Howard Dean is known for speaking truth to power, right? THEN BELIEVE HIM WHEN HE SAYS. . .

[wndycty]

. . .HE IS HAPPY AND DOING WHAT HE WANTS. And given his reputation for speaking up, if he is not running around saying he was snubbed then folks should move along.

Some folks, fueled by a complicit press corps who loves to stir up controversy, just want to believe there is a major schism in the Democratic party.

We do not know what goes on behind closed doors, we are not privileged to the discussions.

Let's be honest, when Obama chose Rahm Emanuel as his chief of staff it should have become obvious that Dean was not going to be a member of his cabinet. But there is no reason to assume that Emanuel was chosen to diss Dean. In Emanuel, Obama chose someone who knew the White House, Capitol Hill and DC in general, is extremely qualified and who he knows and feels he can trust.

Also, it is NORMAL for DNC and GOP chairs to serve only one term, so please don't act like there is some major conspiracy to diss Dean.

Lastly, one of the things Dean said in his interview with Chris Matthews on HARDBALL was he was looking forward to working in the private sector. I believe him, he became Lt. Governor in 1987 and has spent over 20 years in public service, he could spend the next 24 month sitting on corporate boards, giving speeches, consulting, etc., make a killing AND BE SET FOR LIFE!.

I think the loyalty folks show Dean is remarkable, we should all be so lucky to have the type of unconditional support that he does, but I would urge everyone to take Howard Dean at his word on this.

[cali]

1. He's also known for being very gracious. Look to how he behaved

after he lost in 2004. He jumped right in to help Kerry with everything he had. As for Rahm, of course he wasn't chosen to diss Dean.

And sorry, Howard Dean is already set for life. He's not outrageously wealthy, but he's a millionaire.

[wndycty]

2. Are we to determine whether or not he has enough money?

Like I said he has been in the public service since 1987 it is reasonable to think he seriously would like to spend some time in the private sector.

He may be being gracious, regardless WE DON'T REALLY KNOW, do we? There are so many priorities confronting us, does it really make sense to spend a lot of time ASSUMING Dean was dissed. He is a big boy, if he truly feels he has been done a major injustice let him speak up and stop being so damned gracious.

[cali]

3. I think we know.

I've talked to people who are certainly in the position to know and they say that Dean did want an appointment and that he is hurt. Vermont is a very small place.

And Dean comes from money, but he's always lived a modest life style because it appeals to him. Early interviews in 2002, 2003 made stressed that.

And no, he'll always care more for the good of country than for his personal stuff. He won't stop being gracious, and I'm sure he believes that it's vital that Obama succeed.

[wndycty]

4. Well then let's buy your argument that he is being gracious. . .

. . .and he is doing what he believes is vital for Obama to succeed, do you believe he wants folks running around claiming he was dissed?

Seriously, think about it.

[cali]

5. I don't know.

I do know his brother says he was dissed.

[wndycty]

6. If Dean is gracious as you say do you think his brother is running around. . .

. . .telling folks he was dissed with his blessing?

If Dean is just being gracious then I would think he doesn't want his brother going around telling folks he was dissed.

If Dean was dissed, but just being gracious then there is a reason for him to be, and whatever that reason is do you think he wants or needs folks to think he was dissed. I would think if he is being gracious he would want his supporters to be gracious as well, right?

[BeFree]

7. Heard it from a friend who, heard it from a friend....

Now that's whatcha call gossip.

Really, if Dean is pissed, Dean would let us know he is pissed.

OTOH, in the interest of party unity, if Dean is pissed and not saying so, he does it to set an example that his personal interests are to be repressed in the interest of the party.

If OTOH is true, that is a fine example for others to follow.

Yes, what Dean might be saying, and I am saying now is: In the interest of the party, STFU! :)

[wndycty]

8. LOL

:kick:

[BeFree]

10. I know

It is funny how i keep sticking to us dems being unified.
These crazy cats can't be herded.
Yet, i keep thinking they can be.

[KittyWampus]

20. and Cali heard it from someone who heard it from Dean's BROTHER. Not even from the horse's mouth

[KittyWampus]

19. So you've heard some gossip. LOL!

[karynnj]

13. Actually, we know that he had hinted that he wanted to be in the administration

The fact is that he knows it is the President's prerogative to pick his cabinet. Being less than gracious will hurt Dean himself - and there is no likelihood he will do so - he is better than that. In addition, what Dean did he did for the Democratic party and for the causes he believes in - as he said he did it for the country - not to get himself a position.

He also spoke of speaking out on health care and other issues. He will very likely continue to be a valued voice in the Democratic party.

[LaydeeBug]

14. Are we to determine he was NOT snubbed? nt

[mmonk]

9. Does this mean I can ignore the email I got from DFA

concerning the 50 State Strategy not being a priority with the new DNC chair?

[wndycty]

11. Well I'm not a DFAer never have been, never will be. . .

. . .so do what you want.

[mmonk]

12. I was just asking in context to your message.

[RiverStone]

15. He did say a year or so ago he would possibly consider another presidential run in 2016

In 2016, he will be 68.

For now, he is happy to be in the private sector --- still promoting good ideas on health care reform etc.

Big kudos to Dean for his 50 state strategy!!!! :applause:

[Hekate]

16. Good point, wndycty. I like Dr. Dean a lot, and wish him the best. nt

[Honeycombe8]

17. I don't like Dean...but it's apparent to everyone...he was kicked out of the party for political

he was kicked out of the party for political-cohort reasons. In other words, he didn't fit in with the boys-in-the-club.

The fact that he didn't commit suicide and is going on with his life doesn't do away with the fact that his political career was murdered.

It's soooo obvious that I can't believe anyone is okay with it. It could be as simple as....the powers that be just don't like him.

But it's clear that Rahm Emanuel (with Reid & Pelosi's help) stole credit for Dean's 50-state-strategy.

To take note of the fact of someone...anyone...being unfairly treated and not given credit (who among us hasn't been there?) is a good thing.

And as a reminder: I don't even like Dean. He's irritating. So if I noticed this unfairness, I'm pretty sure it's glaringly obvious.

[wndycty]

18. Kicked out the party?

Was there a meeting where he was formally removed from the party?

[Alexander]

21. No, some here just don't know what they're talking about.