New-look Dean at New School

New-look Dean at New School

Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean discussed his new organization, Democracy for America, last Friday morning at New School University’s W. 12th St. auditorium, which was packed with hundreds of enthusiastic “Deaniacs,” many of whom had flown in from around the country for the event. Dean said the Dean for America Web site from his failed presidential bid had become the Democracy for America Web site, and will now include the famous Dean Blog, as well. Dean said he plans to put together a “campaign in a box” to show other candidates how to exploit the Internet as he did. He said though he’s out of the race, the goal is still to beat President Bush and that he would be endorsing John Kerry this week. At one point, a supporter in the crowd called out “2008!” But Dean quickly said, no, it’s about beating Bush now. He said his new group will be supporting political candidates around the country that meet their agenda. He also warned that a vote for independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader would be a vote for Bush, letting Bush win and then setting back 40 years of gains on the environment by activists like Nader. Locally, Dean supporters in the Village said they will continue to hold their monthly “meet-up” at the Kettle of Fish on Christopher St.