Betsy Devine: Funny ha-ha and/or funny peculiar

Classic image–the hero stands alone, facing a battle that everybody expects he’ll lose.

Those who were once his friends are filled with doubt. The forces of evil–for example,
big moneyed media–have done all they can to make sure the hero goes down.

If you read my blog, you can guess who the hero is–Howard Dean, a feisty Democrat from Vermont.

From my point of view, Howard Dean has already won. He has turned the Democratic primaries from a banal centrist teaparty into a spirited critique of George W. Bush. Candidates like Kerry and Edwards who once were politely suggesting that Bush might have gone just a teeny bit too far got pushed by Howard to point out that Bush’s presidency has been a major disaster to our economy, our children, and our friendships abroad.

I’m still hoping that Wisconsin will bust the conventional wisdom–that the enthusiasm and heart of Dean’s young supporters will carry his message to the Wisconsin voters.

Because, in the end, it’s not the enthusiasts like me who get to make the choice. It’s the actual voters, voting one by one.

If this were a Terry Pratchett novel, I know Howard Dean would win. Good luck, Howard. My heart goes with you.