Reply #44: A few points:

[jsw_81]

Outsiders who lost presidential elections:

- Governor Dukakis in 1988
- Governor Stevenson in 1952 and 1956
- Governor Dewey in 1944 and 1948
- Mr. Willkie in 1940 (he never held political office)
- Governor Landon in 1936
- Governor Smith in 1928
- Governor Cox in 1920
- Judge Parker in 1904
- Governor Tilden in 1876*

Insiders who won presidential elections:

- Vice President Gore in 2000**
- Vice President Bush in 1988
- Vice President Nixon in 1968
- Senator Kennedy in 1960
- Senator Harding in 1920
- Secretary Taft in 1908
- Senator Harrison in 1888
- Congressman Garfield in 1880

As you can see, plenty of "outsiders" have lost, and plenty of "insiders" have won. Dean would hardly have any kind of magical "outsider" advantage if nominated.

*Tilden won the popular vote and only "lost" the electoral college vote when a GOP-dominated commission gave the election to Hayes.

**Gore won the popular vote against Bush but had the election stolen by a GOP-dominated Supreme Court.