Looks like Kerry has taken New Hampshire (by double digits, maybe 12-15 points) with Dean a solid second and Edwards...in a tight battle holding third.

I read the postings below from you guys on "The only Dem ticket that makes sense" and I have to say I agree completely with Gene.  Kerry-Edwards makes the best ticket. The more I see the less I think of the only two other guys that had a shot to make some waves...Dean and Clark. I really was not swayed at all by that speech Dean made in Iowa either...I was watching  that as it happened and I knew at the time they'd (the media) put him through hell for that. The thing is Dean just falls way too far into exactly how Rove and Bushco will campaign.

As a matter of fact they had Republicans working to get out the vote (of conservative independents) for Dean in New Hampshire today. They were looking to get Dean a good showing. Also I guess there was a spike of campaign contributions for Dean from Republicans after his Iowa speech.

That article that was posted...by MJG...about how the Republicans have planned the Kerry and Edwards push is...in my opinion...a bit over the top. I do agree there is maneuvering and I think they'd like to face Dean first but Clark I think would be the second choice for Rove. I have no faith any longer in a Clark ticket and the reasons are many. I don't know how much anyone has seen of Clark but he rapidly goes back and forth between appearing hostile or confused when he's put in the spotlight. I don't think at this point he is at all material to run in what will more than likely be the ugliest presidential campaign we have ever witnessed in our lifetimes. The guy is really just a huge problem as a candidate in that regard and to me at least seems not at all prepared to enter that fray. Plus I keep hearing rumors that there is some nasty skeleton waiting to fall out of the Clark closet...I have no clue what it is but I know it scares the shit out of some of the Democrat insiders. If anyone will find it and reveal it at the worst time it Rove...if it's there...and I don't know if it is but as far as I'm concerned Clark can exit stage left right now. He ain't the guy and he's sort of the "Clinton Invented Candidate" not at all a ready for prime time player at this point.

I think you really have to consider that. Things play against Dean as well as Rove will fire the big guns at him too and it would...in my opinion...be a big sloppy mess. Dean is also weak in the resume category and one of Roves early tactics will be to play up the fact that Bush now far outguns Dean in the experience or resume category...with 4 years in the oval office under his belt...yes a disastrous 4 years but 4 years none the less and they'll say "You can't train a new president in a time of war!"...I know it's crap but people will buy into that message if Dean is the Democrat.

Kerry needs no training and far out distances Bush in every category...that's huge. You can't play that stupid game if Kerry is the guy. Yes, he does have the "Easter Island" face (I love that comparison it's dead on) and he's not the fireball speaker that Dean is but he is probably one of the best candidates for president we've had in a hell of a long time and I have a growing faith that people will see that and recognize that...and it will far outweigh all the stupid partisan slop that get slung about. I just don't think the Rove filth machine will have much to work with against Kerry or Edwards (I don't know as much about Edwards but he seems pretty safe).

The rest of these guys can go home now. Iowa was to Gephardt as New Hampshire was to Lieberman...that's what I was trying to say about this primary being Lieberman's Iowa...I did a poor job of that I think. The only four that should really continue are Kerry, Edwards, Dean, and Clark...for now. I mean the reality should sink in here that the rest of these guys have nothing to build on and no where to go.

I think Edwards will continue to rise...Dean and Clark will continue to sink...Clark will sink fast...Dean will battle but count on a third place showing for Dean in South Carolina...maybe even fourth if Clark does well there...Clark could do ok in Missouri and that hurts Dean as well...and Dean will slip and fade and hope that Arizona will help him but by then it could be too late. So that's pretty much how I see it...Dean and Clark sort of hurt eachother at this point while Kerry and Edwards are running great campaigns...it's an opinion is all...but I think this year Kerry and Edwards are the true strength of the Democratic party...and Edwards with less experience than Kerry makes a better VP than presidential candidate...

I've said many times I never thought Kerry could get elected President...but I think with the attitude of the country and Kerry getting better with his "plain-speak" which is what I think people really love these days...I could be proven wrong about that. Thank God for that.

Last thing is on all the angry words that have flown around the board...again...it happens...let's try and remember that life is short...we shouldn't waste our time with grudges and ugliness...we all like this place and are thankful for the people who come here...and forgiveness is one of the more amazing and beautiful things in life...enough from me...

         Happy, hopeful, and 100% grudge free,

                                                              Reg