Dean tries to broaden appeal

[ProudToBeLiberal]

Dean tries to broaden appeal
Call them Deanheads: Supporters turn out by the thousands, ready to chant along to their favorite lines. But from the stump, the candidate is trying to expand his playlist.

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By Josh Benson

Nov. 19, 2003 | HOUSTON -- Larry Woods, a big, blond, middle-aged Texan, had been to see Howard Dean several times before, but was better known to many of the other Dean supporters milling around Houston's Miller Theater on the evening of Nov. 18 by his Web name, "Larry in Austin." Meredith and Avery, who, like Larry in Austin, had covered themselves in Dean paraphernalia for the occasion, proudly wore badges labeling them "Texas Rangers," a term reserved for those fans who had traveled to Iowa and New Hampshire by the hundreds back in September to knock on doors for Dean.

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Dean was introduced at the 1,500-seat open-air theater by Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, who became the fourth new member of Congress in a 48-hour period to jump on the campaign bandwagon. Her endorsement will help Dean by addressing two perceived weaknesses of his campaign: his lack, at least initially, of African-American support, and his relative weakness in conservative Southern states. It was also another indication that the campaign was reaching critical mass among Democratic officials who had remained uncommitted in the presidential primary -- in New York, for example, the campaign is set to announce endorsements by a string of prominent local officials who had been leaning toward other candidates until as recently as a week ago.

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Dean also used the opportunity to try out a new speech, which he read from notes at a podium onstage; its theme centered on America's potential, and his plans for improving the economy and for pursuing the war on terror. With some Democrats still wary of a Dean candidacy hinged to an antiwar position, the speech might be a step toward advancing a more positive message to appeal to a broader audience. "We will build a better world by building a better America," he said. "We deserve a better leadership."

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Larry Woods was there among the suits and ties, still in what he calls "walking billboard" mode complete with his Dean T-shirt and anti-Bush buttons. Asked how he rated that night's performance, he had to think for a moment before delivering his verdict: "Well, the first three-quarters was all new stuff," he said. "But I just love it when he gets all serious ..." He demonstrated by hunching his shoulders, furrowing his brow and ramming one of his arms forward toward an imaginary audience. "I mean, I used to be a high school band instructor," he said, still scowling, "projecting yourself and all that. I just love it when he does that."

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2003/11/19/dean/