2007.05.30: May 30, 2007: Headlines: Figures: COS - Dominican Republic: Politics: Congress: Election2008 - Dodd: Concord Monitor: Mike Pride writes: Dodd a longshot worth listening to
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2007.05.30: May 30, 2007: Headlines: Figures: COS - Dominican Republic: Politics: Congress: Election2008 - Dodd: Concord Monitor: Mike Pride writes: Dodd a longshot worth listening to
Mike Pride writes: Dodd a longshot worth listening to
For a Democrat, Dodd is in the unfortunate position of having cast votes that he now either wobbles on or regrets. He supported No Child Left Behind, the big-foot federal education bill that has turned schools into standardized testing mills. He voted for the 2002 war resolution and openly wishes he hadn't. But whatever his liabilities, Dodd breaks the mold. He has his three-point plans, but for the most part he still speaks English. He uses his insider's knowledge base to set priorities and say how he might approach the biggest national problems. He is not afraid to talk about taxes and tough goals in conjunction with a historic opportunity, after years of White House neglect, to turn the country green in its energy-consuming habits. On a personal level, Dodd has assets that should serve him in New Hampshire. His ego seems uninflated. He turned 63 on Sunday and says with awe that he is "a first-time father," with children 2 and 5. Whether or not this is the source of his relative humility, it gives him a big personal stake in the country's future. He does not come across as a top-down politician. He shows interest in what others are saying. If he can learn to feed off the voters he encounters, this should strengthen his candidacy over time. Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic in the 1960's.
Mike Pride writes: Dodd a longshot worth listening to
Dodd a longshot worth listening to
Connecticut senator keeps common touch
By Mike Pride
Monitor editor
May 30. 2007 8:00AM
More than seven months before the first vote is cast, the reality of presidential politics is this: The people deeply engaged in the process - big donors, pollsters, media - are doing all they can to narrow the choice. It's hard to tell a story with 17 or 18 major characters, and so a numbers game involving who has the most money and the best poll showings is relegating a dozen or more candidates to what is politely called the second tier.
One of those candidates, Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, stopped by the Monitor last week. On paper he seemed like just another face in the parade of senators who think they would make great presidents. Usually, Iowa or New Hampshire provides the cold slap of reality.
These senators have a lot in common. From a good-humored banty rooster like Fritz Hollings to a cocksure conservative like Phil Gramm, they have super-sized egos. Their language is a combination of Senate-speak and the campaign patter of three-part plans and hedged or padded promises.
If you're puzzled about why no sitting senator has been elected president since 1960, a few minutes with one of these senators will give you a clue. Some - Al Gore in 1988, Richard Lugar in 1996 - have big brains and good hearts, but it is hard to envision them as president. And with few exceptions - Gary Hart in 1984, John McCain in 2000 - senators find it difficult to transcend the clubby privilege of their office and connect with voters.
Dodd certainly has the resume of a senator with a limited horizon. With his doughy face and white mane, he looks like a senator. He has spent 26 years in the Senate after three terms in the House. He peddles this experience as a critical asset in a difficult time. He can rattle off senators of both parties with whom he has worked on legislative compromises.
For a Democrat, Dodd is in the unfortunate position of having cast votes that he now either wobbles on or regrets. He supported No Child Left Behind, the big-foot federal education bill that has turned schools into standardized testing mills. He voted for the 2002 war resolution and openly wishes he hadn't.
But whatever his liabilities, Dodd breaks the mold. He has his three-point plans, but for the most part he still speaks English. He uses his insider's knowledge base to set priorities and say how he might approach the biggest national problems. He is not afraid to talk about taxes and tough goals in conjunction with a historic opportunity, after years of White House neglect, to turn the country green in its energy-consuming habits.
On a personal level, Dodd has assets that should serve him in New Hampshire. His ego seems uninflated. He turned 63 on Sunday and says with awe that he is "a first-time father," with children 2 and 5. Whether or not this is the source of his relative humility, it gives him a big personal stake in the country's future. He does not come across as a top-down politician. He shows interest in what others are saying. If he can learn to feed off the voters he encounters, this should strengthen his candidacy over time.
There is also an outside factor that could help Dodd. Odds are good that the Democrats will nominate a senator this year. Two senators and an ex-senator comprise what is being sold as the top tier. Only one governor, Bill Richardson of New Mexico, is in the field.
Of course, the odds are long for Dodd. New Hampshire Democrats have many candidates to choose from, independent voters even more. To prosper, Dodd will have to figure out what makes him different and electable - and how to sell himself in a way that allows voters to complete the following sentence with a simple phrase: I'm voting for Chris Dodd because . . .
How much does Dodd really want to be president? Can he grow? Can he distinguish himself from the crowd? Can he appeal to undeclared voters? Traditionally, New Hampshire has been a state made for a candidate like him, but his chances next January rest on the answers to these questions.
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Headlines: May, 2007; RPCV Chris Dodd (Dominican Republic); Figures; Peace Corps Dominican Republic; Directory of Dominican Republic RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Dominican Republic RPCVs; Politics; Congress; Connecticut; Peace Corps Library; Peace Corps Directory; Peace Corps Original Sources; Bulletin Board; Recent Peace Corps News
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Story Source: Concord Monitor
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Figures; COS - Dominican Republic; Politics; Congress; Election2008 - Dodd
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