Dr. Dean's Diagnosis

[ModerateMiddle]

IT'S BEEN A WHILE since Howard Dean practiced medicine, but the Democratic presidential candidate did a good job of self-diagnosis the other day in the aftermath of the flare-up over his remarks on the Confederate flag. "You know how I am, if somebody comes at me, my tendency is to go right back at them and worry about it later," the former Vermont governor told reporters. In an interview with the New York Times, Mr. Dean elaborated on this theme: "I tend to be reflective rather later than sooner," he said. "Now, unfortunately, we all know that nobody's personality is perfect. So the things that make me a strong candidate are also my Achilles' heel."

Mr. Dean's mythological reference may have been particularly apt: Achilles was a heroic warrior, the Greeks' best hope to take Troy, but he could also be arrogant, obstinate and short-tempered. And so, as Mr. Dean himself recognizes, the very characteristics that appeal to many Democratic voters -- his confrontational, even angry attitude -- could also be his downfall. That, and not bogus suggestions that he is a racist, is the real concern raised by Mr. Dean's flag remarks and their aftermath.

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10305-2003Nov6.html

[realFedUp]

1. This was a great opportunity for Dr. Dean

It's good to put these guys under fire to see
how they react to adversity and process it.
Dr. Dean stuck to his opinion, realized that
he may have offended Southerners with his
generic use of the truck and Confed. flag,
so apologized for offending them, but reiterated
his vision for a Democratic party that addresses
everyone's needs, not just some groups.

It's too bad the WP didn't follow up with Dr.
Dean's statement to both the WP and the NYT
and his speech in the townhall the day after.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

2. ah

the one two punch of cliche ("nobody's perfect") and political campaign cliche'd metaphor ("The things that make me a strong candidate are also my Achilles' heel.") Hey, at least he's trying, and at least behind all of that cliche is a brain that is vibrant and intelligent. I just don't understand how one's strongest area can be one's "Achilles' heel." I always thought of the Achilles' heel as an inconspicuous, unexpected weak point that emerges surprisingly in the heat of battle. Perhaps he could have could have used a more apt cliche such as "There is a kink the armor at my strongest point. . . " of course then FNC would have Hannity saying "Dean's talking about kinky armor sex, this guy is losing it, i tell you he disgusts me".

[Eloriel]

3. Oh, good

Let us now criticize Dean for using a not-totally-precise metaphor.

JesusHChrist, people. Get a grip.

Eloriel

[RamboLiberal]

4. Chimpy's hot-headed

Wonder if Rove will have to medicate the Chimpster if he has to debate Dean.

If Dean gets the Dem nod, the debates could be real firecrackers. Could be HOT!

[workenstiff]

5. Dean will wear Bush out

I just hope he doesn't smirk like Gore did. I want Dean to show Bush for the idiot he is. Rove can't be on the stage to help.

If your going to dream, dream big.

[meow2u3]

6. Dean's man enough to admit his shortcomings

That's the first step towards modifying his public behavior to a bold, strong candidate without going to extremes.