You might best remember Howard Dean for his infamous “Dean Scream” speech in which he – huffing and puffing, red-faced and all – passionately proclaimed the states he would campaign in and win over throughout the 2004 Presidential election (see: below). His rant was followed up by a sharp, cackling “YEAH!” so peculiar that some pundits contest it, not his policies, lost him the election. But that was a whole decade ago. Now he’s making headlines for endorsing Steve Grossman for Governor of Massachusetts.
According to Grossman’s press office, Dean’s sentiments regarding “economic fairness, civil rights for LGBT families, and empowerment of young people to participate in the political process” are on par with Grossman’s, who has dedicated a “lifetime of progressive leadership and unwavering commitment” towards them.
“Steve Grossman is a bold progressive leader,” said Dean in a statement. “He shares an ambitious vision to fight income inequality and allow all working families opportunity and access to the American Dream.”
Dean reaffirmed his pick by hosting a conference call Monday morning to explain his reasoning and field questions from interested parties. He subsequently dispatched a fundraising email, asking for donations to Grossman’s campaign while declaring that “His decades of economic leadership prove that Steve is ready to turn his vision into reality and greatly improve the lives of the hardworking people in Massachusetts.”
As many political experts will opine, endorsements are often considered overrated as they’re rendered useless if the endorser is unable to mobilize voters to hit the polls. But early on the race to succeed Governor Deval Patrick on Beacon Hill, Grossman has already secured endorsements from Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and state Senator Stan Rosenberg as well.
The only other contender who’s pulled down similar favor is Martha Coakley. The current Attorney General has been supported by Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray, U.S. Representative Katherine Clarke, and EMILY’s List – an advocacy group that supports pro-choice Democratic women.
“I’m deeply grateful to earn the support of Howard Dean, a pioneering leader who has taken bold stances on the tough issues long before it was politically popular to do so,” said Grossman, current Treasurer of Massachusetts, in a statement. “We share a vision for the Commonwealth and our nation that provides all its citizens, no matter who they are, where they live, or what they look like, with equality of opportunity.”
