Dean Looming Larger on Bush's Horizon (WashPost)

[dajabr]

GOP Advisers Who Had Relished Democrat's Candidacy Are Now More Wary
By Mike Allen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, December 11, 2003; Page A05

Advisers to President Bush once relished a race against Howard Dean, but they say they have become increasingly wary of him, worried that his unconventional and intense appeal poses a threat they had once underestimated.

Various officials from throughout Bush's political organization said they view the former Vermont governor's nomination as all but inevitable -- even though no votes will be cast until next month, and some well-connected Democrats still hope to derail Dean because they fear he is running too far to the left to be viable in next fall's general election.

The endorsement of Dean by former vice president Al Gore on Monday cemented the growing concern among GOP officials that Dean's lightning progress from also-ran to front-runner means that he could spawn unpredictable hazards for Bush. Although one administration official said Dean is still widely viewed in the White House as "a gift from God," a more cautious view is gaining currency.

"He has the biggest potential to go down in flames, but he also has a certain wild-card potential," said former Minnesota Republican representative Vin Weber.

More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A54392-2003Dec10.html

I interpret this and the NYT stories (planted or not) as a warning to the Repug base - Take Dean as a serious threat! Don't be complacent.

edit:spelling

[LuminousX]

1. Dean will succeed amazingly or destruct amazingly

That is one of the things that makes him interesting.

[dajabr]

3. He'll only destruct if we allow it (or enable it)...

I think this election will be a referendum about whether the Democratic Party, "will succeed amazingly or destruct amazingly" too.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

6. oh what comfort you offer there.

He will either lose badly or amazingly badly.

[killbotfactory]

2. Can't wait for the day when they go from smug gloating...

to full panic mode.

They don't know what they're up against.

[dajabr]

5. It will be fun...

to watch! :evilgrin:

[robsul82]

4. Mr. Dean's Wild Ride.

Must be 5'7" ONLY to ride. Hahahah, who's short now, beeyatches? ;)

Later.

RJS