What attracted me to Dean was the message (change the system), the organization (the net based community attracting the disaffected) and his enemies (the establishment of both parties). As for the man, well I don't know the man. However, I'm not inclined to let the establishment media tell me. Today, the constant bombardment by the media about his "dreadful performance" after last night's caucuses, is more telling of the media than it is of Dean. He has bound to have sensed the disappointment of his "troops". To roll up his sleeves and try to instill the passionate drive necessary for the next challenge, isn't a problem for me. Far more important will be his ability to inspire a belief among voters that he will change the country for the better. Apparently, he's an admirer of H. S. Truman - perhaps because of stature and style. Well, I was a little young when Truman was around, but I have a half-way decent memory. When I think of Truman, I think of someone who was "President of all of the people", someone who although he came from a state with a less than sterling record on race saw to the integration of the military and fought against the Thurmond Dixiecrats, someone who was the first to call for national health care, someone who championed the G.I. Bill that gave a generation a leg up, someone who lived by the motto "The buck stops here", and most important to me, someone whose ego didn't prevent him from seeking advisors that he knew would outshine him.
How does Howard Dean "measure up"? I don't know, but now is a time of trial for him. I'll cast a ballot come March 2nd. I expect to know more by then.
JMO
lurqer |
