With Clinton, there was a call for Mario Cuomo to join the race, but when he didn't, the dazzling kid from Arkansas was the choice of the party. He had is wrapped up shortly after New Hampshire.
With Carter, same thing. He won the hearts of the party by winning all those southern states, and he was also a sub commander with the Navy, so he was no peacenik liberal.
If Dean had been in the Marines, he'd be a fine choice, but he's weaker than weak on defense. Even if he's personally tough, he just cannot compete with Bush on the international and defense stage. As I've predicted, Dean only gets nominated if he completely outpaces the field, if the party if FORCED to back him. I don't see that happening. It is possible though, in which case the Dems might be in trouble. Karl ROve would be licking his chops if Dean gets in. They'd run their classic liberal attacks and it would probably work. |
