Dean Camp Sees Mischief Behind Rumors That He'll Primary Obama

[sufrommich]

For the second time in as many days, a progressive-minded politician who is either out of office -- or soon to be -- has had to deny that they will be launching a primary challenge against President Obama in 2012.

On Wednesday, a spokesman for Sen, Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.) clarified that the just-defeated senator has "no interest in challenging President Obama in 2012" despite hinting at advancing his personal political ambitions that year. On Thursday, former DNC Chair Howard Dean, likewise, was forced to respond to rumors that he would lead an inter-party uprising by taking on Obama in the next presidential election.

It's become a customary feature of the political press to begin speculation about the upcoming election cycle the day after one just ended. And certainly, there is enough palpable angst among progressives to wonder how the president will cope with his base.

But the back-to-back airing of will-Obama-be-primaried stories did strike some, including two former members of the Dean camp, as a bit suspicious.

"I do think that there's some chatter on the right about that as a way to sort of weaken the president," said Karen Finney, a longtime Dean confidant. "The left is definitely frustrated, no doubt. Health care, they were disappointed about. Don't Ask Don't Tell, there were other issues. The White House is going to have to deal with that. I don't think that means he gets a presidential challenge, though."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/04/dean-camp-sees-mischief-b_n_779033.html

[polichick]

1. The prez has an opportunity to regroup here - I hope he takes it. nt

[Naturyl]

2. I'm sure Dean will not primary Obama.

Dare to dream, but it ain't in the cards.