Short profile

Howard Finemand on Howard Dean:

Howard Dean is a simmering teakettle of emotion, aspiration and edge. In these wrought-up times, it’s a persona that has considerable appeal to the grass roots of the Democratic Party, if not, as yet, to the nation at large. It’s made him a celebrity on the Internet, where his Web-based efforts are changing the face of campaigning. As governor of Vermont, he was known for his chesty confrontations. As an early foe of war in Iraq, he made acerbic comments that now look prescient. But Dean’s aura of disdain can cause him problems, too. His attacks on Democratic presidential rivals are delivered with all the grace and humor of a fedora-wearing hit man

Except for the “prescient” part, it’s right on.