THE COMEBACK KID?

Attacked relentlessy by his rivals and with stories gleaned from opposition research coming daily in the media, Dean responded and went negative against his opponents just as voters turned their attention to the race.  With John Kerry literally and figuratively mortgaging his future by borrowing money on his house and spending it all in Iowa, Dean's numbers went down while Kerry's and the steady John Edwards' rose.  Adding to the troubles were campaign appearances by a hoarse, exhausted Dean.

Dean, despite an endorsement by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and a large and motivated organization, attracted only I8% of Iowa caucus goers.  To make matters worse, Dean conceded the evening with a raucus concession speech that was criticized and mocked viciously in the "Fat and Stupid" media.

The consensus: Dead. Done.  Write his political obituary...

Not so fast, my friend.....

In 1992, a small-state governor running for the Democratic presidential nomination stumbled badly between Iowa and New Hampshire, facing with a career-ending crisis that some called a "bimbo eruption."   He went on a national news show with his wife to speak to the nation.  The result: second place in the New Hampshire primary to a Massachussetts senator, and an eventual opportunity to run against a sitting President named Bush who had won a war in Iraq and was presiding over a very poor economy.

In 2004, a small-state governor running for the Democratic presidential nomination stumbled badly in Iowa.  He went on a national news show with his wife, and, if one believes the Zogby Polls, is on the way to a least a solid second place finish to a Massachusetts senator.  The prize?  An opportunity to run against a sitting president named Bush who "won major combat" in Iraq and is presiding over a very poor economy.

The Observer sees this:

Dean's appearance with his wife Judy on Nightline was a success.  Reports say (we have not seen it) that Judy Dean was a warm, pleasant intelligent woman.  Dean was very respectful of his wife and made no attempt to coach or guide what she had to say, according to the stories about the interview.

Dean and his campaign seem to have steadied in New Hampshire and have started to make up ground, according to the traveling circus (uh, media).

The polls are all over the lot with Zogby having it to close to call, SUSA not far behind, and the Boston Globe, ARG and Gallup ranging from 11 to 18 point leads for Kerry.  Zogby is a rolling 3-day average poll, with the oldest day dropping as the most recent day is added.  Dean bottomed out last Thursday and has moved fast, according to Zogby.  Someone is going to be real wrong here.

The national echo chamber has picked up the "closing fast" story from the Zogby polls.  Good for a Monday.

The prediction:  Dean has steadied and is closing.  Another good Zogby poll tomorrow and we have a race.   If Dean wins or finishes a strong closing second, the "fat and stupid" media will again be wrong, and with the largest organization still out there, Dean will be in a good position to carry on the battle.

Will history continue to repeat?