Dean cited several examples of the influence of students in revolutionary movements around the world before calling on Dartmouth students to work to improve their own country. He noted that the current generation of young people takes a different approach to protest from his generation.
"You're not on the streets as we were," Dean said, "but you're on the Internet."
Dean, whose 2004 presidential bid was greatly aided by internet-based fundraising, credited the Internet as a powerful tool.
"The Internet is the most democratizing invention since the printing press," he said.
In encouraging students to improve the country, Dean cautioned prospective activists that, while impatience with the government's failings is an important motivation, it is equally important to maintain a balanced perspective.
"The one piece of advice I can give you is that, as we shift power to your generation ... do not give in to a sense of frustration," he said.
When asked by a member of the audience if Nevada's recently shifted caucus date would affect New Hampshire's political importance in the upcoming presidential primary, Dean argued that it would not, citing the number of candidates that have visited the region already.
Dean also commented on voter registration laws, and claimed that Democrats usually benefit more from increased voter turnout than Republicans do. He proposed changes such as having elections over a weekend, or making Election Day a federal holiday, as methods of improving voter turnout in the United States.
"I believe in anything that makes it easier to vote," he said.
A student also asked Dean for his thoughts on the crisis in Darfur. Dean stressed other groups' responsibility for the problem, saying that the African Union and the United Nations should step in. After noting the inherent difficulty in responding to the situation, Dean stated that, were he president, he would be willing to commit troops.
Regarding the war in Iraq, Dean pointed out that some Americans may have unrealistic expectations of Iraqi democracy, emphasizing that any democratic system that emerges there will not resemble that of the United States.
"Democracy will have different forms depending on the culture that creates it and the culture that precedes it," he said.
Prior to addressing Baldez's class, Dean met with the College Democrats of New Hampshire in a private meeting for half an hour. He also met briefly with Dartmouth's College Democrats for a photo opportunity.
Baldez commented that Dean had a strong desire to speak to students, noting that he chose the classroom as a venue and did not actively market the lecture to the general public. She also pointed out the academic nature of his talk.
"It was not a political speech," she said. "It was very relevant to the study of government."
