There was a valedictory tone to the Dean event today. Dean’s introducer praised him, but sort of in the past tense – for opposing the war, for standing up for President Bush, and “for setting the agenda in this presidential race.” Setting the agenda is important, but it is usually an accomplishment claimed by candidates who don’t make it. Steve Forbes “set the agenda.” Even Dean himself sounds this wistful note: “I commend all the rest of the candidates for at least saying the things that need to be said now.”