Remedies

[NHI]

...We cannot let the great purposes of the Democratic Party become the bygone passages of history...

Bush Elected President: December 13, 2000

...But most importantly, I have wanted my party to stand up for what we believe again....

...You have the power!  You have the power to take this country back.  You have the power...
-- Howard Dean, 2003 announcing campaign for President

...For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die... Senator Ted Kennedy, 1980 Democratic National Convention

...The great adventures which our opponents offer is a voyage into the past. Progress is our heritage, not theirs. What is right for us as Democrats is also the right way for Democrats to win...

Let's Fix America

[America Needs R'hllor]

Following with interest.

[NHI]

The Dean Factor: 2003

"Progressives are always on defensive," Beau Willimon said with disgust. The Governor scanned the room. He knew the odds were high. John 'Reporting for Duty' Kerry was the frontrunner. The distinguished career, longtime Senator, the Democrats would rally to him in the race against Bush, but he thought, he's John Kerry.

"The problem four years ago," The Governor exclaimed, "was we talked about everything and stood for nothing." The room fell silent. "Gore, the former Vice President, good guy, decent guy, would have been hell of a lot better President than 41's son." The room laughed and The Governor grinned. A good line, for later, perhaps, but he carried on. "Gore didn't excite us. He didn't speak to us. He was running the old way, the Republican-lite way."

"The Clinton way," Joe Trippi interjected. "The Third Way of American politics. It worked in the 90s, but this is today. This is George Bush's America." The Governor listened intently. "All these Democrats, Graham, Gephardt and Kerry are all more or less the old, middle of the road, 'let's not offend the Republicans' way. Our campaign is different. We can make a movement."

A movement. The Governor envisioned the campaign a grassroots effort. One that would come from the farmland, to the Mountains of New Hampshire, the coasts on both sides and everywhere in between. A movement. A campaign, of, by and for the people.

"If this works, we do something never accomplished before," Trippi said. "We bypass the big money, we bypass Kerry and the big guys, and -"

"And we win," The Governor said jumping to his feet. "Let's go win this thing." The room fell silent for a moment, before turning into a jovial bastion of dreams, hope and prospect.

The Governor knew the risks, but he knew the upside. An aggressive, liberal campaign in a country that still identified itself with largely Republican politics would be tough, but the payoff could be great. He looked ahead, to Iowa. The Iowa Caucuses. His one, true shot. Win there, win it all.

This is a Movement! -- Howard Dean

Seventeen trips into Iowa, and already The Governor commanded attention, but things began to truly pop when MoveOn.Org conducted a 48 hour primary poll, the first-ever done online. Trippi expected the Governor to do well, but likely fall short of the 50% threshold needed to garner the organization's backing. Over 320,000 people voted in the poll and while many in the media considered it rubbish and merely symbolic Dean emerged the big winner.

Results: July 2003

Howard Dean: 52.10%

Dennis Kucinich: 24.91%

John Kerry: 13.78%
Other: 5.33% (Gephardt, Sharpton, Clark...)
John Edwards: 2.88%
Joe Lieberman: 1.00%

[NHI]

A.B.B.

"We're in trouble," Jim Jordan exclaimed to the weary and weathered Massachusetts Senator, following the latest fundraising reports. John Kerry, the credible and stable frontrunner was falling below expectations and losing the momentum argument to Howard Dean, the loud-mouthed Vermont Governor. "People like you, they respect your record, you're the anybody but Bush candidate."

"And that's the problem," Kerry said with a sigh. "And that's no way to win a campaign."

The Kerry Campaign entered the 2004 Democratic Primary with high expectations, and many believed he would be the strongest nominee against President Bush. The problem remained the excitement factor, something many believed helped doom Al Gore in 2000, despite him narrowly winning the popular vote.

"The person who opposes Bush has to truly oppose," Jordan said. "We have to be more than Anti-Bush, here and there, but offer a stark contrast."

Kerry gulped. The Iraq War. His vote. Nothing clearer or starker. Dean was making hay of it on the campaign trail, as was Wesley Clark. The vote. His Achilles Heel. Kerry, knew if he survived the Democratic Primary, it would in spite of the Iraq War Vote.

"Any more word if she's running," Kerry asked, believing he already knew the answer.

"No," Jordan said. "She's not running. She'll put out an official statement within the week, but it was never a serious consideration."

Kerry nodded. "So be it. Now what about Dean?"

"He's the tough one," Jordan said. "We beat him and this thing is over."

"What about Edwards?"

"Not a chance with pretty boy," Jordan sai with a laugh. "He's going nowhere."

Kerry stood up. He looked out the window. New Hampshire. The polls showed him in second place, behind Dean, who lead with 31% of the vote. Across the country in Iowa, Dean lead again, this time with a higher margin 34% to Kerry's 21%. The Massachusetts Senator folded his arms and bowed his head. Something needed to change, otherwise his campaign would be an asterisk, nothing more, nothing less.

"Iraq," Jordan kept saying. "We have to get out ahead of your vote."

Ted Kennedy encouraged him to come out swinging, to lambast Bush on Iraq, but more importantly the economy. "It's still about the economy," Kennedy said. "Talk about what's important to the middle class. Health care, jobs, school. That will win us the White House." Kerry knew Kennedy was right. He was always right. Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, those state and the White House would be his for four years.

Internal polling showed against Bush Kerry trailed 44% to Bush's 51%. Not bad, but not great. Better than Dean, who garnered only 39% to Bush's 52%. Still, Kerry feared, Dean's number's could only go up. Electability, that was his case. That was the argument. Would it win? He didn't know.

To a small crowd, mostly of reporters, John Kerry delivered his speech calling into question his previous support of the War in Iraq. While, Kerry came to the door of denouncing his vote, he did not open it, but walked a muddled middle-ground calling for 'new ideas' and 'new leadership'. The speech, which Kerry's people hoped would be his finest moment, a chance to be a statesman, fell flat and on deaf ears. Vox Nihili. The Voice of nothing, as Howard Dean called Kerry and his speech.

"He cannot undo, or hide the fact he supported and still supports this failed war," Dean said to a crowd of 5,000 in Concord, NH immediately following The Massachusetts Senator's speech. "It's laughable to think John Kerry would be any different than President Bush when it comes to Iraq, and frankly on any other matters of importance to the American people." Dean thrived on the crowd's emotion. He basked in it. "He wants to tinker with healthcare, I want to fix it. I want to guarantee healthcare for all Americans, period. I want to bring jobs back to America, he wants to keep NAFTA." The crowd cheered for Dean and jeered at the mention of Kerry's name.

"Flip flopper," someone yelled from the crowd. The audience laughed. Dean grinned.
"Flip-flopping John Kerry," Dean chuckled. "He maybe able to flip on the Senate and try to flip on his voting record, but he's going flop because he's not going to be the nominee and he's not going to be President, because the American people are smart enough and wise enough to reject his type of politics once and for all!"

David Axelrod, a political consultant who left the Kerry campaign in the early summer of 2003, looked to his friend Joe Trippi as he debated coming on board the Dean campaign. "This is going to get ugly," Axelrod said watching Dean's speech from the small screen.

"I know," Trippi exclaimed. "It's what needs to happen." He paused. "Democrats always cower from a fight. This is a street fight, going up against Bush."

"Do you really believe this guy can win?" Axelrod voiced concern. He liked Dean. He liked what he stood for and the grassroots excitement around him.

"I do," Trippi said. "He's the only one who can. The question is, do you think he can win?"

Axelrod look up at the scree. The crowd chanted, "Dean! Dean!" He winced. Thousands of people, packed into an auditorium. Dean, holding the microphone, speaking off the cuff. Maybe he's a good salesman, maybe he's telling them what they want to hear. Maybe... Maybe...

As Howard Dean's momentum grew, one former candidate eyed the Democratic Primary from afar. Despite never occupying the Oval Office, he knew to fifty million Americans, and maybe more he was the rightful President, but he argued, to himself, was it enough? Al Gore wanted to be President. He dreamed about it, since his father stepped foot in the Capitol. He stood by Clinton for eight years, defended him and fought for him. He came close, inches away from the White House and yet in a split decision it was gone.

This was his chance, he told himself. His only chance. A rematch for the ages. Even with Dean, the so-called flavor of the month, Gore believed he could clear the field in a moment. Kerry's campaign was failing and rumors circulated he was planning on exiting before Iowa. Joe Lieberman would never get past New Hampshire and the rest of the stragglers were nobodies and hacks. Gore could enter, like a knight in shining armor and sweep the primary.

Even, polling suggested he could win. A hypothetical rematch poll showed Gore leading Bush 47% to 45%. Close, within the margin of error, but a lead. He looked at the field. Dean posed a challenge, but no more than Bill Bradley did four years prior. He sunk, deep into thought. He could reshape the Democratic Party, he could be his own man for once. He could be President.

But he wouldn't. He would stay on the sides. Waiting in the wings, ready to be called on if the party needed him, but he would not run on his own. He watched, Dean was impressive. Dean could win. Maybe, his own time had passed, maybe... maybe...

Democratic Primary Poll: Sept. 2003

Howard Dean: 34%
John Kerry: 18%
John Edwards: 12%
Joe Lieberman: 6%
Wesley Clark: 4%
Dick Gephardt: 4%
Dennis Kucinich: 3%
Other: 2%
Undecided: 17%

General Election Matchups:

George Bush: 52% (+10)
Howard Dean: 42%

George Bush: 52% (+9)
John Kerry: 43%

George Bush: 54% (+14)
John Edward: 40%

George Bush: 53% (+13)
Joe Lieberman: 40%

George Bush: 53% (+14)
Wesley Clark: 39%

George Bush: 53% (+13)
Dick Gephardt: 40%
George Bush: 55% (+18)
Dennis Kucinich: 37%

[NHI]

John Kerry Drops Out

Boston, MA
John Kerry announced to a packed room of supporters, he was ending his campaign for the Presidency. In an expected move, given Kerry's poor fundraising numbers and dropping poll numbers. Surrounded by his family and staff, the Massachusetts Senator held back emotion as he suspended his campaign, saying "this is not the time." Kerry has recently contemplated taking out a mortgage on his home in order to float his campaign, but ultimately decided to pass, believing the stakes were too high. Kerry ended his short speech by thanking his wife and family, then left without giving indication over his potential endorsement in the Democratic primary.

Dean on the Rise

Burlington, VT
Howard Dean is still looking like the man to beat for the Democratic nomination. He is Holding onto big leads in national polls, as well as solidifying his lead in early primary and caucus polls. With the exit of John Kerry, many of the remaining Democrats, including Former General Wesley Clark, are looking around to pickup the pieces and see if there is an opening to challenge Dean.

Joe Lieberman is staking is entire campaign on a win in New Hampshire, though current polls put him near the bottom of the pack. North Carolina Senator John Edwards continues to be a man to watch, as he increases his operations in Iowa, and is trying to appeal to Dean voters, while also bringing together more moderate and independent Democrats. Political analysts call Edwards the man to watch in Iowa, if he hopes to have any splash in the race for the Democratic nod.

Bush in Command

Cleveland, OH

The President, speaking to a crowd in Ohio failed to mention any of his Democratic opponents, instead speaking on the war in Iraq, as well as his plan to improve the economy. Bush holds a steady approval rating national and leads all Democratic candidates in the race for the White House. In his speech, Bush said he believes, "the best days of America are yet to come!"

Dean Looks to Iowa for a Slam Dunk

"How we look?" The Governor said, already knowing the answer.
"We look good," Trippi said. "Maybe a little close in some parts, but from here it's onto New Hampshire."
Dean smiled, soon the Caucus would be over and the first leg of the journey done. He glanced down at his remarks, preparing for the big night. "How's Harkin holding up?"
Trippi gave him the thumbs up. Dean nodded. Thumbs up indeed.

RACE: TOO CLOSE TO CALL

The words flashed up on the screen. Dean's jaw dropped like a weight. The room fell silent. All eyes remained locked on the screen, as the ticker ticked by with the latest count.

Dean: 37%
Edwards: 36%

"Where the hell did he come from?" Dean exclaimed. Again, the room fell silent. "Somebody answer me. How the hell did this happen?" All eyes went to Trippi, who struggled to find a cogent response to the Governor's questions.

"He surged Governor," He said. "He surged."

Dean shrugged. Deflated he turned his attention to the screen as the numbers narrowed.

Results: Incomplete

Howard Dean: 38.5%
John Edwards: 37.9%
Dick Gephardt: 11.5%
Wesley Clark: 4.2%
Dennis Kucinich: 4.1%
Joe Lieberman: 2.0%
Uncommitted: 1.8%

Edwards Claims "Momentum"

"We've shown tonight that grassroots campaign can work and will work, not only to win the Democratic nomination, but to win this election and change America!"

Dean Narrowly Wins Iowa

Iowa Caucuses: 2004

✓ Howard Dean: 39.8%
John Edwards: 39.4%
Dick Gephardt: 11.0%
Wesley Clark: 3.3%
Dennis Kucinich: 3.3%
Joe Lieberman: 1.9%
Uncommitted: 1.3%

[Kingpoleon]

A win in New Hampshire could turn this into 2008 but with a narrow Hillary win in Iowa.

[Pericles]

Looks like it will be Bush vs Dean, very interesting. Dean can take the fight to Bush on Iraq and is not going to be a pushover like Kerry, but the Bush machine and the media may define him as a lefty and too liberal.

[NHI]

Dean with a Cause

The exit of John Kerry and the decision by both Hillary Clinton and Al Gore to sit out the 2004 campaign paved the way for Howard Dean. The Former Vermont Governor entered the Democratic Primary a longshot, but quickly asserted himself to the front of the pack, through his dominance in fundraising and message that both resonated with the Democratic base, but also to independents.

"He's speaking to us," supporters often said. Even his critics, who at times chided him for being too liberal said, "he's a man to reckon with and speaks his mind." To the Bush Campaign, the nomination of Howard Dean meant one thing: victory. Karl Rove, gloated after he scored a much needed and solid victory in New Hampshire. Dean won the primary with 49 percent of the vote, putting an end to John Edwards' hopes of winning the nomination. By March, following the Super Tuesday contests, Dean was left as the last man standing, and the nomination was his for the taking.

"We're going to beat this guy," Rove said to the campaign team as new networks projected Dean the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party. "He's the guy." The Bush team long feared John Edwards as the strongest Democrat. Edwards' wholesome good looks and southern charm concerned the campaign, believing his message part populist and part moderate would resonate with enough voters to swing the election in his favor. Dean was the opposite. Extremely liberal. Extremely loud. The perfect foil to Bush. "We define him," Rove exclaimed "and we define him now!"

Even, with Dean locking up the nomination early, the Bush campaign salvated. The polls showed Bush in the driver's seat. 51 percent for Bush, compared to 43 percent for Dean. "He doesn't stand a chance."

✓ Howard Dean: 64% (Presumptive Democratic Nominee)

John Edwards: 30%

Other: 6%

Bush: Four More Years

W. finished up a day on the campaign trail. A swing through Iowa, Wisconsin and Ohio. The polls were encourage. In Iowa, he beat Dean 51% to 44%. In Wisconsin Dean's lead was narrow 50% compared to his 46%. In Ohio, the race was dead even: 48% to 48%. "Landslide" Rove kept telling him. Landslide, indeed. A real win. No more calls of an illegitimate President. A clear win. The national polls showed good news too. 50 percent to Dean's 43%. He beamed walking back onto Air Force One. Soon. Soon.

#2

"Rough edges," Trippi said.
Dean looked over, "what?"
"We need to sand off the rough edges." Dean barley nodded, but he knew where Trippi was coming from. The image in the media and the perception of some in the Democratic Party was 'Dean's a hot head'. 'A loose cannon'. 'Shoots from the hip'. The polls showed him losing to Bush, despite clinching the Democratic nomination early; team Bush was in full-disrupt mode trying to define Dean before he defined himself.

"The VP pick is going to go a long way," Trippi said. "We need to pick someone who calms middle America, pleases the party bigwigs and is a credible second-in-command."

Dean nodded. Edwards was at the top of everyone's list. Young. Charismatic. From a southern state. He fit the bill, but he was a conventional pick and Dean wanted to avoid being conventional. Some on his team suggested John Kerry, but Dean dismissed the idea rather quickly. Other names including Joe Biden and Bill Richardson will circulated, but Biden argued he'd be better at State and Richardson wanted too much power.

One name, however had been on Joe Trippi's mind since the fall of 2003. Someone who would perfectly unite the wings of the Democratic Party, while also giving the ticket a boost across the board. It would be controversial. It would be chaotic, but it would be a bold pick. A decisive pick and one the Bush campaign would never expect. Trippi presented the idea to Dean after they returned from a stop in Florida. Again, the discussion turned to the Vice Presidency. Dean seemed to be leaning towards Edwards or Bill Nelson of Florida, when Trippi slipped him a piece of a paper. 

Dean unfolded the yellow square and stared down at the writing. One name. 






















Hillary.

Howard Dean announced Senator Hillary Clinton to be his pick for Vice President.

[NHI]

"Well this is unexpected," Hillary said in astonishment after hanging up the phone. Clinton entered the room. He could tell by Hillary's expression she received more than call asking for advice. He raised a brow. "He wants me to be Vice President."

Clinton smile, gently, then folded his arms and listened to the proposition.

"He went to Richardson, who wanted an activist role."

"What did you tell him?"

"No."

"No?" Clinton couldn't believe the answer. He shook his head. This was her chance. Their second chance.

"Do you realize how bad it'll look," Hillary said. "I'm only in my first term. It was bad enough I had to douse the rumors of running this time, and now to be on the ticket. They'll-"

Clinton interjected, "who cares. They'll move past that bull. All that will matter is how you're the second woman to be nominated by a major party, how you're a stable force on the ticket, and you'll be the heir apparent in 2008."

Hillary tilted her head. Clinton's handicap of the race would be one to hear. She leaned in, listening, closely as the former President went on. "It's fifty-fifty if Dean can pull it off, but say he doesn't no one will blame you. If he goes down, then in four years you ride in like a knight in shinning armor and save the Democratic Party from nominating another whack job."

"Is there any upside," Hillary said with a laugh.

"If by some miracle he wins," he said. "You're second in line to the Presidency and in eight years you'll be leading the ticket."

Hillary grinned. She already had made up her mind, even by saying no the first time. This was a game of cat and mouse. How the Clintons had always played politics, and won. She stood up and walked across the room. "So be it."

Hillary: Living History

"I am honored and extremely grateful to accept the nomination for Vice President and to run with Howard Dean who is the man with the cure for America's woes!"

Daily Tracking Poll: July 2004 (Bush +5)

George W. Bush: 49%

Howard Dean: 44%

Battleground Polling: July 2004

Ohio: Bush +1
Bush: 48%
Dean: 47%

Florida: Bush +3
Bush: 49%
Dean: 46%

New Hampshire: Dean +3
Dean: 48%
Bush: 45%

Iowa: Tied
Bush: 47%
Dean: 47%

Nevada: Bush +2
Bush: 48%
Dean: 46%

Wisconsin: Dean +2
Dean: 48%
Bush: 46%

Pennsylvania: Dean +2
Dean: 49%
Bush: 47%

Michigan: Dean +3
Dean: 49%
Bush: 46%

New Mexico: Dean +3
Dean: 48%
Bush: 45%

Based on State Polling: If Election Were Held today Bush wins

Bush: 274 (49% PV)

Dean: 257 (44% PV)

Tossup: 6

Battleground States: July 2004

Bush: 222

Dean: 216

Tossup: 100

[GoTfan]

Howard Dean and 2004 Hillary? Yeah, I'm in.

[Pericles]

Dean/Clinton 04 yes!

[Kingpoleon]

I'd vote for Dean. I don't like Hillary, though.

If you like, I can send you a couple idea I have had about a Dean presidency(should he win).

[MAINEiac4434]

Reminding me of my Ready for Change timeline, except the ticket appears to be switched...

Really well done, interested to see where this is going. Considering our own biases, it'll be interesting to see where our timelines converge and diverge.

[NHI]

Reminding me of my Ready for Change timeline, except the ticket appears to be switched...

Really well done, interested to see where this is going. Considering our own biases, it'll be interesting to see where our timelines converge and diverge.

Likewise!~

[NHI]

Dean Accepts Nomination, Promises "New America"

"...the hopes and dreams of forgotten Americans will be forgotten no longer. We stand at the dawn of a new era, the end of the Bush era and the beginning of your era. This Presidency will be about you, it will be of you and it will be for you!"

Bush: I'm For You

"...my fellow Americans we've endured nearly four years where we've seen our ups and downs, but our country is still strong and we are still united and tonight I ask you to continue to stand with me."

Takeaway: Bush Received Convention Bounce

George W. Bush: 49% (+4)

Howard Dean: 45%

Dean stared at the polls. He rolled his eyes. National and statewide, the numbers kept going down. Trippi entered the room, he looked over and offered only a glance. "What is it?"

"You ready Governor?"

Dean stood up and fixed his tie. He strolled from the conference table to the doorway. He could already hear the crowds from the auditorium, but the sound lulled him. He drew a long breath, then followed behind Trippi as they walked down the hall, toward the double door.

[YPestis25]

Great work NHI! Your timelines are always great.

[NHI]

Great work NHI! Your timelines are always great.

Thank you!

[GoTfan]

Glad to see my yard sign being used!

[NHI]

Oh. My. God.

BUSH: We're Fine!

DEAN: Help is on the Way!

Dean: 47%

Bush: 45%

"Did he really say that?" Dean said in disbelief.

"He did," Trippi said.

A long pause fell between the two men. Dean looked at the ground, then back up at Trippi. He clenched his teeth, then said. "This will elect me."

The economic collapse caught everyone by surprise, turning the 2004 race on its head. The trio of Presidential Debates were consumed by news on the crumbling economy and the President's desperate attempts to save it. Bush, largely advocated a message of stay the course, while Dean blasted Bush and the Republican congress, for allowing big banks to write the rules, and for using the tax payers as their own personal credit card.

At one time, what looked to be a win for Bush, crumbled almost overnight. While many Americans were skeptical of Howard Dean, thanks in part to the President's efforts to portray him as someone out of the mainstream, there was also a sense that Bush and the Republican created many of the countries woe and that it was in fact time for a change.

Congress rushed to the aid of the big banks, with a bailout package, but the move was seen as too little too late. The tide was turning.

[NHI]

Election Night in America

George W. Bush

Howard Dean

7:00
Closings: IN, GA, KY, SC, VT, VA

Bush: South Carolina 57% to 42%
Dean: Vermont: 72% to 28%

Too Close: Indiana (Bush leads 51% - 48%)
Georgia: (Bush leads: 54% to 45%)
Kentucky: (Bush leads 56% to 43%)
Virginia: (Bush leads: 51% to 48%)

7:30

Closings: West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina

Too Close: West Virginia (Bush Leads: 52% to 48%)
Ohio: (Dean leads: 51% to 48%)
North Carolina: (Bush leads: 51% to 49%)

George W. Bush: 8 (55%)

Howard Dean: 3 (45%)

7:48

Howard Dean Takes Lead in West Virginia: 50% to 49%

8:00

Closings: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee

Bush: Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee (61% - 38%), 58% - 41%, 60% to 39%, 57% to 42%.

Dean: Connecticut (58% to 41%), Delaware (57% to 42%), D.C. (94% to 6%), Illinois (55% to 44%), Maine, (56% to 43%), Maryland (57% to 41%), Massachusetts (61% to 38%), New Hampshire, (54% to 45%), New Jersey (56% to 43%).

Too Early to Call: Pennsylvania (Dean Leads: 53% to 47%).
Missouri: (Bush leads: 52% to 48%)

Howard Dean: 82 (49%)

George W. Bush: 41 (50%)

"It is going to be a landslide." -- Joe Trippi.

"Oh. My. God. This is not good, at all." -- Karl Rove.


9:50

Howard Dean: 195 (51.3%)

George W. Bush: 104 (48.5%)

"This is looking like a tidal wave." -- Joe Trippi.

"Mr. President..." -- Karl Rove.

11:01

  ✓ Howard Dean: 290 (51.9%)

George W. Bush: 113 (48.0%)

HOWARD DEAN ELECTED PRESIDENT

Bad Economy Dooms President's Reelection Bid

President George W. Bush will suffer the same political fate as his father and be denied a second term as President of the United States. The Texas Republican lost his bid for reelection to Former Vermont Governor Howard Dean in a decisive defeat. Bush, who at one time lead the President-elect by a wide margin in the polls suffered a stunning October surprise when the US economy tanked, dragging down nation and international markets. Chastised as another Herbert Hoover, Democrats ride a tidal wave of voter resentment, anxiety and frustration.

For Bush, the loss is especially bitter. In the same manner as his father. The 43rd President lost to an unknown small-state governor, thanks at least in part to a bad economy.

Howard Dean to Become 44th President of the United States

Howard Dean defeated George Bush to become the nation's 44th President of the United States. Pledging to 'fix the economy' and 'help suffering Americans', Dean's election comes as one of the biggest and widest rejections of the Republican Party in decades. From the Presidency, to Congressional officers, to state houses across the nation, the Dean's win signals a new era for the Democratic Party and the political doldrums for the Republicans. Democrats now control both Houses of Congress, as well as half the nation's state houses, picking up three additional Governor's seats.

Dean's presidential victory is one the best showings for the party since's Bill Clinton 1996 electoral defeat over Bob Dole, In terms of the popular vote margin, Dean's victory is the best showing for any Democrat since Lyndon Johnson in 1964.

Dean and the Democrats promise bold and effective action beginning at the start of the new session and the new presidency.

✓ Howard Dean: 404 (53.4%)

George W. Bush: 134 (45.0%)

United States Senate: ✓ Democrats

Democrats: 53

Republicans: 47

United States House of Representatives: ✓ Democrats

Democrats: 233

Republicans: 202

[Pericles]

Woah! I thought it'd be close, didn't expect Dean to win so big. Interesting! How did you move the economic collapse forward?

[America Needs R'hllor]

Great timeline! Dean's presidency will be interesting.

[Blackacre]

could you go over each of the senate races of 2004?

[Devout Centrist]

BYYYAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH

[Kingpoleon]

Woah! I thought it'd be close, didn't expect Dean to win so big. Interesting! How did you move the economic collapse forward?

I'm assuming further repeal of Glass-Steagall, an audit of the Federal Reserve which hurt the Reserve's efficiency and caused smoke about the rumors, and presumably some tax cut-spend more budget deal.

Dean's ability to balance budgets while still being very progressive on social issues and healthcare is very impressive to me. We'll see what happens next.