Posted on 01/13/2007 9:16:26 AM PST by Graybeard58
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd on Friday dismissed suggestions he's a long-shot contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, saying "people are going to give me a hearing."
Dodd said his early testing of the waters has left him convinced that better-known potential candidates, such as New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, do not have a lock on the nomination. Dodd said most activists are reserving judgment.
"I don't think people in Iowa want to be told what the outcome is," Dodd told The Associated Press. "I wouldn't have gotten into this if I hadn't been out here for the last six months."
In his latest trip to Iowa, Dodd attended the inauguration of Gov. Chet Culver and mingled with activists at events surrounding the swearing in of the new governor. Dodd served with Culver's father, John, in the Senate during the 1970s.
"I've known him (Gov. Culver) since he was 10 or 12," said Dodd.
This week, Dodd filed papers creating an exploratory committee allowing him to raise money and travel to explore seeking the Democratic nomination. While polls show Clinton, Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards leading the pack, Dodd said he's convinced the race remains open.
"It's a long time," said Dodd. "I think people are going to give me a hearing."
Dodd said his early contacts with activists in key early states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina have been encouraging.
"I know the difference between a courtesy and people who are saying we'd like to hear more," said Dodd.
During his Iowa visit, Dodd planned to meet privately with Democratic activists such as former Attorney General Bonnie Campbell. Dodd said he'd tout his 25 years of experience and argue that Democrats have a big opportunity because of public dissatisfaction with the war in Iraq.
"This time around, in light of what we've been through, training wheels and on the job training are not what we need," said Dodd.
Dodd said any rationale for the war has evaporated.
"None of those justifications are present today and the American people understand that," said Dodd. "They would expect this Congress that they voted in only a few weeks ago to change things, to address this issue."
Dodd said he would push for a resolution in Congress banning using money to expand the number of troops on the ground in Iraq.
"We had better do it soon, because once they are there, it's going to be a little bit more difficult," Dodd said. "I think the people of this country are going to be disappointed if we don't move."
Inaction could lead voters to conclude that Congress simply didn't get the message they were sending, Dodd warned.
"I think we have an obligation to say no," said Dodd. "This is a mistake."
Dodd looks like he's always ANGRY. That will work against him decisively, as few people want to vote for an unlikable person.
I'm trying to think of a catchy bumper sticker referring to that. Remember "Kennedy for President, Kopechne for Vice"?
And, we have a winner! ;^D
Longshot? No, not even that close, just another mondern-day-certified-snot-faced- Liberal. Not needed!
I was thinking about running against Hillary. I am just a short shot.
LOL... I couldn't agree more, Ken! A "waitress sandwich slice" PUTZ!
Thanks for the ping, Graybeard58.
Connecticut Chris "Waitress Sandwich Slice" Dodd ping!
Please Freepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent Connecticut ping list.
oh, good grief, Dodd is less than a long shot, he is shooting blanks!
How on earth did this moron ever get elected and re-elected in this state??
Squib. Squib Dodd.
The same way the people of Massachusetts continue to idolize and vote for a murderer. They either are brain dead or will vote for anything with a (D) after its name.
Oops...sorry about the redundancy!
Excuse me while I LMAO.
*bwhahahaha! Thanks for the roaring laugh!
I am delighted by the ambiguousness of the headline.
Much like when I deny the charge that I'm a dirty old man.
I protest that I'm not old.
The clown sure isn't a front runner.
Seems to me that that was a hell of a lot more racist statement to make than anything Trent Lott said. After all, the worst interpretation of what Lott said could be a tolerance for segregation - what Dodd said sounds like tolerance of slavery.
But... no. That'll remain in the media memory hole that it was thrown into the day it happened.
Hypocritical scumbags.
(Note: This is not an endorsement or defense of Trent Lott said, it's just outrage at the utterly indefensible double standards the media applies.)
Qwinn
Not!
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