In a smart move intended to diffuse a torrent of negative press stories, likely inspired by off the record "background" supplied by the Kerry and other anti-Dean campaigns, Dean
has responded brilliantly:
At a news conference after his speech, Dean was asked repeatedly about a Washington Post report that detailed instances in which his comments on a variety of subjects proved to be untrue or misleading. Dean did not address the article's specifics, but said voters can believe him "or they can believe The Washington Post."
Dean's supporters know just how bad political and other reporting is these days; most other people don't trust the media very much either. Instead of fisking the WaPo, Dean's decision to allow voters to decide between him or a couple of lazy Washington correspondents, Dean stays above the fray and deflects much of the blows.
This is why the guy can win and continues to lead among Democrats in many states.