As the Feb. 17 Wisconsin primary approaches, The Daily Cardinal examines the remaining Democratic presidential candidates.
The Skinny-Kerry, 60, commanded a gunboat in Vietnam and won a Silver Star and Purple Heart. He became active in the anti-war movement when he returned to the United States. He ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts in 1985 and has served in that office ever since. Kerry's claims to fame while in the Senate include starting the investigation that uncovered the Iran-Contra scandal in the 1980s and helping normalize relations with Vietnam.
His Issues-Kerry said he would pay for four years of college for anyone willing to do two years of national service and give additional benefits to seniors who partake in community service. He also believes in investing in renewable energy sources and expanding health insurance to cover more children and families living in poverty. Kerry supported the war in Iraq but says we should now focus on rebuilding the alliances that were damaged in the war effort.
Singing His Praises-After a campaign shakeup, Kerry has taken the position of front-runner back from Howard Dean. Supporters see Kerry as a moderate choice who is most likely to defeat George W. Bush in November. Many observers also say Kerry's record as a war hero will damage Bush's credibility on national security issues.
Don't Believe the Hype-Kerry has been criticized by left-wingers as being an uninspiring quasi-Republican and by right-wingers as being a wealthy \limousine liberal."" Kerry also has a reputation for flip-flopping on important issues and, like John Edwards, is seen as heavily indebted to special interests.
The Skinny-Edwards, 50, was born into a working-class family in North Carolina and became a successful trial lawyer. After the death of his son in 1996, Edwards decided to enter politics, winning the North Carolina U.S. Senate election in 1998. In the Senate, he co-authored the Patients' Bill of Rights and worked on security issues.
His Issues-Edwards plans to change parts of Bush's tax cuts in order to target them more toward middle and working-class families and to encourage home ownership. His education proposal would pay for the first year of public university education for anyone willing to work part-time. Edwards supports U.S. intervention in foreign countries in some situations, but would prefer that we work through NATO and other alliances.
Singing His Praises-Edwards' rags-to-riches story appeals to many people who are looking for someone to represent the interests of average people and stand up against corporations. The charismatic and well-spoken Edwards is often compared to Bill Clinton.
Don't Believe the Hype-Critics charge that Edwards is a lightweight and a political newcomer who is running for president as the prettiest face in a campaign that is all style and no substance. Some Democrats believe he is too conservative and indebted to special interests to represent them.
The Skinny-Dean, 55, is a former doctor and governor of Vermont. During his term in office, Dean signed bills extending health care to over 90 percent of Vermont residents and allowing same-sex couples to form civil unions. Dean also balanced the budget during all 11 years of his governorship.
His Issues-Dean would like to repeal Bush's tax cuts and use that money to fund a comprehensive health care program for uninsured Americans. He is in favor of fiscal responsibility and balancing the budget while not cutting homeland security and defense spending. On foreign policy, Dean was opposed to the war in Iraq but supports taking a tough line with North Korea.
Singing His Praises-Dean has staked his campaign on Wisconsin, where he has a relatively large base of support. Dean says he is from the ""Democratic wing of the Democratic party,"" and his supporters say he has an energized base and can fire up Democrats to take out Bush in November.
Don't Believe the Hype-Dean, the former front-runner, has fallen on recent hard times due to poor money management by his campaign and a widespread public image as an angry liberal. Critics say that due to high negative polling numbers, Dean would have a harder time facing Bush than the other candidates.
The Skinny-Kucinich, 57, is a representative from Ohio and the former mayor of Cincinnati.
His Issues-Kucinich is strongly anti-war and would create a Department of Peace if elected. He also supports withdrawing from NAFTA and the World Trade Organization. Domestically, Kucinich would provide a universal public health-care system and free college tuition.
Singing His Praises-Kucinich is the most left-wing and most idealistic of all the candidates. He has thus drawn plenty of support from anti-war groups, college students and former Nader voters.
Don't Believe the Hype-It is widely concurred that Kucinich is too far left-wing and too inexperienced to be electable.
The Skinny-Sharpton, 49, is an ordained minister and civil rights activist who has worked against police brutality and racial bias.
His Issues-Sharpton would amend the Constitution to guarantee a quality public education and reform the voting laws. He said he denounces America's role as the ""world policeman"" and supports debt relief for Africa and Latin America. He would also make the District of Columbia the 51st state.
Singing His Praises-Sharpton is a charismatic and entertaining speaker who says he will work to protect the rights of all Americans.
Don't Believe the Hype-Like Kucinich, Sharpton is perceived to be too left-wing to get elected. He also has high negative poll numbers due to past controversies and has been accused of anti-Semitism.
-reports compiled from campaign Web sites and www.slate.com.
