Where is Howard Dean?

One small sour note in the whole transition and inaugural is the absence of Howard Dean. I was an early supporter in the 2004 primary, found him refreshingly candid and energetic, and was disappointed when his candidacy failed.

His subsequent term as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee has been distinguished by his successful 50 state strategy for rebuilding the party in every state. He clashed with the party establishment, who wanted to concentrate resources in fewer states. Dean proved to be right ultimately, and as a result we have a stronger grassrooots party, nurturing candidates further down the ballot who will be the future of the national party -- as well as winning the presidency.

This seems so in tune with Obama's 50 state strategy for winning the election. Which is why it's puzzling that there seems to have been a falling out between Dean and the Obama people. Nothing has surfaced (to my knowledge) of what it's about.

It was noted that he was not present when Obama announced Dean's successor at DNC, Governor Tim Kaine. Dean was said to be traveling abroad, but his staff also was quoted as saying he would have been there if he had been asked. And he was conspicuously absent from the inauguration. The DNC Chair not invited to the inaugural events? Or invited but declined to attend? Further, as far as I know, there was no comment about his absence in the news media.

It has been said that he was hoping to be chosen for Secretary of Health and Human Services. It would have been a good spot for him -- but I can see the wisdom of Obama's choosing Tom Daschle, who not only is an expert on health care legislation but has the political connections and clout to get legislation through Congress, something that Dean lacks.

But what about Surgeon General? It's primarily a bully pulpit, which Dean could have used well.

The mystery continues. It's unlike Obama to shut someone out like that, unless he has become political poison, like Jeremiah Wright. Is Dean pouting? I'd like to know the true story. And I'd like to know why it hasn't become a story we're reading about.

Ralph