Monday, January 19, 2004
Good and bad news from Iowa
I am thrilled by the strong showings of Kerry and Edwards. Both candidates have a lot to offer the party - Kerry has a remarkable amount of experience at the national level, and Edwards has some great policy proposals and what is reportedly an electrifying speaking style. Strong competition from solid candidates like these is just what the party needs.
On the negative side of the ledger, it looks as though Gephardt will be dropping out. I've always admired Richard Gephardt, even when I didn't agree with him. He is a man of real principle and honesty, with an enviable legislative record. His leadership of the House Democrats during the Clinton and Bush years was exemplary. In the post 9/11 era, he has been a responsible voice on matters of security. Unlike Edwards and Kerry, he supported the administration's $87 billion dollar package for the simple reason that we had to commit fully to Iraq, irrespective of the circumstances that got us there. I haven't agreed with him on trade issues, but his position is very reasonable and humane - far from the wild-eyed anti-globalization crowd. Gephardt is a class act. Whoever gets the nomination would do well to listen to him, or to consider enlisting him.
I am thrilled by the strong showings of Kerry and Edwards. Both candidates have a lot to offer the party - Kerry has a remarkable amount of experience at the national level, and Edwards has some great policy proposals and what is reportedly an electrifying speaking style. Strong competition from solid candidates like these is just what the party needs.
On the negative side of the ledger, it looks as though Gephardt will be dropping out. I've always admired Richard Gephardt, even when I didn't agree with him. He is a man of real principle and honesty, with an enviable legislative record. His leadership of the House Democrats during the Clinton and Bush years was exemplary. In the post 9/11 era, he has been a responsible voice on matters of security. Unlike Edwards and Kerry, he supported the administration's $87 billion dollar package for the simple reason that we had to commit fully to Iraq, irrespective of the circumstances that got us there. I haven't agreed with him on trade issues, but his position is very reasonable and humane - far from the wild-eyed anti-globalization crowd. Gephardt is a class act. Whoever gets the nomination would do well to listen to him, or to consider enlisting him.
