Neel's standing

I know nothing at all about Roy Neel, the new "CEO" of the Dean campaign. I found David Isenberg's piece alarming. I have mixed reactions to Neel's explanation of the campaign's new strategy. But here's different testimony. It's from a message Stephen Spoonamore sent to a mailing list (used with permission):

Mr. Neel has a reputation of probity, capacity and trust.

He has worked with those on the left and right, and earned the respect of nearly all who he has worked with. I know several people who think very highly of this man. My one brief interaction with him was directed and clear.

Mr. Neel seams to me to be a nearly perfect match for my understanding and experience of who Howard Dean is, and how he ran the state of Vermont where he won my respect as a moderate Republican.

As I read Mr. Neel's record, he has worked for the best interests of the nations citizens. Our citizens are both "the people" and the "the companies" Both of these groups. When the people and the companies respect each other we make our nation a better place. I am very weary, as a citizen and responsible business owner, of hearing rants against business.

It is fairly clear at this point Mr. Trippi made some brilliant choices and some poor choices. It is also clear to many people who knew Howard before he was "Trippied" out that the Rock Star Dean was a something none of us really understood. Rightous? Yes. Parsimonious? Yes. Sharp-Tounged? Yes. But a Rock Star? No. Mr. Neel is far more closely aligned with the nature of the Dr. Dean as a person. Mr. Trippi is a true believer and inconoclast and brought those tools to the table. Mr. Neel is pragmatist and systematist and will bring those tools instead.

In any case. Dr. Dean, not Trippi or Neel is the candidate.

I still believe Dr. Dean would make a fine president. A president who would be a uniter and not a divider. A president of probity and meritocracy, not of secrecy and cronyism. Perhaps now and perhaps too late he has a team who may be able to reach out to a larger public than the Perfect Stormers. Strange things happen in strange times. But the many Moderate Rs like myself, and a growing number of conservative Rs as well could find a place beside a strong D. Under Trippi, our money was welcomed, but our input and thoughts were whole-heartedly shunned. Under Neel I think that may change.