Howard Dean Gave Democrats a Future Edge

Sixteen years ago, Joel Arthur Barker created a modern definition of pioneers in his highly regarded book, Future Edge. He wrote that “pioneers take the risk, go out early, and make the new territory safe," and that paradigm pioneers “are the first to follow the rough pathway that paradigm shifters have uncovered."

Barack Obama's campaign, with his successful internet organizing and fund raising, 10 million address email list, and record setting get-out-the-vote effort, is a paradigm pioneer.

Howard Dean is a paradigm shifter. His failed presidential bid in 2004 was the first political campaign to make functional use of the internet. In 2005, he was elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Dean did not always follow party orthodoxy. He created a 50-state strategy, with the goal of organizing Democrats in every voting precinct in America. In 2006, some party leaders urged him to pull funds from traditional red states. They wanted to spend that money to increase the chances for gains in the midterm congressional elections. Howard Dean refused.

Dean's 2004 internet model was the rough pathway for Obama's internet campaign. Dean energized young voters using tools like Meetup.com. He was vehemently opposed to invading Iraq. Chairman Dean's 50-state strategy enabled Obama's GOTV success. When Barack Obama announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, Howard Dean was one of the first to endorse him.

Governor Dean's DNC chairmanship expires in January of 2009. He will not pursue another term. The paradigm shifter has redefined Democratic politics.

Edited 11-13-08 at 6:18 pm.