The events on Monday served to dramatize the extent of the collapse, at least for now, of Howard Dean's campaign. Just three weeks ago, he had looked to Tuesday as the day when he would effectively seize the nomination by sweeping to victory in most of the states. Now, nearly out of money, Dr. Dean has no television advertisements running in any of the states, though he has campaigned in Arizona and New Mexico, in hopes of at least winning some delegates there.
He told reporters aboard his campaign plane that he expected to do best in New Mexico. Asked about his reversal of fortunes, he responded, "It's just the same as it was a year ago: just put one foot in front of the other and keep going."
And he also attacked Mr. Kerry's candidacy, saying he thought the senator would be a weak contender in the general election.
"He's going to have a hard time if he's the nominee," Dr. Dean said. "I think electability's a real issue for him. He appears to change his mind so often."
Dr. Dean went on to assert that Mr. Kerry's "credibility is under enormous attack, repeatedly," citing his votes in favor of the use of force in Iraq and of President Bush's education plan.
"He has this pattern," Dr. Dean said, "you saw it with No Child Left Behind, you saw it with the war, you see it with special interests, which I think is terribly damaging. It appears that his word is no good." |
