Independents Looking At Dean

Ultimately, the question is not whether Mr. Dean is moderate enough — it's really whether he's radical enough to challenge the categories of American politics. To do so, he must construct an electoral coalition that goes beyond the left and beyond narrow Democratic partisanship, even as he pursues the Democratic nomination.

Independent voters could figure prominently in the primary season, as 22 states hold open primaries where independents may vote. Critical early states like New Hampshire and South Carolina are among them. Mr. Dean's participation in the "Choosing" process and his recent endorsement by former independent Gov. Lowell Weicker of Connecticut create bridges to those voters. But Mr. Dean must also have an authentic cause with which to inspire them.

George W. Bush won the election as a compassionate conservative. Perhaps Mr. Dean could win it as a moderate radical.