PHILADELPHIA — Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean lauded former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for her constant push for universal healthcare, particularly during her tenure as first lady, while also poking fun at the “Dean Scream” before the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday night.
Dean, who looked visibly uncomfortable reading off a teleprompter, praised Clinton as a bridge between former President Harry Truman and President Barack Obama on the issue, adding that she persevered in passing the Children’s Health Insurance Program after her push for “Hillarycare” ended.
“Twenty-five years ago, I got to know Hillary Clinton when she worked to achieve a goal — a goal a century in the making: universal healthcare,” Dean said. “Between the aspirations of Harry Truman and the accomplishment of Barack Obama, there was Hillary — poised and persistent.”
“When her first attempt at health reform did not work out, Hillary could have given up,” he continued. “Instead, she fought the way she always did. She did her homework, she persevered, she never forgot who she was fighting for. Thanks to her effort, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program was born.”
Dean added that Clinton must succeed Obama because they need “the person who will finish the job.”
“Hillary Rodham Clinton has a plan to drive down health care costs. Hillary has a plan to stand up to the drug companies and lower prescription drug prices and Hillary has a plan to take us that last mile and finally achieve health care for all,” Dean said.
Dean went on to bash Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Pence for their stances on healthcare, particularly Trump for his lack of details and Pence’s opposition to SCHIP.
“The choice in this election is clear,” Dean said later, pointing to a cadre of positions Trump takes, including on taxes, the Islamic State, and health care, once again.
However, the most entertaining part of the speech came at the very end, when Dean did a near redux of his famed “Dean Scream” speech, which came after he finished third in the Iowa caucuses in 2004.
“This race is going to be won on the ground,” Dean said. “And its going to be won in Colorado! And in Iowa! And North Carolina! And Michigan! And Florida! And Pennsylvania!”
“And we’re going to go to the White House!” he added raising his hands in the air and silently mocking the scream.
