I'm not so sure anymore that Dean can stand the death of a thousand cuts. The long knives, read Carville and Klink, are out to get him and their eyes are on 2008 and Ms Hillary. One more actual or perceived gaffe by Dean and Gephart will win Iowa for sure. He may anyway.
As for Deans running mate, if he wins the nod, it will be somebody with military credentials. Maybe Zinni.