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Howard Dean, Shadow of His Former Self

Dems now need the scream that ruined him, TNR scribe argues

By Jonas Oransky, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 18, 2008 9:20 PM CST

(Newser) – The Howard Dean who once shocked Washington is now a model of docility, “unwilling or afraid to confront the establishment that was once so afraid of him," the New Republic’s Eve Fairbanks argues. The Democratic National Committee chair is also the wrong man for a bitter primary season, refusing to intervene when the party needs a strong hand.

The ex-presidential candidate who once raged on TV now watches while Florida and Michigan delegations get trampled, causing untold headaches for the left. He’s a "chronically misunderstood man" who prefers peace to conflict, Fairbanks writes. The Democrats would fair better if he ditched the silent act and revived his famous, campaign-ending scream.

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, center, presides over the trooping of the colors during the Democratic National Committee Fall Meeting in Vienna, Va., Friday, Nov. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles... (Associated Press)

Former Democratic presidential hopeful and Democratic National Committee Chairman, Howard Dean, mimics his 2004 Iowa Caucus address at the New Hampshire Democratic Party's 49th annual 100 Club dinner... (Associated Press)

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean pledges allegiance to the flag at the start of the Democratic National Committee Fall Meeting in Vienna, Va., Friday, Nov. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles... (Associated Press)

Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean speaks at a rally at the Pepsi Center, site of the 2008 Democratic convention, in downtown Denver, Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007. (AP Photo/The Rocky Mountain... (Associated Press)

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Howard Dean, Shadow of His Former Self

Dems now need the scream that ruined him, TNR scribe argues

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Mich., Fla. Closer to Approving Re-Votes

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Northeast, Midwest would lose seats if today's census was used

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Much depends on Clinton, who seems resolved to defeat

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Campaign stays with unity message on Mich./Fla. decision

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Howard Dean, Shadow of His Former Self

Dems now need the scream that ruined him, TNR scribe argues

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Florida • Howard Dean • Washington • Michigan • Democratic National Committee

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Mich., Fla. Closer to Approving Re-Votes

DNC chair leaves mail-ins up to states

South the Big Winner in New Census

Northeast, Midwest would lose seats if today's census was used

Dems Have Uncertain Path Ahead

Much depends on Clinton, who seems resolved to defeat

Dems Hashing Out Delegates

Daylong meeting seeks compromise on Florida and Michigan

Obama to Fans: Don't Protest Rules Meeting

Campaign stays with unity message on Mich./Fla. decision

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?