Two days post-Iowa, filled with a lot of soul-searching and analysis, I have this to say:
I'm still with Dean.
Here's why:
I began to consider the prospect of John Kerry, or John Edwards as a nominee. While I would very vigorously campaign for them if either were the nominee, I would do so with the knowledge that I would be suppressing my profound disappointment in both of them.
John Kerry is a hero. He served his country admirably in Vietnam and for that we all owe him a debt of gratitude. However, we needed that courage and heroism today, not 35 years ago. While Howard Dean, among many others, stood up to this President and denounced his policies, even when they were at 70% in the polls, John Kerry and the other Senators running for President hid in a foxhole while George Bush overran America with his right-wing agenda.
George Bush will have the most well-funded and well-organized Presidential campaign in history. He also has all the advantages of incumbency and the bully pulpit.
I came to the realization that:
Even if Howard Dean gets a little exercised from time to time,
Even if Howard Dean speaks a little too candidly,
The trait that drew me and many others to Howard Dean is that he is a fighter!
In a general election campaign, George Bush will throw everything at the Democratic nominee including the kitchen sink.
The difference is: Howard Dean has the backbone to throw it right back in his face.
Conventional politicians aren't going to win this thing.
I want a fighter!
I want somebody who will stand up to George Bush EVERY TIME he is wrong.
I want somebody who, as President, will not back down when the special interests try to take down a positive agenda.
Lastly,
I want somebody with a vision of America that's worth fighting for.
Howard Dean has that vision.
Howard Dean has that passion.
Howard Dean is a fighter and I've got his back!
Proudly, without regret.
Fight on Governor!