Lots of Dean supporters mention that one of the key advantages of a Dean candidacy is his ability to energize the base. Why is this necessary? Bush is an incredibly divisive figure and liberals are already very very energized. Why is energizing them further a priority?
Bush holds the lowest opposition party approval ratings since at least Eisenhower (can anyone get the ISI numbers or more info on the cook report story that Josh Marshall qouted a few days ago?). Whoever the Democratic candidate is, there will be vigorous liberal activism and lots of turnout among the rank and file.
The time to worry about energizing the base was four years ago when Gore was defeated due in large part to dissaffectation among regular democrats. The green party, if it runs a candidate, will get far fewer votes than it did in 2000 and those won't be people who were likely to vote democratic anyway.
Of course, enegizing the base is always nice. It will help other dem candidates and help the future. Still, why does it seem to be such a priority for people on Kos? Is it a way to justify a Dean candidacy? Do you think that the base really won't be energized if Lieberman or Kerry is nominated? Would Clark energize? In choosing a candidate we make tradeoffs and we should think about which goals are most important.
Full disclosure: Im a clarkie but a friendly one who has lots of respect for Dean.
I hope this hasn't been discussed before (its impossible to read every diary these days) and I hope you enjoyed this diary. Tell me what you think. I also realize some of my statements are highly debateable. Realize that I realize that when discussing this. Hope you like it.