insurance, family medical leave, bereavement leave, hospital visitation, survivor benefits, and other basic legal protections that all families and children need.

14. Will there ever be a day when affirmative action is no longer needed?

CLARK: Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the meaning, consequence, and importance of affirmative action. I was proud to join a group of retired military officers who filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of affirmative action at the University of Michigan. I think such policies are necessary to facilitate diversity within, and the legitimacy of, the nation’s leadership. The Supreme Court agreed on the importance of diversity, relying on the successes of the military model. America cannot be a great nation without the leadership of our very best – of all races, from all parts of the country. Affirmative action ensures that future leaders who might otherwise never get a chance are brought to the forefront. As a result, Americans – all Americans – benefit.

15. Name a war that America has fought for oil.

CLARK: Maintaining access to oil supplies is one important US interest. When I served in the military during the time of the first Gulf war, we did not believe we went to war solely for oil, but in reaction to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Still, I believe America must decrease its dependence on Middle Eastern oil. President Bush’s policies would have the US remaining dependent indefinitely on oil from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states.

16. Is it appropriate for the billionaire George Soros, one of the richest men in America, to spend his money trying to discredit and oust a President?

CLARK: I think it is appropriate for everyone to participate in our political system, as long they follow the law. Participation in our democracy is based on the core principles of freedom and transparency. I strongly support our campaign finance laws that limit and require reporting of individual and special interest expenditures. In addition, I am committed to remaining within the spending caps of the public finance system.

17. To what degree did Bill Clinton’s behavior in office damage the presidency?

CLARK: I very much admire what Bill Clinton did as President of the United States. In foreign policy, he helped structure us to face a very uncertain world. We had success in the Balkans. We saved a million and a half Kosovar Albanians from ethnic cleansing. And at home, we created more than 22 million jobs. And for the first time in a generation, we began to lift people out of poverty. Bill Clinton was a terrific president, and I think any other Democrat should be very proud to follow in his footsteps.

18. Why have Americans elected a Republican President and Congress?

CLARK: In this post-9/11 world, Americans and voters are concerned with national security. I believe that voters in the last election were still reeling from the shock and horror of the attacks on New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. I think it is time that Democrats took back national security as their issue and I am the candidate to do it. I have the military and leadership experience to wage an effective, multilateral war on terrorism. As voters begin to consider the Bush Administration’s record on domestic issues like jobs, education, and health care, I believe they will turn to Democrats because we have offered real solutions that help working families instead of special interests.

19. In every other nation in which health care is paid for by the national government, that care is rationed and citizens must wait months, even years, for treatment. How would you avoid this outcome in the United States?

CLARK: We must reform the health care system in the United States. My plan is the only plan that improves care while expanding coverage and makes it more affordable for American families. I will provide health insurance for 31.8 million Americans who are currently uninsured, including all 13.1 million children and college-age Americans who are uninsured. My plan also gives tax credits to reduce premiums for millions of Americans who currently have health insurance but are struggling to pay their premiums. My emphasis on improving quality and constraining cost growth would provide better medical outcomes at a lower cost for all Americans.

20. Suppose you win the nomination. If, in the general election, President Bush wins the popular vote by a few hundred thousand votes, but you win the Electoral College vote, will you concede the election to Bush, as so many Democrats said President Bush should have done for Al Gore in 2000?

CLARK: I plan to win the Electoral College and the popular vote. There won’t be any question about the winner of the 2004 election.

---

Clark is obviously not too concerned about the federal deficit, and neither should any other Democrat. Democrats revelled in budget deficits until Alan Greenspan was appointed to the Federal Reserve and basically blackmailed Congress into cutting the budget.

Edwards' position on gay marriage was spelled out, by him, on Sunday morning, ABC -- that it's an issue to be decided by the states individually, not a federal matter. He also noted that such an approach would be complicated when (for example) married gay couples travelled outside their state. And he said he's personally opposed to gay marriage.

[oceanperch]

We have the tv tuned to CSPAN as this is the election season and I have not discussed with my son what he is picking up in listening to all the Dem. runners.

Nor have I said much about the stuff I read here. Except a little about Dean.

I am waiting to get his opinion and still battling a lung infection with DO to not get to excited and spark his asthema CSPAN is quite dry at times.

The Lord works in mysterious ways. : )

From what I have heard through all the good ole usaul Jabber is.

Folks keep pushing this "Kerry was here for us when no one else was and he never called the MEDIA for exposure' Even watched him play ice Hockey and the Dennis Leary was playing too then he made an announcment on the ICE that Sen. Kerry showed up at an event to help the "citizens" and no MEDIA showed up

HMMmm why that line "no MEDIA showed up for this or that" is like getting used a lot and if I am picking up on it, well I am just the avg. Jo.

Also the AIDS are the forgotten victems advocates interupted Dr. Dean and he was trying to be tactful then flat out told them he would not respond to repeated rudeness and shouting out. IMO he is getting a taste of the usual lefty over reacting anger.

I want to keep an open attitude so that I can pick up on the bottom line.

That bring me to this question Is there a CSPAN Dem. on the Campaign trail thread going?

[oceanperch]

We have been watching CSPAN with all the candidates and Kerry is the only guy who did not seem to ATTACK Bush.

However he has his supporters, and that includes Dennis Leary in the middle of (kerry and others) playing an Ice hockey game keep saying Kerry does this and that and NEVER calls the Media to cover an event. Been said so much it appears to be planned to get that message out.

Breck hair Edwards not much into working the crowd prefers you to e mail him.

Clark is just saying allot of nothing substantial, but had plenty of color in the crowd around him and some touching personal stories of his life.

Now was it Kunichich who basically said I moved 21 times growing up so I know what it is like being poor blah blah blah....I wonder about stability him having moved and as he said living in vehicles at times. One of our best employees had a rough childhood too and it made her opposite of her parents lifestyle of booze,motels and job to job but I wouldn't vote for her as Pres. as much as I love her like a daughter.

Edwards won't stop jabbering about how many fans are showing up and that is causing problems. So what he is popular? Not presidential material either.

Have not seen a whole lot of Lieberman so I will reserve comment.

[George W. Bush]

I think Dean will be close to Kerry. An outside chance he could even win it.

New Hampshire knows Kerry, many of its residents fled MA to escape the kind of politics that Kerry and Kennedy represent. And Kerry has a pretty repulsive history.

I don't think most people know it but Dean is actually far less of an America-hater than Kerry is. Kerry really is the French candidate for president.

I don't think Lieberman breaks 10% in NH. I think Clark has cracked up. Clark and Lieberman and Kucinich fade to obscurity after NH.

I see Kerry and Dean at the top with no big runaway by whichever wins. Then Edwards, maybe as high as 20%. The rest of them will be under 15%, I think.

Zogby says Dean has caught Kerry. Dean back in dead heat with Kerry

It sounds like a crazy poll but we have learned not to doubt Zogby over the years.

[SunkenCiv]

I hope you're right, Dean is unelectable. OTOH, I think all of the candidates are unelectable. The only ticket that (some say) gives the Democretins a chance is Kerry/Edwards. Or Dean/Clark. The trouble comes from the extreme factionalism in the party. This may be due to the behind the scenes machinations of the Clinton Gang to try to put Hillary into the White House. The ONLY thing the Democritics have to keep them from flying apart is Bush Hatred. They've not been in this bad shape since they lost a squeaker (about 100,000 votes nationwide) in 1968 and had Nixon Hatred to unify them. They lost 49 out of 50 states in 1972. Only George Washington has won all the Electoral College votes.

[SunkenCiv]

The weird part to me is that Kucinich is the only one who has been consistent in his opposition to the President's policies, regardless of what those policies are. He just said (to high school students) that Iraq is a quagmire and will result in a resumption of the draft.

Let's see... oh yeah... Nixon dropped draft registration, and Carter reinstated it. Nixon extricated the US from Vietnam as best he could, Carter botched a rescue attempt of the US hostages held by the Shiite-heads in Iran. :'D

But anyway, Dean has run a more effective campaign and has been eating Kucinich' lunch, as it were. It has been Kucinich, not Dean, who has been setting the overall tone of the "Democratic" nomination campaign. Lieberman and Gephardt are the only two even close to being sensible, and one of them is already out. The rest of the candidates, other than Kucinich, are finding semantic tricks to try to not look like Bush wannabees.