That's not the point. The point isn't who was first. The point is who or what was effective in changing public perception. It was only when Dean became embarrasing to the man on the street and became a joke, that the public perception changed. Polls changed. Dean beat Dean. Until folks like you figure this stuff out and what works, we are in for some hard times ahead. As I said, if Republican attackers were so effective in changing public perception, name some names of who they are. Also, remember that Republicans in the WH and RNC had no interest in defeating Dean now because he would have been so good to run against in the fall.
That's not the point. The point isn't who was first.
Sure it is.
The people (Republicans)who FIRST labeled Dean as an out of control loose cannon who was NOT ELECTABLE...... had EVERYTHING to do with those who SECONDED THE EXACT same perception in the media.
The fact that Republicans were laughing at Dean and consider him the ideal losing candidate was a MAJOR influence on the dem primaries.