Though not without reservations, I have supported Dean. Here are my thoughts on the present situation.
- Although anything can still happen, things do not look good for Dean.
- Dean was the victim of a "murder/suicide" attack by Gephardt in Iowa. The attack was probably coordinated from within the high Democratic circles. Gephardt will be rewarded.
- The reason why the elite wanted to take out Dean was largely because of his independent, populist base of support. That was also one of the best reasons for supporting him.
- Kerry could still stumble badly, but he will now be almost impossible to stop. He represents a triumph for the Democratic establishment over the Dean insurgency.
- Antiwar Democrats now have little choice but to back Kerry if he becomes the nominee. This will be a bitter pill to swallow, because Kerry's history of unprincipled expediency does not inspire confidence.
- Kerry represents a return to politics as usual -- except that our government is now in the hands of extremist right-wing forces, who are alarming even to some tradiitonal Republicans.
- We must hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Contrary to what many believe Kerry will have a hard time defeating Bush. He is vulnerable on too many fronts. Electability is not the strong suit for him that it is cracked up to be.
- The best case would be a come-back for Dean. Short of that Kerry is, sadly, our only dog in the race.