Further Dean Thoughts From Mickey

After reading my daughter's blog entry for this morning about elevating the political discourse in the country, I felt it necessary to amplify my earlier post, which might appear to be a digression into a discussion of personalities rather than issues. That's not to say that personalities aren't important. As I said before, many people vote for better or for worse on whom they would prefer to have a beer with.

But my problems with Howard Dean go well beyond personality. His flip-flopping on issues has been well-documented. His denial of this flip-flopping in the face of glaring evidence to the contrary raises issues of integrity. Two examples: his argument with the Washington Post and their story about his flipflopping on issues; his argument with George Stephanoupolous about his support of NAFTA.

Yet Dean and his supporters claim he is a straight-shooter who tells it like it is, not the typical politician at all. His supporters seem to have a blind spot when it comes to their own candidate.

His recounting of a rumor that Bush had been forewarned by the Saudis of the 9/11 attack was bizarre and irresponsible, as is his refusal to retract or back away from it. The confederate flag flap is another case in point. It took him forever to admit what everybody but him knew, that this was not a good image to use to make an otherwise valid point. Such episodes suggest not only a loose lip, but a stubborness and lack of judgment that could prove dangerous in a president.

I am also bothered by the fight over the offer of the vice presidency to Clark, which Dean vehemently denies making (see Amy's previous posts, here, and here on this issue). Dean has admitted his weakness in foreign policy and his need to add a VP to plug that hole. For months there have been newspaper reports about a possible Dean-Clark ticket, none of which were ever denied by Dean. He obviously felt it was to his benefit to have these rumors out there, but now that Clark has become a formidable challenger he has in effect labeled him a liar. Well, someone is lying and I don't think it's Clark.

So, my problems with Dean go well beyond issues of personality although they certainly started there. His pugnacious and combative style may work well in the primaries to energize the base but the general election will not be won without a core of likability, which Dean is incapable of projecting. He can move to the center on issues but he can't change his personality. [And if he does, he will no doubt be accused, as Al Gore was, of attempting an image makeover and not being genuine -Amy.] As I have tried to address above, however, there are issues with his personality and judgement that have a direct bearing on his fitness to govern and these need be addressed by the electorate before it's to late.

[posted by Amy on Dec 27 but written by her technology-challenged Dad, Mickey, on Dec 26. Amy has altered the post date to reflect her father's time of writing. Amy thinks her father should learn to post his own stuff though...]