ReadyForSomeoneElse.org, for comment - draft "opening statement"

[Dems to Win]

43. Since 2002, no Dem who voted Yes on the Iraq War has won the presidency

Kerry couldn't spin his Yes on the Iraq War vote sufficiently to inspire the Democrats deeply angry and bitter about that war to cast ballots for him. They didn't vote for Bush, of course, but enough failed to cast a ballot for him that he lost the race.

My sis-in-law absolutely will not vote for Hillary due to her Iraq War vote, and she lives in a swing state. Anecdotes are not data, of course, but I fear if the Democrats nominate someone that my SIL, a reliable member of the Democratic base, refuses to vote for, the Dems will lose.

Hillary's Iraq War vote is a BIG part of the opposition to her candidacy. I suggest making it a prominent part of your pitch for Someone Else -- the Democrats can't win with a candidate tainted with a Yes vote on the Iraq War Resolution.

Another issue: Low turnout elections are won by the Repubs. I can't imagine a more surefire recipe for a historically low turnout election than a Clinton - Bush mashup. Disgusted anti-dynasty voters will stay home in droves. If Dems want to win, we MUST find Someone Else!

I'm Ready for Barbara Lee.