WASHINGTON (CNN) - When President-elect Barack Obama heads to the Democratic National Committee today to formally unveil the new party chair there will be a notable absence, which is prompting some rare Democratic grumblings during these high times for the party.
Current Chairman Howard Dean left this morning for Pago Pago, American Samoa to attend the inauguration of that territory’s governor and a weekend fundraiser to raise money for the party there. Dean has so far visited all 50 states, and all territories except American Samoa.
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who was on the shortlist to be Obama’s vice president, will succeed Dean and formally take over the DNC post at the party’s winter meeting on January 21st.
An Obama transition aide said the only reason Dean is not going be at the Obama-Kaine event is that it conflicted with Dean’s travel plans. But multiple sources, including party activists, say Dean was not invited and would have cancelled his trip if asked. When told he was not included, Dean is said to have taken the news in stride and continued with his travel plans.
Dean’s absence at today’s event has raised eyebrows among some supporters, including state party chairmen, who credit Dean with originating and implementing the grassroots, 50-state strategy that Obama utilized so successfully and that helped Democrats take back control of Congress.
“It baffles me,” said one supporter. Another added it was “odd” the way Dean has been treated during the transition process. The supporters contacted by CNN requested anonymity citing the desire not to cause disappointment during a generally jubilant time for Democrats nationally. They however expressed frustration over the fact that Dean, a doctor and a former governor, has not been mentioned for a post in the new Democratic administration, a perk given to past successful chairmen.
“At minimum, sure it’s a slight” said one supporter of Dean’s exclusion at the joint Kaine and Obama event. This supporter said Dean’s inclusion would have sent a positive message to the state party chairs who have worked closely with Dean, and the DNC staff who worked under him.
While the DNC and the Obama camp worked together during the general election, the campaign independently executed and managed a fierce state-by-state field operation and did not rely as heavily on the party apparatus as past presidential campaigns have.
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
Amazing how one YELL (i.e. Dean)...can ruin a guy's whole political career! From Washington to Pago Pago.......sounds like Carol Mosley Braun.
Me too!!!
Ahhh, the sweet smell of hypocracy in the morning!
Politics, Chicago style!
Hey, I voted for Obama and I support him, but they can't leave Dean out of this. He's great.
Ministry of Information (1984): Kaine has always been here. Dean never existed.
As a supporter of both Howard Dean and president-elect Obama, I'm curious about why Dean seems to be getting the shaft. I had the honor of meeting Governor Dean shortly after he lost the primary election in 2004 and he is a remarkable man who has helped the Democratic Party tremendously. I can't help wondering if it has something to do with the contentious 2007 primary and maybe where Dean's loyalties fell. I hope not.
Hmm....
The whole Dean situation makes you think something happened between him and the Obama team.
Otherwise, why is he being left out of Obamas cabinet.
Lies all Lies. Please let's stick to substance, I'm starting to think that Idiot republicans are writing these articles.
Under Dean, the Democratic party reestablished itself and won alot of seats. He has received no credit or gratitude. He should have been named surgeon general.
YELLOW JOURNALISM IS WHAT GOT O-BUMMER INTO OFFICE.
TRUE JOURNALISM DIED IN 2008
I HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THE PAPERS OR JOURNLIST ANYMORE THEY HAVE ON A WHOLE PROVIDED NOTHING BUT BIAS REPORTING.
YOU GOT YOUR MAN IN OFFICE NOW LETS SEE WHAT HE CAN DO.
SARA PALIN
PLEASE SHUT UP AND TEND TO ALASKA WHILE YOU STILL CAN-- JOHN MCCAIN MUST BE SENILE
"An Obama transition aide said the only reason Dean is not going be at the Obama-Kaine event is that it conflicted with Dean’s travel plans. But multiple sources, including party activists, say Dean was not invited and would have cancelled his trip if asked. When told he was not included, Dean is said to have taken the news in stride and continued with his travel plans."
Who are the Dems now?? The Jets?? All of a sudden if he doesn't wanna hang out or be their best friend, they'll get all crazy? I'm sure they are a lot of people in Congress or let alone in this country that wanna be involve and get on the action. Watch out Dems, when he gets sworn in, I'm gonna be more bogus than my boy George Halas...you better be ready.
so what's the deal? Is there a rift between Obama and Dean? I was surprised that high-profile people like Howard Dean and Russ Feingold didn't get cabinet positions....
Another example of the high-handed, arrogant attitude of Obama and his team. Just watch for things to come from the big-talker.
I wouldn't show up either.
I like Tim Kaine
Considering how much the party and now the people of America owe Howard Dean for implementing the 50-State Strategy, this is a huge slap in the face.
So Bush is dissed for not allowing the Obamas the use of Blair house but the Dems can ignore the DNC chair who oversaw their regime change.
As someone who lives in the state of Virginia, how can Kaine work part time as the new DNC chair and then also do his job to reduce the budget deficits in his home state? Trust me, he is NOT that talented.
That too bad. I think Howard Dean deserves a lot of credit for his DNC leadership and fifty state strategy. The results of his strategy and Obama's message couldn't have been any better. I also hope Obama finds another way to make sure Mr. Dean gets the recognition his deserves.
It's not a slap in the face ... though no one should discount the contributions made by Howard Dean to the Democrats success in November. The campaign technology alone made a huge difference.
This is a major slap in the face. Howard Dean is the reason we had good people in ALL FIFTY STATES. Obama's new chief of staff didn't think it was a good idea. It seems Obama is only rewarding the people who were against him in the beginning. I mean, nothing for Sen. McCaskill? A token job for Gov. Kaine. You see what happened to Mrs. Clinton vs. Mr. Kerry right?
Mr. Dean was/is a great DNC Chairman that raised enormous amounts of money for the party,and for those that might have forgotten,it was"His Trailblazing Pioneering Techique of Using the Internet as a Fund Raiser",which Sen.J.Kerry ( master of the Flip-Flop do-wop) used,along with the entire "Fold"of mindless politicians. He was fully aware of (awkward invite/but please don't show) not being asked for his argumentive nature towards the Clinton's, and Mr. Axelrod, ( Pres.Clinton's past campaign manager/advisor) now currently running the show for PE Obama (his "go-to-main-man" advisor) which only goes to show? "What have you done for me lately"! PS. PE.Obama has saddled himself with "nothing but ",Clinton baggage that lost it's bouyancy/luster many years ago?
REpbuicans r stoopid.
What slap in the face??? Please!
I see the far-right-nuts are out today. What is Faux News offline?
That Obama transition aide needs to respond to the other Democrat sources who say Dean would have canceled.
I'd like to see more reporting into the reasons for Dean's exclusion. I find that Obama rarely does things without a good reason.
HEARSAY. Name 'em or don't print it. For all we know you'r ejust fabricating this nonsense.
Exactly. Obama is bending over backward to the retrograde vote. Lay on MacDuff
hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay hearsay
The people of america owe Howard Dean nothing. Obama is not even president yet and we have his corrupt home state governor selling his senate seat (and the Burris circus that has ensued), his selection for commerce secretary drop his name from consideration because of corruption charges, and the possibility of years of trillion dollar plus deficits. Sounds like Change, Change, Change is turning into Same, Same, Same. In the words of Howard Dean "Aaaahhhh!"
By all means, let's step all over the guy that got us here. If Dean had not taken a firm stand on the election process, vis a vis Michigan and Florida, Senator Clinton would have easily won the nomination. I for one am very sorry she did not win, but I believe Howard Dean is being treated like dirt. Why not put him in Richardson's place? You would think that at the very least he would have b een named Surgeon General.
shouldn't have been handled that way. Dean was very important to Obama's victory.
Neither President Elect nor governor Dean has ever said anything, but the media is trying to cause conflict between them. What a shame!. Every week or two since the election, there is an article about why President Elect …Howard Dean. Can the media be responsible enough to give these individuals a clean break!!!. So tired of manufactured controversies!
Dean the Scream can probably shout his greetings from Pago Pago and they'll be heard.
they should keep dean that is not right
This is an insignificant media created controversy. Dean and Obama are great friends, and it was Dean's 50 state strategy that put the Democrats in solid control of Congress and the White House.
Maybe Dean, after knowning he would be replaced and that he wasn't invited to the event, was feeling a sense of sadness and depression. And that he just wanted to get out of the DNC and take a break.
Send Dean back to Vermont!
It is time for the "crabs-in-the-bucket" to be boiled and served on a platter. Kids-on-the-playground behavior should not be displayed by "supposedly" professional people. Pitiful.
Obama was one of the original "Dean dozen", endorced by Gov Dean's Democracy for America. That was when Obama was running for his senate seat that became the the springboard to the presidency.
Not to take credit from Obama for being a great candidate, but I'm curious what happenned to cause this rift.
Lies all Lies. Please let's stick to substance, I'm starting to think that Idiot republicans are writing these articles.
As a Vermonter who voted for Howard Dean as governor several times, came to know him personally on early AM flights from Burlington to Chicago as he regularly headed out to Iowa ala Jimmy Carter, was thrilled to see him be the first candidate to leverage the Internet and openly challenge the war in Iraq and Bush dictatorship, watched with dismay as the Democratic establishment and media drove his candidacy into the ground, cheered when he was made head of the DNC, remained steadfast in my support of his 50 state strategy as others questioned it, and cheered when he was vindicated by the across the board 2008 election results – don't understand two things:
1 – Why is Dean even being replaced? There has been no reasoning presented?
2 – Why wouldn't they make an effort to include him somehow – even if it were by televised jumbo-tron?
He should be applauded for his continued dedication to his mission and formally recognized by the Deomcratic Party for his larger-than-life and largely selfless contribution in rescuing our country from the hands of the seemingly entrenched Republican machine.
Same ol same ol from the Empty One.
...he uses and then tosses them under the bus. If he has a grudge, he backs up over you a couple times....huh Richardson? lol
You have to always have somethig the Empty O needs or wants to stay in a good place. He used Dean up, made him his lap dog and then refused him any place in his cabinet after Dean basically handed O the Dem nomination.
But....what has Dean done for him SINCE the election? SEEEEE?
Dean didn't like Obama and now he's getting payback. Obama, coming from that nasty muslim crowd in Chicago who strongarms for what they want, doesn't want Dean to be part of the democratic scene any more. Dean might criticize him (we wouldn't want that now would we?).
Maybe Al Franken will stand in for comic relief since Dean will not be there.
Look no further than "Rahmbo" for this slight. This Vermonter voted for Obama and realized that he has every right to have the DNC chair of his choice. However, Dean's 2004 campaign, 50 state strategy and financial acument made possible the 2006 results and a lot of 2008. Go get'em Howard and thanks!
In reference to Senator Reid's comment, he does not work for Obama
I believe he is wrong. On any job you have a boss and the president is not only the boss but the Comander and Chief. Anyone who has any type of position beneath him, he is their boss. He's not equal with him side by side working with him. Obama is his boss and therefore he works for him.
His comment shows a disrespect towards Obama.
Dean can speak for himself. If Dean wants to participate then he can take the initiative and handle it with direct conversation and get this resolved if in fact there is an issue.
Gene in Pa. You are so right, use them to get what you want and then through them under the bus. Obama style.
They both can fall off the face of the earth for all I care.
HILLARY 2012/2016
I am a committed President-elect Obama supporter and admirer – but his demeanor since winning the election and the way he has seemingly treated some personal and Party faithfuls (such as senator John Kerry – his benefactor, Governor Bill Richardson – his rainy day friend and saviour, Jesse Jackson, Jr.- his defender, and now Chairman Governor Howard Dean – a great Democrat and American, etc.) according to the grapevine, leaves much to be desired, and a terribly bad taste in the mouth, to say the least. ONLY TIME WILL TELL!
THERE IS NOTHING LIKE AN "OLD FRIEND" SAYS THE WISE!!!
Is this really true? Was he really not invitited to the ceremony or is this cnn's way of causing conflict and division? I'd like to hear what happened from Howard Dean. The media many times creates problems and never bothers to tell us how, when, what, and where. Please get the facts form Mr. Dean. If this is true I am disappointed. Mr. Dean is the one who provided the plan (campaign in all states) that made it possible for the DEMS to win this election. Oh, their are some other variables that helped a great deal. This is not the way to treat this man if I knew who is responsible for the disrespect I'd send them a letter expressing my disapproval. I hope he gets some kind of position on the HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE. When he was governor at least most of the people in hiis state had HEALTH CARE and he is a MEDICAL DOCTOR. Why is he left out? Whose toes did he step on? Maybe he was too honest, told the truth to often. PLEASE SOMEONE LET ME KNOW. This is so hard to believe, is this an oversite by PE Obama or the person who did the inviting? CURIOUS, I just need more facts and information before I can believe this.
On Hardball with Chris Matthews last night, Mr. Dean had nothing to say about the matter. This sounds like someone trying to make up some news.
Oh let's remember when Dean was running and everyone thought he was crazy with his Tom Cruise like hollering. He chose not to be there everyone will tell you he wanted a position in the Obama Admin and he is miffed he did not get an appointment.............
F.FOO
FIRED FRIEND OF OBAMA
Wow! Obama can hang with Blagojevich, Ayers, ACORN, Wright and Rezko, but draws the line at Howard Dean?
There will be a record number of subpeonas and grand jury investigations during the Obama presidency and I guess Dean doesn't meet the criteria of Chicago-style politics.
It's OK Howard – stay clear of this group of future parolees.
Wow! Obama can hang with Blagojevich, Ayers, ACORN, Wright and Rezko, but draws the line at Howard Dean?
There will be a record number of subpeonas and grand jury investigations during the Obama presidency and I guess Dean doesn't meet the criteria of Chicago-style politics.
It's OK Howard – stay clear of this group of future parolees
Wow! Obama can hang with Blagojevich, Ayers, ACORN, Wright and Rezko, but draws the line at Howard Dean?
There will be a record number of subpeonas and grand jury investigations during the Obama presidency and I guess Dean doesn't meet the criteria of Chicago-style politics.
It's OK Howard – stay clear of this group of future parolees
The treatment of Howard Dean is the only thing that dismays me about the President-elect. Dean, a fine governor here in Vermont who also would have been a fine President, hasn't gotten nearly enough credit for his work with the DNC. The new hope that many feel for our country is owed in large measure to Mr. Dean for fighting courageously for the 50 state strategy that many in the Democractic establishment (James Carville et al.) ridiculed.
The treatment of Howard Dean is the only thing that dismays me about the President-elect. Dean, a fine governor here in Vermont who also would have been a fine President, hasn't gotten nearly enough credit for his work with the DNC. The new hope that many feel for our country is owed in large measure to Mr. Dean for fighting courageously for the 50 state strategy that many in the Democractic establishment (James Carville et al.) ridiculed.
Yawn..............
It has to be a reason for Obama not to invite Dean. Just wait and see!
Obama bent all the way back to please Clinton, made few other strange appointments and exchanged smiles and compliments with Bush and now keeps Dean away??? Not inviting him seems sad and absurd. Dean has been terrific for DNC and the party. I wonder if Rahm Emmanuel has something to do with this plan. This hardliner is a terrible choice for the chief of staff and he never liked Dean.
STOP the madness. Howard Dean DID his job. It's WHAT he's suppose to do and got PAID VERY WELL to do it.
I wished everyone would STOP with the expert advise on what should be "owed" by President-Elect Obama.
There are NOT enough offices or positions to hire everyone and anyone. That's just the reality. Jesus..... what is WRONG with everyone. What a bunch of babies.
Next thing you know, we'll be complaining about Obama's barber NOT getting a cabinet position. Enough already.
EVERYONE NEEDS TO COOL OUT and STOP acting like this is YOUR LIFE!!!
Name the sources or this is just a fairy tale.
There will be a record number of subpeonas and grand jury investigations during the Obama presidency __________________________________________________
WOW I hate to have to agree with the radical religious right but in this case I do, there WILL be MANY more investigations and supeonas (or so I hope) as President (elect) Obama will have to clear out all the old bushies and the members of congress who have forgotten what they are there to do instead of following the bush plan of keeping them in office and preventing anyone from talking about the crimes they have committed
more change I can agree with! Haven't we all said it is time to get rid of the crooks and open up washington to inspection.. well guess what he will!!
This does not surprise me at all. So chicago, so obama, so our nations future. God help us. Please save us from this crazied elements of the democratic party.
inuk of the north: You said it all my friend!!
What's wrong righties? Did the 50 State Strategy bullocks your day?
I'm quite conservative and I'm no fan of Howard Dean, but before he was DNC Chairman, the Democrats were nowhere near as successful as they are now. Seems kind of strange.
If it wasn't for Dean, and the DNC's bias, screwing Clinton over BO would not be where he is today.
I'm a Howard Dean fan; the media and the Democratic pary were wrong to stop him in 2004; hope Obama finds a key role for him in his administration or this will be a big disappointment. All Democrats owe a lot to Dean for our comeback this year.
I'll try again...
Maybe Al Franken can stand in for comic relief now that Howard Dean will not be there.
betcha lots of money Obama told Dean that he was going to be replaced. That's why he didn't make plans to be there. Really did anyone see Dean during the 2 year campaign? Not until Hillary bowed out. It's not like the date wasn't on HIS calendar. Everybody knows what is going on when and where. Why are Dean and his supporters playing ignorant! Time to be unified not divided.
So what have you done for me lately!
i think we all should withold judgement until the FACTs have been made clear.
sounds like the purpose of this article is to stir the pot a little...
I hope this isn't true but at this point im just so tired of hearing all these rumors about Obama, he is not God meaning he is NOT perfect so if this is true who care ?!!!!! Lets focus on more important things ... this is not high school people. So what if the "popular kids " didnt want to hang with Dean ...get over it!!!
As a Dean fan who got involved in local politics because of the Howard Dean Campaign, I can honestly say that I (and many, many of my politically-active friends) will remember this and when the worm turns and Obama or Kaine ask us to "trust them on this", well....we won't. How you treat Dr. Dean is how you treat all of his millions of followers, we won' t forget and don't bet on us being there for you if it's not in our interest. So goes the whirlwind...
All speculation,who knows the truth.In case you haven't notice Obama is not the type to exclude people.Much to do about nothing.
Knowing that Emanuel and Dean didn't see eye-to-eye and often clashed, it's not hard to see why he's been snubbed.
Folks, Obama can't have his hands in everything and has to rely on others to delegate some activities. And it's in this that I suspect Rahm hand a strong hand in excluding Dean.
Let's see ... spending more time in a flooded Washington, D.C. surrounded by self-important political hacks and with city amenities shut down due to being overloaded by celebrating out-of-towners during a wretchedly cold winter , OR ... the sunny beaches of American Samoa kicked back with a frosty South Seas Cooler .... hmmmm, which would I choose?
Personally I think Gov. Dean "lost" his invite just so he would have an excuse not to cancel his travel plans.
I don't know alot about Dean .......I do remember the SCREAM!!!!
Why would everyone expect ALL DEMOCRATS to be exactly in line with Obama? It is good for the party to have others who do not totally agree with him. Obama cannot and should not try to please and placate everyone. He should do what is best for the party and the administration, and if he ruffles a few feathers, so be it. Accept it folks, this is what life is about. Try to please everyone and you will end up pleasing no one.
MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING.
I hope that Dean gets a place in the Obama administration. He is an incredible warrior for the party!