Reply #11: Dean is a realist.

[searchingforlight]

I believe he recognized the fact that he was not going to be a viable candidate and felt that he could better serve his followers by harnessing the grassroots movement and helping it to define itself.

He and Kucinich helped to define the issues that have become the meat of the democratic campaign and I think neither one of them get the respect they deserve for that. They weren't afraid to talk about the elephant in the room while it was not popular. Both of them tested the water before other more well-known candidates had the courage to put their toes in the water.

He has been very active since his announcement and people on his mailing lists have received encouragement to continue to be involved and to support the nominee, to not lose focus on the objective - that of defeating GWB.

It amazes me that some people still feel the need to be vindictive. This type of post just exacurbates the wound that he is trying to heal.