The Mysterious Stranger

The New York Times ^ | 12/09/03 | David Brooks

[autoresponder]

Dean is Slick without charisma.

You never saw Bill go nuts during his campaigns like Dr. Demento does every day.

As bad as Slick was he had more sense then Dean, at least during his campaign speeches.

Bill ran as a "centrist"; Dean runs as the "looney-leftist".

Worse then slick, more radical then algore.

[Stultis]

The theme of this David Brooks piece is what we need to be pushing around the water coolers and in interactions with swing voters who show enthusiasm for Dean: "Who is this man, really; what does he stand for?" (said with concern and consternation -- don't forget to furrow your brow). With moderates (but not die-hard 'rats) be sure and mention how much this superficially ingratiating rootlessness reminds you of Clinton.

With "progressives" and hard-leftists, lament (or laugh at) the fact that Dean has duped and used the left, and will dump them as soon as he gains office.

Don't be afraid or hesitant to engage in "whispering campaigns." It's not unethical when it's the truth!

[shrinkermd]

Dean has an incredibly strong need for power, attention, praise and fame. He posesses few inner core convictions and even his work history documents this.

After 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school and 3 years of family practice residency he threw it all out to become Lt. Governor of a state with about 600,000 residents. Also, he gave up his church for a bike path, seems to speak on any topic at any time with any position designed to please any audience at any time.

Just not the sort of person you would follow as a leader. Finally, behind his egoistic needs for accomplishment and recognition is also an overwhelming competitive drive that results in hatred for any opponents (real or imagined). He is not the "happy warrior" in any sense of the word.

I do believe Brooks to be among the best or the best of the pundits. He sees through Dean like he sees through many -- being published in the NYT gives him the visibility he deserves.

Dean's only claim as a candidate is he hates President Bush and recognizes the deep antipathy of the liberals towards bush on the war and other issues. If Clinton was a seductive narcissist then Dean is a ruthless, domineering narcissist.

[MeekOneGOP]

You never saw Bill go nuts during his campaigns like Dr. Demento does every day.

As bad as Slick was he had more sense then Dean, at least during his campaign speeches.

Bill ran as a "centrist"; Dean runs as the "looney-leftist".

This is gonna be fun ! Stock up on soda and popcorn NOW !! ...

[MEG33]

FYI

[r9etb]

On the Internet, a new persona is just a click away. On the Internet, everyone is loosely tethered, careless and free. Dean is the Internet man, a string of exhilarating moments and daring accusations.

On the Internet, you can ping amazing people like Alamo Girl and suggest a sequel to her Downside Legacy. ;-)

[Alamo-Girl]

LOLOL! I hope a sequel will not be necessary! Thanks for the ping.

[r9etb]

Another anti-Dean piece from the NYT.

Now, for whose candidacy do you s'pose they're laying the foundations?

[MEG33]

I'm going to have to research David Brooks.He nails Dean to the wall in this article.

[MEG33]

FYI

[Calpernia]

This guy gives me the same sick to the stomach sinking feeling that I get with the Clintons.

[MEG33]

I had no idea that he changed positions like one changes shirts.Wesley Clark really frightens me,too.

[onyx]

Thanks for pinging me, Meg. Yikes.

I think you put it best: he changes his positions as often as most men change their shirt.

[MEG33]

This was posted when sane people are asleep in my time zone.I think it's very revealing.I of course was up!

[The Raven]

He shoots from the hip...he's a gabber.....he'll go down in flames.....(future trivia question I'll get wrong)

[MEG33]

I think this is a must read article on Dean.

[Howlin]

he gave up his church for a bike path

Explain, please.

[Howlin]

LOL!

[Howlin]

Check out The Weekly Standard.

[Howlin]

I agree. Along with agreeing with MEG about Clark. I just cannot shake it.