My thoughts on what Dean is doing.

[Meldread]

He wants some power within the Democratic Party. He hates John Kerry for his dirty tricks campaign in Iowa and New Hampshire (which got him the momentum to get this far). He is willing to back Edwards but he wants one of the following:

1. Vice President's seat.
2. A strong creditable cabinet seat.
3. An endorsement to head the DNC/DLC.
4. Some other strong endorsement or placement within the Democratic Party -- some place that suits a former Governor. (Some place that makes it look like he moved up the ladder instead of down the ladder.) A platform in which he can work off nationally.

I think that's what Dean is doing. If Edwards can convince him of one of those things and Dean becomes satisfied he'll get Dean's endorsement and Dean will begin working for Edwards.

Considering the fact that a lot of Dean Supporters (myself included) will follow Dean through hell and back if he says the word, this could tip the scale in favor of Edwards. Edwards didn't even need all of Dean's 18% to win in WI. I hope things work out for Dean and Edwards. I think Dean would be a good replacement for Dick Cheney. He provides the balance Edwards needs on his ticket. Dean brings the experience, the fund raising ability, the grass roots effort.

As I said in another thread. Edwards inspires people to make their country better, but Dean motivates people to make their country better. Inspiration and Motivation work well together.

[eileen_d]

1. Has Dean ever complained about dirty tricks in IA and NH?

Has he ever called Kerry out about that specifically?

I know that BLOGGERS hate Kerry for those alleged dirty tricks, but I'd like to see some evidence that Dean does.

[mr715]

3. Query

What dirty tricks?

[liberalnurse]

4. You are joking right?????/

[eileen_d]

7. The original poster makes a reference to them

I've heard various things... maybe the poster can clarify

[liberalnurse]

6. Yes, that is evidence of an honorable man.

Dean has such integrity!

[eileen_d]

9. Could you point me to a link or something?

One that answers my questions, to wit:

Has Dean ever complained about dirty tricks in IA and NH?
Has he ever called Kerry out about that specifically?

I know that BLOGGERS hate Kerry for those alleged dirty tricks, but I'd like to see some evidence that Dean does.

[Bertha Venation]

2. I don't think he's motivated by what he can get from this point on.

I think he's motivated by what he believes in.

But who am I? No one... just someone who's backed him since last summer. A nobody.

[Options Remain]

5. If Dean want's those things

Then he is NOT the person I beleived him to be at all.

TearForger

[The Magistrate]

8. It Is Time, Mr. Meldread, To Acknowledge The Fact

Gov. Dean did not appeal to a very large proportion of the rank and file voters of the Democratic Party. That is why his bid for the nomination failed spectacularly. There is no evidence whatever of Sen. Kerry winning for any other reason than that the voters prefered him to available alternatives. It is past time to put the "they cheated Dr. Dean" hobbyhorse back in the toy-chest.

Nor will Gov. Dean receive anyone's Vice-Presidential nod; nor will he receive a cabinet post; he certainly will not receive the Party chairmanship, and no one will hand him a platform he can work off nationally under Party auspices. Insurgents who fail receive nothing. That is how things are.

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

[ibegurpard]

11. Be that as it may

I would still support Edwards over Kerry if forced to make a choice.

[The Magistrate]

13. And Be That As It May, Sir

Providing in November you will vote for whoever is the Party's nominee, we have no particular quarrel at all.

Sen. Edwards is an excellent candidate, and you will not have seen a word from me against him in this forum.

"LET'S GO GET THOSE BUSH BASTARDS!"

[Fleshdancer]

10. I want Dean to head up the DNC

He's a pit bull with the proven track record of raising 50 million dollars and a large grassroots. We need this badly!

[Raven]

12. Dean did a wonderful job enlisting new voters and

one would hope that those new voters will stay involved with the Dem party in spite of Dean's loss. If they don't, they are not worth the effort it took to recruit them. Politics is a very tough business. Many years ago Eugene McCarthy, like Dean, inspired new young voters. He lost but many of us stayed involved in politics via other candidates and we eventually dumped Johnson. There is great power in these new grassroots voters but they have to stay involved and they have to be realistic. I doubt that the next Dem president will but the pit bull from VT in a cabinet position or as the head of the DNC but I am sure we have not heard the last of the Doctor and that is good.

[dansolo]

14. That is attitude that got us into this mess in the first place

How can you be so dismissive of potential voters? Howard Dean has basically "primed the pump". It is now up to the Democratic Party to keep these people active and interested. We should be encouraging participation. Instead of demanding that people stay involved, we should give them reason to want to stay involved.