Will Dean still have a role to play in the party?

[littlejoe]

My guess is that he won't. For two reasons. First and foremost, I don't see the Democratic leadership breaking off a big role for him at the convention. The leadership never wanted Dean, and must be ecstatic, now that he's out of the way. While they may be grateful for how he galvanized the energy of the party, they wish that he would quietly go away. Secondly, just how much support will Howard Dean have going into the convention? My guess is very little. He may have quite a bit of support now. Yet it is nothing to what he once had. The fact is, he has lost a lot of support, and will lose a great deal more by the time the convention rolls around. People have a natural tendency to want to back someone who is in the contest.

What powerbase he will have is anybody's guess, but I wouldn't bet on much. It could very well be that we have seen the last of Howard Dean.

[lancdem]

1. I strongly disagree

He may very well have a featured spot at the convention, and his organization will be used to help expand the Dem Party and aid Dem candidates of all kinds. Just because he's no longer an official candidate hardly means he's going away. Far from it.

[eleny]

9. I agree with you n/t

[JasonBerry]

12. Agreed, Lansdem n/t

[GainesT1958]

2. He--and his campaign--established something larger than he...

Or, one might say, RE-established something--direct participation in, and interest in, the political process as a way to solve our problems. In that alone, he will have made his, and his "movenent's", mark in history. And the effort is not over. I don't think it's the last we'll have seen of Dr. Dean, and I'll bet he'll get a prominent speaking spot at the Convention, as well. It clearly behooves Sen. Kerry, or whoever wins the nomination, to have--and to encourage--Howard Dean's supporters on their side for the fall campaign. After all, change comes easiest when the largest number of people are dedicated to it.

B-)

[Goldom]

3. His passion will not go down with him

and he has not even "gone down" yet.

[bushalert]

4. DEAN FOR SURGEAN GENERAL

Dr. Dean would make a GREAT Surgean General (either Dean would do).

[lancdem]

5. Yes

Or head of HHS, which is a very important cabinet department.

[bushalert]

7. I meant SURGEON - my excitement overwhelmed me

[saltpoint]

6. I hope he does play a large role. How about --

-- Chairman of the Party?

One BBC analyst said that Dr. Dean performed a spine implant for the Democratic Party.

Bingo.

8. I can only really speak for myself

"people have a natural tendency to want to back someone who is in the contest"

----- If they're SHEEP!!!


Dean has a place in my party, I hope he does in the Democratic Party also.
If he doesn't, it probably won't cost them the election this time around, but I think it will cause some damage after that.

Remember also, he had a place in the party Before he ran for President, why wouldn't he afterwards?

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

10. Of course he does

The fact that the Democratic party has consistently been losing voters is of no surprise. IMHO, Dean was correct in his diagnosis and his treatment fell short.

I wouldn't categorize people changing their minds about his presidency as a LOSS of support for him and his ideas.

People can be progressive and pragmatic at the same time. George Bush makes that easier than it ever was.

I also request that you stop posting nasty posts about Dean for the day and give his supporters some space to mourn their loss.

It is the tasteful thing to do.

[GreenPartyVoter]

11. He could run for the Senate

[littlejoe]

13. That is what I would suggest.