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The Dartmouth
July 13, 2025 | Latest Issue
The Dartmouth

The Under-Dean

To the Editor,

In response to Robert Butts' op-ed piece chronicling Howard Dean's short-lived and dying presidential candidacy (The Dartmouth, Feb. 9), I find it both interesting and fascinating that most politicians with whom I work cite the fundamental, underlying flaw that contributed to Dean's image as unelectable: his unparalleled arrogance. Former Gov. Dean has never lost an election in his decade of public service, and many times, losing in politics provides the formidable lessons to learn from one's mistakes. Dean never had the benefit of a loss; instead, the doctor relied upon an ill-conceived illusion that he was an underdog, when in fact, the polls later reflected the truth of his political career: he was used to winning, and was so conceited in his impending victory, he underestimated his opponents and worst of all, belittled the electorate.