Email to almost everyone I know:
I have to say that I am more impressed by Dean every day. I admire his classic Vermont bluntness, frugality and his willingness to go out on a limb, even standing up to his own party, to do what is right. He has a proven track record and a deep commitment to the democratic process, which is in dire need of rescuing, imho.
In a crowded field of candidates this man stands out as the polar opposite of Bush - which is just what people want. For beginners he's intelligent. Dean appeals to both regular Democrats (Gore/Clinton democrats) and independents (Nader-ites, etc.).
Kerry is great, but is too much a Washington insider and has been too willing to go along with Bush these last few years. Kucinich is too far left for a serious run, as is Al Sharpton. Gephardt is another insider and has tried too many times (and failed). Lieberman is too conservative for many in the party. Wesley Clark is distinguished, but has zero political experience. I would love to see him as a running mate to Dean. Whomever Dean selects for a running mate should have military experience.
Remember, this country was deeply divided in the 2000 elections. Bush did not win the popular election. And he has alienated thousands of his own base - especially constituents who are stunned to see Republicans bankrupt the federal budget with bad international policies, tax cuts and over-the-top spending on pet projects (aka corporations).
The 2002 elections when Republicans swept the Congress was a wake up call to Democratic politicians to stop letting the opposition run the show.
Btw, for those of us wondering about Dean's wife - here is something from her. Remember, I'm the one who had a pink bumper sticker printed after Clinton's first election that said, "Don't blame me. I voted for Hillary." I'd like to see another strong woman in the White House. Maybe she can get a reasonable health care reform crafted so we can stop sending pharmaceutical reps to early retirements.
Vicki
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From: Judy Steinberg Dean [mailto:info@deanforamerica.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 3:09 AM
To: Jones, Vicki
Judith Steinberg Dean
Dear Vicki,
This email is one of my first public campaign activities for my husband, Howard Dean.
I am a doctor, not a politician, and Howard to his great credit has never expected me to campaign for him. Despite his intense passion for public service, Howard has never made his public aspirations become my personal obligations.
But I would like to ask you now to make a contribution to Howard’s campaign, at this important time in the “September to Remember.” 9,159 Americans have contributed $572,646.06 during the last two days, and if everyone contributes whatever they can during this final week of the quarter, you will have made an important statement about the power of Howard’s grassroots campaign:
http://www.deanforamerica.com/contributenow
My time “on the campaign trail” is limited. As a doctor and a partner in a medical practice, I have a responsibility to my patients; when people are sick they want and need to see a physician who knows them.
Even though I am not able to campaign every day I want you to know how strongly I believe that Howard is the best candidate. And I would like you to know why.
Since 1980, when he was the local Democratic Party Chair, Howard has been galvanized by the opportunity to change public policy through political activism.
It began with a neighborhood effort to get a bike path along Lake Champlain and grew into his position as a state representative, then Lt. Governor and Governor to a profound belief that George Bush is the wrong person to lead our country.
I met Howard in 1979 at Albert Einstein medical school, where we were both students. Although I went to medical school because I really like science, what I like most about medicine is helping people. I enjoy helping people on a one-on-one basis – getting to know them and their families and helping them deal with illness. That is my way, while Howard is much more talented at improving things for people on a larger scale.
After medical school, Howard moved to Vermont for his residency. After a fellowship at McGill University I joined him as a partner in his medical practice. We were married in 1981. Our daughter Anne was born in 1984 and our son Paul is 17.
I enjoyed working side-by-side with my husband and missed him when Howard was forced to leave our practice to serve as Governor after the unexpected death of Governor Snelling. Howard is an excellent physician and we made a great team. I think Howard was a better governor because of his experiences as a doctor. He can quickly absorb the necessary information to make difficult decisions.
I truly believe Howard would be a strong president. He has the intellect, the passion, the values and the determination to improve this country. And Howard’s message has impressed party activists and has clearly engaged the media and the grassroots of the Democratic Party. We were all thrilled by the record number of contributors in the last federal election commission filing, and by the number of people who have responded during these last ten days of the September to Remember:
http://www.deanforamerica.com/contributenow
With your help the Dean for America campaign has made tremendous strides. The “experts” are surprised by the exponential growth of the campaign.
Howard is grateful for everyone’s generosity, appreciative of the opportunity to discuss his issues and determined to run a winning campaign. The polls show Howard is now leading in key states and moving up in several others. And, more important to him personally, he is shaping the debate on so many critical issues like reproductive rights, access to health care for all Americans and fiscal restraint.
For Howard a campaign is about ideas, passion, and the desire for change . . . not a “money chase.” But to defeat George W. Bush and the millions that will be raised by his "Pioneers" and "Rangers", we need the financial help of every American who cares about our cause and about changing America for the better.
And so I will ask you on his behalf to once again consider making a contribution to help his campaign for President.
http://www.deanforamerica.com/contributenow
Sincerely,
Judith Steinberg Dean
P.S. Your online contribution is critical at this time. Please check “the bat” on the website to see how you and thousands of others are making a difference: http://www.blogforamerica.com
Paid for and maintained by DEAN FOR AMERICA
Contributions to Dean For America are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes