In Shift, Dean Starts Watching His Words

The New York Times ^ | January 8, 2004 | By JODI WILGOREN and EDWARD WYATT

[.cnI redruM]

BURLINGTON, Vt., Jan. 7 — With a wary eye on Gen. Wesley K. Clark's rise in national and New Hampshire polls, Howard Dean's campaign has begun to limit his availability to the press, and the candidate himself is watching his words after several recent statements unleashed a storm of criticism from opponents.

Dr. Dean, who has spent two years campaigning as the candidate willing to say what he thinks, initially told reporters that he would be "happy" to discuss his tax policy. Then, as aides glared at him, he immediately said a senior adviser had "veto power" over what he would say.

"I'm not allowed to say I'm happy to do anything anymore," he added.

[.cnI redruM]

Here comes his mad race to the center.

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[EggsAckley]

Who does Howie look like?

[billorites]

Is that Dick Martin or Joey Bishop?

[Visalia]

What? A leash on this belligerent Bolshevik?

[EggsAckley]

Dick Martin.

[angkor]

as aides glared at him, he immediately said a senior adviser had "veto power"

Real Deaniac quotes from the last two weeks:

"He doesn't suffer fools."

Dean's handler-in-chief, in response to The Anger Issue.

"He needs a rest."

Dean's handler-in-chief, in response to The Book-Of-Job Issue.

[billorites]

I hope neckwear like that comes back into fashion.

[EggsAckley]

Me too. And soon. Howie needs it for the campaign.

[EggsAckley]

Me too. And soon. Howie needs it for the campaign.