Disclosure: I am a Dean supporter.
The Democractic establishment have only themselves to blame for Howard Dean. I am tired of their whining on the various pundit shows, begging people to wake up and claiming Dean is unelectable. They brought this on themselves. How?
1. Frontloading the Primaries
The frontloading of the primary process was done to ensure an 'establishment' candidate would win. They forgot that it also means there isn't much time for 'buyer's remorse' and that Dean will have a 3 week stretch where, if things go his way, he can lock things up. If Dean had to hold out until May, I think it is highly likely Clark could catch him.
2. Ignoring the Base
The Democratic wing of the Democratic party is boosting Dean. Too many of the establishment Democrats pat the base on the head, tell them to be pragmatic and leave it at that. Some of us can only sell out for so long...
3. Giving People a Reason to Vote Green
If the Repugs can have a big tent that includes everyone from John McCain to Rick Santorum, why can't the Dems? The national party's roll-over to the Republicans has marginalized a vital 10% of the Dem base. One of the chief reasons Dean is electable is that Nader has hinted he won't run if Dean is the nominee.
4. Refusing to Play Hardball
...or the Lieberman strategy. Rover and the Republicans have shown they will LIE (numerous examples), CHEAT (Florida, Diebold), STEAL (corporate give-aways/corporate welfare), DIVIDE (quotas, gay marriage) and ultimately CONQUER. The Dems need to stoop to their level. Its unfortunate but as, I believe Molly Ivins, put it: the Republicans don't want to lead, they want to RULE. And of course Dean gives 'em a little taste of Hardball.