Dean's meltdown: His temper is now a serious issue

UnionLeader ^ | 01/21/04 | Editorial

[Pikamax]

Dean's meltdown: His temper is now a serious issue

HOWARD DEAN’S Monday night meltdown was a moment when millions of Americans looked at their TV screens and thought to themselves, “Who’s that professional wrestler?”

It highlighted the value of having our Presidential nominating process begin in small states in which candidates have to meet people face to face instead of relying on large media campaigns to collect votes. Character and personality are better revealed in personal meetings than in scripted television ads. Tens of thousands of Iowans no doubt watched Dean fall apart Monday night and said to their spouses, friends or neighbors, “I knew he’d do something like that.”

Howard Dean does not have the temperament to be President of the United States. He is a simmering volcano of uncontainable rage. We probably witnessed a mere echo of that anger Monday night. If placing third in the Iowa caucuses produced that shocking a response, imagine how he might react to a foreign diplomat or head of state who publicly challenges him. Imagine how disastrous would be his relations with Congress.

There may well be two Dean phenomena. The first was his singular talent for igniting the passions of frustrated Democratic and independent voters. The second may be his unique ability to send those same people fleeing into the arms of his more emotionally stable competitors.

[jamaly]

Bump!

[txzman]

Awww C'mon. I want to enjoy the show a little longer! Who do I write to keep on TV for the rest of the season?

[xJones]

If placing third in the Iowa caucuses produced that shocking a response, imagine how he might react to a foreign diplomat or head of state who publicly challenges him. Imagine how disastrous would be his relations with Congress.

Dean wouldn't push the nuclear button - he'd probably jump up and down on it.

I think we've figured out why his wife stays away, she's not a complete masochist.

[dfwgator]

Didn't Bill Clinton destroy a speaking podium back in 92 when he found out that some Rat candidate who had just dropped out wouldn't endorse him? Didn't seem to hurt him.

[MHGinTN]

What a contrast between the controlled Gephardt and the unleashed Deaniac!

[witnesstothefall]

We probably witnessed a mere echo of that anger Monday night.

Bingo. Bad as it was, it was still Dean being restrained for the cameras.

Dean's politics of hatred and rage make a comparison to Hitler not only appropriate but urgent.

[Pitchfork]

Frankly, having seen the clip I have more respect for him. I'll take determined combativeness over sentimental blubbering any day. I repeatedly tell my kids to fight back in the face of adversity and not to whine or crumble into emotional mush. He might have been a bit to vocal but the spirit is more admirable than embarrassing.

[185JHP]

A good campaign ad - in black-and-white on a giant telescreen in Times Square - the scowling visage - and below it the words "The Two Minute Howie."

[Tamzee]

I guess metrosexuals get pms ;-)

[fish hawk]

Put out your right arm and say "HEIL". The man is a nutcase, what's to respect?

[Brandon]

I think you're exactly right. I thought so Monday night, when I saw the speech live, as it happened. My jaw hit the floor when the pundits came back on every single channel and started panning it.

A clue for all concerned: When the punditocracy is unanimous about anything, that is when they are most likely to be wrong.

[BigSkyFreeper]

I truly believe his wife would have been embarrassed.

[grania]

Frankly, having seen the clip I have more respect for him.

Why? Gephardt, in his concession, said he gave it his best, but didn't go blaming the others. Dean blamed the negative campaigning?....he was so negative in misrepresenting the others that it looks like they ganged up on him. A real emotional grownup would take responsibility.

Howie's like the kid in the playpen who breaks everyone else's toys, and then complains that it's their fault that no one wants to play with him.