It's being widely reported that Howard Dean wants HHS

[cali]

I've been saying for a year, he'd be terrific in that post. It's also being reported that Tom Daschle wants it.

I hope Dean gets it.

[Raine]

1. The problem is that we need him to stay as head of the DNC

cause he has done such a great job there ... I want him to stay.

[JI7]

3. Dean said at the time he started at DNC that he will only be there through the 2008

elections.

i think HHS would be a great job for him.

he was a governor after all and i'm sure he wants to start working on specific issues rather than deal with political strategies and campaigning all the time.

[cali]

6. As a Vermonter who worked in social services during Dean's tenure

as gov, in a job related to healthcare, I can tell you that healthcare for all Vermonters was his top priority and that he did a truly good job. Furthermore, he spent many years as a family care physician.

[Thrill]

17. He doesn't have to stay at the DNC. Michael Strautmanis who joined the DNC

from the Obama campaign after the primary is ready to take over.

[LynneSin]

4. It's time for change with the DNC too

don't get me wrong, Dean did an amazing job, but you need to keep the leadership fresh. Dr. Dean earned a position in the Obama administration and should get one. And he's laid strong groundwork for a successful future with the DNC too

[cali]

5. Well, he doesn't want to stay, and he's said at least a hundred times

that he won't. The job, under a dem prez does NOT interest him. If you support Howard, you support him as HHS sec which he is eminently qualified for.

[Raine]

7. I support him in anything he wants to do but

sure hate for him to leave as head of DNC that's all. It's not my choice, it's his but I can feel sad about it.

[Freddie Stubbs]

13. Obama's people have been running day-to-day operations there since June

Dean has been little more than a spokesman and fundraiser-in-chief since Obama became the presumptive nominee. President Obama will want his own guy in there.

[Leopolds Ghost]

19. In other words, Dean is being sidelined. n/t

[Freddie Stubbs]

25. Yes, but that was to be expected

Hillary would have done the same thing.

[MarjorieG]

32. Hillary's issue, consolation prize. Clintons tried to sideline Dean, so awkward competition there.

[H2O Man]

2. Dean

would be a very good choice.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

8. He is a doctor and his wife is a doctor and he deserves this if he wants it

he's EARNED it. I love Howard Dean. Sorry Tom Daschle, I'm sure there's another slot for you.

[cali]

10. not only that, but health care was his signature issue during his 11 years

as guv. He's known for Dr. Dynasaur, but it was a lot more than that one program.

[tekisui]

9. I saw him interviewed last night,

I can't remember, maybe in the BBC. They asked him if he wanted a job in Obama's Administration, and he smiled a mile wide. He said, "It is, of course up to Obama", but he was almost giggling. I think he will definitely be in the Cabinet.

[DCBob]

11. Howard deserves whatever he wants.

He would be great at HHS.

[yellowwood]

12. Daschle Standing Behind Bush

I remember Daschle standing up behind Bush in support of the Iraq disaster. I wouldn't give him any power at all. He doesn't deserve it.

[GoesTo11]

14. His penetrating vision would really help in HHS

He did a great job with DNC, but maybe his work there is done. He has built an organization, changed the mindset, gotten the Dems in power. He's implemented his vision. Someone else can lead it now and Dean can work his wonders on another institution.

[Alter Ego]

15. Who would be DNC head that respects the 50-state strategy?

I'm worried that if Dean gets into an Obama administration, the DLC would use the vacancy to try and reassert control over the party.

[cali]

16. Whoever President Obama wants is who will be DNC chair. That's

how it always works. And we know that President Obama is committed to the 50-state strategy.

[Leopolds Ghost]

20. They already have taken over, the DLC is now running the Obama team.

[Marsala]

22. No, Obama is running the DLC team

Though many here will find that just as bad. :eyes:

[cali]

26. oh fucking bullshit. god, I hate teh stupid.

Obama is running things. That should be abundantly clear by now. And his choice of Emanuel was a damned smart one if you actually want to see liberal legislation enacted. Obama wants to pull a Reagan and dramatically shift the trajectory of the country. And he's studied how to do it, looking at Lincoln, FDR and Reagan.

[Alter Ego]

27. Obama creates policy. Rahm Emanuel enforces it.

Geez, Rahm wasn't chosen for his politics--he was chosen because he's bad cop to Obama's good cop, the yin to Obama's yang. He likes to win--and that's why Obama picked him for Chief of Staff.

Axelrod is still a senior advisor--Karl Rove without all the lawbreaking--and he's no DLCer.

[Doctor_J]

18. I am disappointed that Dean & Clark haven't been mentioned more

in the cabinet scuttlebutt. Time to reward the hard workers

[blueclown]

21. Obama will pick the next DNC chairman.

If Dean wants the job, it is probably his.

It's unlikely that he will pick Dean as the next DNC chairman.

[cali]

28. what part of my OP is so difficult to understand. Dean has said over and over and over

again that he doesn't want to continue as DNC chair. Sheesh. try and inform yourself. Dean has said from the beginning that he'd only serve one term.

[HamdenRice]

23. The head of HHS will craft universal health care. Great choice

if it's Dean.

[bigwillq]

24. Howard Dean has my full support.

He would be a great choice.

[NashVegas]

29. Calculated Leaks?

Designed to force Dean to a less influential position within the party?

[Flying Dream Blues]

30. That's a perfect fit, and he would be great in that position! nt

[debbierlus]

31. Dean would be GREAT & now that he has implemented the strategy

He can pass the baton.

He did what he needed to do.