The persistence of Howard Dean

Certitude, combativeness have brought
Democratic front-runner success so far

A little over a year ago, on Oct. 6, 2002, I met Howard Dean for the first time at a coffee shop in Denver. Dean, in between visits to Iowa, was stopping in Colorado to campaign for Democratic Senate candidate Tom Strickland. What stood out in our hourlong talk that day was his absolute self-assurance and bristling combativeness toward George W. Bush. “I’m tired of my party being bullied by the right wing,” he said that day.

WHAT STRIKES me today, a year later, having seen Dean’s phenomenal success as a presidential contender, is the circular quality of this Democratic contest.
Dean is reverting to the very same theme that he started with: Why don’t Democrats stand up and fight President Bush?
“The deal I’m going to make with you is: If you make me the Democratic nominee, I’ll make you proud to be Democrats again,” he has told crowds on the campaign trail day after day for the last several months.
In Sunday night’s debate with his eight adversaries, Dean again scolded Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry as he has so many times before.

http://msnbc.com/news/986258.asp?0cv=CB10

I hope Dean can add some humor and friendliness to his debates/speaking!

Example: 2 debates ago. Kerry's aid passes a note to the Mod. about Dean tried to cut something. Dean got a little frazzled. Dean should have gotten up and looked Kerry in the eye and put his arm on Kerry's shoulder and smiled. 'Hey Chief, you didn't have to throw a pass. I'm the coach, just ask me directly.'

We all know things are in a terrible mess but you can't always have a frown.

I guess what I mean is Dean relax and act like a friendly guy too.

2nd. I think Dean should always wear a tie and jacket. It's looks more impressive. Looks more intelligent. Looks more professional. (coming from me who hates suits, dress-up, shoes, make-up, high-heeled shoes...) It's 50% playing a show for the audience. If you don't realize that you shouldn't be in politics.

Thanks for posting it.

:kick: