Howard Dean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Howard Dean
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Dean in 2017
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| Chair of the Democratic National Committee | |
| In office February 12, 2005 – January 21, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Terry McAuliffe |
| Succeeded by | Tim Kaine |
| 79th Governor of Vermont | |
| In office August 13, 1991 – January 8, 2003 |
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| Lieutenant | Barbara Snelling Doug Racine |
| Preceded by | Richard Snelling |
| Succeeded by | Jim Douglas |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office July 19, 1994 – August 1, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Carroll A. Campbell Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Tommy Thompson |
| 77th Lieutenant Governor of Vermont | |
| In office January 3, 1987 – August 13, 1991 |
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| Governor | Madeleine Kunin Richard Snelling |
| Preceded by | Peter Smith |
| Succeeded by | Barbara Snelling |
| Member of the Vermont House of Representatives from the Chittenden 7-4 district |
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| In office 1983–1987 |
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| Preceded by | constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Bennett Truman |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Howard Brush Dean III
November 17, 1948 East Hampton, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Yale University (BA) Yeshiva University (MD) |
| Signature |  |
Howard Brush Dean III, born on November 17, 1948, is an American doctor and politician. He served as the 79th Governor of Vermont from 1991 to 2003. Later, he led the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2005 to 2009. Dean also ran for president in 2004. He is known for using new ways to raise money and organize campaigns, especially online. His "fifty-state strategy" helped Democrats win many elections. After leaving politics, he became a political speaker and advisor.
Before politics, Dean became a doctor in 1978. He worked part-time in the Vermont House of Representatives and as Lieutenant Governor of Vermont. This allowed him to keep practicing medicine. In 1991, he became governor when the previous governor passed away. He was elected five more times, becoming Vermont's longest-serving governor. During his time, Vermont paid off much of its debt. He also expanded the "Dr. Dynasaur" program, which helps children and pregnant women get health care. Dean is a strong supporter of health care for everyone.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Growing Up in New York
Howard Dean was born in East Hampton, New York. His mother, Andrée Belden, was an art expert. His father, Howard Brush Dean, Jr., worked in finance. Howard was the oldest of four brothers. One of his brothers, Charles, was captured and killed while traveling in Southeast Asia in 1974. This event deeply affected Howard.
He went to school in Manhattan and then to a preparatory school in Rhode Island. He also spent a year studying in the United Kingdom.
College and Medical School
Dean graduated from Yale University in 1971 with a degree in political science. He later decided to study medicine. He earned his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1978. He then began a medical residency at the University of Vermont.
In 1981, he married Judith Steinberg, who was also a doctor. They met in medical school. Together, they started a family medical practice in Shelburne, Vermont.
His Beliefs
Howard Dean was raised in the Episcopal Church. In 1982, he joined the Congregational church. He has said he is more "spiritual" than religious. He and his wife, who is Jewish, raised their two children without a specific religious education. Their children identify as Jewish.
Vermont Political Career
Howard Dean started his political journey in 1980. He led a local effort to build a bicycle trail instead of a condominium. This success helped him get into politics. He also volunteered for Jimmy Carter's presidential campaign that year.
In 1982, he was elected to the Vermont House of Representatives. He was reelected twice and became an assistant leader. He then became Lieutenant Governor of Vermont in 1986, serving until 1991. These were part-time jobs, so he continued to practice medicine with his wife.
On August 13, 1991, Governor Richard A. Snelling passed away. Howard Dean then became governor. He was elected to five more two-year terms. This made him the longest-serving governor in Vermont's history. From 1994 to 1995, he was the chairman of the National Governors Association.
When he became governor, Vermont faced money problems. Dean worked to balance the state's budget. During his time, Vermont paid off much of its debt. The state also balanced its budget eleven times and lowered income taxes twice.
Dean also focused on health care. He expanded the "Dr. Dynasaur" program. This program provides health coverage for almost all children and pregnant women in Vermont. Under his leadership, the number of uninsured people in Vermont decreased.
2004 Presidential Campaign
Howard Dean started his campaign for president in 2004 as an underdog. In March 2003, he gave a speech criticizing the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This speech got the attention of many people who wanted change.
His campaign grew quickly. By late 2003, Dean was a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination. He was very good at raising money, especially by using the Internet. Most of his donations came from many small individual donors. These supporters were called Deanites or Deaniacs. They organized meetings online and helped spread his message. This new way of campaigning helped him raise a lot of money.
Campaign Ideas
Dean's campaign focused on health care and managing money responsibly. He also used grassroots fundraising to fight against big lobby groups. His strong opposition to the war in Iraq made him popular with many Democrats. He often said he represented "the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party." This meant he wanted the party to be more active in opposing Republican policies.
His campaign used the Internet in new ways. Supporters used websites like Meetup.com to organize real-world meetings. They also donated money online and shared political ideas. This helped him build a large network of supporters.
Raising Money
Howard Dean was very successful at raising money for his campaign. He raised about $50 million in total. Most of this money came from small donations over the Internet. The average donation was less than $80. This was different from traditional campaigns that relied on wealthy donors. This method was also cheaper and allowed the campaign to ask for donations multiple times.
His campaign used a "fundraising bat" image on their website. This bat would fill up as people donated money. This encouraged more people to give. One time, online donations matched what Vice President Dick Cheney raised at a big dinner.
In 2003, Dean decided not to take federal matching funds. This meant he could raise and spend as much money as he wanted. Other candidates, like John Kerry, later followed his lead. Many experts say that Barack Obama's successful fundraising in 2008 built on Dean's pioneering methods.
Important Supporters
As his campaign grew, Dean gained many important supporters. He was endorsed by former Vice President Al Gore in December 2003. Other supporters included former governors and senators.
Many celebrities also supported him, such as Martin Sheen, Rob Reiner, Susan Sarandon, and Paul Newman.
Iowa Setback and the "Dean Scream"
On January 19, 2004, Dean finished third in the 2004 Iowa Democratic caucuses. This was the first major vote of the primary season. That night, Dean gave a speech where he shouted a loud "Yeah!" This moment became known as the "Dean Scream."
Many TV channels played the "Dean Scream" repeatedly. Some people thought it made him look strange or not presidential. Comedians also made fun of it. This media attention hurt his campaign. Dean later said his voice was hoarse, and the microphone only picked up his voice, not the loud crowd cheering.
After Iowa, Dean lost more races. He ended his presidential campaign in February 2004. However, he did win the Vermont primary in March.
Campaign's Lasting Impact
Even though he didn't win, Dean's campaign had a big impact. Many believe his use of Internet organizing helped Barack Obama win the presidency in 2008.
A movie called The Ides of March was made in 2011. It was based on a play written by someone who worked on Dean's campaign. A documentary film about Dean's campaign, Dean and Me, was also released in 2008.
After the Campaign
After leaving the presidential race, Dean supported John Kerry, who became the Democratic nominee. In March 2004, Dean started a group called Democracy for America. This group uses the Internet to help candidates who share similar ideas get elected. He later gave control of this group to his brother, Jim Dean.
DNC Chairmanship
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Howard Dean was elected Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on February 12, 2005. He was the only candidate left after others dropped out. He promised to focus on raising money and campaigning for the party. He was replaced by Tim Kaine in 2009.
Dean tried to become chairman again in 2016 but later withdrew.
Fifty-State Strategy
As DNC Chairman, Dean introduced the "fifty-state strategy." His goal was for the Democratic Party to try to win elections at all levels in every part of the country. This meant organizing Democrats in every voting area. State party leaders praised Dean for raising money directly for their parties.
Dean traveled across the country to promote this plan. He visited states where Republicans usually won, like Utah and Texas. Many Democrats were unsure about the plan at first. But the strategy seemed to work. Democrats gained control of the House and Senate in the 2006 elections. They also won elections in states that usually voted Republican.
The "fifty-state strategy" helped Barack Obama compete in states that were traditionally Republican during the 2008 presidential election. Obama won several of these states, like Indiana and Virginia.
Fundraising Success
Dean continued to use his online fundraising skills at the DNC. He raised more money than previous DNC chairmen. In the first six months of 2005, the DNC raised about $86.3 million. This was a big increase from previous years. He also started a program called "Democracy Bonds." This allowed small donors to give a set amount every month. Dean also introduced "grassroots matches," where donors would match the first donation from new contributors. This led to many new donors.
After the DNC
Political Activities
After leaving the DNC in 2009, Dean did not take a position in the new Obama administration. He said he was happy that Barack Obama was president and that he would work in the private sector.
Dean also supports the Liberal Democrats party in the United Kingdom. He has spoken at their conferences. He also supported the People's Mujahedin of Iran group, asking for it to be removed from a list of terrorist groups.
In the 2016 presidential election, Dean supported Hillary Clinton.
Private Work
After 30 years in politics, Dean entered the private sector. He gives speeches and shares ideas about campaigns and technology. He has also worked as a contributor for news networks like MSNBC. He is on the board of the National Democratic Institute.
Dean is also a Senior Presidential Fellow at Hofstra University. He has taught at Yale and Williams College. He also works as an advisor for a law and lobbying firm.
Personal Life
In 1981, Dean married Judith Steinberg. They met in medical school and started a family medical practice in Shelburne, Vermont.
His Faith
Howard Dean was raised as an Episcopalian. In 1982, he joined a Congregational church. He has said he does not attend church regularly. He describes himself as "more spiritual than religious." He and his wife, who is Jewish, raised their two children, Anne and Paul, without a specific religious education. Both children identify as Jewish.
Images for kids
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Howard Dean's signature
