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Posted on 10/02/2003 6:44:09 PM PDT by demlosers
Democrats Welcome Bush's Fall in Polls but Fret Over Their Own Nomination Fight
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON Oct. 2 — When state Democratic leaders last met in Washington, President Bush was riding a pre-war high in polls and a little-known former governor from Vermont declared himself head of "the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party."
Seven months later, Bush is vulnerable and Howard Dean stands atop a wide-open race for his party's nomination. Yet, for 445 Democratic National Committee members attending fall meetings beginning here Thursday, their optimism was tempered by concerns.
In more than a dozen interviews, party activists warned that Bush still has the upper hand; raised doubts about their newest candidate, Wesley Clark; urged second-tier contenders to get out of the race and worried that the primary fight could drag longer than expected perhaps even into the summer convention.
"That would be an unnatural state and uncomfortable for people, but it might be healthy for the party," said DNC member Debbie Dingell of Michigan. She said some of her state's top Democrats are considering going to the 2004 presidential convention uncommitted.
Democratic Party Chairman Terry McAuliffe led a drive to compress the primary contests into a six-week window ending in early March. The strategy allows for the eventual nominee to gather his forces against Bush, who is expected to raise tens of millions dollars more than any Democrat.
Ike Leggett, chairman of the Maryland party, said the race may last deep into the spring or summer. "But I don't subscribe to the notion that we need somebody now. I think it's healthy that we have a tough race, 10 voices raised against Bush," Leggett said.
Most DNC members said they believe Dean's fund-raising success makes him a sure bet to survive the first few primary rounds, and the only question now is who emerges as the alternative. Some are anxious to get on with it.
"The fact that these candidates haven't caught fire, haven't raised any money, can't campaign in every state and won't even qualify for Secret Service protection in January tells me it's time for them to go," said Donna Brazile, manager of Vice President Al Gore's 2000 campaign.
Brazile, who has not taken sides in the race, declined to say who she wants to drop out. Anita Freedman, a DNC member from New Hampshire, said her list would start with Florida Sen. Bob Graham, who lags in polls and is being advised to get out of the race or dramatically trim back his campaign.
"I wish some of them would get out, because they're not really running," said Freedman, a supporter of Rep. Dick Gephardt of Missouri.
Clark, a retired Army general, has shaken up the race. Democrats said they are intrigued by his potential to stand toe-to-toe with Bush on foreign policy, but some questioned the Arkansan's commitment to the party.
"He's got a long way to go before he shows he's a Democrat people can support," said Tonio Burgos of New Jersey.
Clark voiced strong support for the Bush administration in 2001, and didn't declare his allegiance to the Democratic Primary until shortly before he jumped into the race Sept. 17. He's not even a registered Democrat.
Tina Abbott, secretary treasurer of the AFL-CIO in Michigan, said she's unsettled by Clark's short ties to the party. "What's a real Democrat? He says he's one. But I don't know him that well. I hope to get to know him at the meeting," she said.
One thing the Democrats agree upon is Bush's vulnerability.
When the DNC last met in February, the president's job approval rating hovered around 60 percent. Now, it's in the high 40s to mid 50s. Public approval of his handling of issues from Iraq to the economy to other domestic matters has dropped.
"Six months ago, activists were hoping we'd be competitive. Today is a whole different story," said Vern Thompson, executive director of the North Dakota party. "It looks like Bush II is going to be like Bush I."
Still, no Democrat thinks the president is a pushover.
"He has a huge warchest, and as a country we still like him personally," Leggett said. "The country also is still hesitant about what to do in a time of crisis, with terrorism around the world."
Even as U.S. casualties mount in Iraq, the economy takes hits and the Justice Department investigates the White House over the outing of a covert CIA agent, "Bush still gets the benefit of the doubt," Leggett said.
"His likeability carries him to some degree. Nothing we can do about that."
Associated Press writer Will Lester contributed to this report.
What makes you think your first-tier Wesley - you loser.
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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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It is in the breaking news sidebar! |
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Can't put anything past the media ...;)
(snip)
"The fact that these candidates haven't caught fire, haven't raised any money, can't campaign in every state and won't even qualify for Secret Service protection in January tells me it's time for them to go," said Donna Brazile, manager of Vice President Al Gore's 2000 campaign
What does being qualified for Secret Service protection have anything to do about the Primaries?
Hey Miss Marple .. between these two paragraphs .. I think your prodiction will be correct
However, I think Dean and his followers are past the point where they would step aside quietly.
Should be a lot more interesting convention than Al Gore's, that's for sure.
"Bear Goes In Woods"
News?
Again .. your are correct ..
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