The Balance Sheet for Dean - WP

[Wonk]

By E. J. Dionne Jr.
Friday, January 9, 2004; Page A17

RACINE, Wis. -- Democrats have so many reactions to Howard Dean that it's impossible -- hard as pundits may try -- to pigeonhole either them or him. This is not exactly 1972 (George McGovern) or 1976 (Jimmy Carter) or 1988 (Michael Dukakis).

Nor, as Dean's most passionate supporters would have it, is opposition to Dean confined to "the Democratic establishment." Anyone who thinks there is an effective Democratic establishment probably also believes there are people on Mars, despite those great pictures we're getting of large amounts of emptiness. And worries about Dean extend all the way through the party, from right to center to parts of its left.

But every worry is matched by a hope. Bear with me as I go through the one hand/other hand calculations that pour forth from agonized rank-and-file and big-shot Democrats alike.

more...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A1966-2004Jan8.html

[LuminousX]

1. Impressive article

Highlights one of the key issues that is a wildcard in this election, the Dean Machine, the organization that coalesced around him.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the Dean meet-ups and the Dean Corps after the election. I have a feeling they will only continue to grow. Dean may not win the Presidency, but he will have one of the most powerful activist organizations around. He may be in position to play kingmaker.

[TexasPatriot]

2. key questions

"Can he speak of faith, can he speak of God, can he speak of the culture of rural and working-class America in a way that is natural? Does he transcend the culture of the secular information world that he's part of and speak in a way that people outside that world can see as accessible?"

i'd say no, and maybe (probably, but some will think its just talk).

[LuminousX]

3. Those are tough elements for Dean, especially religion

Northeasterners are the quiet religious types who aren't used to testifying and witnessing. They are the true descendents of the puritan way. I highly doubt Dean has ever been to a revival meeting.

I don't think he is unable to overcome that obstacle, but it would be foolish not to recognize that it is an obstacle for him.

[ShimokitaJer]

6. I've always been offended by the expectation that religion should be overt

If my beliefs don't require me to shout about them all the time and impose my beliefs on others, why should that be viewed as a character flaw? Why the hell should the religion of the candidates play a role in the political process anyway?

[slinkerwink]

4. amazing article!

[Wonk]

5. kick (there's a dupe thread)