Yeagh!

It has taken every ounce of self restraint to avoid blogging about Howard Dean. For months I have battled the temptation as best I can. Alas, I am forced to admit defeat. Here is the final straw, from the San Francisco Chronicle:

Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean, unapologetic in the face of recent criticism that he has been too tough on his political opposition, said in San Francisco this week that Republicans are "a pretty monolithic party. They all behave the same. They all look the same. It's pretty much a white Christian party."

(Link courtesy of LGF)

"They all look the same"? It boggles the mind. Frankly, I can't decide whether Howard Dean is merely a complete imbecile, or deliberately trying to make Hillary Clinton look more appealing to centrists. The man combines arrogant, condescending sanctimoniousness with the emotional maturity of a five year old. Unfortunately, these are the very traits that make him popular with the ultraliberal Democratic base. "We liberals are nuanced, sophisticated, and tolerant, and we know this because only stupid, bigoted rednecks could possibly disagree with us." This attitude seems to be all too prevalent among many liberals. That this is hardly a recipe for electoral success doesn't seem to matter.

If the Democratic Party wishes to mount a serious challenge to the Republicans, it needs to become credible on national security and offer serious alternative approaches on domestic issues, not infantile name calling.

If nothing else, Howard Dean has at least had the privilege of collaborating with James Lileks on the major techno dance hit of 2004.