Eric Alterman's take on Deans fall.

[Rooktoven]

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4136182/#040204

An interesting theory, Alterman says (not his original thought) that the problems for Dean began when he decided to forego federal matching funds. The conclusion is quite interesting. Give it a read.

[mistertrickster]

1. It makes sense the way he explains it

nt

[TexasSissy]

2. I believe the downfall started with the Gore endorsement.

Not only did Gore endorse Dean, at the endorsement speech Gore more or less told the other candidates to drop out and the voters to rally around the candidate that he, Gore, has selected. This did not set well with me or lots of other voters. And it went to Dean's head. He started referring to things he was going to do in his second term (huh??? there hadn't even been one vote cast to nominate him for the candidacy this time around, much less a vote showing he'd beat Bush, must less vote for him for a second term!)

And foregoing the fed. matching funds was one of the first inklings that Dean doesn't keep his word. He had been steadfastly in favor of campaign finance reform, but apparently when it benefited him, he chose not to believe in it anymore. I understand he wanted to compete in a certain way. But still, it showed something telling about the man.

And the downfall continued, as the "outsider" renegade continued to actively seek endorsements from the most inside of the insiders.

Ironically, now that he has been pushed off his hill, he is more likeable, more focused, and talking more about his vision for the country. Had he stayed this way during the end of 2003, he would be in a better position to win the nomination. Lessons learned, I guess. It's easy for this stuff to go to your head.

[CWebster]

3. Considering Alterman has never had a kind word for Dean

and was present at Kerry's little pre-Iowa pow-wow with all the media heavy-weights, excuse me if I take his conclusions with a grain of salt.

[Renew Deal]

4. The article linked to that is saying what I was saying.

There was inappropriate behavior by Trippi. Trippi had a conflict of interest and he used the conflict to his personal benefit.

[dansolo]

5. Wasn't there a deadline to make that decision?

Kerry was trailing, and needed money, and the only way he could get an infusion of cash was to use his own money, and that would have been prohibited if he accepted matching funds. It had nothing to do with Dean. The problem, as I see it, was a concerted effort of the media, the DLC, and the Republicans (via Sharpton) to take down Dean at all costs.