02/20/2004
Did Jewish Problems Doom Dean?
Steve Grossman, former Dean co-chair, downplays Mideast gaffes.
James D. Besser - Washington Correspondent

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http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3?artid=9086&print=yes

How much of a role did former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean’s problems
with
pro-Israel leaders play in the spectacular collapse of his candidacy?

Dean’s Jewish woes, which began with his bumbling comments about the
need for
a more “balanced” U.S. approach in the Middle East.

Dean was the target of a massive campaign of anonymous e-mails
depicting him
as hostile to Israel.

“It was a difficult and time-consuming set of issues we had to deal
with,”
said Grossman, who actively reached out to Jewish and pro-Israel groups
in an
attempt to put out the fires.

“His misstatements on the Middle East played a role in reinforcing
the image
that he was not yet ready for the presidency,” this source said.
“That was
one of his biggest problems throughout the campaign — and his
thrashing around
on the Jewish issue made it worse.”

“His statements about the Middle East were much less calculated than
those of
the other candidates,” said University of Richmond political
scientist Akiba
Covitz. “I don’t think he realized what was involved in putting
together a
national coalition as a Democrat — and that he couldn’t do that
without
mainstream pro-Israel support. His comments on the Middle East may be
paradigmatic of
a lack of understanding that words and actions make a difference in
campaigns.”