Howard Dean vs John Kerry: Part II

More Specifics on Why Independents should Choose John Kerry over Howard Dean to Beat Bush

A number of people who read my previous article,
"Why John Kerry is the only Democratic Candidate who can Beat Bush in 2004", wrote to me asking for more specifics. Prove it they said. (Apparently my unsubstantiated opinion wasn't enough to persuade them fully. I admire that though, so I decided I'd take a stab at it.) Here's what I came up with:

1. Security Concerns: I believe John Kerry appeals to a wider audience, especially those who might consider themselves centrists, or independent, yet are worried about the war on terror and homeland security. Kerry has served on the Foreign Relations Committee for many years, is the only democratic candidate to have served in the military, and advocates for a strong US military in conjunction with a foreign policy that works multilaterally with our partners and allies. He is the only candidate who can go toe to toe with Bush on this issue. Dean has no experience in foreign policy or the US military. Bush will make this his number one issue in the campaign. History reminds us: McGovern was capable, but marginalized as pointy headed and soft. He was trounced in '72.

2. Fulfilling Campaign Promises: The next president must be an insider, experienced in legislation, NOT the outsider Dean represents. Usually I've been gung-ho for those types in years past; but these are not the times. The Bush Administration has dismantled our civil liberties and environmental protections, made a mockery out of international law with its ad hock pre-emptive strike doctrine, and pushed our social / economic progress backwards. It will take an experienced legislator to get repairs underway. I trust Kerry can accomplish his campaign promises with the support of his party and independent minded centrists in the Republican Party who have worked with him in the past, like his close friend John McCain.

3. The Vision Thing: John Kerry has the right priorities to boost our economy here at home and win back friends around the world.

Domestically, he has proposed improving affordable health care for all Americans. He supports tax cuts and incentives that will benefit working parents who need to be retrained to find a new job. He'll seek government funding to create jobs and renew our cities and towns by rebuilding or modernizing infrastructure like highways and schools. He has a forward-looking domestic energy policy, which would wean us off dependence on foreign oil while creating jobs and new opportunities for American companies. From his position as the ranking member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee he has always championed small businesses and American ingenuity. His National Service program is a bold new initiative, which would enlist people from all generations and ask them to work in their communities as tutors or other meaningful roles. In return they can earn college tuition credits for themselves or someone they designate.

On the world stage, John is poised to use his foreign policy expertise to rebuild our strained friendships with allies and partners around the globe. In his book, The New War, John insightfully outlined the threats facing America's security three years before the awful events of 9 / 11. He understood then the risks from terrorism and WMD's, and he understands now, more than ever, how important it is for America to step up and be a leader by example, rather than merely by force. World wide threats demand world wide cooperation. John Kerry will work to make us a more secure country, by promoting a multilateral foreign policy that starts by changing the image of America around the world. Like his National Service program for America, John also envisions growing the Peace Corp to nearly 5 times its current size. John sees ordinary American citizens as the best and brightest Ambassadors around the globe.

4. Personality Test: Kerry is distinguished, elegant, thoughtful, and witty. He'll put up a fight if challenged. He's not a fireball who gives sermons and raises his voice, but rather a leader who makes his point in a calm civilized manor. He believes in his mission for America as passionately as anyone, though.

John Kerry has a long compelling record in the national spotlight fighting for what he believes in. It is my hope that readers of this article will believe in him enough to investigate further and perhaps come to their own conclusion that, yes, electing John Kerry President is a fight worth joining.

###

Jim Witkins is founder of Independents For Kerry, a grassroots organization for independent voters which promotes Senator John Kerry for President of the United States in 2004.

For more information visit: http://www.independentsforkerry.org