to be honest:
1.) I agree, the primary system must change. california 1st, then some other state. if a candidate can manage in california with its diverse group of people, he/she can manage elsewhere. our nation is greatly changing: more latinos etc.... time to change!
2.)Kerry came across as too stiff. He probably knew more about scripture than Bush, but the way he talked about faith came across to me as sort of secular or not toally genuine. Most people I know can easily talk about values that we share, but kerry was unable to do this. Im comfortable talking about God etc... I dont know why we nominate candidates (dukakis, kerry, maybe gore) who cant communicate faith and common values.
3.) Abortion issue is hurting us in the south and parts of the midwest. somehow we must neutralize this issue. I dont know how, but its hurting us.
4.)Kerry was harmed by the war votes. first he votes to authorize the Iraq war, then he doesnt back the 85 million to fund the troops later. To lots of ordinary people it made him look weak and wishy-washy. I know several conservatives who were leaning to kerry because of the war, but the votes really screwed things up. made him look indecisive.
5.)Gays. Let's face there will be gay unions in all the state in the next 10-20 years. it's comming. I mean even 10 years ago homsexuality was treated different than today. Most people my age (20s) back these unions so its comming. our country is changing...
6.) Dean is right-we must restore the FDR coalition. that means actively courting blacks, jews, hispanics, poor whites etc... we must actively restore this coalition. kerry took votes for granted. BIG mistake. If we persue this not in 4 years but right now, we will win the presidency.
Just some frank observations as I look back on what went wrong!
ALSO-I cant help but feel the Passion of the Christ had a big impact in the evangelical community. I know a few and they were really swept up by the film and felt great emotion for Christ and his death etc...