The amazing rise of the angry little doctor.

[NorthernDog]

I'm still perplexed by Dean's growing popularity.  I expected Gephart, Kerry or even Clarke to be leading the field by now.  I read a lot of other blogs and most of Dean's supporters are highly committed.  Some are even moving to Iowa or NH for a few months to help w/ GOTV operations!
Perhaps he really encapsulates the persona of the Democrat party today? Some are seeing this election like 1964 was for the GOP - the true believers will seize the party, resulting in short term losses but long term gains.

[NorthernDog]

These primaries were designed to bring the presidential nomination process more"democracy".  They were also "front loaded" to produce a quick winner.  If Dean captures the prize by early March then Democrats should be happy-the system worked the way it was designed.  So what will "anti-Dean" Democrats do then? Support someone who could drag down the party in other down ballot races? Or try to deny him the nomination?  

[NorthernDog]

I had had a long day and he was beginning to annoy me.
The title of this thread flipped it.

The title is "over the top" but let's get back to discussing why Dean is the front runner.  Are people attracted to his policies, his persona, or is it the anti-war stance?  The other Democrat candidates don't differ much on policies and most of them are "angry" so I'm guessing it's his persona-the way he rolls up his sleeves and makes off the cuff barbs.  He's not tentative or cautious in advocating himself.  Is this what Democrats find attractive in 2004?