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DFW

(54,055 posts)
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 05:04 PM Jan 2015

So, I had breakfast with Howard Dean this morning

Just the two of us, no one around. All off the record, so no exact details except to say that half of what we discussed was personal stuff about our two families, a little bit about what it would take for him to actually run again, and that we should not assume ANYTHING about what we think is in the cards for the 2016 Democratic race. NOTHING. Just because we speculate about them, it REALLY ain't necessarily so.

Coming from Howard, I'd say that's advice to be taken seriously.

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So, I had breakfast with Howard Dean this morning (Original Post) DFW Jan 2015 OP
umm.. If I could riversedge Jan 2015 #1
I'm definitely NOT saying that, and neither did Howard. DFW Jan 2015 #5
Ok. Like I said riversedge Jan 2015 #7
thank you for this. I love that man roguevalley Jan 2015 #24
Never mind that spring announcement talk, then? MADem Jan 2015 #32
Nothing is set in stone. As for breakfast...... DFW Jan 2015 #52
Mmmmmmmm!!!!! Salmon!!!!!!!!!!!! MADem Jan 2015 #72
I had a small side order of salmon, a croissant, tea and OJ DFW Jan 2015 #81
I left a sixty percent tip just the other day!!!! MADem Jan 2015 #82
It wasn't such a high end breakfast DFW Jan 2015 #97
Probably not for you, but that 'hood is a bit too rich for my blood, I suspect. MADem Jan 2015 #100
LOL!! It also depends on where you work, I suspect DFW Jan 2015 #104
47 dollars for breakfast??? yeoman6987 Jan 2015 #73
$5 breakfast? Neon Gods Jan 2015 #76
And his single mom server got a $40 tip. eggplant Jan 2015 #79
In Midtown Manhattan DFW Jan 2015 #80
Oh give me a break. PeteSelman Jan 2015 #99
Interesting. Would you say you heard anything that was genuinely surprising, in terms villager Jan 2015 #2
Congress is a basket case for the next 2 years DFW Jan 2015 #6
Please mean that he's considering running. He would be transformative mahina Jan 2015 #39
Remember Bartleby the Scrivner? DFW Jan 2015 #53
Love his honesty! Must grow pretty well in Vermont....see B. Sanders bobGandolf Jan 2015 #58
Must be the combination of New Yorkers moving to Vermont. DFW Jan 2015 #61
Howard is a New Yorker, really, if we're to get down to it! MADem Jan 2015 #83
Very much so, just like Bernie and his Brooklynese DFW Jan 2015 #94
Let's just say that Vermont and honesty go well together. Mopar151 Jan 2015 #103
Ah geez, but speculation is so much fun! bluesbassman Jan 2015 #3
Great to hear all of this, my dear DFW! CaliforniaPeggy Jan 2015 #4
Our paths rarely cross DFW Jan 2015 #54
Recommended. (nt) NYC_SKP Jan 2015 #8
Hasn't he already endorsed HRC? Motown_Johnny Jan 2015 #9
That's right.. thanks for the reminder, Motown Johnny Cha Jan 2015 #21
Yes, he has. And he hasn't retracted that endorsement, either. MADem Jan 2015 #33
He has endorsed Hillary, that is true DFW Jan 2015 #55
You know what's really sad? IggleDoer Jan 2015 #10
IMO he was 'denied' running because Dem ptb didn't/don't want him, elleng Jan 2015 #11
I agree.....they helped boot him out the door. n/t bobGandolf Jan 2015 #59
But they used the scream as their excuse IggleDoer Jan 2015 #84
Of course, and always will. elleng Jan 2015 #86
blame that "liberal" media stupidicus Jan 2015 #12
It was the day after he said he'd reinstate the Fairness Doctrine, or try. mahina Jan 2015 #40
I was actually watching it live LordGlenconner Jan 2015 #87
Well liberalmike27 Jan 2015 #89
I wish he were still running the DNC... n/t Adrahil Jan 2015 #13
Definitely! nt arthritisR_US Jan 2015 #15
Yes. He did an excellent job. AtomicKitten Jan 2015 #23
Wait ... 1StrongBlackMan Jan 2015 #64
And to keep pushing left as hard as possible MannyGoldstein Jan 2015 #66
... and his 'Dean Dozen' gave us a little known senate candidate in IL named Barack Obama ... Myrina Jan 2015 #69
i love Dr. Dean wish he would run ALBliberal Jan 2015 #14
I am hoping that Zephyr Teachout throws in. Agony Jan 2015 #16
She's my favorite Democrat and I don't think we've seen the last of her. adirondacker Jan 2015 #77
Oh How I LOVE THIS MAN. I was sick when the repubs walked onecent Jan 2015 #17
Cool beans madokie Jan 2015 #18
How does Howard feel about the horrible trade deals? Enthusiast Jan 2015 #19
trade deals blackcrow Jan 2015 #49
K&R nt Duval Jan 2015 #20
So, I had breakfast with my husband this morning mountain grammy Jan 2015 #22
Did he appear on Morning Joe this morning, too? MADem Jan 2015 #36
I admire the intestinal fortitude of anyone sane who appears on Morning Joe mountain grammy Jan 2015 #44
He came straight from Morning Joe to the place where we met DFW Jan 2015 #56
So--the really IMPORTANT stuff.... MADem Jan 2015 #71
I had breakfast with Jimmy Dean... yourout Jan 2015 #25
I had breakfast with Jack. The Wizard Jan 2015 #34
The Honey Jack is pancake syrup. Mopar151 Jan 2015 #101
So did I~!!!!! The event was a bit of a turkey, though! MADem Jan 2015 #37
Odd so have I, he does get around doesnt he? cstanleytech Jan 2015 #43
and Hillary just got Obama's polling expert Joel Benenson! VanillaRhapsody Jan 2015 #26
I met Governor Dean at a Harris County event last summer Gothmog Jan 2015 #27
Hi DFW.. that sounds like a slight opening for him run. DCBob Jan 2015 #28
Just got back from the WBAI studio. Yes, I think I can answer this. CHeck this thread tomorrow. DFW Jan 2015 #30
OK, now I'm lucid again DFW Jan 2015 #57
I suspect the "mystery guest" is Kirsten Gillibrand. DCBob Jan 2015 #90
Jim Webb-who is "exploring"--would need to go, too. MADem Jan 2015 #95
His name didn't come up DFW Jan 2015 #96
Gillibrand would shake things up pscot Jan 2015 #106
No argument from me there. N/T DFW Jan 2015 #107
Lucky you! Lifelong Protester Jan 2015 #29
You can't see me right now, but I'm green with envy. What would it KingCharlemagne Jan 2015 #31
Is Howard still in the Democratic wing? MrMickeysMom Jan 2015 #35
What I want to know DFW (aka Lucky Dog).... Laura PourMeADrink Jan 2015 #38
I mentioned DU briefly DFW Jan 2015 #63
He's needed in our leadership though I enjoy his tv appearances. lexington filly Jan 2015 #41
Lots of love for Governor Dean here. blue neen Jan 2015 #42
Another Deniac here. SheilaT Jan 2015 #45
I always like the way you take us along with you on these little adventures. NBachers Jan 2015 #46
Thanks for this, DFW. Fond memories of 2003. madfloridian Jan 2015 #47
+1000.nt adirondacker Jan 2015 #78
Howard was never willing to kiss enough ass to win insider support DFW Jan 2015 #93
Unwilling / unable to be nice to people you don't like... Mopar151 Jan 2015 #102
Thanks for the update, DFW, and send Gov. Dean our regards. Hekate Jan 2015 #48
Many DUers told me someone was anointed in 2008 and unbeatable IronLionZion Jan 2015 #50
I continue to have a sneaking suspicion MannyGoldstein Jan 2015 #51
Let's put it this way DFW Jan 2015 #60
That's probably why she hired the new pollster--she's crunching it down to numbers. MADem Jan 2015 #75
Manny, could you imagine the thud that would take place both on and off DU if that happened davidpdx Jan 2015 #67
It's always good to be prepared with a fainting couch MannyGoldstein Jan 2015 #68
What did you have? AngryAmish Jan 2015 #62
This place doesn't offer them DFW Jan 2015 #65
He's such a good person. We got robbed over a manufactured event. Autumn Jan 2015 #70
Thanks DFW.... PassingFair Jan 2015 #74
Lucky you. midnight Jan 2015 #85
WooHoo!! deaniac21 Jan 2015 #88
Well, if I had a question it would be - WHEN will you take over as DNC Chair again? calimary Jan 2015 #91
The debacle was Tim Kaine's DFW Jan 2015 #92
Thanks DFW.... Here's what I wonder about... KoKo Jan 2015 #98
This is all stuff Hillary will have to be ready to answer--IF she runs DFW Jan 2015 #105

riversedge

(69,723 posts)
1. umm.. If I could
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 05:08 PM
Jan 2015

read between the lines I would say you are saying Hilary is not running. ummm. I did say 'IF'!

DFW

(54,055 posts)
5. I'm definitely NOT saying that, and neither did Howard.
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 05:13 PM
Jan 2015

I would take seriously, however, any comment that she truly is not at all decided or committed to a run, no matter what PACs are out there.

DFW

(54,055 posts)
52. Nothing is set in stone. As for breakfast......
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:05 AM
Jan 2015

He had smoked salmon, bread, fruit and coffee. He was there before I was, and had gotten into a conversation with the waitress. She was a single mother who was the daughter of Jamaican immigrants and had worked her way through school. Howard was so impressed that he left her a $40 tip on a $47 check (!!!).

MADem

(135,425 posts)
72. Mmmmmmmm!!!!! Salmon!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 10:43 AM
Jan 2015

OK, so what did you have, hmmmmmmm?

Did you order with a doctor in mind across the table...."I'll have the egg white and spinach omelet, please?" or did you throw caution to the winds and demand the Meat Lover's four egg omelet with extra cheese and a hollandaise topper? Oh, and a double bloody mary with that, please!!!



I don't live in a world of $47 breakfasts--I could take five people out for that kind of money! But I gotta hand it to Howard, when he lives large, he shares the wealth. A mighty good man! Good on him....I liked that guy, and I liked his wife, too!

DFW

(54,055 posts)
81. I had a small side order of salmon, a croissant, tea and OJ
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 01:58 PM
Jan 2015

Howard was there far longer than I was, and killed time chewing the fat with waitress and ordering a full breakfast.

This is midtown Manhattan, and he was looking for a place that had fresh, moderately healthy stuff that we wouldn't have to walk a mile for or wait an hour for (it's something like 3° out there minus the wind chill). Like me, he has nothing against sharing what wealth he has (how many people do you know that leave an 80% tip?) with people who live by the good graces of those they serve.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
82. I left a sixty percent tip just the other day!!!!
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 02:07 PM
Jan 2015

Of course, it was on a ten dollar breakfast, but that's what I had in small bills!

Anyone who has ever been in the food service game knows how hard it is--I paid my college tuition hauling heavy plates of steak and fish back in the dark ages, so I am generous to servers. That said, I don't think I've ever had a breakfast that high end, and probably never will!

I did have some smoked Scottish salmon in one of those preserve packs and a lemon in the frigo, though, and your post motivated me to make a brekkie of egg over, salmon and toast for those assembled--and it went over brilliantly! So, we had a bit of white tablecloth dining without the white tablecloth! Craving satisfied!!!

DFW

(54,055 posts)
97. It wasn't such a high end breakfast
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 07:13 PM
Jan 2015

It was in a business part of midtown Manhattan in a place catering to people who work nearby. That's what stuff costs in that neighborhood, and the rent is probably unspeakably high.

In April my family and I had a Sunday brunch that had unlimited lobster, freshly made crèpes, fresh fruit, salad, fish, roast beef, 5 kinds of bread, 10 kinds of rolls and cake, olives, and about 20 other kinds of food I have since forgotten. Now THAT was a high-end breakfast. The price? $25.95 per person. In Manhattan, it would have probably cost $90 per person or more, but this was in Freeport, Maine. Of course, the salary levels in Freeport, Maine, are probably a third of what they are in Manhattan, too.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
100. Probably not for you, but that 'hood is a bit too rich for my blood, I suspect.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 09:35 PM
Jan 2015

Now, if someone else was buying, I'd be groovin' on the food!

I'll stick to Metropolitan Ave. in Queens for eats when I'm in the NYC area--I can afford that neck o' the woods! But hey--I can live vicariously, just listening to your descriptions is almost as good as being there!

DFW

(54,055 posts)
104. LOL!! It also depends on where you work, I suspect
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 11:50 PM
Jan 2015

My daughter works for a department store at 39th and 5th. She had to work her way up the ladder with long hours and hard work, but she now finally earns enough to live in the neighborhood. Besides, there ARE places near here where the food is cheap. I like CHinese, and there is the Main Noodle House (or whatever the proper name is) at 38th St. on 6th avenue where a main course for lunch costs $8 and the portion is big enough (and good enough!) to feed two people. Of course, if it's 12° out with a stiff wind blowing, you do need to have the time and the stamina to get there. But the neighborhood is very mixed.

 

yeoman6987

(14,449 posts)
73. 47 dollars for breakfast???
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 10:57 AM
Jan 2015

I am heartbroken. Imagine how many starving kids could eat with that kind of money. The life of the 1 percent are so out of touch. He could get a 5 dollar breakfast like the rest of us manage to do? This story makes me sad.

eggplant

(3,893 posts)
79. And his single mom server got a $40 tip.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 12:28 PM
Jan 2015

So this is bad because...?

If you are going to criticize Howard Dean for choosing to spend his money on the working class and help the economy, I'm not sure how much of a conversation can be had.

DFW

(54,055 posts)
80. In Midtown Manhattan
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 01:50 PM
Jan 2015

I usually can eat breakfast here for $5, too, but that's if I have the time to walk through the cold and find the right hole in the wall with rent control. NYC rents and sales taxes are plenty, and you pay to eat at a place that has that high a rent. There were plenty of normal mortals in the place, so don't hang a guilt trip on Howard for choosing it. Howard fought tooth and nail for single payer, so it's not like he's an enemy of the people. My daughter lives in Manhattan and makes a gross salary that would allow her to live like a queen back in Dallas, but barely allows her to scrape by in New York. Local taxes and the cost of living are sky high here. Like Bruce Hornsby sang, that's just the way it is.

PeteSelman

(1,508 posts)
99. Oh give me a break.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:35 PM
Jan 2015

Heartbroken? Really? Over a breakfast?

Are people not allowed to enjoy anything? Or must we all wear burlap and eat gruel?

Come on.

 

villager

(26,001 posts)
2. Interesting. Would you say you heard anything that was genuinely surprising, in terms
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 05:08 PM
Jan 2015

of not only 2016, but the next two years with a far-right Congress installed?

Again, not thinking in terms of "details you can't divulge," but wondering if anything about the general tenor was truly eye-opening?

DFW

(54,055 posts)
6. Congress is a basket case for the next 2 years
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 05:15 PM
Jan 2015

But we all knew that already. He tossed out some names (both yes and no) for 2016, one of which I was surprised at. He'll let me say when the time comes, or else I'll confirm it if he goes public first.

mahina

(17,506 posts)
39. Please mean that he's considering running. He would be transformative
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 01:59 AM
Jan 2015

in a very positive way.

From a Deaniac to the core, bring back the bat!

DFW

(54,055 posts)
53. Remember Bartleby the Scrivner?
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:11 AM
Jan 2015

He would PREFER not to. He would consider it only under extreme circumstances. He will be 67 in November, although he is in GREAT shape and comes across as at least ten years younger. Judy is, as he puts it, a "homebody," and REALLY does not want to be First Lady. She wants to continue to be a physician in Vermont. He'll only get in if he feels that no one else who is capable is making a serious try for it. He told me in 2009 that he was too old for another run. What does that tell you about how he feels now?

DFW

(54,055 posts)
61. Must be the combination of New Yorkers moving to Vermont.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:31 AM
Jan 2015

Although Pat Leahy is one of the good guys, too.

DFW

(54,055 posts)
94. Very much so, just like Bernie and his Brooklynese
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 05:58 PM
Jan 2015

But they are both very much devoted to Vermont and its needs. Howard still gets back to Burlington as often as he can, and Judy rarely leaves the place.

CaliforniaPeggy

(149,298 posts)
4. Great to hear all of this, my dear DFW!
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 05:10 PM
Jan 2015

Off the record is so frustrating!

How lucky for you to be able to just have breakfast with him.


DFW

(54,055 posts)
54. Our paths rarely cross
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:13 AM
Jan 2015

He is still amazingly active (say he has "no full time job, but nine part-time jobs&quot . So when we do manage to hook up, we always have a LOT of catching up to do, and usually a lot has happened in the meantime.

 

Motown_Johnny

(22,308 posts)
9. Hasn't he already endorsed HRC?
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 05:28 PM
Jan 2015

I thought he was already on the record on this.


Maybe this means she isn't running and just wants to look like a king/queen maker.



Hmmm.....


MADem

(135,425 posts)
33. Yes, he has. And he hasn't retracted that endorsement, either.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 12:17 AM
Jan 2015
http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/226598-howard-dean-endorses-hillary-clinton

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D) endorsed Hillary Clinton for president on Wednesday, giving her the support of a liberal firebrand at a time when others on the left remain skeptical.

"Hillary Clinton is by far the most qualified person in the United States to serve as President," Dean wrote in an op-ed in Politico Magazine. "If she runs, I will support her."

DFW

(54,055 posts)
55. He has endorsed Hillary, that is true
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:17 AM
Jan 2015

And he did so knowing full well that she is far from decided. It's not even clear that she wants to be king/queen-maker. She is still weighing the positives and negatives about a run. Howard did tell me something about her that I did not know, and found very encouraging. If she runs, he'll come out with it publicly. It's not anything that will affect her decision, though.

IggleDoer

(1,186 posts)
10. You know what's really sad?
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 06:18 PM
Jan 2015

Dean has essentially been denied running for higher office because he let out a "scream" years ago, that turned out to be modified by sound engineers. Yet, Steve Scalise keeps his upgraded job.

elleng

(130,149 posts)
11. IMO he was 'denied' running because Dem ptb didn't/don't want him,
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 06:23 PM
Jan 2015

he's too much his own person. Same re: his relationship with the party leadership: They won't/wouldn't let him do it.

IggleDoer

(1,186 posts)
84. But they used the scream as their excuse
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 02:12 PM
Jan 2015

RW radio and TV still play the scream whenever they talk about him.

 

stupidicus

(2,570 posts)
12. blame that "liberal" media
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 06:23 PM
Jan 2015

as soon as he declared on MSNBC back then that his first act as pres was gonna be to break it all up, his demise was easy to predict.

mahina

(17,506 posts)
40. It was the day after he said he'd reinstate the Fairness Doctrine, or try.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 02:01 AM
Jan 2015

5 4 3 2 1 arrgh.

It was a hit, coordinated, and the media should be ashamed.

 

LordGlenconner

(1,348 posts)
87. I was actually watching it live
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 02:34 PM
Jan 2015

It's a pretty tall tale that some conspiracy was formed -- mid speech -- to make him look bad.

Now, what happened after that as far as showing it over and over again is a different matter.



liberalmike27

(2,479 posts)
89. Well
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 03:07 PM
Jan 2015

In truth, his comment about "breaking the media into 100's of pieces," had more to do with the media "turn" on his campaign, than the "scream." It was just the final stab, and twisting of the knife, of the campaign started against him that night on Chris Mathews, when he mistakenly stepped on that third rail.

Remember about a week or two before the first primary, he was in first place, he said that, then the next day, literally the next day, tapes "surfaced" (that surely had been around all along) with him talking about how he hated the "Caucus system," Iowa was famous far. He had great points, you've got to hang around, you can't just vote, a lot of people won't vote. But they played that tape over and over, and slowly his ratings dropped from first, to third.

Then Iowa. The third place finish, the celebratory speech, the directional microphone that amplified the voice, but reduced the crowd noise, making it seem almost imperceptible, playing it a few thousand times. Deed done, Dean done, finished, back adequately stabbed.

My Dean group disintegrated that week, from about 100, back to the original 13 or so. I think that 13 were the ones who actually realized the media had manipulated, and destroyed him.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
64. Wait ...
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:33 AM
Jan 2015

Didn't his 50 State Strategy give us Lincoln and a bunch of other of those Blue Dogs that had to go?

Now I'm confused.

 

MannyGoldstein

(34,589 posts)
66. And to keep pushing left as hard as possible
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:39 AM
Jan 2015

Hard to imagine these days, I understand.

But if the Party leadership gave Democrats cover to move left, rather than cover to move right, people like Lincoln would have behaved very differently.

Myrina

(12,296 posts)
69. ... and his 'Dean Dozen' gave us a little known senate candidate in IL named Barack Obama ...
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 10:15 AM
Jan 2015

... so what's your point?

adirondacker

(2,921 posts)
77. She's my favorite Democrat and I don't think we've seen the last of her.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 11:42 AM
Jan 2015

It's great to see someone with both moral principles and ambition on the scene.

onecent

(6,096 posts)
17. Oh How I LOVE THIS MAN. I was sick when the repubs walked
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 06:46 PM
Jan 2015

all over him for a scream???? it was GREAT!!!!!!!!! I LOVED HEARING HIM ROAR AND BE EXCITED for what possibly could have been a run for him.
You were lucky to have breakfast with him. Wish I had been with you. lol

madokie

(51,076 posts)
18. Cool beans
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 06:52 PM
Jan 2015

What a shoulder to be rubbing up against.


I'm a very much in need of counseling Deaniac myself. He had me at a low boil feeling so good about our country going forward. I could actually dream what can be.
Money machine took him away from us though, what a shame cause he would have made an excellent President. I'd still commit to him today if he was to run.

Enthusiast

(50,983 posts)
19. How does Howard feel about the horrible trade deals?
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 07:08 PM
Jan 2015

How does he feel about the effort to destroy social security and medicare? How does he feel about all the excessive wasteful military spending?

 

blackcrow

(156 posts)
49. trade deals
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 05:50 AM
Jan 2015

I believe he's said before that he originally was not sure what the effect of the trade deals would be but that now he thinks they're terrible.

As to his views on SS and Medicare, have you been on Mars the last decade or two?

mountain grammy

(26,571 posts)
22. So, I had breakfast with my husband this morning
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 07:22 PM
Jan 2015

and said I wish I was having breakfast with Howard Dean, and he said, boy I sure would like a chance to talk to that old boy (sometimes his Texas lingo sneaks in) and ask him what he thinks about the TPP.

Probably one of the best presidential candidates in our lifetime. I hope he's hopeful, because if he is, I am.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
36. Did he appear on Morning Joe this morning, too?
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 12:35 AM
Jan 2015

If so, I admire his intestinal fortitude!

Howard's comment today on the terrorism in France was that those terrorists were no more Muslim than he is--and I agree with him. Pity more of DU doesn't feel the same...

mountain grammy

(26,571 posts)
44. I admire the intestinal fortitude of anyone sane who appears on Morning Joe
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 02:45 AM
Jan 2015

and that would go for my husband, but always for Howard Dean

DFW

(54,055 posts)
56. He came straight from Morning Joe to the place where we met
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:22 AM
Jan 2015

MSNBC is at 30 Rock, so he was only about 5 minutes away. I was about ten. He got there at 6:58 and had to wait for 2 minutes as they didn't open until 7 and it was a long, cold 2 minutes!

We were supposed to meet at 8, and I didn't get there until 7:45. Had I known he would be there at 7, I would have gotten there way earlier!

MADem

(135,425 posts)
71. So--the really IMPORTANT stuff....
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 10:34 AM
Jan 2015

What did he have for breakfast? Coffee or tea? Juice? Eggs? Pancakes? Cereal? Oatmeal? Fruit? And if there was a meat on that plate, what was it? Sausage--links or patties? Bacon? Chipped beef? Soy bacon or sausage?

These are the burning questions of the hour!!!

OH WAIT--I see you answered that question above!!! That sounds like a very good breakfast--I may copy it (got up late today and I have some smoked salmon on hand...!).

Mopar151

(9,965 posts)
101. The Honey Jack is pancake syrup.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 11:05 PM
Jan 2015

An important part of a nutritious breakfast for the hard core......

DCBob

(24,689 posts)
28. Hi DFW.. that sounds like a slight opening for him run.
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 08:13 PM
Jan 2015

Can you share what he said about what it would take for him to consider it?

DFW

(54,055 posts)
30. Just got back from the WBAI studio. Yes, I think I can answer this. CHeck this thread tomorrow.
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 11:37 PM
Jan 2015

I'm exhausted!

DFW

(54,055 posts)
57. OK, now I'm lucid again
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:26 AM
Jan 2015

Basically, Hillary would have to bow out, Biden and O'Malley would have to declare they're out, plus at least one other mystery guest would have to definitely say no. If he sees an empty playing field, leaving a real chance for a president Rand Paul (or some such disaster), he would get in, despite all the factors that he thinks are more than sufficient to keep him out of it.

DCBob

(24,689 posts)
90. I suspect the "mystery guest" is Kirsten Gillibrand.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 04:00 PM
Jan 2015

Thanks for this. I really admire Dr Dean he would be my dream candidate although unlikely in 2016.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
95. Jim Webb-who is "exploring"--would need to go, too.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 06:03 PM
Jan 2015

I think it's unlikely, myself, but what do I know?

DFW

(54,055 posts)
96. His name didn't come up
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 06:39 PM
Jan 2015

Not to say he's not a possibility, but I didn't bring him up, and, more to the point, neither did Howard.

pscot

(21,023 posts)
106. Gillibrand would shake things up
Fri Jan 9, 2015, 12:09 AM
Jan 2015

if she ran. She seems fearless. The women could redefine the party. it appears pretty formless right now.

Lifelong Protester

(8,421 posts)
29. Lucky you!
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 10:05 PM
Jan 2015

I'd love to spend some time with Dr. Dean (although I don't know if I 'd have the brain power to have a great conversation with him!.) I think he's tops!

 

KingCharlemagne

(7,908 posts)
31. You can't see me right now, but I'm green with envy. What would it
Wed Jan 7, 2015, 11:51 PM
Jan 2015

take for him to throw his hat in the ring again?

MrMickeysMom

(20,453 posts)
35. Is Howard still in the Democratic wing?
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 12:26 AM
Jan 2015

I hope so. I believed in him all the way and including the 50 state strategy.

I wish him well. I hope he hasn't lost touch with single payer and how badly we are going to fail in this country without it.

Huh… That was a change of subject matter I could use tonight after all the other crap. Anyway, I wish him well.

DFW

(54,055 posts)
63. I mentioned DU briefly
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:32 AM
Jan 2015

I have also mentioned it to him before, but he doesn't follow blogs much except DFA-related ones.

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
45. Another Deniac here.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 02:56 AM
Jan 2015

I also met him several times at campaign events, enough so that he sort of recognized me after a while.

What's largely been forgotten is that he brought huge numbers of Democrats of all ages to activism, and those who rejected him have reaped the benefits. He's probably too old to run again (he and I are the same age) but I wish he'd be much more out there, representing the genuinely Democratic branch of the Democratic Party.

madfloridian

(88,117 posts)
47. Thanks for this, DFW. Fond memories of 2003.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 03:14 AM
Jan 2015

It brings back old memories of the first and last time my late hubby and I were so deeply involved in politics. We were really naive enough to think we could make a difference, and who knows...maybe we made more of a difference than we realized.

I know our local DFA really stirred up the hornets' nest of DLC/Third Way Democrats around here. Our DFA was made up of Democrats, Greens, Independents, and Republicans. We were about the only activists for miles around.

I have since openly disagreed with Dean on some policies, especially education "reform" as it is wrongly called. But I still fondly remember the Dean Campaign days. After hubby died my kids were helping me organize. They instinctively knew their dad would not have wanted the campaign buttons, stickers, and such thrown out. So they kept it all.

I look back on it as a time that our party showed its true corporate colors. He was making too many question the war, and we were the fringe activists making waves.

DFW

(54,055 posts)
93. Howard was never willing to kiss enough ass to win insider support
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 05:56 PM
Jan 2015

His base was always popular, not top-centered. That's why so many people at the top (of both parties) were so terrified of him. God forbid we should get a president by popular acclaim instead of one that got the blessing of the PTB, right?

As we were talking yesterday, I was again reminded by just how unbelievably AWARE Howard is. He had/has his pulse on issues that matter to SO many people of modest to no means--how far does THAT get you in today's political landscape?

Mopar151

(9,965 posts)
102. Unwilling / unable to be nice to people you don't like...
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 11:14 PM
Jan 2015

Or cannot f*^%$# stand..... (NASCAR fans reference = Richie Evans, Maynard Troyer) I suspect many of the wealthy get a lot of practice at this with their own families, from childhood on.

IronLionZion

(45,259 posts)
50. Many DUers told me someone was anointed in 2008 and unbeatable
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 07:32 AM
Jan 2015

so yes, anything can happen. Surprise upsets happen all the time.

 

MannyGoldstein

(34,589 posts)
51. I continue to have a sneaking suspicion
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 07:58 AM
Jan 2015

that Dr. Dean's endorsement of Hillary is because he knows she's probably not running.

DFW

(54,055 posts)
60. Let's put it this way
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:30 AM
Jan 2015

He definitely knows she has has not yet decided to run. And I left him off at her office! I think we can safely say that she cannot be counted as a candidate yet.

MADem

(135,425 posts)
75. That's probably why she hired the new pollster--she's crunching it down to numbers.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 11:05 AM
Jan 2015

Her staff has put out that there will be a spring announcement, and spring is just around the corner. For someone not running, she's spending enough 'exploring' the concept, even without announcing an exploratory effort.

So, if she does run, and win, what will he be? Health and Human Services? VICE President (now that would be an interesting tick--she's got IL/AR covered, but she's really NY these days, and it would be a Northeast ticket--but hey, everyone said Clinton-Gore was crazy, and that worked....)? Something else?

He's got his future in mind, I'm sure. I hope it's bright!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/hillary-clinton-begins-weighing-details-of-a-2016-bid-with-a-spring-announcement-likely/2014/12/11/088bccac-80a5-11e4-9f38-95a187e4c1f7_story.html


...The strategy discussions provide further evidence that the former secretary of state and first lady is edging closer to another run for the presidency, after two years writing and promoting a memoir, giving paid speeches and strengthening ties with key Democratic interest groups. But rather than announce in January — as she did in 2007 — Clinton allies are increasingly working under the assumption that an official announcement will not come until spring....

The enforced separation now under discussion by Clinton and her aides would erect a clearer legal barrier between her and her unofficial campaign-in-waiting. It would put an end to the informal discussions now taking place between Clinton’s inner circle and operatives working for outside groups backing her.

Because Clinton is not a declared candidate for federal office, she and her advisers are allowed to communicate informally with groups such as Priorities USA Action, Ready for Hillary and American Bridge, whose Correct the Record project functions as a rapid-response operation on her behalf. If and when she announces her bid, however, Clinton’s campaign would not be able to share strategic information with allies outside the campaign and Democratic Party.

Another issue her aides are considering is a Federal Election Commission rule that requires a 120-day waiting period before an outside group can make an expenditure on a candidate’s behalf if they have hired a vendor or strategist who worked for the candidate’s campaign.


His endorsement was certainly full-throated, there's no ambiguity here:

https://www.readyforhillary.com/updates/howard-dean-im-ready-hillary

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
67. Manny, could you imagine the thud that would take place both on and off DU if that happened
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:56 AM
Jan 2015

I honestly don't know if I could stop laughing before I got banned from DU.

 

MannyGoldstein

(34,589 posts)
68. It's always good to be prepared with a fainting couch
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 09:03 AM
Jan 2015

Or in this case, perhaps we should call it a feinting couch.

DFW

(54,055 posts)
65. This place doesn't offer them
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:34 AM
Jan 2015

I just had smoked salmon, a croissant, hot tea with lemon and orange juice.

Autumn

(44,761 posts)
70. He's such a good person. We got robbed over a manufactured event.
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 10:31 AM
Jan 2015

About the 2016 race? I don't think Hillary will run. I sure would like to see him in a field of democrats in the debates though, him and my Bernie

calimary

(80,699 posts)
91. Well, if I had a question it would be - WHEN will you take over as DNC Chair again?
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 04:37 PM
Jan 2015

Other follow-up questions on a theme:

Do you plan on it? Are you considering it? Do you get a sense of how many of us need you back in that position again? Has anybody had the good sense and smarts to ask you to do it?

DAYUM I miss him in that leadership position! We sure didn't lose ground in the midterm election when HE was in charge. Hell, in 2006, we took back the House! We had Speaker Pelosi. Who remained in charge and got an awful lot accomplished - until DEBBIE's debacle in 2010.

DFW

(54,055 posts)
92. The debacle was Tim Kaine's
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 05:49 PM
Jan 2015

DWS didn't take over until after that, not that either one did us much good!

KoKo

(84,711 posts)
98. Thanks DFW.... Here's what I wonder about...
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 08:31 PM
Jan 2015

Is Hillary's Campaign assessing Bill's Problems since he left the Presidency?

Would she want that "Stuff" dragged up about why Chelsea had to Take Over the "Clinton Global Initiative" and his association with Doug Brand?

I can't imagine she wants all that "STUFF" dredged up which might be Howard's meetings with her. Will the American People and Democrats survive what could come out about those years after Bill left the Presidency. And....are they trying to figure out how to deal with Bill. Will he be the "First Man to the First Lady?" Or, will he be denied access to the White House?

No One ever answers about What Happens to Bill if Hillary is Elected.

That may be what the Dem Establishment is trying to work around. Dean as Hillary's VP would be an excellent STRATEGY.

But What about Bill? and the "STUFF/Baggage?"



Loved your report BTW!

DFW

(54,055 posts)
105. This is all stuff Hillary will have to be ready to answer--IF she runs
Thu Jan 8, 2015, 11:58 PM
Jan 2015

I think Bill will wisely take a very low profile if Hillary runs (aside from a very rousing speech at the nominating convention), and an even lower one if she is elected. But that's only my gut feeling.

I don't see Howard as VP (although Joe Biden has given ample good example of the elder statesman as VP). But I'll say the same thing I said in December, 2008: HHS Secretary Howard Dean would not only be MY dream, but that of every American with inadequate or no health coverage. He won't get single payer right away, especially not with Republicans in control of at least one house of Congress, but he'll push for it to the point where the national debate over health care discusses nothing else, and awareness is hale the battle. The difference is that Hillary has no Rahm Emmanuel whispering in her ear to exclude Howard for her inner circle. She and Howard have known each other for MANY years, and he would be close to her if she were to be elected. Good news for all who don't want to see Hillary in the Oval Office, too: Howard is close to more potential 2016 presidents-elect than just Hillary.

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