"Dean, who noted he is a white Christian, infuriated members of both parties by merely stating an undeniable truth. A recent CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll found 82 percent of Republicans identify themselves as white Christians, while 57 percent of Democrats said the same."
....
..."The party is more comfortable with passive figures like John Kerry, whose presidential candidacy flamed out largely because of his inability to deliver straightforward answers and opinions.

Dean has no such inhibitions. He energizes masses of young people and disenfranchised Democrats through his direct - though sometimes over-the-top - comments. Dean says what he believes and doesn't back down - two traits Kerry has yet to learn.

Dean is also among few Democrats who can criticize Bush's decision to go to war without being disingenuous. That's because most Democrats - including Kerry and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton - supported Bush's decision at the time and are guilty of the same shortsightedness they conveniently blame Republicans for having.

Dean is an electric figure who could be one of the party's stars - if they would let him. Instead, the Democrats remain in a state of nirvana, lacking both leadership and direction."