Victory Would Vindicate Dean

Win would vindicate screaming DNC chair
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 4, 2008 7:33 AM CST
Victory Would Vindicate Dean
Howard Dean arrives for the vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., Thursday, Oct. 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

If Democrats clean up tonight as expected, it’ll be a vindicating victory for Howard Dean. The DNC’s infamous screamer locked horns with many in his party over his “50-state strategy,” but this election his seemingly quixotic venture has borne fruit, the Hill reports. Barack Obama is within striking distance in places like North Carolina and Indiana, while Democrats could pick up congressional seats in deep-red Mississippi and even Alaska.

Opponents offer only grudging accolades for the DNC head. “It’s a partial vindication,” says one Democrat Dean detractor. “Who would have predicted the conviction of Sen. Stevens?” But it was Dean’s infrastructure improvements that allowed Democrats to capitalize on such good fortune, and Obama owes his huge grassroots success in part to Dean’s efforts. “He was reviled,” says one politics professor, “and this is his ultimate triumph.” (More Election 2008 stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X