Fear of Dean

Ever heard of reverse psychology? Of course you have. Remember when the National Review, during the Democratic primaries, ran that cover showing Howard Dean and begging, "Please Elect This Man"?

Now, I don't genuinely believe the editors at the Review, out of a fear that Howard Dean was the man who could take on George Bush and beat him, ran that cover to persuade Dems not to vote for Dean. Although, as a policy in general, I wouldn't put such maneuvering past the Right.

I will say that Howard Dean inspires a sharp reaction in his opponents, in conservatives, and that part of it is fear. Conservatives hear Howard Dean call them out on more issues and in clearer, more resonant language than any other major political figure has been willing to do in the past few years. This makes them anxious.

Reacting to this anxiety, they never consciously developed a reverse-psychology master-plan to take Dean down. No, they could just rely on establishment Democrats to help undercut Dean's campaign. (Evidence) And, of course, Dean and his campaign bear the greatest responsibility for the demise of his primary run.

But my point is that the knee-jerk reactions to Dean are happening again. I read this article in The D yesterday thinking exactly what I write here: if you'll allow a little more psychology, here are Republicans a little frightened of the fight Dean will bring to them, trying to "laugh it all up." I think the word for this is sublimation. It's also a subtle attempt at demoralizing Democrats.

Notice you'll find a rather different tone in the National Review concerning Dean's election as chairman. They're not laughing there. I am.