"On the eve of the official announcement of his presidential candidacy, Howard Dean, the former governor of Vermont, came under intense questioning today by Tim Russert on Meet the Press," the New York Times reports. "Dr. Dean, a Democrat who prides himself on his straightforwardness, equivocated on several issues. He sidestepped answering whether he would support the prescription drug plan backed by the Bush administration and some Democrats."
In the interview, Dean faced the toughest questions of the campaign and Russert proved himself once again to be the toughest political journalist today. It will be interesting to see how the other candidates fare against Russert in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Dean officially announces his candidacy today. The Wall Street Journal says Dean "hopes to break through the slow news days of summer by 'announcing' his candidacy, even after campaigning for months." The Washington Post mocks this "news."
Jules Witcover notes the Dean announcement "is notable because it may underscore the success he has had in one year in putting himself more seriously on the political map." Dean "has benefited from Internet campaigning that has already given him a surprising grass-roots base."
