Posted on 02/03/2004 11:36:12 AM PST by NorCoGOP
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. -- With former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean now on the brink of what the media sees as almost certain elimination from the Democratic race for the presidential nomination, his inspired supporters have been left to figure out how and why his campaign was deflated. The obvious answer is the infamous scream, the apex of the passionate concession speech he gave after his loss in the Iowa caucuses. His apparent downfall could have also been caused by the inconsequential endorsement of former vice president Al Gore, or -- as other writers have raised their eyebrows over -- the supposedly questionable relationship he shares with his wife. However, a scream that prompted journalists around the country to report "Dean Goes Nuts" may likely prove to be the most damaging to his campaign. It was different and, what's more, it was funny. We watched him grit his teeth and shout out his beliefs and we laughed. Poor, passionate Dean.
On the other hand, he has vowed to continue campaigning until his defeat is numerically ensured, and so his campaign could go one of two ways. He could sputter out, finances severely depleted, allegations about his temper and personal life lingering, with sound bites of his scream played and replayed over the airwaves. Or, he could brush off his battle scars and continue doing what he has been doing -- reaffirming the citizens of this country that they are his special interests -- and victoriously receive the nomination. Since I am an optimistic supporter of Dean, I tend to hope for the latter outcome. Though it may be an idealistic and naive gesture, I reserve my cynicism for the process, not the candidate.
I find it disheartening that the Democratic contenders sank so low as to sling dirt at each other like pigs in a pen, but how else would one become the victor? Critics of the potential candidates argue they are not unified enough in their compulsion to defeat President George W. Bush in November. But the election process, however flawed it is, calls for only two candidates to face off from the two parties that dominate American politics. This narrowing down of candidates creates an incredible scrutiny each contender must undergo to receive the nomination. This intense evaluation is simply par for the course. Citizens are justified in their desire to learn the histories of public records of those who vie for the leadership of the nation, but the mudslinging that comes with it is often fantastically grotesque. It is unfortunate that a greater focus is placed on a scream like Dean's rather than on his set of ideals. It becomes a race not of principles but of defending one's reputation and credibility. This is not entirely unexpected in this election year though, as citizens are increasingly wary of liars in seats of power.
The mark of a politician's success is determined by their ability to balance the virtues of their public and personal lives and maintain their integrity between and across the two. Dean prides himself on his public record, professes that he lives according to his own ideals and acts in accordance to what he believes, so what more is a giddy shout during one of his speeches than an exuberant paroxysm? Why does the public recognize such an action not as a cry of energetic gusto, but as an embarrassingly frenetic outburst? Shouldn't someone running to become the president feel the words he speaks?
Nevertheless, if Dean is able to bounce back from his current position the media will not treat him more favorably. For the candidate with the freshest ideas and tactics in the race, even his wife is subject to scrutiny. After finding nothing else that could effectively make Dean sweat, the other Democratic nominees and media constantly asked, "Where is Mrs. Dean?" seeking to expose him on a personal issue -- his marriage. On Jan. 13, The New York Times published an article reporting his wife, Judy Steinberg Dean, fit into none of the three categories into which previous first ladies of the 20th century have fit. She is neither ceremonial, nor an emerging spokeswoman, nor an activist. She is neither by his side on the campaign trail or nipping at his heels at fund-raisers and benefits, and so her absence is viewed as a surefire reason to suspect something awry in the Dean household. Because she maintains her individuality, we perceive something is obviously wrong with Howard Dean and his wife. But so what -- Mrs. Dean is a doctor of medicine, not a June Cleaver housewife. Her reasoning for staying in Vermont is that she would rather tend to her patients than get swept up in the calamitous world of politics. Considering the cutthroat nature of election year politics discussed above, is it really that hard to fathom? In addition to her practice, the Deans still have a son in high school; having a parent home, and not on the campaign trail, seems the most logical thing to do.
The nature of American politics has not -- at least in the past four years -- been governed by logic, as special, vested interests and simple avarice cloud the policies of our elected figures. Becoming cognizant of the political world during the current administration, it is easy to see change would benefit the nation, and so many are seeking a Democrat -- any Democrat -- to help bring balance to the one-sided political arena.
My attraction to the nomination of Howard Dean comes from the fiery attitude that repels so many of the media icons who influence our attitudes and opinions. History may remember him as a screaming flash in the pan, but his message for the present is undeniable. Regardless of whom you vote for, make sure your voice is heard, and when you do, speak about finding a leader who is passionate about changing the country to serve all of us, rather than a privileged few.
Ah yes! Our good old raving ranting Gunga Dean.
"But so what -- Mrs. Dean is a doctor of medicine, not a June Cleaver housewife."
Are you sure you want to align yourself with the author of this drivel?
Or, he could brush off his battle scars and continue doing what he has been doing -- reaffirming the citizens of this country that they are his special interests -- and victoriously receive the nomination. Since I am an optimistic supporter of Dean, I tend to hope for the latter outcome.Oh boy, I feel so sorry for this writer that I will not comment on his pathethic hope.
"I want someone, as does this journalist, who will represent the average citizen of the USA."
IMO, the journalist DOES NOT want this. Hence, my post to you.
"Let's all have a group panic-attack!"
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