"Democrats seek chief for a party cast adrift" article in Philly Inquirer

[mrgorth]

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/10598824.htm

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WASHINGTON - Help wanted: Political party with self-esteem problem seeks inspiring, tech-savvy leader who can sell a message and raise big bucks. Must be able to shine on the Sunday TV talk shows. Must have the brain of Karl Rove and the stomach for party banquets. Must be willing to take the blame if the party keeps losing.
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Few of the party's luminaries even want the job, and the sole high-profile guy currently voicing interest - Howard Dean, the '03 phenomenon and '04 flameout - is strongly opposed by those Democrats who believe that red-state America would never warm to the party if it had an antiwar New Englander at the helm.
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In fact, Howard Dean the blue-state Vermonter is anathema to Democrats who prefer a red-state chairman, or at least somebody who lacks image baggage. As Lindenfeld said of Dean, "He'd be too divisive, he's perceived as being 'out of the mainstream,' he'd immediately become a target for the opposition, and he'd serve to marginalize our potential." (Dean has yet to officially declare his candidacy; he's still gauging the depth of opposition.)
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