Ask Howard Dean

Howard Dean J. Scott Aapplewhite / AP

The Vermont physician-turned-politician knows firsthand the fickle and sometimes unforgiving nature of a Presidential election: his promising 2004 bid flamed out following his infamous primal yell, delivered a few days after a 3rd-place finish in the Iowa Democratic caucuses. One of the first politicians to harness the fundraising power of the Internet, Dean launched what became known as the "$100 revolution," a grassroots strategy of raising money to compete with the financial muscle of corporate donors. As chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean is at the center of the showdown between Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Use the form below to submit your questions for Howard Dean, then look for the upcoming interview in TIME Magazine.

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Submit your question to Ask Howard Dean (300 other responses).

Posted by Deirdre Allen in Phoenix, AZ:
Which do you prefer for the general election: public or private financing? Why?
Posted by Kamala Kannan in Long Beach, CA:
If neither Senator Obama nor Senator Clinton can get the magic number of 2,024 delegates by the time Convention come around (almost a certainty), why would it be wrong for the Super-Delegates to decide for the Party, who the Nominee will be? Aren't they supposed to? It was the reasoning behind the creation of the Super-Delegates, is it not? Why should they be afraid of being seen as tipping the scales one way or the other?
Posted by Paul E. Rowland, Ph. D. in Raleigh, NC:
How are you and the DNC going to straigten out the tangle y'all have created with the Michigan/Florida/superdelegate messes unless you get Hillary and Obama to put the other candidate on the ticket?
Posted by Josh Litwiller in Mayfield, KY:
When Bill Gates grew big and fast, the anti-trust forces were on the scene quickly. Where have the same overseers been while petroleum companies suck the blue collar man dry? Gas isn't considered a luxury when it's required to get you to the 7-5.
Posted by EAGAN, KYONG S. in TEMPE, ARIZONA:
Hillary is still on the race to destroy the party. How is this woman, Hillary, misleading the country, lie after lie abusing the the voters.
Such a shame that Hillary is destroying the party, and it has been.
Sick & tired of her lie, bamboozled the voters.
VOTE ANYONE BUT NOT HILLARY.
Obama voters are so enraged by her lying, misleading the nation, bamboozled voters, we will vote for McCain if Hillary is not drop out.
VOTE ANYONE BUT NOT HILLARY
Posted by Faye Williams in Evansville:
Why have they not counted MI and FL votes? I know there are a lot of people angry. Also you better check Mr. Obama's tatics he is running the negative campaign. Then when Hillary fires back she gets the blame. Like they ask a hypothetical question and the news runs like the war yesterday. They didn't ask Obama the same question. What the hell is this any way??? One mad voter. I will vote for Mc Cain if he wins and so will a lot of other DEMOCRATS, put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Posted by Dan Moreman, Jr. in Shreveport, LA:
Why does the Democratic party have superdelegates? How would you define their purpose?
Posted by Margaret Cross in San Carlos:
Is Hillary really trying to ensure Obama loses in November so she can run again in 2012? What a horrible thought...what is wrong with her? Superdelegates are paying attention to this, I hope
Posted by Steve Garmire in Edmonds, WA:
The Democrats are doing so very well in midterm congressional elections, winning Haster's old seat, and now quite improbably poised to grab a very conservative district in Mississippi and another in Louisiana. The willingness among many to change parties is obviously there. Give that Clinton has virtually self destructed by destroying Obama, is it time for a safety candidate like Al Gore, vetted and agreeable, to assure that we take this election that is ours to lose after the profound and misguided failures of Bush?
Posted by Nate Netzley in Cincinnati, OH:
If you want the superdelegates to start deciding, why not lead by example and throw your hat over the wall and endorse one of the candidates?
Posted by Dan Gallers in Washington:
Chairman Dean,

It seems media outlets merely stress on how a prolonged nomination process is destructive to the Democrats chances in 2008. However, does not this lengthy process also allow you to build a "Blue-base" in each state - exactly what you wanted to do in your 50 State Plan when you became Chairman.
Posted by David Shiffman in Durham, NC:
Dr. Dean,

Why would you choose to alienate voters in Florida in Michigan, two crucial swing states, on the eve of a presidential election? Do you simply not want the Democrats to win?
Posted by Alley Atkins in Los Angeles:
I would like to know why Howard Dean refused seating to Michigan and Florida delegates at the Democratic Convention this year. Actually, I do know why, but this should not have happened. It just isn't democratic to leave the voters in these states without their voting rights. It makes our Party look absolutely non-caring and oblivious to the rights of the people.

What will Howard Dean do to rectify the situation he has caused by not handling it properly at the beginning -- something must be done -- and soon.
Posted by Virginia Lindsey in Sisters:
Why on earth won't you do something re: Florida and Michigan????
Leaving many millions of democrats out of the process, and especially leaving Hillary out since she got the most votes (when all names were on the ballet in Florida) and got a very large number of votes in Michigan when there was no reason for any other democrats to go down and vote.
Do something quick before we lose in November due to ?
Posted by Ryan Gill in Portland,OR:
Mr. Dean, do you hope that one of the democratic candidates follows your famous speech from the last election (where you named off states followed by the "YEHAAAW!") to destroy their chances of winning and thus ending the primary without super delegate intervention?
Posted by Ryan Gill in Portland,OR:
Mr. Dean, are you still a practicing physician that can write prescriptions? Because whomever loses this primary will need you to write mass amounts of prescription valium to calm them down.
Posted by Jon Isaac in Atlanta, GA:
In your unsuccessful bid for president people you thrived and failed as a perceived outsider. Has your position as DNC Chairman provided you with a network of insider political support from which you can launch a second campaign for president?
Posted by Jon Isaac in Atlanta, GA:
In your unsuccessful bid for president you thrived and failed as a perceived outsider. Has your position as DNC Chairman provided you with a network of insider political support from which you can launch a second campaign for president?
Posted by Meryl Steinberg in San Francisco:
Abe Lincoln was reviled by fellow Republicans seeking nomination. Felt he was unfit. Lincoln always remained steady and reserved when attacked--and the 3 rivals ended up on his cabinet. Obama needs to make ABE LINCOLN's Story His Story. FYI. Love Obama, but will support Dem candidate.
(source Team of Rivals... go to Amazon)
Posted by Karen Pressley in Charleston:
I want to know if anyone has thought about how the USA will look to the rest of the World if they let Hillary Clinton determine the outcome of a race that she has lost. America is respected around the World, so much so that it polices other countries' election to ensure its fairness. There is no doubt in my mind, that if this Democracy is tampered with in any suspicous way, not only will the American voters lose respect for the USA, but more so, the World will forever view and remember what America has done, and the trust will be destroyed.
Posted by Deirdre Allen in Phoenix, AZ:
One candidate argues that pledged delegates do not exist. What is your position on this concept?
Posted by Marc Elliott Levy in Washington, DC:
Dr. Dean, how do you feel about the way this race has gone?
Posted by Marc Elliott Levy in Washington, DC:
One of Hillary's stalwart support groups, and perhaps the one Obama seems to covet the most at the moment, is the over-55 segment of voters. To what extent do you feel this segment is in play for the general election? Commonly, though not always, older voters have taken comfort in older candidates. In this sense, both Democrats stand disadvantaged against John McCain and the perception of wisdom inherent with McCain's age.

How can Obama reach out to connect strongly with this crowd for the first time in a way that can be enhanced and sustained throughout the general election? How can Hillary maintain or enhance the support of this segment in the face of a general election?
Posted by Marc Elliott Levy in Washington, DC:
What have you been doing to force superdelegates to heed your demand that they declare their endorsements "starting now?" Are there any consequences for those who refuse to endorse until after the primaries are complete? What ethical issues are superdelegates considering in terms of requests for candidate endorsements that precede the state or district votes of the constituencies they represent? What related ethical issues are you being sensitive to, given your role?
Posted by james lagier in bronx,ny:
i dont understand why you are letting this happen to your party...you will not win anything if this race does not end. letting hilary clinton continue this destrctive campaign is hurting the party. step in and do something...she cannot win!!! why do you let it go on!!
Posted by Marc Elliott Levy in Washington, DC:
Many people have criticized your hands-off approach. Is that fair? Is it accurate? To what extent(s)? Why?
Posted by Marc Elliott Levy in Washington, DC:
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Posted by Keith Hopson in Oklahoma City, OK:
Hello Mr. Dean, I am a 30 year old Black Male who has a Master's Degree (Demographic Information ). I am very concerned with the direction of this party. You have one candidate trying to win by destroying the entire party buy giving John McCain ammunition on both canidates. The other candidate is trying not upset white America by attacking a white woman (for the lack of a more politically correct term). This is going to kill our chances in Nov.

IDEA -- Dream Team -- Pres. Obama, Vice Pres. Clinton, Sec. of the State Gore, and Attorney General John Edwards. This would attract every section of the left and independent voters. Bill Clinton could become a Supreme Court Justice to replace one of the older members.

The real issue is not having two candidates lose the parties chances for the Presidency. It is obtaining the big prize, having the opportunity to correct the ship and guide this country back to greatness.

Race and gender should be a plus to this party not the wedge that loses the best chance for this party to control two of the three branches of this government.
Posted by Michael Kowalczyk in San Geronimo:
Chairman Dean,
Will you please set a criteria and deadline for the Super Delegates? For example, say "For the good of the party, you must commit to a candidate by X date, otherwise your votes will be automatically pledged for the candidate with the most popular and electoral votes?" People talk about Super Delegates "rights," including waiting until the convention to pledge. I believe whatever rights they have can be rightfully subsumed within their obligations to the party.

Plan B: Please take Hillary aside and teach her to deliver a really good "Yeahhhharrgh!" Then insist that if she finishes within 25 points of Obama in NC, she must heartily belt it out. That would solve everything.
Posted by Philip Dumas in Los Angeles:
Will you please resign?
Posted by Claus Elholm Andersen in Austin, Tx:
Did you ever consider running for president in 2008 yourself? Or do you have any others ambitions, political or personal?
Posted by Katie Deabler in Stafford, VA:
Overall, do you believe that the Bush Adminstration has damaged the Democratic Party, as well as its own?
Posted by Emily Yvonne Holter in Charlottesville, Virginia:
As a college student recently inspired and motivated by this Democratic election, I have a burning question that many Americans would like to know. Why are Michigan and Florida such hot buttons for the Hillary Clinton campaign when they are a big part of the reason that the primaries in those states happened ahead of schedule, thus forcing the delegates/popular vote not to count? Wouldn't it be unfair and unjust to cater to Clinton and her wishes on account of a poorly run campaign? It's very clear that we wouldn't be discussing the issue had Hillary planned past Super Tuesday, so why should the DNC cooperate now? It shouldn't work that way. What gives?
Posted by Vivien Pollack in Melville NY:
Will you consider changing the Democratic primary system especially after the negativity that has come about from this primary season. ?First of all I feel it should be cut back and shortened so all states have voted before the end of April. Would you agree to a shortened season?
Caucuses should only be held when other options of voting are in place so we do not discriminate against elderly . Most importantly
the candidate should be chosen from the popular vote. We should not allow candidates to influence super delegates to up turn the will of the voters. Also if a state breaks the rules under no exception can their votes be counted unless they fairly re do the election do you agree with this?
Posted by Perplexed in Get a clue, Faye, USA:
Dear Faye,

If you will vote for McCain in the general election if Barack Obama is elected the nominee, you are a shame and disgrace to the Democratic Party and we don't want you anyway.

How does it feel to be brainwashed by Hillary Clinton? Apparently it's making you delusional.
Posted by Kathy O’Loughlin in Kingston NY:
Is there any legal action citizens can take against those who are trying to sway the election by having the delegates seated from Michigan and Florida. Does this constitute election fraud to give one candidate all of the votes and the other 0 because their name was not on the ballot because they followed the rules.
Posted by virginia C. Haradon in Lincoln:
Why don't you get Hillary to step down? She is ruining the democratic outlook. She needs to drop out. She is a liar and just another corrupt politician.

Barack Obama is a good candidate, and he can win in November--he brings true hope for a change for the better. Hillary is more of the same.

Think of the party. Look what the Republicans did. They're always thinking and coniving. They are sitting back just eating this up!!!
Posted by Maryam Ayazi in Elmhurst, Queens:
Dear Chairman Dean,

Is it possible for the Democratic Party to seat both Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton by negotiating a power sharing deal between them so that one would handle foreign policy matters and the other would handle domestic matters? I ask this question because I really don't think Senator Barack Obama is too smart about domestic issues, but he might be great at foreign policy.
Posted by Michael White in High Point, NC:
It appears the hostile tone of the Clinton campaign is exposing the truth of American Racism. As a campaign volunteer I hear the fear of people who refuse to vote for Clinton's Democratic opponent for fear he'll be assassinated.
Why has the Democrat Party allowed such destructive in-fighting?
What is being done to assure the safety of a Black Presidential Candidate/Nominee?
If an opponent of Clinton has one (1) vote/delegate more than she in every category does her influence dictate the Democratic Party disenfranchise the peoples' choice?
Posted by Michael Martinez in Chicago, Il.:
I believe that you have no right to interfere with the voters of Michigan and Florida. This is important that the best candidate should be picked. I believe that experience should be the deciding factor and the only one I can see is Senator Hillary Clinton.
No Republican is going to be win the presidency of the US. Thanks to the destruction of our economy and the trampling of the constitition and bill of rights plus the other atrocities that the Republican party has committed, they don't stand a chance.
Senator Obama talks a good game but doesn't have any answers. Let Senator Clinton has the answers and will be a fine president in 2008.
Posted by Chris DeRosier in Andover:
I don't think Michigan and Florida should be seated. The party agreed on this and the people of both states knew this before hand. If they want to do anything go after their state representives that agreed to not seating them. If not else this might wake them up to pay attention to what is happening in their states. I thought Florida would learn, this again looks like they ignore things unless it doesn't go their way than they cry like spoiled brats.
Posted by Martha Molina in Bakersfield:
If Hillary wins the presidency, should we be concerned that the two top women in the white house will be two headstrong, menapausal women who may not see eye to eye on political issues? I'm serious. Should we be concerned?
Posted by Theo van der Deer in San Diego, CA:
Why did the DNC make the decision to exclude Mike Gravel from the majority of the debates?
Posted by Laura Fahr in Tucson:
SOOOOO, THIS is change!!!!!
Hillary's dubious principles should be challenged. Her distinction for advocating nuclear response to imaginary Iranian capabilities, may very well be her approach to global warming. Suddenly everywhere up for obliteration!
Barry Goldwater LOST the election for suggesting the nuclear bombing of Vietnam to resolve that conflict.
The modern holocaust may be perpetrated by Hillary's annihilation of suspected WMD in "axis" countries of her own determination. Considering the reliability of our nuclear allies (i.e. Pakistan), she perpetuates our country's status in this world of conflict.
She apparently can harmonize with McStrangelove - "Bomb,bomb,bomb.."
Yeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaah!!!
Posted by Bisakha Sen in Birmingham, AL:
Dear Mr. Dean:
When the DNC decided to strip FL and MI of their delegates for moving up their primaries, why did they not adjust the number of delegates needed to win accordingly? The '2025 delegates needed to win' is based on there being 4048 delegates -- which includes FL and MI. Had the 300+ delegates there been substracted, one of the candidates might have gotten to the new (and more logical) 'winning number' without help from the supers!

Can you explain this?

Thanks!
Bisakha Sen
Posted by Mills Chapman in Philadelphia, PA:
Which flavors of Vermont's finest ice cream best describe you, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton?
Posted by Andy Isan in Houston:
Why didn't you stand up against the exclusion of Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich in the debates, despite the fact that Gravel was polling as well as other second-tier candidates and that Kucinich was uninvited? Why is there no room in the Democratic Party for people who think anti-war doesn't mean the same war with a few thousand fewer troops?
Posted by Samira Soltani in Istanbul:
Dr Dean,
In your opinion who has been the best american president, and why?
Posted by Carol Engelmann in St Louis, Missouri:
The solution posted by Bisakha Sen in Birmingham, AL makes a great deal of sense. Changing the needed number of delegates based on the new number of voters. So easy and so simple.

Is there anyone in the party who can shut down the Clintons with their brown nosing, lieing and degrading remarks. No substantive conversation will emerge if Obama has to continually defend himself again and again against their hostility.

Please, will you step in and referee this "game"?
Posted by Amy Reemer in Birmingham:
What about a new report that claims that the Clintons and Bushes planned and ordered the death of JFK Jr. who was a threat to their White House plans of election? Much like what was done to his father.

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