Elect-able Dean

Yesterday, Rodrigo de Haro's column claimed that Presidential Candidate Howard Dean would have great difficulty being elected in a national election. This is not the case. In fact, the uniqueness of his campaign makes him the strongest potential challenger to President Bush. Polls, such the ones conducted by Newsweek on Nov. 6 and 7 (the most recent available) contradict this. They state that Dean is faring nearly identically against Bush as his competitors. In fact, there are many reasons to think that Dean is the most elect-able candidate.

An all too common misconception of Dean's candidacy is that his successes are based solely on an "anti-war, anti-tax cut stance." One could incorrectly infer that Dean's platform is for loony lefties, and that it would be unpopular with the independents who decide elections. This analysis belies fact. Howard Dean is not anti-war in that he does not oppose the use of force across-the-board. Although he opposed this particular war in Iraq, he supported the war in Afghanistan. He supported the Kosovo intervention. He supported the Persian Gulf War. These positions are very much mainstream. It is not a liability. In fact, his opposition to the war may prove to be his strength.

Since Iraq's reconstruction is unfortunately proceeding poorly, criticism of the war is very popular. A clear majority of people were against allocating the $87 billion for reconstruction. Most people disapprove of Bush's handling of the war. As time wears on, more people become opposed to the war. While many of the other major candidates struggle to find coherent positions, we find that Dean is crystal-clear, and best able to criticize the current administration's policy (or lack thereof).

Dean also appeals to non-liberal constituencies. He recently garnered the support of two of the most important unions, whose members are very much in the political mainstream. This includes people outside of the Democratic Party -- see www.deanindependents.org or www.republicansfordean.us, for other examples.

While serving as a governor for five terms, Dean's policies were seen as very conservative for a Democrat. The centrist Democratic Leadership Council routinely praised his pragmatic governorship until he came out against the war. He is a fiscal conservative determined to balance the budget. Although he supports common-sense laws, such as the Assault Weapons Ban and the Brady Bill, he is pro-states rights on guns, as well as other issues. He is pro-death penalty. These stances will be key to wooing independent and conservative voters, for which Dean is uniquely positioned.

Another criticism is that Dean served as a governor before running for President, while his serious competitors have all held positions in the federal government. This implies that they would be seen as more qualified in the realm of foreign policy. History would deem this an asset, not a liability. The only Presidents to be elected directly from Congress were John F. Kennedy and Warren G. Harding. The fact that Dean can speak English, unlike his opponents (who often seem to speak a dialect of Washingtonian), will serve as an asset when appealing to "ordinary" voters.

Money is one of the most important parts of a successful campaign. Howard Dean is, beyond a doubt, the most financed candidate. He does it through contributions of under $100 from hundreds of thousands of people. This is the most success any Democrat has had in fundraising in history. From the end of the primary to the convention in August, Dean will be the only candidate who would be able to spend money against Bush, due to current campaign finance laws. During these months, Bush could, (and probably will) attempt to paint his opponent as soft on terrorism and unpatriotic. Bush has almost raised $100 million, and will probably double that figure by next November. Dean will be the only candidate with the resources to be able to fight back.

Howard Dean does not face an electability gap. In fact, he is the best-suited Democrat to contend for the White House. His policies are well-defined and match up well against Bush's. No candidate can match his fundraising or his appeal to rural voters. The question is not "can he beat Bush?," but "will the Democrats let him?"



Eric Newville is a freshman with an undeclared major