Howard Dean ’71 talks Tea Party, Obama

[ProSense]

Howard Dean ’71 talks Tea Party, Obama

By Jimin He

Individuals, not politicians, will be the driving force behind change and reform in the future of the United States, Howard Dean ’71 told Yale students Thursday.

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While Dean said he respects and trusts President Obama’s intellect, he said he is disappointed with how Obama and his staff have handled important political issues, particularly health care reform and the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.”

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Dean said that he thinks Obama’s attempt to reach an accord with Congress over “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” is doomed, especially now that the Republicans have taken the House of Representatives in the recent election. Using Lyndon Johnson’s legislative achievements as examples, Dean argued that the president needs to ignore or bypass Congress sometimes.

When asked about the prospect of bipartisanship in Congress, Dean said that he has a glimmer of hope: future House Speaker John Boehner.

“He comes off as a man who wants (Congress) to work right.” Dean said.

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[CTyankee]

1. I see this is from YDN...are you an Eli, Pro? nt

[ProSense]

2. No. n/t

[VMI Dem]

3. Shame we couldn't have Dean as President.

What an improvement it would be.

[ProSense]

4. I completely disagree.

When asked about the prospect of bipartisanship in Congress, Dean said that he has a glimmer of hope: future House Speaker John Boehner.

“He comes off as a man who wants (Congress) to work right.” Dean said.

What do you make of that comment?

Do you agree that the passage of DADT is "doomed"?

[VMI Dem]

5. Doomed from the Presidents point of view or those that want to see it dead?

:shrug:

[ProSense]

6. That's from the OP

from Dean's POV.

Also, what do you make of the point in the box?

[VMI Dem]

7. My point is that I don't think that President gives much of a shit about DADT ending.

As far as his comment on Boehner, Dean knows more about it than I do. I am sure you will support it wholeheartedly when Obama works closely with him over the next 2 years.

[ProSense]

9. Here

Video: Rachel Maddow's report on DADT

[Starbucks Anarchist]

12. Why can't you answer the question?

You have no problem slamming Obama for everything, so why do you give Dean a pass on something you'd crucify Obama for saying?

[Top Cat]

18. Dean often talks out of both sides... His feelings are still hurt

because he is not part of the adminstration and it comes across in his comments.

[dionysus]

10. if obama had just said something nice about boner, like dean just did, you'd scream bloody murder.

the complete, total double standards are hillarious

:rofl:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

11. No kidding.

DU goes apeshit when Obama doesn't run around insulting people, but a DU Hero like Dean acts civil like Obama and gets a pass.

Personally, I don't care if DUers hate Obama for whatever reason, but I just wish they'd be consistent.

[FrenchieCat]

13. Ah Yes......Howard Dean,

the Person who would have been a perfect President,
if only he could have won a primary state other than Vermont.....
It's great that we can pretend that he would have really been something better,
if only he could have had the wherewithall to get himself elected! Sigh!
Plus, he's really, really dreamy...unlike that Son of a Kenyan aka President Obama.

[madfloridian]

19. After all these years, Frenchie...

That rude and insulting and just plain ugly remark did it for me.

I will just say good bye and not have to read such stuff anymore.

Hubby and I campaigned and donated much money to Obama, we are citizens, and we have a right to speak.

[karynnj]

14. Any Democratic President woul have been a disappointment here

Yes - I include everyone from John Kerry to Al Gore to Dean to Edwards to Hillary to Kucinich.

All would have had to work with the Congress they had - meaning deep compromises. In fact, for any who would have taken office in 2005, they would have started with a Republican House and Senate. In a campaign, they spoke of their vision and what they hope to do. Now, while they had to stay within what was realistic - they don't have to make the final compromises that are needed.

In addition - remember 2006. Dean's preferred Iraq plan was the Korb plan which called for a 2 year military commitment. For any here, who thought that a President Dean would end the war as soon as he entered office, this is an indication that they would have been surprised what his positions actually were. (Kerry at that point was for a more aggressive exit - 6 months, which he and Feingold stretched to 1 year to get a few more votes.)

The problem is that you are likely mentally comparing Obama's real actions with your Dream of what a President Dean would have done. (If so, you are not alone - I would love to imagine what a President Kerry would have one.)

[YOY]

8. Well that's double plus good!

n/t

[AlinPA]

15. John Boehner wants Congress to work right? Please Mr. Dean.

[polichick]

16. He must be seeing something I don't see! nt

[AlinPA]

17. I love Howard Dean but that statement makes me scratch my head.