Politics | Howard Dean Can Howard Dean Keep the Dems Together? Bruising Clinton- Obama race tests low-key party chairman By Jason Farago Posted Apr 2, 2008 7:18 AM CDT Copied Hillary Clinton acknowledges supporters after a Democratic presidential debate Sunday, Aug. 19, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa as Barack Obama talks with Howard Dean, left. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) Since his crash-and-burn run for president four years ago, Howard Dean has served as a decidedly low-key Democratic Party chairman, slowly building up state organizations while staying out of the limelight. Yet as the Clinton-Obama race wears on, many are wondering if Dean has the political acumen—or even the will—to rally a party in danger of fracturing. In an interview with the New York Times, Dean insisted that his team was organizing for an eventual fight with John McCain. But Dean's hands-off approach to the Clinton-Obama battle has worried some in the party and led some to step up in his place—such as Phil Bredesen, the Tennessee governor who has proposed a superdelegate mini-convention. Read These Next The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error