Democrats Going 'Goofy' for Political Gain
By Charles Mahaleris
Talon News
August 26, 2003

WASHINGTON (Talon News) -- Howard Dean has turned political strategy on its head and seems to be succeeding. The former Vermont Governor's "People Powered Howard" campaign, complete with revolutionary e-blogs where supporters post updates from the campaign trail, and his effectiveness in bringing in cash through internet donations have his Democrat opponents trying to out do each other as they attempt to turn "goof" into political success.

Dean, who has emerged as the front-runner among Democrats seeking the White House, has captured media attention through his effective but unusual campaign methods. The California recall election has also pulled media attention away from the efforts of the other Democrats. That could change if their efforts to add "grass roots" campaigning are successful.

Sen. Joe Lieberman's campaign announced Monday the "See Joe's Car & Go See Nomar!" contest. The effort is a way to attract die hard New England Red Sox supporters to pay attention to the Connecticut Democrat's New Hampshire campaign efforts.

Baseball fans are invited to keep watch for the two "JoeMobiles" -- a Chrysler PT Cruiser and Dodge Intrepid "wrapped" in red, white, and blue and covered with Joe 2004 logos and photos -- and then call his New Hampshire campaign headquarters where their name will be placed in a drawing for a chance to win tickets to Boston's Fenway Park where the Red Sox take on the Chicago White Sox on September 14th.

"The Lieberman Campaign is excited about this contest -- almost as excited as our boss," said New Hampshire State Director Peter Greenberger. "As a life-long baseball fan, Joe Lieberman sees this as an excellent opportunity to do a little campaigning in the Granite State while not missing the big game!"

The often serious Lieberman will draw the winner during a matchup between the Sox and their New York rivals, the Yankees.

Not to be outdone in down-home charm, Congressman Dick Gephardt (D-MO) unveiled Monday the "Great Gephardt Iowa Pie Challenge."

His campaign noted on their website that Gephardt enjoys campaigning through the first caucus in the nation state and "one of his personal high points is sampling the delicious pies made in Iowa kitchens and diners."

Gephardt's campaign has added a "pie chart" to the website, noting the places in Iowa where the White House hopeful has sampled a supporter's pie. A photo of Gephardt smiling while digging into a "mile high pie" at Stone's Restaurant greets supporters on that page.

The campaign also invites supporters to "tell Dick where you think he should go for his next slice of pie."

Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has been lagging in the polls but is hoping to change that trend by appearing on stage with country music legend Willie Nelson.

"I'm with you all the way, win, lose or draw," Nelson told Kucinich during a recent press conference in Iowa. "Finally, we have a guy who's standing up for the small family farmer."

Kucinich is hoping that Nelson's appeal will pull him to victory with voters. These methods may seem "goofy" to political strategists, but as Dean has found out -- it is only "goofy" if it doesn't work.