Dean under consideration for surgeon general: report

[StrongBad]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Howard Dean, a practicing physician before entering politics, was under consideration by the Obama administration for the post of U.S. surgeon general, CNN reported Friday.

Dean, who recently wrapped up a four-year term as Democratic Party chairman, has been a supporter of health reform, and has privately made clear that he is interested in the job, according to the cable network.

CNN said two White House officials noted that, while it is too early to compile a list of candidates for surgeon general, they did not rule out Dean getting the job.

"I would not dismiss it," one of the White House officials said of the possibility that Dean will be selected.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSTRE5256RL20090306

---

I would be very happy should this pan out!

[Blue_In_AK]

1. If true, this would be fabulous.

[Jackpine Radical]

2. I would be happy--and surprised.

[Stephanie]

3. First rec

That's the first thing I thought of when I saw Gupta dropped out.

[wackywaggin]

106. Dean should have been the first choice all along!!

Not the egocentric gupka!!

[kestrel91316]

4. I could seriously get behind that!

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. Dean is who we need in the office

He has practical ideas that will result in genuine savings.

[OhioChick]

6. Sounds good to me!

:thumbsup:

[SemiCharmedQuark]

7. I would die of shock and happiness.

[DUlover2909]

86. Doesn't the alien say, "Windmills do not work that way!"?

I love that episode.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

109. Yes.

It's originally windmills but FSTDT started saying "Evolution does not work that way" when people would say something like "If Evolution is real, shouldn't monkeys all be people by now?" and the only response worth making is "Evolution does not work that way"

[Taverner]

8. AWESOME!!!!!

Please let it be so - the man is a genius - geniuses don't come along very often

[AzDar]

9. Howard!

:woohoo:

[Cha]

10. I love how they get around to this..

"He hasn't been ruled out." Well that's really nice.

[StrongBad]

11. Yeah, the headline is unfortunately more promising than the article

[Cha]

17. We'll see what happens..it

can't have gone unnoticed that many Americans are pulling for Dean to get a job where he can use his excellent experience.

[ooglymoogly]

54. I think they are finally recognizing the anger that is building

in grassroots land so they thought they would throw us a a very meager bone; "Being considered".

[PassingFair]

121. Meager is right. I hope he tells them to shove it.

I am energized about him being
back at DFA.

Some one has to push for a
progressive agenda and not just
for a big business rip-off of
what's left of our economy.

[Nothing Without Hope]

12. Can't believe anyone would choose a toady like Gupta over Howard Dean

But they did. Let's hope they make it right this time around.

[democrank]

13. I`ll be stunned if it happens but

very grateful.

[librechik]

14. If I were Howie I would be disgusted with my treatment by the O team

nevertheless he would be a great choice--and helpful to the healthcare resolution, I think.

[dana_b]

112. exactly. and he might do it for US!

I hope so.

[eShirl]

15. YAY!

k&r
:bounce:

[Rosa Luxemburg]

16. I hope so. He should be!

[myrna minx]

18. Yay! K&R n.t

[Frisbee]

19. That would be a nice bone....

to throw to the progressives who have been supporting President Obama while seemingly being unheard by him or his administration. I would have a difficult time thinking of a better or more deserving nominee that Dr. Dean.

[dmr]

20. Dr. Dean for Surgeon General! YES! n/t

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

21. General Dean.

[sandnsea]

22. Okay. Now we should SCREAM and make this happen!

Now's the time for the grassroots to be heard. I really want Howard in this spot.

[Faygo Kid]

23. I'm for it, if he wants it. His political skills would be very useful.

And he's definitely qualified. Great stuff.

[Metta]

24. He's one of the main reasons they won. How short their memories are.

disappointed so far for several appointments.

[regnaD kciN]

36. It isn't a matter of short memories, but of a long memory...

...specifically, that of Rahm Emmanuel. :grr:

[proud2BlibKansan]

25. He is back with DFA

Maybe he doesn't want the job?

[UpInArms]

26. I love Howard Dean

he speaks for me

[Stinky The Clown]

27. I think this would be insulting and a waste of talent

I think much more of Howard Dean than a posting to a down-level job.

This is NOT a put down of Howard Dean. It is a put down of wasting his talents.

[tbyg52]

29. That was my first thought as well.

What would he actually *do* in that position? I don't even *remember* many surgeon generals, except that poor woman who got hounded out for telling the truth. Elders, that was it. How much has any surgeon general actually changed?

[JeffR]

37. Damn right.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

64. Agreed.

Let's possibly select Dean after Sanjay Gupta? Phuck that. He should have been offered HHS.

[Mind_your_head]

66. So what job do you think he should be offered, Stinky?

.

[Stinky The Clown]

95. I think he should have been offered HHS .... but ......

...... he hasn't been and he won't be. I agree with some others. Let him chart his own course outside the administration.

[Mind_your_head]

120. I agree with you......let him chart his own course. Dr Dean has a GREAT (proven) political instinct

eom

[radhika]

68. He Deserves Better - Way Better

If Dr Dean even accepted such an insulting offer, after bypassing him for HHS and even considering Gupta first, I'll loose it. He can use his leadership, talents and fearlessness much more fully outside Obama-land. Unfortunately, Obama-land needs him but not as a minor-league communicator. He would help chart an eventual path towards Single Payer, by sliding in a public plan amid the corporate plans.

Personally, I think they won't even offer it - just trying to mollify Dean's base by pretending to consider it.

[dansolo]

96. If he did accept it, I would trust his reasons

I don't believe for moment that Dean would accept a position in the Administration that would not allow him to influence the health care debate. He is not that naive. He has made it clear that his personal crusade is to work towards improving the health care system for all. He can do this either inside the Administration, or outside it making noise. If he wants the job, and accepts it if offered, then that is good enough for me.

[vaberella]

80. I don't agree with you at all.

I looked up the duties of the Surgeon General and I don't see why you find this a "down-level job." Dean would do amazingly well here and he'd definitely be an advocacy voice for a public financed health initiative. I think you're getting statement is totally unfounded and he do a lot in that position.

[bvar22]

105. I'm with Stinky !

IF offered, I PRAY Howard Dean turns down this token "position".
It would harness him to the administration and turn a Grass Roots Leader into a TV Spokesperson.

Dean is too important, too valuable to the grass roots on too many issues, and MUCH more powerful at DFA to become a eunuch spokesperson in a token position.

Just say NO, Howard.

[Stargazer09]

28. I would love to see this!

I really like Howard Dean, and I think he is the type of person who could get things done in the health care field.

Perfect blend of medicine and politics, and he's not going to diagnose someone based on a video (ala Terry Schiavo).

[nyc 4 Biden]

30. Howard Dean FTW!

[valerief]

31. A veddy, veddy, veddy good idea! nt

[BumRushDaShow]

32. Finally!

K&R

:kick:

[cooolandrew]

33. I mean reality is that Barack and Dr Dean were on a different page when it came to healthcare>

I think President Obama is more reaching for what is doable than miraculous. Great to see Dean considered at last he deserves that.

[JerseygirlCT]

34. He'd do a great job, I think. nt

[regnaD kciN]

35. Goodie! ANOTHER position Rahm can block Dean from getting...

:sarcasm:

[MasonJar]

38. It would be about time Obama recognized Dean's contributions to

the resurgence of the Democratic Party and to his own election. I will not hold my breath, however.

[Cheney Killed Bambi]

39. K. . . . &. . . .R. .. !

:kick: :bounce:

[stevedeshazer]

40. k n r n/t

[marlakay]

41. I read somewhere a few weeks ago Gibbs doesn't like him

either and Obama has been friends with Gibbs and Rahm for a very long time. That about says it for me. Obama is keeping real quiet to not piss off the base who like Dean but.....

[proud patriot]

42. woo hoo

:bounce:

[midnight]

43. Saving the best for last. Surgeon General Dr. Howard Dean.

Thank you President Obama. It is truely a wonderful position for this Great Doctor.

[graywarrior]

44. Jesus, give the guy SOMETHING!!!!

[rndmprsn]

45. yay...that is all

K+R

[Myrina]

46. I would love them to offer it, and Dr Dean say 'no thanks'.

... he recently committed back to DFA and getting back to roots-work ... and I fully support him in that.

He should have been the first candidate for HHS and - at this point - being 2nd choice for a 'consolation prize' job ... well, that just pisses me off. He deserves much better from the man he put in the White House.

C'mon back to the average folks who love ya, Howard!! :patriot:

[vaberella]

82. That could piss you off but Dean is not about pettiness like you are.

I think Dean would put pettiness aside and make the best choice for himself and what seat would be best for him to help the American people better. This is not a power play game and we're talking about lives and the betterment of the American people.

If he was to follow your statement for the reasons you stated...I'd see him no better than a Republican.

[Name removed]

98. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Myrina]

104. Wow, so nice of you to cast judgement on someone you don't know ..

... speaking of acting like a Republican ...

[vaberella]

111. Please don't play victim.

Nothing I said warrants that sort of reaction. I never passed judgement on you as a person. I gave my own perspective on your statement and the suggested action which I find to be petty. You may not find the action petty. But that's you. But he's a bigger person than to dwell on pettiness and play some game when there are more important things out there.

And yes, I do find pettiness and game playing very Republican thing to do.

[Kingofalldems]

47. I like it! But the DU neocon(s) will not be happy

And that makes it even nicer.

[someone else]

48. Works for me. n/t

[MissDeeds]

49. Yes!!!!!!!!!

Wow! This would be a terrific choice. :toast:

K&R

[Historic NY]

50. Obama really needs Democrats that will back him, & Dr. Dean is the best choice.

[ozone_man]

51. This is your chance to do the right thing Obama.

No more DLC appointments please.

[peace frog]

116. Right on

This would hands down be your best nomination, Mr. President. GO HOWARD!

[Wetzelbill]

52. I hope he gets it

He really deserves it.

[ejbr]

53. This could be an Arlen Spector move

say one thing, do another.

[Not Sure]

55. Jesus Christ. It's about fucking time they threw the man a bone. nt

[aquart]

56. Well, I didn't think Hillary would get a job from them, either.

Let it be true. All I got to say. It would show a very intelligent responsiveness to public will.

[caseymoz]

57. I never thought he'd be kept out.

Obama would find something for him anyway.

[Hippo_Tron]

58. Dean would do a fine job but it is a bit below his pay grade IMO

But hey if the President of the United States asks you to serve, then there are very compelling reasons to say yes even if it is not in the particular capacity that you had hoped for.

[scytherius]

59. I love Obama., but if it weren't for Dean, the Republicans would still run this Nation

Dean deserves our undying gratitude and a cabinet level position.

[MissDeeds]

92. I agree completely

Dr. Dean was largely responsible for turning things around.

[BrklynLiberal]

119. At the very least.

[Larkspur]

60. If Dean accepts SG, then I'll support him, but

SG reports to HHS and Dean really wanted HHS.

Also, the previous SG's were licensed M.D.'s and Dean's medical license lapsed long ago. Not sure if that is a problem. I had thought that the SG had to have a current M.D. license, but the SG web site does not mention it.

[liberaltrucker]

65. A bit of linkage, please

To back up your assertion?

:)

[Larkspur]

122. Here's the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States

Office of the Surgeon General

[defendandprotect]

61. I share the mixed feeling on this -- should have been HHS ---

However, I'd be happy to see Dean joining this administration in any position ---

And if he will take it, then it's OK with me --- !!!

Let the WH know how you feel ----

http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

[liberaltrucker]

62. Governor Howard Dean, MD should've been President Howard Dean, MD

Political, read media, realities at the time prevented that outcome.

SG would be the best position to utilize his talents at this time.
Let's hope it happens.

:thumbsup:

[craigmatic]

63. I doubt the good Doctor will get it because Rahm hates his guts

They haven't so much as looked in Dean's direction for the cabinet since taking office and I doubt they'll do it now even though this is not a cabinet position.

[liberaltrucker]

67. Knowing Rahm, he'd say

"I Hate his goddammed motherfucking guts". But I digress.

President Obama is notorious for reaching out. We'll see.

[vaberella]

83. Apparently they had lunch a few days ago if not last week....

putting their differences aside. So hating guts may have gone out the window.

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

69. now thats what I'm talkin' about!

yeah!

[punkin87]

70. hope so!

[rollingrock]

71. WTF does a Surgeon General even do??

beside putting warning labels on cigarette packages?



What a truly god-forsaken stupid meaningless position especially for someone who is a former governor of a state!

[sutz12]

113. Actually, it can be a very visible position...

He could be out there in the public eye, supporting real health care reform.

I'd like this to happen. Yes I would.

[SoCalDemGrrl]

72. Finally! Jeez it's a no brainer

[SoCalDemGrrl]

73. Finally! Jeez it's a no brainer

[Marie26]

74. Not gonna happen

I'm actually feeling a little insulted. IMO this is just a move to pacify the "loony left" who are upset that Dean wasn't considered for HHS. Emanuel won't let Dean anywhere near a position of power in the Obama Ad. IMO.

[Individualist]

125. I sadly agree

DLC detests progressives.

[deepplaya]

75. Stunning intellegent solution to the problem

Wow!
Just hearing that news made me feel like I may live longer than I though I could.
This is an area that Dean could win a Nobel prize for his abilities.

[rcmpvern]

76. Dean is a Drug Warrior. Would be the most famous SG ever

There never has been a Surgeon General who was as well-known as a president.
Howard Dean was widely known before most people had heard of Barack Obama.

Rahm Emanuel doesn't like Dean, although Emanuel's boss owes his job to Dean's 50-state strategy.

Dean blocked medical marijuana in his state.
Attorney General Holder hinted that the DEA would no longer be raiding California's Medical Marijuana growers (presumably other states' as well).
After that weasel-y sort-of pronouncement, it would be nice to have a pro-medical marijuana surgeon general appointed.

http://www.mpp.org/news/press-releases/medical-marijuana-patients-supporters-protest-dean-presidential.html

I hope Dean makes a comeback. I like him much more than Emanual.
But if Dean became Surgeon General now, before President Obama's hinted-at policies have trickled down to DEA Field Agents, would be a step back.

It looks like we are taking a step forward, towards Science with Holder's statement, and with Obama's expected pronouncement on Stem Cell Research on Monday.
Replacing Drug Warrior Gupta with Ultra Drug Warrior Dean would be a step back.

[fujiyama]

77. Just give it to him already!

Why is there even a question? He would have been a great Sec. HHS and unlike Daschle I don't think Dean has any tax issues. I hope Sebelius is a strong advocate for universal health care. Dean would make an excellent SG as well and I really hope they aren't simply floating names for the hell of it. I'm sick of these stupid leaks. It's not right to the people being considered.

He gets a lot less credit than deserved by bringing the party back - '06 and '08 were amazing triumphs and both are due at least in part to a 50 state strategy. I like Rahm in that he's a partisan fighter, but he's also sort of petty and immature in a sense for keeping some bizarre grudge against Dean for the fifty state strategy (or so I've read a few times here). Then again, it seems like a DLC thing. It seems like many of them don't like Dean for whatever reason. I remember after '06 Rahm and Schumer were taking most of the credit. It didn't seem right. A lot of them really seem afraid of Dean. Then again, Dean and Rahm are both sort of blunt so I can see it also being a sort of personality clash.

[No Elephants]

78. "I would not dismiss it?" Think I won't uncork the

champagne just yet, much as I would like to see someone "from the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party" in this adminstration.

[MilesColtrane]

79. Hey, I guess it's a steady paycheck.

If Dean gets the job I hope he can find something useful to do with it.

[Raine]

81. This would be WONDERFUL

Dean would a GREAT pick!

[Enthusiast]

84. K&R. I was one of the tens of

thousands that wrote President Obama objecting to his choice of Gupta to start with. I'm disappointed that he was going on with Sanjay as a choice. Howard Dean was the obvious correct choice to start with. I'm often puzzled by Obama's thinking.

[Wizard777]

85. Dean was my first pick. I think he'll do even better as Surgeon General than he did as DNC Chair.

If Obama is sincere about reforming health care. A politically savvy doctor and Surgeon General would be very good to have. That is Howard Dean. I couldn't think of a better person for the job. But only if Obama is sincere about reforming health care.

[DUlover2909]

87. Howard Dean thinks he's so big. Just cuz he's a doctor.

And cuz he figured out how to win elections. And how he gets mentioned as a possible candidate for HHS or Sergeon General. And cuz he's successful and popular and has money. And cuz he was governor and a Presidential candidate. And cuz he's smart and cool and all of those things people say that I am not. So what? Just cuz he's a big cool rich famous happy bigshot don't mean nothin.

[watercolors]

88. a perfect choice!

he should have been the pick first time, lets hope it happens.

[90-percent]

89. Apparel

Will Howard be forced to wear the;

"phony Doctor God get up"

if he gets the gig?

-90%Jimmy

[Vinca]

90. This needs to happen.

[BeatleBoot]

91. I have been saying this since 2004

during the presidential primaries.

[coffeenap]

93. Let it be so!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lonestarnot]

94. Well well well! Give the good Dr. what he deserves! He wants the fucking job! Give it to him!

[snappyturtle]

97. Happy to be the 100th rec! Wow! I would be so happy to see Dean get the post. nt

[rolltideroll]

99. I like Dean for any office

[Iwillnevergiveup]

100. For me, Howard Dean is the face of the Democratic party

He paved the way for Obama - he's a brilliant strategist who will make single payer health care a reality.

K&R #104

[goforit]

101. I thought Gupta was going to get this position.

[Joey Liberal]

102. He deserves it! nt

[lsewpershad]

103. Great

Hope he gets it

[rcmpvern]

107. End Prohibition

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_030509_news_mulino_shooting.6071846.html?npc

There's two ways to go on the War on Marijuana.
Go towards science and legalize it.
Make points with Republicans by continuing Prohibition.

President Obama is pissing off Focus on the Family and hard-line Christians with his Stem Cell stand.

If he appoints Dean, eight more years of prohibition and D.A.R.E.-educated kids becoming cops.

[1776Forever]

108. This is what I told another DUer who said the Surgeon General post wasn't "good" enough for Dean:

in this case Howard Dean could make it his! I believe he would be very influential.

Just because no one before this has ever used the position as a sounding board and in the way it might be used doesn't mean a man like Dean couldn't pull that off! I give him more credit then that - it is not the position it is the MAN!

Yes! I really do believe Dean would make it HIS and would be fantastic in this position!

:woohoo: :applause: :woohoo:

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

110. I've always loved Howard Dean and we owe him for putting us on right track

he knew what he was doing and managed it in spite of the asshats who tried to
stop him. Those asshats are traitors, and heck one of them even sleeps with the enemy.
(Carville/Madalin yuck)

[fadedrose]

114. Best "rumor" I've heard in a long time

hope it pans out...

[GrantDem]

115. General Dean...

Has a nice ring to it. :applause:

[Clear Blue Sky]

117. I can't see any reason why he wouldn't be perfect for the job...nt

[BrklynLiberal]

118. I heard this on the radio news late last night. Hope it is true.

[Vehl]

123. I hope he gets that post!

I really hope Dean gets that post. It would be Awesome!!! :)

[Bake]

124. Dean should graciously pass on the job

The Surgeon General post is worthless. Howard can do far more at DFA, and the SG spot is a very meager bone tossed as an afterthought.

Bake

[JFKfanforever]

126. Couldn't he handle both?

I would like to see Dr Dean as HHS... but the position of
Surgeon General would, at least, give him a title and a
platform from which he could guide public opinion to support
meaningful change to the health care system that we all can
believe in.