Centerfield

Interesting. Dean has been one of a couple candidates in the field who routinely object during the debates when candidates attack each other. That's the way he deflects attacks against him.

Plus, he was asked directly during the last debate if he felt Clark was a true Democrat, and he said that's up to the voters to decide.

Edwards is the other candidate making those routine appeals -- which is great, since he seems sincere about it. It looks more like a debating ploy coming from Dean, though. Especially since he criticized the others heavily in his early campaign rhetoric.

I cringed too, and wished he had said what he said at the debate... that's for voters to decide.

But you are missing one thing... he said Clark was a Republican up until 25 days ago. I guess he is referring to the fact that Clark would not say what he was, despite repeated questioning, until he announced that he was a Democrat 25 days ago.

I guess Dean didn't have a problem with having Clark as a Republican on his ticket 25 days ago.

It's a legitimate charge to make - that's why we have campaigns, to see if candidates can take the heat. Dean didn't do it in the best way - because, well, Dean's personality is "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"

Going to be interesting to see how this works out, because the fact that Clark isn't a long time partisan of either side is a big plus in the general election - because many voters have voted for both major parties and/or an independent run for the top job. It's a problem in the primaries though, especially if followed up with other factoids that suggest that Clark isn't sincere.

As the philosopher once said "That's why they play these things."

I wrote a Tough Love column on this very issue, as a former Republican who now supports Gov. Dean:

http://atlblogs.com/republicansfordean/archives/000287.html