John Kerry claims 35 years in public service. Has he actually accomplished anything? Do we want Rhetoric or do we want Results?
Kerry's 35 years includes his military service, his career as a prosecutor, his term as Lieutenant Governor and his 20 years in Congress.
What has he actually accomplished in government (yes, his war record speaks for itself)? Name me one substantial achievement from John Kerry's legislative career. One indication that he's a leader in the Senate. What does his substantial "experience" really get us, in electability terms? From my perspective, the only "accomplishments" he can point to are investigative or obstructive in nature.
On the other hand, Howard Dean has a strong record of executive leadership and actual results. Why does Kerry stack up better than Dean, who can point to multiple actual accomplishments in Vermont - a balanced budget every year, health care coverage for all children and 95% of adults, a prescription drug benefit, and number one in Education?
(apparently necessary caveat - I like some things about Kerry, will happily vote and work for him, and think he's probably the best non-Dean. But I think our candidates should be tested.)