You've probably read the reports, I'll just add a few thoughts here. There was a huge overflow crowd, how large I don't know because I was inside the room, which was near full 15 minutes before the event started. Peter Clavelle (current Prog mayor of Burlington and Dem candidate for Governor) and I shared a laugh at the number of Progs, including us, present and wearing Dean buttons.
The mood was upbeat and optimistic. We knew why we were there and wanted to hear what Howard had to say.
He was very clear about supporting the Democratic nominee and about encouraging his supporters to vote for and work for the end of the right wing, radical Bush administration. (His words.) He strongly implored his supporters not to vote for a third party candidate. He said he will not be one. He didn't say it, but made it pretty clear that he will not endorse until the nominee is known.
He also said that his name will remain on the ballots in the states where he has registered. He didn't come right out and say it, but implied that he'd still like your vote for what leverage it might bring at the convention. He, again implied but was not explicit, that he is not releasing his delegates. He wants to retain leverage at the convention to help drive the agenda. (My reading.)
The rest you probably know. This is not a cult of personality, but a movement of hundreds of thousands. He wants his supporters to remain a part of the movement to drive Bush from office and retake congress. deanforamerica.com will keep you abreast of the metamorphosis to come.
Howard was at his best; Judy was positively glowing behind him. She was the beneficiary of his best line when he added her contribution to the political process in proving that a woman's job is not simply staring adoringly at her husband. He was upbeat and optimistic.
His clearest message to young Deaniacs: stay involved. Work within the party. Take the country back from George Bush, John Ashcroft, Jerry Falwell, Rush Limbaugh. (He didn't mention Cheney or Rumsfeld by name.)