Netroots backs Dean for HHS Secretary

[RiverStone]

Source: CNET News

Five years after running as the original Netroots candidate, online support for Howard Dean is back. Fans of the former Vermont governor and 2004 Democratic presidential candidate are turning to Facebook and online liberal mainstays like FireDogLake to make the case for why President Obama should nominate Dean to run the Health and Human Services Department.

After Obama's first choice for the job, former senator Tom Daschle, withdrew his nomination because of tax problems, the Obama administration told the New York Times that "there was no Plan B." Yet online, the choice appears obvious.

At least three Facebook groups exist to urge members to spread the word about Dean's qualifications, both to other citizens and their elected representatives. The group "Appoint Howard Dean to HHS!," which has nearly 5,000 members, directs people to call the White House comment line and contact the White House through its online contact form. It gives people talking points to use, such as the fact that "teen pregnancies decreased 49 percent (in Vermont) during Governor Dean's tenure."

The creators of the group on Monday launched their own Web site, DeanForHHS.com, which similarly urges visitors to contact the White House and members of Congress. The site also features a page with highlights of Dean's record as Vermont governor, a list of prominent people who support his nomination, and press coverage of Dean's potential nomination.

It's not just Dean's Facebook friends asking for his nomination, though. The liberal blog FireDogLake has started a petition for Dean's nomination that will be delivered this week to Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.), a major proponent of health care reform. A handful of writers and political activists have advocated for Dean's nomination at the Huffington Post, the news aggregator and commentary site.

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13578_3-10159467-38.html

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Proud to be one of those Dean for HHS netrooters! :hi:

[denverbill]

1. I don't understand why Obama is opposed to him, unless it has to do with Emmanuel.

I know Rahm and Howard went at it during the midterm elections because of Dean's 50-state strategy.

[DCKit]

21. Emmanuel seems to be a real (tiny) prick when it comes to holding grudges.

Hardly the epitome of the progressive, citizen-centric administration we hoped for. If they can bring formerly hostile and partisan Republicans into the fold, I don't see why a few progressives, especially someone like Dean, would break the bank.

Rahm's also showing himself to be too personally ambitious to do the people's work and I find his attitude far too close to that of the Republics to be acceptable or excusable. He'd have fit right in at BushCo, 'cept he'd have been the smartest guy in the room and they couldn't have that.

[midnight]

2. Yet online, the choice appears obvious. Marvelous.

President Obama, offer Dr. Dean an opportunity to discuss this HHS position.

[No Elephants]

3. Why will the petition be delivered to Sen. Baucus, rather than to whitehouse.gov?

[karynnj]

6. Actually it could be a pretty good idea to do both

Baucus as chair of the Finance committee heads one of the two committees that will do Health care. The other chair is Kennedy, who as every knows is quite ill. If the petitions can move Baucus to say that Dean is acceptable (or something better), it goes to the heart of "can work with the Congress". If Baucus were to actually ask for Dean - Obama would likely be influenced.

[No Elephants]

22. It's an online petititon. It can be sent easily to Obama and every Senator. I have

emailed whitehose.gov twice about Dean and HHS. If enough of us do the same, and the petition gets delivered, we may get somewhere.

[4_TN_TITANS]

4. With the Clintonistas and Repubs appointed,

you would think this would be the least of bones he could throw to all those 'online supporters' who got him elected.

At this point, we'd be grateful to see just ONE bonifide progressive Democrat on his cabinet.

[Karenina]

14. Obama needs to be INUNDATED online and otherwise.

His campaign truly CHANGED how things are done. THIS could be the first test if those wondering :wtf: are active in conveying that sentiment.

[RiverStone]

16. ONE bonafide progressive Democrat in his cabinet!!!!

I actually think in consideration of parity and that Prez Obama appointed three rethugs to Sec. posts already, IMO he owes it to the loyal folks left of center to appoint Dean.

Yes, how about ONE true progressive in his cabinet. Shit, ya appoint Dean and I'll consider it a trump of the three stooges (I mean, repubs) Obama has already given a job to! :hi:

[MannyGoldstein]

5. Rahm Emanuel Is At War With Dean

Dean stuck to the 50-State strategy in 2006, wouldn't buy into Emanuel's "put all your money into DINOs in swing states" strategy.

[tbyg52]

20. Great. So he puts that above the good of the country. nt

[JFKfanforever]

24. Down Rahmbo! Up "Scream"-bo!

Howard Dean for Health Secretary!

[groundloop]

7. Just a thought...

For whomever heads HHS it's imperative that they be able to get legislation through congress. Even with 58 (hopefully soon to be 59) votes in the Senate it's not going to be easy. Not saying that Dean can't get it done, but it's supremely important that the vision of national healthcare doesn't suffer the same fate as it did under Clinton.

[EFerrari]

8. The two governors who have been suggested have LESS experience

with Congressional leaders than Dean does because he was DNC chair.

[PassingFair]

15. Dean is the anti-Clinton.

He can and will get the job done.

WITHOUT caving to insurance companies
on every level.

[ima_sinnic]

17. Dean is a "people person" who IMO has the knack to persuade and get people to cooperate w him

He has a kind of "charm" that is sincere, and he is also outrageously intelligent and innovative. I think he can get people to listen, and to support him. IMHO of course.

[JNelson6563]

9. this would be great!

Thanks for posting this, I will spread the word.

Julie

[Mithreal]

10. Please sign the petition to support Howard Dean for HHS Secretary.

http://action.firedoglake.com/page/s/deanhhs

[chill_wind]

19. Just did. Kicking this link. n/t

[mnhtnbb]

25. Just signed. Sending link to hubby to get him to sign, too.

[Cha]

11. This is awesome! Another front fighting

for Dean like he fought for us!

[Joanne98]

12. Done

[Pastiche423]

13. Damn straight we want Dean!

[ozone_man]

18. Th Doctor is in.

Obama is not a progressive, but he could do the right thing by choosing Dean.

[Medusa]

23. I don't understand why he hasn't been nominated already

other than he's such a lightening rod for the GOP.