An outsider worth backing

Courtesy of Damian McBride in the UK, comes this article in the London Times. It is interesting to see a UK perspective on the Presidential race, since the leaership of America is of vital interest to our greatest ally. Also note that Dean's candidacy is being taken seriously in Israel as well as the UK - Dean was recently in Israel and met with Ariel Sharon.

The article illustrates how Dean uses his position on the issues in true opposition mode, with a clear statement of how he is different from Bush, and why that difference is positive. For example, he links Bush's incestous environmental (lack of) policy to foreign policy andthe War on Terrorism:

Vermont also has one of the most progressive environmental programmes in America, anathema to a White House administration dominated by former oil executives. “The President has no energy policy, so he is beholden to the Saudis and cannot stop Saudi money being channelled to Hamas,” Dr Dean says. “This lack of an energy policy is leading to Israelis being blown up. I advocate much more reliance on solar and wind energy, and improved fuel efficiency in cars. I am not anti-car. I have two SUVs (the gas-guzzling Sports Utility Vehicles) myself.

This is an elegant example of political kung-fu. It is Dean's willingness to go on the offensive that separates him from the other candidates in the Democratic field, a point that is heavily made by an accompanying piece in the Times called "Six men who stand in Howard's way". It is clear that Dean is generating as much buzz outside the US as within, and this bodes well for his efforts to raise money and his profile.