Howard the Dean: A Dead Duck?

Former Vermont Governor and 2004 Presidential candidate Howard Dean.

Right now, his odds stand as: 50/50.

But that's as good as it's going to get.

Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean is running for president. Bush has already started to campaign for reelection money. The Democrats are getting ready for their one shot to end the second Bush presidency, with each day a new Democrat coming out to declare a presidential bid.

But Dean won't be the David to knock down the W. Goliath.

The one thing that's keeping W. afloat is The War in Iraq - but it's hurting and helping the incumbent. Every image of a dirty, shellshocked Iraqi child dancing around a fallen statue of Saddam is a victory, but every coffin draped in an American flag is a defeat.

Dean wisely goes along with the war, claiming that Iraq needed to be disarmed. His critiques are clear, emphasizing on the Bush administration's neglect of the rest of the world.

"On the Korean Peninsula, U.S. policy has been incoherent, inconsistent and dangerously disengaged. Instead of building on a process of dialogue with North Korea, fully supported by South Korea and other East Asian allies, the Administration essentially walked away from the region for almost two years. Now, we face the possibility that Pyongyang will begin producing and even selling nuclear weapons. This is a perilous situation to which there are no simple or easy answers." (credit)

Dean's smart by not completely opposing the Iraqi conflict. He opposes the Bush Adminstration's war-mongering attitude -- safe. He has a sensible take on the need for stability in the Middle East. Dean's best bet would to be clear of war-like foreign policy and stay steadfast about national issues.

He comes off more concerned about strengthening ties to South America and Asia than engaging in war behavior. Dean's preparing to go in and rebuild what he perceives Bush has destroyed.

The war is a touchy subject. If Dean doesn't stick to a local issue, dealing with the slumping economy, terrible state of national health and miserable education system, he's sunk. Over. Close the shop, boys. This one's done.

As a former Doctor, Dean's strong point would be his plan for a universal health care should be a cornerstone of his platform.

"Guaranteeing coverage to all Americans will involve a mix of state and federal programs, as well as the existing private sector. Similar to our program in Vermont, states should be required to guarantee coverage for all children under age 23. In return, the federal government should assume responsibility for drug and acute medical care for Americans over age 65." (credit)

That much will get Dean serious consideration for the Democratic Nomination come next year. It won't get him the seat, though. The country is in a time of stark conservatism fueled by the ramrods of hormonal patriotism and foreign oil. Dean has a policy of complete and utter tolerance for all forms of human life. This will kill his chance.

It's not like Dean isn't trying to overcome the handicap of being a Vermonter. He proposes enforcing the already established federal gun control and to leave any additional gun control up to the states.

Vermont is more of a liability to Dean than he might suspect. While a small-time governor from a backwater state has gone on to become the president, Arkansas didn't legalize civil unions.

"Despite this politically controversial stand, I was re-elected by a 12-point margin. Today, a majority of Vermonters support civil unions. Germany, Canada, and France have adopted civil unions as well." (credit)

Yes. Dean supports a controversial policy already in action with the top three countries America loves to hate.

Sorry, Dean.

As much as the youth wants to believe in the change, the Nation is not ready for drastic social changes. With scare tactics in place, it's not a wide idea to be pushing change. Citizens are getting hard-ons when "Under God" is said during the Pledge, scarfing down plates of Freedom fries before hanging AY-RABS in EYE-RACK. Celebrities who use their publicity to speak on an anti-war forum are told to shut up, and performers are questioned, labeled as part of "The Resistance" whenever they speak out.

This isn't new. And it will not go away. Dean will be made to come off as a flaming liberal, a skyrocketing Vermonter. If he goes past the Mason/Dixon line, he will be shot on sight.

He has the chops to continue, despite knowing that his chances are dwindling. Yes, Dean won't win any favors with the Christian Coalition or the Klu Klux Klan, but he's not marketing himself to those kinds of voters. Dean's targeted demographic are the moderate liberals, those who are tired of the Nation ignoring its own problems, and young Left-Wing students who don't want to throw their vote away by voting for the Green party.

Dean would bring a sense of direction to the drifting Democratic Party, but he won't be president in 2004.

However, vice-president....

Now that's a safe bet.

Is it Duck season? Or are they going to start hunting for the rare Texas Double-Ewe? Agree with this or not, Email us. Shoot your gun or your mouth off--- just shoot!