As Anti-Dean Forces Shrink, Their Battle Grows More Urgent

[kskiska]

Wednesday, December 10, 2003; Page A01

With record fundraising, favorable poll numbers and the endorsement yesterday of Al Gore, Howard Dean is systematically trying to create an aura of inevitability to his campaign even before most voters tune in to the Democratic presidential race next year. But fears about his electability and temperament are fueling an active, though disorganized, movement to stop him.

In many respects, Dean's strategy is working: Democrats, other than his rivals, are growing increasingly reluctant to publicly take Dean on, and some establishment Democrats are noticeably warming to his outsider, anti-Washington campaign to remake the party. Dean "is now the establishment candidate," said Joe Lockhart, a former Bill Clinton press secretary who said he has concerns about Dean. A few key Democratic governors are expected to rally around their former colleague in coming weeks, party sources said. Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, who talks frequently with Dean, said "there's no doubt" the candidate's message "is certainly resonating in Wisconsin."

At the same time, polls show Dean stronger by the week in Iowa and New Hampshire, which traditionally have set the tone for the presidential race nationwide.

The former Vermont governor faces at least three formidable obstacles: the possibility of an organized "stop Dean" campaign emerging, intensified scrutiny of his words and actions, and a calendar that shows the first votes still six weeks away and big battle brewing in the South on Feb. 3. Historically, nominees have rarely escaped without a serious challenge from the right or left.

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51061-2003Dec9.html

[POed_Ex_Repub]

1. I really like Dean....

But I don't like how the media is pushing him as "inevitable" before the primaries. The voters need to decide who their candidate is going to be, not the media.

[MercutioATC]

3. It's just hype...ignore it.

I'm a Dean supporter and I agree with you. This primary is in no way "over". I encourage everybody to look at Dean, but vote for whom you think speaks to YOUR issues in the primary. In the general, back whomever is chosen to be the Dem candidate.

[bleedingheart]

2. You know where the Stop Dean energy should go...to the Stop Bush

campaign... because that is the important thing!

A carpet could beat * if we just could unite and just focus on beating that stupid, greedy, slimey, mis-leader, un-caring, sonofabiguglybarbara, drug and alcohol addlepated moronic f*ck.

[caledesi]

4. I am SO sick about hearing about his "temperament" because

most of our presidents had a temper....*, Clinton etc Puhleeze.

:puke:

[newsjunkie]

5. he will need a temper

to battle these nasty Republicans!As long as he controls it right. I like the way Kerry is showing his fire lately too. I'm sick of wimpy apologetic Democrats! We are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore.

[caledesi]

7. OK, NJ, I am convinced. No pink tutus allowed!

[deminflorida]

6. Dean will need the Black vote in S.C.

and Sharpton is sitting on it.