To Dean, taking action such as Bush has against the terrorists constitutes weakness. Talking to (negotiating with?) the terrorists and letting them air their "just grievances" would signify strength.
To Deanieboppers, Bush is weak in the WOT because he has alienated all of our allies, lost focus by pursuing a war in Iraq, stirring up even more terror thereby. Conversely, adopting a law enforcement stance toward terrorist acts would be strong in the WOT (in the myopic eyes of the Deanies) because it is moral and will encourage everyone (France) to rally around our efforts.
Dean will eventually be forced to enunciate these positions and W. will eviscerate him on them. For now, the press is giving Dean a major pass, as is their wont.