Reply #21: Savvy people behind him

[salin]

I think that Dean's early folks behind him were pretty savvy - and worked to create a bit of a media buzz... and thus his voice when raised was projected. I also think that the media played along because he was viewed as "safe" - remember the early projection was: Northeast liberal (subliminal: Dukakis), Small (pop) state (subliminal: McGovern), And passed the domestic partnership act in Vt (subliminal: no way the public would buy this).

I think that the media was mocking Sharpton from day one, and just didn't know who Kucinich was. And I think their early coverage was considered safe and their attempt at a tiny bit of "balance". But somehow - someone in the Dean campaign - got them to even think about Dean as one to project (even if the initial intent was to zero in on him in a exagerated way as they had tend to do with Gore).

Thus Dean - with some coverage - compared to very little coverage of others - was "heard".

Just my opinion from an observers seat on the sidelines.