The Great Liberal Hope

But an awful lot of people in the gay community think a Dean presidency means civil unions will be legalized nationwide. They're going to be mighty disappointed in you when they find out you're waffling.

This, apparently, was the line you cannot cross with Dean. A typical politician would now demur to an aide, issue a platitude ("A pleasure speaking with you"), or just hang up the phone. But again, Dean is no typical pol.

Steve Satterwhite

Off and running: Howard Dean hits South Beach on his way to Washington

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More About

• Howard Dean
• Bud Russell
• Jeffrey Sanker
• Same-Sex Marriage
• LGBT Issues

"Don't you evertalk to me like that!" he roared. Kulchur, taken aback, fell silent. But an enraged Dean was just getting started: "I've risked my political career on this issue! I had to wear a bulletproof vestwhen I was campaigning in some parts of Vermont -- how dareyou say that I haven't stood up for this community!"