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| Posted By: peter bradfield Posted On: Dec 24, 2002 Views: 581 | on the possible democratic nomination I'd like to see U.S. Senator Bob Graham, D.-FL and former Governor go for the nomination. I know that he might have trouble with getting the nomination due to his support for the death penalty, but he does have also some positives. I also think the Democrats might not go wrong with Graham as their nominee in the general. One strength that he would have is his knowledge of national security issues. He is also would be a great everyman, or everyperson candidate. I still remember him as Governor, I'm a former resident of Florida and actually like Senator Graham was born there. His work days were a classic. Also, when he ran for the Senate in 1986 and defeated former Senator Paula Hawkins (the Reagan robot extraordinaire) he really won a lot of support amongst young voters (and this despite the fact that several Young Democrats in his state, back in 1979, had protested his support of the death penalty.) I still remember as a College Democrat, at the University of South Florida, Graham coming to Mel's Hot Dogs in North Tampa and eating hot dogs and drinking beer with many students at USF. He also invited many Young Democrats, with the help of such people as Bill McBride (yes, that Bill McBride) to the Governor's mansion for his birthday that year (and Graham's birthdate is the day after mine, November 9th {I'm the 8th -- I think Bush might have a tough time running against a fellow Scorpion.}) Graham also as Governor had helped to make housing in the state of Florida more affordable to more young families and his strong help in getting educational facilities less crowded (lower classroom sizes) was a big plus during his days as Governor, 1979-87. Also, the fact that Graham stood up many times against former Democratic State Senator Dempsey Barron, the most major obstacle Graham faced against passing many initiatives was a major plus for me going into an election as President. Finally, I think many Democrats should remember that the support of death penalty is more widespread than they might imagine, I also think that if Graham runs -- if other Democrats want to creat a dialogue on this issue with the potential Democratic nominee -- they ought to consider bringing up what needs to be done on the front end (when, the children are born [especially helping parents with drug problem, preventing unwanted and out of wedlock births, etc.], during the school years, K-12 and helping mothers with better prenatal care -- that would touch on health care in general) that could provide what might be a very important difference between the two parties that could be very refreshing -- I also think Graham would be up to the task of leading that dialogue and isn't that something a lot of voters in 2002 said was a major problem with the Democrats not expressing differences between the parties? I also feel that Adelaide Graham, the Senators wife would make a great choice for first lady and a wonderful alternative to Laura Bush. Also, not only does Graham have the potential to carry Florida (without the 2000 snafus), but also such states as Georgia (that seem out of reach as of now), but yes also California and New York (I could also see a possible scenario of a Graham/one of the four U.S. woman Senators, from out west [either Feinstein or Boxer of California or Murray or Cantwell of Washington.]) The only problem I forsee is who to get to replace Graham as the Democratic nominee for his Senate seat, but if Graham were to run as strong as I think he would I believe that could easily be solved. |
| Posted By: CA Pol Junkie Posted On: Dec 26, 2002 Views: 533 | RE: on the possible democratic nomination "they ought to consider bringing up what needs to be done on the front end (when, the children are born [especially helping parents with drug problem, preventing unwanted and out of wedlock births, etc.], during the school years, K-12 and helping mothers with better prenatal care..." That sounds like the core of Howard Dean's issues platform. You can read about it at deanforamerica.com . |