I think that there is a way to engage people without pandering to them.  I have written a couple of diaries on this topic.  Gain people's trust, don't alienate them, focus on commonalities and be the kind of person they want to emulate.  I think Dean was trying to honestly reach out to these folks.  It just stuck out as awkward, because politicians typically don't reach out, they pander.

In all, it doesn't seem like any harm was done.  He gained new respect in the eyes of, or at least intrigued, Southerners that I know.