Dean spoke to the Clark County (Nevada) Democrats. Here’s the summary from their website:

Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean spoke to local Democrats on April 14, 2005 at a well attended fundraising reception at Lawry’s Restaurant. Chairman Dean was introduced by Nevada State Democratic Party Chair Adriana Martinez who had ultimately supported then Governor Dean in his successful bid to win the National Party Chairmanship.
Dr. Dean emphasized the need for the national Democratic Party to develop a core Democratic message. He pledges “No longer will the Democratic Party allow itself to be defined by the Republican Party.” The core Democratic message will be developed with input from each state. Dr Dean spoke of his reorganization of the DNC. Now the DNC staff better reflects three pillars of the Democratic party: Women; Hispanics and African Americans. Recent DNC polling data suggests four major groupings of American Voters. The swing voters are divided into two categories: “High anxiety Working Families”; and “Paycheck Patriots”. The recent DNC polling indicates that many moderates income voters have very high anxiety about the future of their jobs; and above health care. issues which are impacting their families. The more predictable voting demographics were referred to as “reliable Republicans” and “Merlot Democrats”…. [italics mine]

Me: So in his effort to fight the Republican effort to define them, the adjective he uses for Republicans is “reliable” and the monicker for the Democrats is “Merlot.” Take it to the hustings baby! The RNC might even pay for your airfare. A couple questions: how’s it going on that promise to make the South competitive for the Democrats again? How do loyally Democratic Hispanic audiences like being called “Merlot Democrats”?