Gov Dean: "I was pretty clear that I would have liked to have been Secretary of HHS"

[kpete]

Exclusive: Dean Talks About Not Getting HHS And Post-DNC Plans
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March 1, 2009 01:10 PM

Having been bypassed for a cabinet post after leaving the DNC, former Gov. Howard Dean has chosen to pursue a multi-faceted career in health care advocacy, progressive political strategy, speeches, education and energy, and even election monitoring.

The Vermont Democrat, whose supporters were hoping to see him end up as Secretary of Health and Human Services, summed up his plans this way: "It is sort of outside government but doing the things that I want to do anyway."

Buoyed by the opportunity to tackle so many different projects, Dean nevertheless didn't hide the fact that his preference was to serve in the Obama administration. "I was pretty clear that I would have liked to have been Secretary of HHS but it is the president's choice and he decided to go in a different direction," he said. As for the person who got the HHS nod over him - Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas - he said: "I think she will be very good. She is a very nice person and I think she will be fine."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/01/exclusive-dean-talks-abou_n_170874.html

[GeorgeGist]

1. Howard is a socialist at heart ...

and Obama is a capitalist. There's no common ground between them.

[brentspeak]

49. source for your assertation?

[ecstatic]

61. As a former Deaniac, you're wrong

Dean was more of a liberal leaning centrist. A lot like Bill Clinton actually.

[DFW]

83. Howard happens to be a friend of mine, and that's ridiculous

The lack of common ground is between Dean and Rahm Emanuel, since one is a very bright,
aware and pleasant guy and the other is a bright, intense, very unpleasant guy.

[ooglymoogly]

108. Exactly to the point.

However I think the powers that be in the democratic party, headed by Rahm, are afraid of Dean. He is in fact better than all of them. Honesty and integrity, to a politician, is a terrible thing to behold; That coupled with the fact that he knows the ins and outs of using the power of the internet to get elected, and that he most of all, was the man who got O elected, poses a problem to them all. Stabbed in the back is too mild a term. This is a facet of O I detest and with a few other unforgivable decisions and actions will come back to haunt him come election time; Though my guess is that come election time he will not need the help of progressives and liberals for he will have placated enough of the right, unless Dean gets up the steam to run against him, when progressives and liberals might abandon O, and that IMO is their biggest fear.

[DFW]

131. As far as trying for the White House goes, Howard feels like Al Gore

Been there, done that, moving on.

He got Obama into the White House with comfortable majorities in both houses of Congress.
There isn't a soul in the Democratic Party who doesn't know that. Opinions differ as to
what should be done about it, and how to make use of Howard's considerable talents and
knowledge. The Obama administration appears to be of the "nothing at all" school of thought.

Many, including many on DU, including myself, differ radically on that opinion.

[mdmc]

97. Dean is a DLC moderate

but sometimes reality is hard to bare...

[iamthebandfanman]

100. hes a moderate alright, but not DLC related anymore. n/t

[mdmc]

103. sadly , we are ALL related to the DLC

until there is a divorce. Rahm should show this clear as a bell...
The democratic party is the good cop corporate party. The bad cops were so corrupt that we may have seen the last of them for some time... until we become the bad cops...

[iamthebandfanman]

109. well thats been true for a long time

but howard has never gotten along with the DLC establishment, even tho most of his economic ideology is tight with theirs.

[ooglymoogly]

111. The DLC has not always been what it is now

and everybody including O has belonged to it at one time or another. The DLC despises Dean because he poses a threat to them; Because he brought the Democratic party back from the brink and they did not and are pretending they did by stealing Deans thunder; They are afraid that any soap box given to Dean exposes that fact all too easily.

[defendandprotect]

I don't think they intended to have the party "brought back from the brink" . . .

GOP isn't co-opting the Democratic Party in order to help it survive --- !!!

[defendandprotect]

132. dupe

[ooglymoogly]

125. DLC and moderate are oxymoron's.

In the same way DINO and moderate are oxymoron's.

[iamthebandfanman]

98. nah, hes just logical and rational

when it comes to doing whats right for the people he works for.


the good doctor has always been sorta a moderate in reality, but it just so happens he championed two great progressive issues in his 2004 campaign tho... health care and ending the war.

[pacalo]

120. "Socialism" is being volleyed around a lot lately.

That's what happens when money is taken out of the public education system.

;)

[rucky]

2. I think there's something personal between Dean and Rahm. nt

[Hissyspit]

4. That doesn't excuse it.

I'm looking forward to voting for Dr. Dean for President in 2016 (assuming he runs.)

[cascadiance]

18. Something personal against Dean by Rahm is something that's personal against MANY Americans...

... and THAT's inexcusable! He is supposed to be working for us and Barack, not inflicting his will on us!

[tritsofme]

22. Rahm works at the pleasure of the President.

If Obama did not feel that Rahm was carrying out his wishes, he could dismiss him.

It would seem to follow, that the President and his Chief of Staff agree on the utility of having Dean in the Cabinet.

[cascadiance]

24. Well if you want to blame Obama, go ahead...

I'm trying to cut him some slack, so that he'll realize later that doing this likely at the urging of Rahm is a big mistake, and that perhaps later some of these moves can be "corrected" appropriately.

[tritsofme]

27. I don't call it blame, that sounds negative, I would say that the President is certainly responsible

for the actions of his Chief of Staff.

I don't know why some would try to absolve him of responsibility for major decisions of his presidency.

And I don't see these as moves that need correcting. I think the President and his team are doing wonderful.

[ooglymoogly]

130. Yes lets find a more Orwellian word, something

Aldous Huxley might have dreamed up.

[tritsofme]

137. Asserting that the President is responsible for the actions of his administration is Orwellian?

Learn something new every day.

[ooglymoogly]

142. Sorry; Not a jab so much at your post as it is about folks not calling a spade a spade. nt

[RaleighNCDUer]

45. Hey, Obama's got a tough job being bi-partisan -

he's trying to work with both Democrats and the DLC.

[cascadiance]

55. Hmm... It looks more like bipartisan between the DLC and the Republicans to me...

Not as tough a job, but that's what seems to be more the groups that are a part of the process...

[PassingFair]

121. I hope they are as agreeable to losing the donations and shoe leather of the Progressives.

Because I'm walking for DFA now, all the way.

I don't mind pissing in the DLC tent, if
this is the way it's going to go.

[spiritual_gunfighter]

37. Me too

I hope he runs in 2016, I would say he already has my vote.

[ChiciB1]

46. Has Been For a LONG Time... Rahm THINKS He's Better Than Dean AND

since Rahm is basically DLC he disagrees with most of what Dean stands for. I have never really liked Rahm very much, EVEN before Obama won and can't say I like him much now. IMO he's one of those people who will step over others regardless of the cost, to get what HE wants.

He bothers me, and BTW... if he's SO good, why hasn't he been more helpful with the Daschele, Richardson and Geitner problems?? I may be wrong, but doesn't he have a VOICE here???

[ChiciB1]

47. I'm Also Bothered By The Fact That They Are Picking So Many People Who

are already elected officials. Am I wrong in feeling this way??

[hfojvt]

72. the Sebelius pick really screws up Kansas Democrats

Sebelius would have been a strong candidate for the Senate in 2010. Now, we got nothing. Our Lt. Governor is a "former" Republican. I put former in quotes, because he is quoted as saying he did not change his mind on any policy issues to run with Sebelius as Lt. Governor. Yes, he was the Governor's pick, not an independently elected official.

She also could have helped our candidate for Governor in 2010, and I have no idea who that is, although Republicans Ron Thornburgh and Sam Brownback are already running. We have nobody.

[MannyGoldstein]

70. As DCCC Head, Emanuel Bitterly Fought Dean's 50-State Strategy

In 2006, Emanuel wanted to do the standard DLC "pick a few blue dogs in battleground states, give them all the cash, starve everyone else" strategy that was responsible for unrelenting losses for us since the DLC took over the Party.

Dean did the 50-state strategy instead, refusing to hand over all of the DNC cash to hand-picked blue dogs.

Emanuel's probably even more pissed because the evidence shows that Dean was absolutely correct.

[ChiciB1]

128. Yeah, But WHO Took & Got The Kudos For The 50-State Strategy?? If I Remember

correctly, it was Rahm Emanuel! He AND Chuckie Schumer!

[defendandprotect]

71. There's something "personal" between DLC/Rahm and ALL of us, including Dean--!!!

[Pastiche423]

135. rahm made it personal, when he said...

"Emanuel had witnessed this struggle in Illinois, too: it was the party regulars versus the goo-goos. Emanuel, the Daley protégé, is a regular who believes money and a disciplined organization win elections. He seemed to see Dean as a goo-goo, a good-government reformer with a base of liberal idealists who are more educated and individualistic than your average Democratic machine foot soldier, but less reliable when you need someone to hand out palm cards on Election Day. The machine has been paving over goo-goos since the 19th century. As a beery alderman once put it, "Chicago ain't ready for reform."

When Emanuel and Sen. Charles Schumer of New York met with Dean to ask him to shift money to congressional races, Emanuel mocked the former Vermont governor as a political lightweight from a tiny, rural, homogenous state. "No disrespect, but some of us are arrogant enough, we come from Chicago, we think we know what it means to knock on a door," Bendavid quotes Emanuel as telling Dean. Emanuel "slammed his hand on the table," then continued his tirade: "Look, Chuck comes from Brooklyn. I come from Chicago. It ain't Burlington, Vermont. Now, we understand that Burlington knows a lot about grassroots politics and we know nothing. I know your field plan -- it doesn't exist. I've gone around the country with these races. I've seen your people. There's no plan, Howard."

According to Bendavid, Emanuel left the room vowing not to be seen with Dean if the Democrats lost on Election Day. When Dean eventually offered $20,000 a race, Emanuel told him to fuck off. (Not literally -- although it's plausible.) Eventually, Dean ponied up a $12 million nationwide get-out-the-vote drive."

http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2007/05/08/rahm_emanuel/print.html

:grr:

[Captain Hilts]

87. Rahm's not president and has no cabinet.

"If you liked what FDR did, give him credit. If you didn't like what the did, blame Eleanor."

Substitute Obama for FDR and Rahm for Eleanor. Rinse and repeat as necessary.

[leftstreet]

3. Interesting snip: "They are wondering where their Obama is"

(snip)
In addition, Dean says he plans to work with foreign governments, specifically in Europe - where he is traveling this week - to advise progressive parties and interests. In France, he says, he will help groups looking to diversify their political coalitions. "They all want to take advantage of the Obama mania," he said. "They are wondering where their Obama is. So we are going to talk about diversity."

[msongs]

5. Dr. Dean would be wasted at HHS - he is not a corporatist nt

[cascadiance]

19. Nope, we should not be expecting the cabinet to be corporatist!

A campaign of "change" should seek to get RID of corporatists that have poisoned our government for so long!

[mdmc]

99. he is a moderate

although I did a good deal of trying to make him in my image in 2003...

[Horse with no Name]

6. It seems we can't catch a break.

Why steal a Democratic Governor in a very red state when Dr. Dean was up and ready for the job?
That is what doesn't make any sense to me.
But in the end--we ALL lose out.

[MissDeeds]

12. I agree completely

Sebelius should remain governor of KS and then run for the Senate when her term is up. Dr. Dean should have had this appointment. This sucks, big time. :thumbsdown:

[eleny]

7. "...and he decided to go in a different direction..."

Not good.

[Mira]

8. I'm disappointed to the core. But then, Governor Dean walks on water in my opionion. n/t

[Bozita]

9. Amen.

[Libby2]

40. So am I.

[april]

53. ditto !

[otohara]

78. Ditto

Love that man!

There must be some serious shit going on for him to be swept under the carpet by the Obama folks. (Rahm)

[Debi]

113. Yep!

:thumbsup:

[mdmc]

157. well said

:toast:

[tomp]

10. i truly hope this comes back to bite obama in the butt.

dean has been repeatedly abused by the powers that be within the democratic party. at this point he owes no one his loyalty. that's a good position to be in.

[MadBadger]

14. How would YOU like this to bite Obama in the butt?

Do tell?

[tomp]

35. i'll answer that as soon as you tell me what it means. nt

[MadBadger]

75. Quit dodging the question. Do you want to see Obama fail?

[tomp]

81. you're being a jerk.

why should i engage with you?

[ecstatic]

62. I guess it's her way of saying she hopes he fails?

:shrug:

[tomp]

82. the knee jerk reactions are interesting.

there appears to be no concern for the mistreatment of dean by the dem power structure and the media.

there is no law that an incumbent president cannot be opposed. we can consider other candidates in 2012, even now. some people who truly care about the interests of the country may tire of playing by the rules of the power elite. the fact that obama could not find a place for howard dean in his administration says a lot. there are consequences to actions.

[ecstatic]

95. Listen, I wanted Dean to win the primaries

5 years ago. He has done a great job for us. But all the revenge talk regarding him not getting a job is ridiculous. It's called looking at the bigger picture.

[Salviati]

105. Exactly... This sort of revenge seeking tit for tat is what may be behind Dean not heading HHS

and it is just a vicious cycle without end. I think Dean would have been great in the job, but I wish Obama unmitigated success in this regard, because in the end it is what gets done that matters, not who does it. As far as Dean goes, he's got a great role model in Al Gore to show that you don't need to have political power to be politically powerful. I'd love for Dean to become the Al Gore of universal health care, and as far as it goes, it probably would be great for progress to have a big name outside the administration pushing for it.

[tomp]

141. did it ever occur to you that there are different bigger pictures.

"ridiculous", i suppose, is in the eye of the beholder. and it's not "revenge" i'm talking about, but irony.

[truedelphi]

30. Dean is the only one who represents real change

And for that, he got the door hitting his butt on his way out.

SOrt of falls into the category of "Let no good deed go unpunished."

[defendandprotect]

146. More than that, it is the DLC making sure there is no progressive reform . . .!!!

Especially no "change" that hurts corporations - insurance companies, drug companies!

Howard Dean was the favored candidate for the HHS position and he would have been

successful, IMO, at leading change, especially in health care reform.

The almost non-response of the Democratic Party to the orginal "swiftboating" of Dean

over the supposed scream/yell was shocking. Dean has too few defenders within the party

but major support from voters.

[Freddie Stubbs]

79. So, like Rush Limbaugh, you hope that the President doesn't succeed?

:shrug:

[defendandprotect]

147. What I think many are making clear in their support for Howard Dean . . .

is that we do not want to see Obama "succeed" with a right-wing/DLC agenda --- !!!

[hollowdweller]

11. I think not using Dean considering what he did for the party is sort of bad karma

He made us all so proud to be dems and helped turn the tide. I think Obama could have given us one true democrat on his staff. Gregg has done nothing but take potshots at Obama and the dems since he resigned and he has no place for a loyal dude like Howie?? COME ON!

[deaniac21]

13. If only he had neglected to pay his taxes, he would have had

a shot...

[Mind_your_head]

15. self-delete

[musette_sf]

16. damn you, Rahmbo

[cascadiance]

20. At the risk of sounding like Rush, "DITTO!"

[tritsofme]

17. Whining publicly about not being asked to serve in the Cabinet is pretty childish if you ask me.

Not to mention arrogant.

[cascadiance]

23. It would have been if just about all of the real progressives weren't BEGGING for it to happen!

By everyone trying to champion Dean to be selected, he almost had to make his feelings known.

Perhaps it will be necessary also to help rally us to give support for health care reform to give us single payer health care, if it has to be done from the outside in, which some of the early signs here seem to indicate we might have to put a lot of pressure on Obama to do the right thing.

[burythehatchet]

32. nobody fuckin asked you. And how the hell do you keep popping back off my ignore list

*&^% %#&

[tritsofme]

114. lol, If it makes you feel any better.

I don't ever recall seeing your handle at this board.

But I'm glad you enjoy my posts.

[tavalon]

57. Actually, I think he's shown a lot of reserve, considering the lousy treatment

he got after getting Obama and many, many new Democrats elected.

[frylock]

67. i guess you missed the 10000000 "if dean wants the job why doesn't he speak up" posts..

now Dean has spoken and you think it's childish?!

[defendandprotect]

73. "Whining"...." ???? Howard Dean is telling us what we need to know . . .

about directions of this administration.

The public supports Howard Dean, not Rahm Emmanuel/DLC --

[tritsofme]

115. Yeah, um, right. The public generally doesn't remember or know who Rahm or Dean even are

They are only polarizing figures to politicos.

Rahm works and speaks for Team Obama, and that is who the American people support.

[defendandprotect]

145. Granted the DLC hides within the Democratic Party . . . but more and more

and coming to understand that it is the "corporate-wing" of the Democratic Party!

Many didn't understand "Blue Dogs" -- but more and more are coming to understand

how this also harms the Democratic Party's ability to progress.

Rahm works and speaks for Team Obama, and that is who the American people support.

We'll see what happens. Americans who voted have very specific ideas of the "changes"

they want to see -- which are quite the opposite, it seems, of the DLC/Rahm agenda.

Including, as we can see, the treatment of Howard Dean.

[karynnj]

96. You don't know from this whether the reporter directly asked him

If so, Dean had the integrity to say he did want it, didn't get it and here is the positive thing - in keeping with his values - that he is doing.

[Lorien]

104. Oh quit your whining!

We didn't ask you.

[Maat]

21. Dr. Dean would have worked in the people's best interests.

DLC Rahm couldn't have that - it would mean ridding himself of his pettiness (Rahm's, that is). Plus, it would seriously disappoint Big Insurance and Big Pharma if a people's advocate got the position, and that might be detrimental to campaign contributions.

[MadBadger]

28. So will Secretary Sebelius

[crimsonblue]

31. Actually she's not.

I'm a big time fan of Sebelius, but she should've turned down the HHS job. The state of Kansas needs her far more than HHS.

[rucky]

38. Will they go red again?

That was my biggest concern when I heared the news.

[crimsonblue]

92. Probably...

But maybe having the Lt Governor step in for a couple of years is a good thing. One, it gives the Dems a legitimate candidate, and two, it makes a Brownback gubernatorial run more challenging. I still expect Sebelius to run for US Senate in 2010.

[tritsofme]

29. Dean's the one crying to the media that he didn't get picked.

And who exactly is the petty one in this whole equation?

[burythehatchet]

33. looks like I'm the only one taking the bait, Puma

[tritsofme]

116. Puma? I've never been partial to their foot ware.

But if you are trying to slur people who support the President and his policies, and that includes the Secretary of State and the President's Chief of Staff, maybe you are in the wrong place.

[tavalon]

59. Rahm, since you asked

[Individualist]

63. Damn the DLC

and their vendetta against progressives.

[dionysus]

94. to the Pumamobile DLCer!!

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[tritsofme]

117. Laugh all you want, but it is the "Dean faction" of the party that is on the outside

looking in.

Maybe I can steal one of your smilies? :rofl:

Better luck next time.

[dionysus]

118. if you think it's cool being a DLC lickspittle, than you've been played...

or lack a soul....
:shrug:

[defendandprotect]

148. You're celebrating corporate-takeover of the Democratic Party . . .???

That's what the DLC is -- the corporate wing!

[tritsofme]

154. Sorry, I don't consider people like Rahm to be scary boogeymen

bent on destroying the Democratic Party.

And I just plain don't care for Mr. Dean, so I find his current predicament to be rather amusing.

[defendandprotect]

156. You think the corporate-DLC has positive designs on the Democratic Party?

[Lena inRI]

91. Agreed, for Obama to sooooo ignore Dr. Dean. . .

Obama has to be owned by Big Pharma/Insurance.

Simultaneously, Obama publicly says he's ready to fight off lobbyists. . .

as Dean publicly wonders why he's left out in the cold.

PR work probably from Rahmbo.

As a progressive who actively supported Wesley Clark 2004 and thereafter and Dr. Dean's 50-state strategy, and neither man was selected for ANY Obama administrative position. . .

I'm more than just disappointed in Obama. . .

I'M SPITTING NAILS.

MOREOVER, I HAVE TURNED THE CORNER AND LOST A WHOLE LOTTA TRUST IN THE OBAMA TEAM. . .I GOT THE MEMO. . .NO PROGRESSIVES NEED APPLY. . .DON'T CALL US,WE'LL CALL YOU.

Progressives are spitting in the wind. . .

:hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts: :hurts:

[Tatiana]

25. This is one instance in which Obama needs to tell Rahm to stand down.

Yes, it's personal. Emanuel and Dean do not click. That does not mean they cannot exist in the same administration.

Problem is that both have very strong senses of what is right. Rahm sees things from the legislative POV. He's more concerned with winning individual battles to the cumulative effect of winning the war. Dean is more focused on the big picture with a more global perspective. Both have their merits.

Bottom line, Dean carried some heavy water for our team and deserves a spot in this administration. Many Dems recognize this.

Obama needs to be the bridge. Dean would be a tremendous asset.

[jannyk]

26. I would have liked that too Dr, Dean :( eom

[TexasObserver]

34. I thought the doctor should have been given that post.

Because he's perfect for it, and because we are in his debt.

[lonestarnot]

36. This saddens me.

:( I'm sorry Dr. Dean.

[MoJoWorkin]

39. Dean was my choice for 2004. I walked door-to-door for Dean here

in Repug-wackyland of SW MO. I saw the rest of the party (Kerry, Gephardt, McCauliffe, Edwards, Kucinich)join forces to defeat Dean (in what I considered an underhanded way) in Iowa, even before the scream--when the media put the final knife in him.

However, I really believe since Dean has been the party leader of the DNC, he would not have been the best person to get Health Care through. I believe all Repugs would have fought tooth and nail, even harder, against him than they would almost any other person. I think that Dean is seen in the country as a strict partisan as he was always on tv being very outspoken toward Rupugs. That is one of the things WE loved about him, but I think would have made him less effective at HHS.

I do think that getting Health Care PASSED is going to be President Obama's HIGHEST priority, and perhaps this may have been part of the reasoning in his choice.

I don't think we know enough about what has gone on behind the scenes, and I am tired of all the speculation about it being Rahm that made the decision. I don't buy that.

I think Sebellius will do a great job. She has been very effective in Kansas--a VERY Repug state.

[Gin]

41. the more I hear about Rahm...the less I like him......he sound like an

egomaniac to me. (IMO)

[MoJoWorkin]

52. Funny, I am thinking the opposite.

[defendandprotect]

149. ...the DLC/Rahm is major co-option of the Democratic Patty . . .along with

the Democratic "Blue Dogs" (42 of them or more?) who consult with the GOP leadership

and vote with them!!!

[JDPriestly]

65. You are wrong, MoJoWorkin

By leaving out Dean -- and Kucinich and Edwards, and anyone from the left, Obama is dividing the party. Obama leans right. He stretches his hands out to Republican right-wingers and snubs Dean. And this character Obama chose for Secretary of Commerce is quite blatantly a China lobbyist -- while many, many people in the Democratic Party including some of the leadership want trade reform that slows the China influence in our government down. Obama is making some big mistakes. He brought the Democratic Party together -- and now he is dividing it again. Huge strategic blunder. He needs to change this course or he will not be re-elected in 2012.

[RaleighNCDUer]

69. But if the health care that gets passed is anything other than

government funded single-payer universal health care, it will be just a band aid on an arterial wound.

I support Obama for a lot of reasons, but his health care plan is NOT one of them. It is a half-measure which WILL NOT WORK.

[bdamomma]

42. this news is really unfortunate, Howard Dean would have been good

[disndat]

43. Heartbreaking.

Deaniacs should start working for his campaign '16 through the DFA (Democracy For America). Possibly why Obama had to bypass him for Sebelius, besides a heads on with Rahmbo. Sebelius is a Catholic and anti-abortion. Hmmm. How will this work out?

[WePurrsevere]

77. Actually although she's fought to reduce the frequency of abortions, she's considered pro-choice...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29445668/

She is strongly opposed by some anti-abortion groups, with Operation Rescue saying on its website that she "is perhaps the most rabidly pro-abortion governor in the United States."

The more liberal Catholics United applauded her selection, as did many of her fellow governors, with Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer calling her "one of the best problem-solvers I know".

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/03/63488541/1

As for how news of the nomination is being received, The Topeka Capital-Journal writes that:

Sebelius, who has called for higher state tobacco taxes to finance health programs, is unlikely to face broad opposition at her confirmation hearing. Her voting record as a Kansas House member and positions as governor on abortion could draw the greatest scrutiny. She has sought to reduce the frequency of abortion, but she blocked efforts to deny women access to the procedure.

And, indeed, Christian Broadcasting Network's David Brody thinks the president is "about to get pummeled by pro-life groups. They view the Kansas governor as way out of the mainstream on abortion."

Groups are already alerting the news media about where they stand. The Christian Defense Coalition, co-founded by anti-abortion activist Randall Terry (known for Operation Rescue), is opposed to the choice of Sebelius. Catholic United says it favors the choice.

Although I would have preferred Dean myself, from what I've read so far I think Sebelius will probably make a decent HHS... hey Operation Rescue doesn't like her at all and that is a GOOD thing. :)

I'm very sure Howard Dean will not go "quietly into that good night".. it's not his style nor would I want him to. I will be watching what he decides to do with great interest. :)

[MadBadger]

84. She was rated Pro-Choice by NARAL

http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/choice-action-center/in_your_state/who-decides/state-profiles/kansas.html

[whokilledthem]

44. I wish they would pick Dean

Why does he keep getting thrown under the bus by fellow dems?

[dionysus]

144. if the reason isn't rahm emmanuel, then i don't know what it is...

[mistertrickster]

48. Dean summed up Sebelius perfectly: a nice person who will be fine.

That's how she's been as the Gov. of my home state.

She's not someone who can ram-rod Universal Health Care however, heigh ho.

[brentspeak]

50. Dean not getting the post is because of Worm Emmanuel (n/t)

[Bluenorthwest]

51. Howard Dean is a Doctor

Sebelius is an Insurance Company loving political position seeker. With her at the helm, the only 'plan' we will see is one to deliver an unpayable premium to the uninsured of this country. Wake up folks, we are about to bill the least among us, rather than care for them.
They should not bother wasting time with this Insurance Sales program they are hatching. A waste of time and effort, not what people want, not what Doctors want. And Dean is a Doctor. Sebelius is not a doctor, nor a medical professional of any kind. She lacks creditials and training for the job, and only has if due to poliitics.
A disgusting appointment, a real dead end.

[nbsmom]

54. And as an earlier poster pointed out, a bad move tactically in red KS n/t

[JDPriestly]

66. SIbelious -- insurance loving anti-abortion

and the guy at Commerce -- China-loving, pro-free-trade. Something does not compute here. I see a severely divided party in the future. Where are the anti-free-trade, pro-choice, single-payer option representatives in the Obama administration? Are those who disagree with these extreme free-trade, pro-insurance viewpoints being left out entirely. Sure looks like it to me. Obama has a nice smile, but the activists in the Democratic party may not be smiling back if all they get is that smile. And Obama cannot get elected without the activists that backed Kucinich, Dean (especially Dean -- DFA is still a force to be reckoned with in terms of shoe leather) and Edwards. Wake up, Obama. You are losing the most important part of your following if you snub folks like Dean and Kucinich.

[MadBadger]

76. Anti-Abortion? She's Pro Choice. So what are you talking about????

[lovuian]

56. Dean not getting the HHS job says it all ACTIONS SPEAK

LOUDER THAN WORDS

[goforit]

58. The Pharmeceuticals chose Gov. Sebelius........... OBAMA IS DISAPPOINTING

[lurky]

60. A positive spin:

Dean will be a high-profile, independent advocate for fair, affordable universal health care. As someone outside of government, he will be free to openly critique Obama's health plan, and he will be able to keep the pressure on from the left, acting as a balance to the corporate interests that are trying so hard to hijack this thing.

Think about it -- If he were HHS secretary, he would have to choose between holding his tongue while he followed orders and pushed for a corporate-friendly mandate package, or else becoming publicly insubordinate and getting into a public dispute with his president.

In his current role, he is well-known enough that he can get on every Sunday show and make his case, he can get editorials published in any major newspaper, and he has the voice to lead a public movement demanding real health care reform, not more bait-and-switch.

You know what would be cool? Rallies for single-payer health, led by Dean. :D

[mdmc]

158. excellent spin

well played

[JDPriestly]

64. This is Obama's biggest mistake thus far.

Obama makes a big show of reaching out to right-wing Republicans -- but he snubs the left in his own party. He has lots of time and even cabinet posts for the likes of Gates and other right-wingers, but not even an invitation to the White House as far as I know for Dean or Kucinich or John Edwards (I know he has fallen out of grace, but nonetheless, Obama owes a lot of ideas to Edwards and a lot to some of Edwards' supporters.) or Howard Dean.

This is where Obama is vulnerable. Dean was the architect of the 50-state strategy, the strategy that won this election for Obama. Dean was able to include all groups in the party and unite us to work for Obama. Everybody worked, regardless of which candidate we supported in the primary. Now, it looks very much like those of us who supported Kucinich or Edwards or who were big Dean fans really are not appreciated or wanted.

This is the vulnerability that the Republicans will exploit. Already we have seen Fox News invite Kucinich numerous times to appear on their network. So Kucinich is snubbed by Obama and greeted cordially by Hannity. It's just a matter of time before the Republicans seize on this to divide the Democratic Party.

Huge mistake, Mr. President. Sibelius is from a conservative state. She is conservative. The Clintons are conservative. You have appointed only conservatives. You went out of your way to invite Republicans like Gregg to sit on your cabinet. You invited that right-wing preacher from Orange County to give the invocation at your inauguration. Your economic team is full of pro-banking professionals, pro-Chicago theorists. A pro-China lobbyist for Secretary of Commerce? But you do not invite John Dean? Or Dennis Kucinich? Come on now. We get the message. Those of us who supported Kucinich, Dean, Edwards -- you think you don't need us or that we have no place else to go. Think again. We are either in or we are out. It's up to you.

[DebbieCDC]

89. Bravo JD!

Well said.

[MadBadger]

93. David Bonior was a big part of the Obama transition

To me that would be reaching out to Edwards voters.

[Bluebear]

119. +1 unfortunately

[PassingFair]

143. Everyone credits the Dean campaign for creating on-line outreach....

what they ALWAYS fail to understand is WHO
they reached.

The Progressive community are NOT Yellowdogs
or party sycophants.

If not for Progressives, Hillary Clinton
would be in the oval office right now,
not Obama.

If not for Progressives, purple states
would still be red.

Dean is no "lefty". He is a fiscal conservative
and a no-nonsense New Englander.

He is also a GREAT speaker who has always
given voice to my own opinions.

Dean's Sacramento Speech: http://www.crocuta.net/Dean/deansacramentospeech2003.mp3

[Bake]

68. Democrats should be ashamed of the way they have treated Dean!

Ashamed!!

Howard Dean should get as much credit as anyone, including President Obama, for the resurgence in the Democratic Party. He worked tirelessly and EFFECTIVELY to get Democrats elected all across the nation.

Thrown under the bus. The Democrats responsible for this ought to hang their heads in shame.

Bake

[libodem]

74. Not getting Dr Dean is a heartbreaking blow to me

He knows his business and his politics. Then to think the Team Booshay is walking away scott free and we get to take on all of the corruption and crime as part of our collective country psychic. I kinda get why soldiers come home and kill themselves. Nothing is going right for the little guy. We've all been spiraled to to poverty, lost our standard of living, can't go buy anything new, while a pig like his limpness lives in luxury and KKKarl remains a relevant talking head to taunt us with his disregard for the rule of law. I feel sad having life thumb its nose at me.

[wackywaggin]

85. I just don't understand why President Obama

does not, or is refusing to, offer the position to Dean who is by far the most qualified individual for the position. ..If this is about personal egocentricism and self serving individuals in the administration they need to be purged right now.

[libodem]

88. I love Dr Dean

but I think this has to do with the DLC vs DNC. I hate to see our party act in a divided way but apparently it is business as usual with Conservative factions vs Liberal.

[Overseas]

80. K&R-- I would have liked that too. //nt

[DebbieCDC]

86. Well, we pretty much know who vetoed that idea

Thanks for nothing Rahm.

[midnight]

90. It was pretty clear Dr. Howard Dean that you would have

been absolutely perfect for HHS.

[iamthebandfanman]

101. Hes returned to DFA

i just got an email stating he was back as the head of DFA(Democracy For America)!

glad hes still somewhere working for the american people

[whathehell]

127. THAT, I am glad to hear...He doesn't belong in Europe..He belongs here with us.

love him.:loveya:

[Lorien]

102. He wouldn't whore for the Insurance and Big pharma lobbies

so of course he wasn't considered!

[iamthebandfanman]

110. thats EXACTLY why.

he has stated his disgust with insurance companies for a loooong time

[GreenTea]

106. Very sad Obama couldn't find a place for a great Democrat like Howard Dean!!

Thank asshole Ralm DLC fucks!!

[Debi]

107. He would have made a great Sec. of HHS.

I hope Sebelius uses him as a resource whenever necessary. Our Party owes him much thanks - I am dissapointed.

[NoodleyAppendage]

112. Rahm Emanuel is at the heart of Dean's downfall. No love lost between those two. n/t

J

[defendandprotect]

150. I don't think it's personal . . . it's simply Rahm vs "progressive change" . . .!!!

And Howard Dean represents that kind of change, IMO.

[Beacool]

122. Well, well, well..........

Hillary is in Obama's cabinet and Dean is not, there's got to be an irony in there somewhere.

:eyes:

[PassingFair]

123. I'm making another DFA contribution today to show Dr. Dean that I am still willing....

to fight for the little guy! Forever.

Please go to DFA and at least sign the open letter
to Howard:



http://www.democracyforamerica.com/

[Pastiche423]

138. Thank you so much for the info on and link for DFA

Signed w/a huge smile on my face.

[defendandprotect]

151. Thank you -- did it and joined --- !!!

Glad to see that health care for everyone is highest on Howard Dean's list -- !!!

[960]

124. Unfortunately there is no room for progressive Democrats in

Obama's status quo administration.

What happened to the change?

[defendandprotect]

134. Progressives might have to supply . . ..

"the change" . . . ?????

We're not invited to the party?

[Kurovski]

126. I was wondering why Obama wasn't utilizing Dean.

Dean helped make President Obama's win possible, and Dean's campaign was the first to utilize the internet. He was the trailblazer.

Politics suck.

K&R

[NeedleCast]

129. Dean Threads Are Better than Guns, Porn and Smoking Threads rolled into one

[defendandprotect]

133. Dean is making clear that he had some expectations of a position with Obama ....

and, why not -- he's the guy who resurrected the Democratic Party!!

And-- didn't he also start fund raising on the internet?

BTW, those who contribute via the internet are also still without any LEVERAGE

on the candidates they support --- !!!

Keep thinking about that -- !!!

[MasonJar]

136. Obama knew that Dean wanted the position. He should have chosen Dean.

Sibelius is the only Demcrat who can win the Senate seat in Kansas...and he chose her for the Cabinet. For some reason, Obama listens to Rahm. Rahm constantly criticized Howard Dean as DNC Chair and tried to undermine most of what Dean did. He makes me sick. I am severely disappointed in Obama for choosing Rahm over Howard and especially for allowing Rahm to continue the unfair agenda with his blessing. Obama did not even invite Dean to the ceremony introducing the new DNC Chair. That is a smack down.

[Autumn]

139. That is too bad,

Dean would have been one hell of a Secretary of HHS. Sibelius will be fine ,but there is no one quite like Dean.

[Pastiche423]

140. When I 1st heard that Obama had chosen rahm as his CoS

I knew a big FUCK YOU was on its way to the progressives.

I was not wrong.

Unfortunately.

[defendandprotect]

152. Yep . . . it wasn't hard to get that message . . . corporate over human -- !!!

We have to junk the yardstick based on the dollar bill and return

to a more human assessment of how we value things -- from trees to

whales -- all of nature!!!

Overturning corporate exploitation of humans and nature is about the

biggest favor we can do for ourselves!!

[depakid]

153. Dean needs to stay far away from that boondoggle

[SpartanDem]

155. Good god

Are people really calling Obama who just proposed one most progressive budget conservative? As for whether he's dividing the party for most people he isn't, it's just for the selcted few in the personality cults like this one.