Gratitude is a state with no delegates.

The issue that brought him to the front of the pack?early opposition to the war in Iraq?is no longer relevant to voters, as proved by antiwar Iowa caucus goers who agreed with Dean on that issue but voted against him anyway. His other main theme?a tub-thumping challenge to Washington lobbyists and their loyal servant, George W. Bush?has been lifted by the other serious contenders. On both of these big issues, Dean taught his party to get out of its defensive crouch and stop being scared of its own shadow.

el - now he needs to show the other Democrats how not to back down when confronted with the GOP charge he is not the the typical wimpy Democrat they want.