Dean Ends Campaign, Vows to Back Nominee

[w4rma]

By ROSS SNEYD, Associated Press Writer

BURLINGTON, Vt. - Faster than you can say dot.com bust, Howard Dean's quest for the presidency ended Wednesday as the Democrat, winless in 17 contests, bowed to political reality and abandoned his bid.

Once the little-known former governor of a small Northeast state, Dean took a summer ride to presidential campaign heights, attracting scores of followers and a Democratic record $41 million in campaign dollars largely through the Internet.
…
Dean did not endorse any of his rivals, although he called Edwards and Kerry to discuss his departure from the race. Both had kind words for the former candidate, with Edwards saying Dean "has energized and revolutionized this race, and excited a whole new generation of young people."

Kerry told reporters in Ohio that "it's impossible not to express admiration and respect for the campaign that he's put together and what he's achieved."
…
"I will support the nominee of our party," Dean said. "I will do everything I can to beat George W. Bush. I urge you to do the same. But we will not be above in this organization of letting our nominee know that we expect them to adhere to the standards that this organization has set for decency, honest, integrity and standing up for ordinary American working people."
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=1&u=/ap/20040218/ap_on_el_pr/dean

[Voltaire99]

1. We Howardly knew ye

I'm sorry to see him go. He's a good man. Maybe a little too good for national politics.

A few lessons have emerged for future reformers:

1) Don't call the establishment names: they hate that
2) Don't threaten the media cartel: it likes being a cartel
3) Don't raise money from ordinary folk: that alarms the ruling class

Abide by these simple rules - rock no boats, gore no sacred cows, and be sure to kiss the right babies (and asses) - and you can avoid Dean's auto-de-fe.

[opihimoimoi]

2. As a Deanie, I am deeply saddened, but pragmatism rules. He was

set up just prior to Iowa and Kerry was resurrected. The Pubs FEARED Dean.

But now, Lo and Behold, Kerry is not the pushover the Pubs thought he would be. He is winning hearts and minds. The Pubs are suddenly spooked and their briefs in a wad.

I hope there is a spot for Dean somewhere, He is too important for Kerry to let go by the wayside. So is Clark and all the others. If Kerry was smart as he talks, he would seriously consider using many of the candidates in his administration.

[Democat]

3. Good for Howard Dean

Dean brought some good things to the campaign, and by this move he insures that he doesn't become the next Ralph Nader.

He is being realistic. Let's hope that all of the others on the left will do the same.

The number one priority this year is beating Bush.

[Name removed]

4. Deleted message

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[calimary]

5. They damned well better make him Surgeon General, or the next

Secretary of Health and Human Services. Actually, I could see ALL our Dem candidates in the next Cabinet, in one position or another. Would that be a power lunch or what?

My heart will ALWAYS belong to "Hollerin' Howard." It was the Good Doctor who made it okay not to be intimidated by the bushies, and to stand up to them and shout back, and give 'em hell. It took an MD to give the rest of our Dems a backbone transplant. I see that some of them have started making use of it. FINALLY.

I will vote for our nominee. I will work for our nominee. I will put my money where my mouth is for our nominee. But he'll have to jump an awfully high bar to win my heart. And Dean left some mighty big shoes to fill.

[sonias]

6. I am proud to have been part of the Dean campaign

And I thank the good Doctor for his service. Long before the Washington democrats began attacking bu$h, Dean was our beacon of hope. He spoke out our frustration with the hands off attitude our own party was showing the bu$h administration. He gave us hope that we could take our country back. He comforted us when we were feeling at our lowest. We owe Howard Dean a world of thanks, whether he was your candidate or not. He helped get this party get excited again, motivated into action and focused a way to use our anger.

Now let's make sure the regime change happens in November.

Howard Dean, you sir, are my hero and I will never forget your service.

Sonia