Jessie, not one to be interested in politics for more than a few minutes at a time, made one of the most politically astute analogies I've heard in a while. Yesterday when we were talking about Howard Dean's falling behind campaign, he said it's exactly like the Dotcom invasion: all hype, everybody's excited, lots of money, but then comes the Dotbomb when its shown there's no substance beneath the hype. I'm paraphrasing his words, but it was still quite astute and I'm still thinking about it today.

And let me say a few words about the Democratic primaries going on and my thoughts, as I've been quiet for the most part. Regardless of what happens in the next month or two, I have always been part of the larger campaign of "ABB: Anyone who can Beat Bush." And I'm still with that campaign. Last year I took so long in choosing sides because I liked many of the Democrats and because my major interest was finding someone who could beat bush. As I said recently after the Iowa Caucuses, I've always liked Kerry and his policies, even to the extent of voting for him in the MoveOn.Org campaign last year. But I readily admit I grew very frustrated with his say-nothing, wimpy campaign. And Dean was saying what I and many others wanted to hear. He was invigorating the Dems, and that was awesome. I still like Dean a lot. And I think his recent troubles with the "Iowa Yell" were way-overblown by the media. But I also worry that his recent stumbles have hurt his electability and hurt my larger campaign of ABB. Additionally, I feel like Kerry and Edwards and Clark have started really getting their acts together, saying stronger words about why bush is so bad, and having quality campaigns now. And any of those three, and Dean, fit my ABB interests.

Let me also say, I am not one to be interested in following a popular trend just because it's there. On a separate note, and as an example, I can't stand line-dancing because I hate the idea of being forced to do the same thing as everyone else. I don't want to say that I would be changing my mind just because other states have gone another way. But my larger campaign is still here: ABB. Right now, today, I'm still planning on voting for Dean on March 2nd in California. But I'm wavering back and forth with Kerry and maybe even the other major players right now, because I want to win the November election, I want someone who's electable, I want someone who WILL beat bush, and I want to work together with all my fellow Democrats. So for those who read this and care and will be voting in the upcoming Democratic primaries in your states, I say the same thing I said to my mother yesterday (who has to make up her mind by this Tuesday): vote for whichever one you like the best, the four major candidates at this point (Dean, Kerry, Clark, and Edwards) are all better than bush and have policies that work for me in the larger perspective. So do what you think is best for you and your country. And I'll do the same. And we can all look forward to the larger goal of the year, once this is quickly settled soon, of spending the year working against the bush campaign and beating him in November.

Enjoy your right and ability to make one of the most important decisions for our public and nation and world.