From a reader:

Jonah:
Good column on Howard Dean.
I can say this: as a person of faith, the idea of leaving a congregation over any issue is serious, and not to be taken lightly. So for Dean to leave over the bike path indicates his weak/non-existent commitment.
Also, as a working journalist, Howard Dean would be the FIRST Democrat on my
call list, if for no other reason than he gives great quote. Pelosi is too crabby and Reid too vague, but I know I can always get a money quote from Howard. That alone will make him the party spokesman, regardless of what anybody says.