Tom Oliphant: Four problems Dean must overcome

[Dudley_DUright]

Some constructive criticism of Dean, not all of which I agree with.

THE DEMOCRATIC front-runner in New Hampshire had better be careful about acting like the Democratic front-runner nationally -- which he isn't. Howard Dean went for the muted tie, softer voice, and sober visage to decorate a muted demeanor at the candidates' debate in New Mexico last week. But his too obvious attempt at avoiding serious mistakes came at the expense of the clarity and passion that his most fervent supporters know and love as his trademarks.

In acting as if he believed all the pregame baloney that his competitors would arrive in Albuquerque determined to cut him up, Dean left the evening open to those who saw the debate as a chance to put their own better feet forward (particularly John Edwards and Dick Gephardt). The former Vermont governor was flat by comparison, and unusually flat for a guy famous for his spirit.

The joint appearance in one of the several states that will do its voting the week following New Hampshire next Feb. 3 is the beginning of an important month of campaigning, which is organized around a series of these debates that will provide an early test of how valid early impressions of the candidates in Iowa and New Hampshire seem to a wider audience.

This is also a period during which the shape of the race may change. Two Southern-based candidacies (Edwards and Bob Graham) may become one (the insider betting is that Graham is in deeper trouble). And there may be a fresh force not entirely unlike Dean's in appeal if former General Wesley Clark ends up running.

more...

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2003/09/07/four_problems_dean_must_overcome/

[Brucey]

1. Who

is supposed to benefit from this advice? Would/should Dean take such advice? How about being yourself... that has worked before and could be the winner this time.

[wtmusic]

2. Disagree with #1 and #4

#1--Dean has been just about as clear as he can possibly be at this point in the campaign. Who knows where we will be on Iraq in Nov. 2004? It's not only silly to make projections but dangerous--he will be accused of going back on promises if he goes out on a limb.

Re: #4, does anyone else in the civilized world fail to see parallels between governorship and the presidency? Between Dean himself and Clinton? Ignore...

Re: 'the fact that the state's budget has been balanced even though it is that rare place where balance isn't constitutionally required begs a question or two.'

What is that question? If anything it makes the fact all the more impressive.

[Brucey]

3. You, dear sir,

are right.

[caledesi]

10. And I agree with both of you!

[Cha]

4. Tough words from tom oliphant on his Opinion!

He sees it this way and that's his perception.


I think Dean should answer directly to what the questions are concerning this reporter!

[joeybee12]

5. Don't agree with this, however, if you do...

...there's a No. 5--overcoming the simple minded little tactics and jabs from the sack of crap known as Holy Joe, the Repukes best friend.

[Jim Sagle]

6. I think Jagoff Joe is hurting only himself at this point.

[Cha]

7. joe is being a masochist!

[Cha]

8. Sorry, you don't agree with what?

I don't agree with oliphant. But I think Dean should get out "heavy artillary" and clear this up for oliphant.

http://www.deandefense.org to the rescue

[Larkspur]

9. Overall, I agree that Dean needs to clarify or expand his

explanation upon some issues, but the debate formats don't allow for that at this point. When there are 8-9 candidates in a debate, and they each only have 1 minute to respond to complex issue question, there is only time for 1 or 2 soundbite responses.

I read Dean's speech to the JFK Library and Foundation given on March 26, 2003 and he showed that he could expand upon an issue, in this case the Iraq war and its consequences. Given time, Dean can intelligently expound upon an issue and at the same time let you know how he thinks.

The reason why Dean is leading is not because of his debate performances, but because of his campaigning. His energy is contagious -- the Sleepless Summer Tour summed up the energy he has, he has a great sense of timing -- responds with press releases very quickly when attacked or in response to Bush's statements, his campaign's innovative use of technology and funds -- the Cheney Challenge was a brilliant move and the funds were used to buy ads that played in Texas, which energized Texas Dems, and he is very personable to the average American citizen.

[Dudley_DUright]

11. Larkspur

I think your analysis is much more cogent than Oliphant's and I agree wholeheartedly. Why don't you have a column in the Boston Globe?

[ModerateMiddle]

12. I am seeing an increasing tendency

to "kill the messenger" whenever anyone questions Howard Dean's stance on anything.

For example, it's funny how no one dis'ed Suellentrop when he was swooning over Dean, but have him write an article critical of the good doctor, and suddenly he is evil incarnate. Same with Oliphant. If anyone questions where Dean actually STANDS on some critical issues, they are deemed Repuke dupes.

For someone who regularly (and through his surrogates) criticizes Kerry for "waffling", the former Vt Gov could use a dollop of that famous maple syrup himself.