George,

Speaking as a Republican I am most afraid of Dean. I think Wesley Clark talks out of both sides of his mouth and he appears to pander to his audience on a case by case basis. Dean does not. Clearly Dean is running hard to the left, but if he wins the nomination he will campaign to the center. Bush has done a poor job articulating the importance of the "War On Terror" while Dean has articulated his opposition well. (This is not too surprising as it is much easier to criticize rather than lead.) That said Howard Dean's greatest strength may be his greatest weakness. He's a straight shooter who talks from the hip. That is refreshing but it does not often lead to political success. See John McCain.

Howard Dean will take Virginia and the Democrat Nomination. He will lose the South in the general election and Bush will be reelected. Classifying southern white men as racists will not be forgotten. Note: See NASCAR Dads.

- Tyler Sewell (electronic mail, December 11, 2003)