Don't Forget about Dean

In 2004, Democrats weren't really ready for a candidate like Howard Dean. He was brutally honest in his feelings about the war, the economy, healthcare, and the damage inflicted bt George Bush. He was a candidate ahead of his time (yes, 4 years ago can be a long time politically). Bill Mahr called him the candidate who gave the democratic party a backbone. Dean appropriatley expressed the anger progressives were feeling in 2004. He had the winning message, people just didn't think it through.

Natrually grassroots Deaniacs were derailed by a party that was seeking an 'electable' establishment democrat. There was simply too much at stake. We had to win - enter John Kerry. Clinton is the John Kerry of 2004. It's the same argument as 2004, just different charecters and a vastly different political climate. For the reason of a changed political reality, I think democrats are ready to make a different decision in 2008. This decision will not be made easily, as the election has shown us how much rank and file democrats are struggling with their vote.

In politics, the outcome an election has should never seriously discussed by narrowing the scope of the argument down to two simplistic words, experience and change. The value of an experienced candidate is not absolute, nor is that of a change candidate. The population isn't always ready for change, just as they are often intolerable of a leader possessing experience in a percieved failed governmental body. Though we chase our own tail trying to figure out what we need to win, we forget to think about the political reality of the present - which in itself is a better indicator of what kind of candidate will win a general election. Much like our politics, the qualities that make a good leader fluctuate over time.

When Dean spoke in 2004, he had a tone that was refreshing to proud progressivea. The 4 years of George Bush left most liberals hiding in the bunkers waiting for the storm to end. Dean spoke against the war, for healthcare, and with an overall distaste for Washington that hit a nerve within the party. This was evidenced by his fundraising, and speeches that drew crows eerily similar to Obama.

The problem with Dean was not his abrasive speeches, or proud progressive rhetoric. The problem was in the fact that America just wasn't as mad as he was yet. The message that made Dean a breath of fresh air to progressives, is what brought Democrats both houses of Congress back in 2006. The frustration Dean tapped into in 2004 has grown significantly more mainstream to date. That is why I believe democrats are ready to make a different decision this time. We understand the values we have traditionally judged our candidates by are not absolute. We know that Clinton, as good a person as she is, will never have that grassroots fire Obama does.

Dean taught us how to stand up. Obama will teach us how to stand together (which is an added bonus, as we're already standing thanks to Dean).