Howard Dean
Howard Dean is an American physician and politician who served as the Governor of Vermont from 1991 to 2003 and as the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2005 to 2009. Born on November 17, 1948, in New York City, Dean gained national prominence for his 2004 presidential campaign, which was notable for its grassroots organization and use of technology, despite ultimately losing the Democratic nomination to John Kerry. As DNC Chairman, he is credited with significantly strengthening the party's infrastructure and rebuilding its presence at the state and local levels, a strategy known as the "50-state strategy." Dean's career also includes work as a political commentator and author, and he has been a vocal advocate on issues such as healthcare reform and progressive policies.