Tonight, after the caucus results, Dean gave his speech to the troops. Yes, he was over the top, but he wasn't speaking to America, he was speaking to us, the Deaniacs, and especially to the Stormers who worked their hearts out for Governor Dean. He was letting them and us know he's not giving up, not giving in, he's ready to keep on fighting for us all. I'm glad he shouted that out to us.
Having said that, I feel I must say this: I've been a Dean supporter since last June. I run the Idaho for Dean weblog and host our local Meetup. I say this as a supporter and a guy who truly believes in Dr. Dean --
He should never broadcast a speech like that again. Never. Ever. Again.
It's time to modulate the bombast and bluster, and show that side of him that we true supporters have seen, that we need the rest of America to see -- he must show his Presidential side. He must talk to America and explain to them why his policies will best benefit them. It's not enough to be against something, he must show our country why his ideas are the best for all our citizens. He needs to speak directly to the issues. I can't emphasize that enough -- voters are finally starting to pay attention, and they want clear, easy to understand specifics on how Governor Dean can best address the problems they deal with in their lives every day.
The kind of speech I watched tonight, where he shouts out all the states we will win in the future, works for us, the faithful. But, and I say this as a loyal supporter, he has to look beyond us to the rest of the voting public. You already have us, but you need more than that to win the White House. Iowa is by no means a death-knell, but it is certainly a wake-up call.
Howard Dean is the best man to be President of the United States. I believe in you, Governor Dean. You no longer need to shout the reasons why -- just talk to America. Those of us who have supported you over the last year have heard you, and now you must speak to the rest. Once they hear you, they will come around. I know you know you can't win this without us, your Dean Teamers, your Deaniacs. But we can't win it without you. You don't have to completely change, but you do have to rearrange. Throw out what doesn't work, amplify what does.
It's not enough to just want to be President. It's critical to measure your words -- the power is in what you say, not how loudly you say it. Show America that you have what it takes to conduct yourself as a United States President.
Say what you believe.
Believe what you say.
Speak strong and steady and clear.
Keep fighting, and we'll keep fighting with you.