I was initially a big fan of Dean as I learned of his views, but rapidly lost interest in him after cries of "problems with electability" were combined with some seriously poor performances on television (specifically the Meet the Press interview and the Rock the Vote debate). Specifically, I seemed to detect a certain level of arrogance about his performances, especially when he refused (or was unable?) to effectively clarify his "Confederate Flag" position until his third attempt on the "Rock the Vote" debate. I was certainly detecting a great deal of stubborness in his inability to diffuse the situation until several days after the debate.
I have done media training for many CEOs over the years and his performance and subsequent behavior reminded me of some of my clients that (i) didn't take it seriously or (ii) thought they didn't need it because they were good enough without it (especially when no one in their entourage had the guts to pry their lips off the exec's butt to say he's really not that good on TV).
In any event, my thought process was that if he can't do well in those forums against the media or other Democrats then he will be slaughtered in the general election when the Republicans get hold of him.
Well...it looks like the Doc is going to finally face a test in which preparation might be necesarry. From today's NY Daily News: "Chris Wallace doesn't take command of "Fox News Sunday" until this weekend, but he's already started to make a difference. His first guest is Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean..."
So to the point: if Dean does well during this interview, he's got my vote and my money. If not, I'll have to look elsewhere.
Dean should have no problems on Sunday...if he does his homework. My question is whether he will.