Roland McKay recently contributed an article stating, “I believe that Wesley Clark is the only electable candidate among the nine” (“How to vote: a liberal’s guide to the 2004 elections,” Oct. 10, 2003). I feel that Howard Dean is not only a more democratic alternative, but that he is also a more practical alternative.

It appears that McKay dismisses Dean because the Republicans don’t fear him. With this same logic we should all gather behind Norm Coleman because Republicans would really fear him (after all, they think he’s “right,” no pun intended, on all the issues). Why do Republicans think they can bring down Dean? It’s easy: He stood up against the Iraq war, he’s for universal health care and he proudly proclaimed in Wellstone’s words, “I’m from the democratic wing of the Democratic Party.” While Clark praised Bush at a Republican fundraiser, right after the tax cuts and the attempt to tap into oil in Alaska, Dean was busy standing up for what he believed in. While Clark advised Democratic congressmen to vote in support of legislation supporting the war, Dean spoke out against it—even though it wasn’t popular to do so! Clark may criticize the war now, but perhaps that is just another attempt at popularity. If he really felt it, why didn’t he speak up when this nation really needed it?

I’d rather stick with someone who will stand up for what they believe in than someone who moves with the wind, even if he’s more difficult to elect. Sure, Democrats would do well without opposing the war, but they should oppose it anyway—just for the simple fact that it needs to be said. Historically, moderates have fared better in getting elected, but the attack will be lessened this time.

Liberal democrats are often struck down when labeled “big government.” Against Dean, this will be a hard point to make. With Bush spending over $87 billion in Iraq, he’ll have a hard time saying anyone spends too much. This is especially the case for Dean, who has said from the beginning that he wants to balance the budget; this is clearly not big government. He advertised state rights to gun laws, which might make us a little disheartened, but ultimately, election-wise, it casts down the image of “big government.”

Can Dean win? Of course! Surveys used by CNN indicate that an election held today would be too close to call. Ultimately, it is important that we grasp ahold of the principles and we go with that all the way, no matter what the chance. If we don’t, what was the point of fighting in the first place?