anyone think Gore will get in race?

[dr. freeze]

sounds like its a possibility....

personally i think he got out way too early....i wonder if its too late to get back in now.....

thats one things about Gore -- he has some character at least though contrary to Clintons....he got out early because he wanted other guys to have their chances including Lieberman who's campaign banked on his decision

 

[SixFive]

you know, Bush has a lot of detractors, and a lot of people who dislike him, BUT, the democrats are going to have to field somebody who is at least relatively strong, or people won't show up at the polls. Imho, Lieberman will never win because he is a Jew. He seems to be a very nice man with a good moral character and all, and although it's wrong, there are a lot of people around who will not support him. While Jesse Jackson and Sharpton are bullie and thugs, they do have a lot of support, and we all know how they feel about the Jewish community (ie hymietown). I think Bush will win in a walk because the Democratic candidate is not strong enough. If the Libertarians field a candidate who even garners 10% of the vote, that's 10% taken away from the Democrats. This could be a good thread if we keep it free of taking sides. What does everybody else think about this race?

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

No predictions but my vote would go to Lieberman hands down.
Main reason is I believe he would stand behind his convictions and not be afraid to make unpopular decisions.

 

[taoist]

First of all, I don't think that Al has any plans on running...especially after the counts and re-counts of the last race.


Secondly, Lieberman will never be elected as the President...ever.


Lastly, I would agree with SixFive in that if "the Libertarians field a candidate who even garners 10% of the vote, that's 10% taken away from the Democrats." Might not be the entire 10% but it would take more from the Democrats than the Republicans....

 

[AR182]

eventhough he is giving a speech at a anti-war rally today, i don't think that gore will run either.


i don't think that lieberman has a chance either, but also don't think that any of the other democratic candidates have much of a chance to beat bush.

i'm not so sure that the a libertarian candidate will take voters away from the dems.libertarians want a small gov't., while the dems. usually push gov't. programs to help the less well off people. libs usually side with the republicans, but because they are unhappy with bush's increase of gov't. beauracracy, they may sit out the 04 election.
there are conservatives that are also unhappy with bush for various reasons, & i read that there is talk that they may either sit out the election or have their own candidate run for pres.

 

[StevieD]

I don't see Gore running again. But the dems do not look good at all at this point. I would like to see a strong third party candidate emerge but so far there doesn't seem to be one.
.

 

[djv]

It's to bad but third party never going to win. Retired Gen Clark would make a good one. I don't think him or Al runs. More people are paying attetion to Dean. He at least is not a fraid to speek his mind. And sure is not kissing anyones ass at least at this point in time. No other one including the Pres can say that.

 

[acehistr8]

No predictions but my vote would go to Lieberman hands down.
Main reason is I believe he would stand behind his convictions and not be afraid to make unpopular decisions.

What a load of crap. No offense to you personally, I am not saying any politicians are perfect but how can you say that about Lieberman? He gave up everything he believed in to get on the Democratic ticket. The RNC has had a field day with Lieberman, I suggest you guys check the facts before jumping in bed with someone you think is a man of conviction. The only thing he is a man of is a man of wanting get elected no matter what the cost.

These are quotes I had cobbled together for paper I wrote last year. Mostly they are from CNN, the Washington Post, the Chicago Sun Times and a paper put together by the RNC.

Lieberman was one of the biggest supporters of school vouchers in the 1990s but gave up his fight and moved in with Gore in order to get on the ticket.

As A Senator, Lieberman Supported School Choice. Defending school choice and charter schools, Lieberman said,"The undeniable reality here is that this system is already in ruins, and to blindly reject new models and refuse to try new ideas is simply foolish. We can and must do better for these children, and to cling stubbornly to the failures of the past will just not get us there." (April 17, 1997)

But As A Vice Presidential Hopeful, He Ran Away From His Record. In answer to a question about his support for public school vouchers, a position opposed by Gore, "Lieberman signaled his willingness to follow Gore's lead: 'If you want to get me off this idea, the best thing to do is elect the Gore-Lieberman ticket.'" (August 10, 2000)


Lieberman gave passionate speached about investing portions of your SS in the markets in the 90's but abandoned these beliefs during the campaign.
As A Senator, Lieberman Thought Investing A Portion Of Social Security In The Capital Markets "Has Got To Happen.""'A remarkable wave of innovative thinking is advancing . . . some personalization of retirement plans.' Such a plan, [Lieberman] added, can 'give people more confidence about what their retirement years will be like. . . . ndividual control of part of the retirement/Social Security funds has got to happen.'" (Robert Novak, "Moderate Talk, But A Distinctly Liberal Walk," Chicago Sun-Times, August 10, 2000)

But As A Campaigner, Lieberman Succumbed To Gore's Pressure To Abandon This Position. "In June, [2000] the Gore campaign prudently asked Lieberman to prepare an 'op-ed column' on Social Security. 'My Private Journey Away From Privatization' attacked 'an expensive experiment' and endorsed Gore's plan. It appeared in no newspapers, but was filed at Gore headquarters for future distribution - which came this week." (Robert Novak, "Moderate Talk, But A Distinctly Liberal Walk," Chicago Sun-Times, August 10, 2000)


Lieberman screamed for tax cuts to end our recession in 1991 but now if the biggest opponent of them because they are championed by the White House.

As A Statesman, Lieberman Called For A Tax Cut To Pull America Out Of The 1991 Recession. "We sure are in a deep recession today. Let us cut taxes so we can put more money into the hands of the middle class . . . . Let us cut taxes on business so they will invest and create the kind of jobs that will make us competitive and protect our future. Read our lips, Mr. President, let us cut taxes because it is good for America." (Congressional Record, October 25, 1991)

As A Presidential Hopeful, Lieberman Criticized The Bush Administration For Cutting Taxes To Improve The Economy. "[T]he Bush Administration suffers from a profound economic leadership deficit . . . . This Administration has no growth strategy, except their one-note plan that could fit on the back of a shampoo bottle - 'Cut taxes, increase spending, borrow, repeat.' That's not a recipe for a growing economy and more jobs, but for exploding deficits and lost jobs." (Remarks At The 2002 DLC National Convention, July 29, 2002)

Lieberman Will Betray Principle To Advance His Career

Lieberman Vowed Not To Apply A Pro-Abortion Litmus Test To Supreme Court Nominees. Speaking with "the pro-life lobby, Lieberman said he would have voted to confirm Robert Bork to the Supreme Court had he been in the Senate at the time. And future such nominees? 'I'm not going to vote against a judicial nominee just because he's pro-life,' Lieberman promised. 'I'm not going to apply a litmus test.'" (September 25, 2000)

But He Joined Gore's Campaign, Who Promised To Do That Very Thing.On ABC's Nightline, Gore said "f you believe in a woman's right to choose -a right that must never be weakened, never be undermined, never be taken away, join us now. The Supreme Court is at stake and our campaign is your cause." (October 2, 2000)

** Personally I dont like any of the Democrats or Republicans right now. If I had to vote today, I dont know what I would do. But all Lieberman has shown me is the opposite of what you think he would do. Which is he would do whatever it takes or give up whatever beliefs he has that are unpopular in order to get elected. This is not the kind of president I want.

 

[timbo]

I have always felt that he dropped out of the race very early hoping the Democratic Party "would come to its senses" and beg him to come back.

 

[dr. freeze]

It's to bad but third party never going to win. Retired Gen Clark would make a good one. I don't think him or Al runs. More people are paying attetion to Dean. He at least is not a fraid to speek his mind. And sure is not kissing anyones ass at least at this point in time. No other one including the Pres can say that.

i would say right now Dean is kissing the ass of the left wing of the dem. party......

 

[ferdville]

I know that everybody is saying 2008, but I think that things are setting up rather well for Hillary in 2004. The bunch the Dems have fielded so far is a poor group - at best. When they finally realize that "W" is going to be extremely hard to topple, watch for Bill and Hill to step in. Of course, we need some time to set what eventually happens in Iraq and other trouble spots. Plus, the economy has shown some signs of improvement. As Bush leans more and more to the middle, and continues to appease everyone in sight in search of votes, I predict he will lose the support of many people. To me, it seems like he is pandering to the lowest common denominator in an effort to increase his voting base among minorities and the poor. However, Hillary and Bill will totally wipe out any gains he might see in this area if she runs. Minorities and the poor are perennial Democrats and the sight of Hillary and Bill will make them swoon. Another point is Hillary's age. She will be in her sixties, I believe, in 2008. That might be too old. Bubba and wife will step in to lead the American people to the promised land (or so they will say).

 

[AR182]

ferdville,

i'd be very surprised that hillary runs in 04. i think that the clintons are hoping that bush wins big in 04, & that will set the clintons to swoop in on their white horse to rescue the democrats in 08. i think gore might also try his hand in 08 also.

 

[SixFive]

acehi, I'm quite sure dogs that bark was saying Lieberman was the best of the democratic candidates. I'd be suprised if he voted for him.

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Good points acehi; Thank you,might have to change my thoughts on him standing behind convictions.
Still if had my choice and HAD to vote for one of the dems in my view he would be lesser of evils.
Don't think any have a shot. Saw last night night results from democratic poll that their the % of white male voters backing Dems dropped from 36% during last election to a current projected 24% and they are also concerned with the soccer moms switching sides.
However they were quite happy with their minorities and gays still coming in the 90% backing. If they could only find a way to let prison population vote or give CA a few more electorial votes they might make a run in 2004

 

[djv]

Doc you better look at Dean closer. He's more middle then you might think. And special interest groups have not got hold of him.
Even our present leader can't say that. But he may as others have cave in sooner or later. It's all about money now. In fact it's a dam shame how much will be waisted on this election.

 

[dr. freeze]

i agree he is somewhat moderate but he is pandering to the liberals right now telling them what they want to hear.....

that is not being Mr. Genuinity as you described him......it is selling out to get votes.....he is kissing the ass of the left wing in order to win the nomination AND to win support of the PAC groups....

a guy who does NOT pander to political affiliations is a guy like Pat Buchanan......the guy when he ran spoke his mind as he saw them and his positions were unwavering....

Dean is stirring up all kinds of anti-Bush sentiment saying things he knows that aren't true like Bush lied to the American people in the SOTU address. etc. etc. when Bush did nothing of the sort....same ol sound bites

approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of the democratic party hates Bush.....Dean is trying to get that vote and doing a successful job...and he is doing it without a conscience raising all kinds of false innuendos and accusations...i like how he was saying that you can either have health care or tax cuts but not both....well Mr. Dean, we already all have health care and are getting tax cuts.....there is not a single person in this country who does not have access to full health care yet the dem's seem to want to scare everyone into thinking that we don't have that including Dr. Dean of all people.....

 

[StevieD]

Dr. Freeze we all have health care?

 

[Turfgrass]

I?m no expert at counting votes, but my gut tells me that Bush and the Republicans are in trouble next year. He?s generally lost my support through is big spending policies. The government is simply growing much too fast under George Bush to suit my libertarian tastes. And we?re not just talking defense growth here either.

My prediction ? if this slippage continues look for Hitlary in the 2004 race.

 

[Nosigar]

StevieD, incredibly I have to agree with you on that question.

Who all has healthcare, Dr.? It seems to me that helathcare is one thing we are really lacking. Insurance costs a fortune, and now so many people have been laid off and don't even have that group coverage. So it's probably close to an all time low. It's impossible to separate insurance from healthcare the way I see it.

Or maybe you could explain your definition of healthcare. Thanx

 

[kosar]

Another one of Dr. freezes greatest hits. They just keep coming. I imagine his response will be along the lines of , 'well, if you go to a hospital emergency room , they have to treat you'. As if that has anything whatsoever to do with anything.


75 Million Americans Without Health Insurance
Sunday, March 23, 2003 09:15 PM


Vital Statistics
Health Care
There are 44 million Americans without health insurance, most of whom have jobs.

Currently, 11 million children do not have basic health insurance.

Only 22% of U.S. companies offer retiree health insurance with prescription drug coverage, and only one-quarter of Medicare beneficiaries receive such coverage.

10% of the Medicare populations in 40 states are 85 or older. Moreover, the number of beneficiaries will double to 80 million over the next 30 years.

In 1996, the percentage of older Americans who reported delays due to cost was highest among non-Hispanic black persons (10 percent) compared to just 5 percent of non-Hispanic white persons.

Approximately 60 percent of elderly (65+ years of age) white people have been vaccinated for influenza while just 39 percent of African Americans of the same age group reported being vaccinated for influenza.

Medicare currently covers 39 million disabled and elderly patients at a current annual cost of $212 billion. The number of Medicare beneficiaries will double to 80 million over the next 30 years.

In 1998, wholesale prices for 50 prescriptions commonly filled by the elderly rose 6.6%, more than four times the year's 1.6% overall inflation rate.
Description
Health Care
CBCF defines health care to include three factors:
1. Access to care can be affected by physical location of facilities, cultural or linguistic barriers, and cost of prescription drugs and/or other treatment alternatives;
2. Quality refers to the delivery of treatment by health care practitioners as it is impacted by linguistic constraints, cultural bias; and
3. Coverage describes primarily who has and who does not have health insurance, either personal or through their employer.
Web Resources
Health Care Resources

AFP
March 24, 2003

Some 75 million Americans under age 65 lacked health insurance for varying periods in 2001 and 2002, according to a state-by-state study released Wednesday.

The report, released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ahead of the kickoff of "Cover The Uninsured Week" March 10-16, was co-chaired by former US presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford to raise awareness about the plight of the nation's uninsured.

It estimated that nearly two-thirds of the 75 million were uninsured for at least six months, and nearly one-quarter lacked insurance for the entire two-year period.

"Unfortunately, being uninsured in America is a very common and very risky experience," said Doctor Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president of Johnson foundation.

"By not having health insurance, even for a short period of time, the uninsured are forced to put their physical and financial health in jeopardy."

"We certainly need to raise awareness of the issues surrounding the uninsured," said Thomas J. Donohue, president of the US Chamber of Commerce.

"Employers understand how important it is to have a healthy workforce, and health coverage is economic security for working families."