Cruiser,

the time to stand together behind a candidate is when he has clinched the nomination. Until then, you should support the candidate you think will be the best president. For me, that's Dean.

Also, let's not pretend this ritual is just what Democrats do, while Republicans are somehow above it, or too mature, or too realistic. Republicans like to tell themselves that, but it's a load of crap. Remember who first accused Reagan of practicing "Voodoo Economics?" It was George H. W. Bush in the Republican primary. Somehow, the two of them got past it later. The battles between Bush II and McCain in the last primary season were epic; now McCain kisses the royal backside at campaign events.

Both parties have to go through struggle in order to pick the best candidate. Once the candidate is selected, the others will back him, and so will most rank-and-file dems. It ain't that deep, Cruiser.

As to your final point, it's true that Kerry would have more impact as President, though as LadyJean points out, we have no idea what that impact would be. But the main point is, the biggest possible impact would be to leave him where he is and elect ANOTHER Democrat president. That's my plan!