Deinonychus antirrhopus

Dean

I heard on the radio last night that not only has Dean ditched Trippi as his campaign manager, but the staff are going to be "volunteering" for two weeks (i.e., no pay). Sounds not only like the campaign is at a loss in terms of strategy/what to do, but is in money trouble as well.

Given this new information, I'm pronouncing Dean dead in the water. He might stay in the race to see if he can squeak out some sort of deal for V.P., but I doubt it. I think it is all over for him.

Update: Here is an article that mentions the no-pay-for-two-weeks. Also, Dean is not going to spending any money on commercials in any of the States holding primaries on Feb. 3.

Coming on the heels of the campaign's decision not to buy TV ads in those states, Dean said he will focus on picking up as many delegates as he can, but that only requires him to place, not win, in the blitz of upcoming primaries and caucuses.

It really sounds like Dean is out of cash and is banking on Kerry and Ewards spending themselves out while he gets new donations and refills his coffers. I doubt this will work. If Kerry and/or Edwards win more delegates my guess is they'll start to pick up most of the donations. Many donors will want to back a winner and will look more towards whomever looks like they'll be the winner. Not winning in any of Feb. 3rds primaries is not a way to look like a winner.

Bye, Dr. Dean.

Update II: Jay Caruso notes that Dean is out of cash and the shake up at the top and thinks it looks bad as well.