I'm confused about all the candidate's status as the nomination process seems to breed this 'say 'yes' to anything positve and 'no' to anything negative' and then retract it later if circumstances dictate it.

Well, I agree with that and I think Eric (EEE) has commented on the fact that this whole process is all preaching to choir. These guys are talking to people who already are going to vote for whoever the Democrat is...they haven't begun yet to really roll out the plan for going up against Bush. 

 However, if being an outsider was the only thing he had going, I don't suppose he'd be generating so much press.  The thing I'm blown away by is the organization and cash generation.  This always seems to be the second thing the press brings up with him - but this seems the most distinguishing thing he's shown so far and so much more than the other dems. The fact that he's an outsider seems to prove people are sick of the status quo on both sides of the ticket - he certainly seems to be running on that at least.  But how far?

Well, I think these are great points you bring up Lee. I think right now being an outsider is what sets him apart from the other Democrats and among the voters they are now trying to appeal to...these voters being sort of a pissed off group right now...I think this status plays big in the primary process. I also think the fact that Dean is very direct and very blunt in his attacks on the current administration...he currently has no ties in DC and doesn't have to go back to work with people from the other side of the aisle he'll need to sway (the group of senators in this race will have to)...allows him to be a far better soundbiter for the media men. Dean's an excellent speaker as the candidate that will "articulate our anger". The man has proved quite quotable I think. Plus the media loves the frontrunner...which he has been.  

I'm not convinced that being an outsider is going to be especially helpful in beating Bush.  For me, all you have to do to win my vote is not be Bush and not have a mind like a steel sponge. I would imagine  other voters will be harder to sway. None of the dems have shown how they're going to do that swaying yet.

I'm on the same page as far as getting my vote. I think as Eric has said on several occasions these guys have not tipped their hand yet on how they will go after Bush and win the votes outside of the way we feel. Right now I think it's all about separating us anti-Bush voters into the camp we feel most lines up with the way we feel...they aren't going for votes outside of that group really yet.

Kerry does seem the best 'out-of-the-box' candidate.  If Dean wins the nomination then it will assert that whoever has the most dough gets the nod.  A principle which, when applied to the Presidential election, means four more years of Bush. 

I do find it sort of disgusting how much money Bushco has raised for their campaign. The Dem's certainly can't compete money-wise and I think that should send a message to voters...I think it paints sort of a clear picture of who each side really gets their support from and who they represent. I think it's become painfully obvious that Democrats are running on the idea that they will represent the best interests of the people and Bushco is running on the idea they are representing the interests of big business...I sort of see them as strippers and the stage is surrounded by captains of industry...George comes out shakin' his thing but instead of stuffing singles, fins, or sawbucks into his garter belt they are leaning in as George gets close and shoving checks for millions into his thong. They are buying an election no? 

At the tv station I work at, the candidates are filling our (ok, my bosses) pockets with ad money for the NH primary.  The John Edwards ad I mentioned has him in front of his childhood home - one of those 'little,pink houses' mellencamp wrote about.  It's sort of unintentionally funny. 

No, I haven't seen it but I really don't watch tv very much...except for football on Sundays. It does sound a bit hamfisted...oops, sometimes your PR guys blow the call. I think Edwards is a good man. I'd like to see him run as Kerry's VP.

p.s. - Colts or Pats?  Someone's winning streak's going to end tomorrow either way.

Thanks for the link, I'm gonna check it out. As for Colts, Pats...it's a great matchup...The best defense in the NFL against the best offense. I wish it was snowing here for the game...it would work a bit mre in the Pats favor. If the weather is sunny and 30's I think the Pats defense will need to find a way to confuse Manning. The way Manning has played  lately he seems pretty hard to confuse though...it'll be a damn good game I think.

It is snowing here right now (I'm in Clinton) but I doubt it will be in Foxboro for kickoff.