John Kerry Starts Automated Calls Against Howard Dean

National Journal and The Hotline ^ | June 23, 2003 | Chuck Todd and Vaughn Ververs

[ewing]

In the past week the 2004 White House campaigns of Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean and US Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts have made automated calls and urged potential Democratic Presidential supporters to help them win an Internet Online Primary this week.

Both candidates have developed a fierce rivalry leading up to the 2004 New Hampshire Democratic Primary early next year . [Governor Dean having proved his mettle by a strong grassroots victory in the Wisconsin Democratic Straw Poll earlier this month]

In Senator Kerry's call, he asks people to press one to leave their e mail address if they are interested in voting in the MoveOn.Org primary .

Former Governor Dean has an agressive Internet based campaign and is expected by many to finish near the top of this initial online primary.

Voting on the liberal oriented site begins Tuesday at 9PM PST and lasts 48 hours. (with another vote next month if no candidate recives 50% of the total votes cast)

The winner could get a boost in fundraising.

Dean spokeswoman Tricia Enright said when Dean supporters notified his campaign that they were getting calls from John Kerry, the Dean organiztion strated making calls of their own.

[ewing]

Kerry must be worried if he is actively running against Dean this early in the race.

[wideawake]

I can just imagine how these phone calls sound:

"Bonsoir, cher electeur! Voulez-vous change reel? Monsieur Jean Kerry . . . "

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In a Thurston Howell voice of course..

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ping

[Dan from Michigan]

He should be worried.

If you're a pol and not worried about elections coming up, you open yourself up for a defeat.

[ewing]

14-18 months before the election/nomination?

Robert Novak says Kerry is toast if he doesnt win New Hampshire..

[Dan from Michigan]

Not only that, the major fight right now among the dems is volunteers and grass roots activists. 95% of the country right now isn't actively following the election. These 5% help with the infastructure of the campaigns.

Bush has an advantage right now. He will not likely see any challengers for 2004.

[seenenuf]

The net vote is for a 2 day period. You give them a e-mail address and 'register', and moveon.org will send you a ballot. I'm can't wait.

[steve50]

Kerry must be worried if he is actively running against Dean this early in the race.

DLC and the whole crew is worried. Think they want a Bush vs Kerry, or Bones against Bones, election in case Bush can't keep it together.

[ewing]

I get to cast my first 2004 vote for Reverend 'Crazy Al'! (one of many,lol..)

I gave the libbies an old e mail adress so they cant spam me..

[ewing]

Who could be Dean's VP candidate?

George McGovern isn't dead yet-is he..

[wideawake]

LOL!!!

It's known around here as Larchmont lockjaw.

[Dan from Michigan]

For President. Absolutely. Momentum. Money. Infastructure. Volunteer. Perception. That is what the fight right now is about.

In 2000 - Bush had only one strong opponent in the primary. Gore had one 2nd tier challenger. Most got out of the way.

Right now, we have as many as 11 people fighting it out right now. They have their top staff out there. They are looking for checks and manpower.

[seenenuf]

Aw, come on. What's wrong with Madam Ambassador, herself?
:<)

[Petronski]

"Bonsoir, cher electeur! Voulez-vous change reel? Monsieur Jean Kerry . . . "

As the Marseillaise rises triumphantly in the background...

LOL

[ewing]

General Wes Clark is now refusing to talk about which party he is in and Joe Bidens staff has already formed a Presidential Committee.

I think we may have at least 10 maybe 11 in this race..

[ewing]

Janet Reno?

[steve50]

Who could be Dean's VP candidate?

I'd think the DLC would want Kucinich on his ticket

[ewing]

Dr. Spock it is! How about Reverend Al/Moseley Braun in a third party clash with Nader..

[ewing]

I wonder if Kerry will stop seeing Christophe the French DNC barber if the characture gets too pronounced.