Some Democrats wish Howard Dean would take a stand

Last update: April 1, 2008 - 8:59 PM

The turmoil in the Democratic presidential race has presented a sharp test of Howard Dean's low-profile approach to leading the Democratic National Committee, bringing calls from many Democrats for him to take a more aggressive role in defusing the threat of a protracted and divisive nominating fight.

After months in which he was largely absent from public deliberations about how to proceed, Dean stepped forward last week to say he wanted the contest resolved by July 1 and for Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama to tone down their attacks on one another.

Yet it is not clear that Dean has the political skills or the stature with the two campaigns to bring the nominating battle to a relatively quick and unifying conclusion.

In an interview, Dean said he was trying behind the scenes to pave the way to a smooth convention in Denver this summer, suggesting he has had private conversations with both campaigns.

"I'm making calls all the time to people," he said. "I've spoken to a great number of leaders who are not aligned. The operative thing here is let the voters get to have their say before the Washington politicians have their say."

A number of Democratic Party leaders, while offering sympathy for Dean's plight, said it was urgent for Dean to take a more assertive role in trying to restore peace to the party.

But some Democrats said that they thought Dean was wise in standing back in the presidential race.

"I honestly think it's laying too much at his door, laying too much on his plate," said Steve Grossman, a former chairman and a prominent supporter and friend of Dean.

PELOSI ON SUPERDELEGATES

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the superdelegates who may ultimately decide the Democratic party's presidential nominee have a right to vote as they wish, and that the drawn-out contest between Clinton and Obama should be allowed to reach its conclusion.

"These superdelegates have the right to vote their conscience and who they think would be the better president, or who can win, but they also then should get involved in the campaigns and make their power known there," Pelosi said in an interview aired Tuesday on ABC's "Good Morning America."

Pelosi recently drew objections from Clinton backers when she said she shared Obama's view that superdelegates should be guided by the vote for pledged delegates.

Pelosi repeated her view that it would it be harmful to the party if superdelegates were perceived to overturn the will of voters, but made clear she was not suggesting Clinton withdraw from the race.

LET'S TAKE IT TO THE ALLEY

Clinton walked somberly into a news conference Tuesday and stood before microphones. Reporters tensed, sensing something big might be afoot.

"This has been a very hard fought race," she said. "We clearly need to do something so that our party and our people can make the right decision. So, I have a proposal: Today, I am challenging Senator Obama to a bowl-off."

Clinton carried on, making reference to Obama's disastrous outing at a Pennsylvania bowling alley Saturday.

"A bowling night. Right here in Pennsylvania. The winner take all," she went on. "I'll even spot him two frames."

"Let's strike a deal and go bowling for delegates. We don't have a moment to spare, because it's already April Fool's Day. Happy April Fool's Day."

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