Howard Dean, Not Sanjay Gupta, for Surgeon General?

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Dean would bring all his great energy and organization to the position of Surgeon General of the U.S. I know he would do us proud.

Katherine Elsea of IN 10:38AM March 15, 2009

As far as I am concerned, Howard Dean saved the Democrat Party. He is the person who showed the party how to stand up to George Bush, Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, et al. He's also the one who insisted the Democrat Party begin flying its flag in every state and not just those where there was an established Dem majority. He deserves some recognition. I think he'd make a fine Surgeon General.

David Mitchell of MI 11:35AM March 10, 2009

OBAMA MADEA A MISTAKE IN TRYING TO APPOINT DR.SANAY GUPTA WHO STRONGLY OPPOSSES OBAMA'S UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE PLAN.
THANK GOD HE IS GONE. HE KNEW HIS GAME WAS UP AND THAT HE COULD NOT SCUTTLE OBAMA'S PLANS WHICH WOULD DEPRIVE HIM AND HIS FELLOW INDIAN DOCTORS FROM BECOMING MULTI BILLIONAIRES BY LOOTING THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WITH THE AID OF CROOKED INSURANCE COMPANIES.

M THOMAS of FL 3:19PM March 08, 2009

Talk about political payback...you have to be kidding...

Tom in San Diego of CA 2:21PM March 08, 2009

In selecting a surgeon general the administration needs to make it a priority to selecting one who comes from within the ranks of the Commissioned Corps. Just like all the other surgeon's general from the other uniformed services. As a uniform service the Public Health Service maintains it's credibility when an admiral from within the ranks is chosen. When it comes to knowing and leading the PHS Commissioned corps the ideal candidate for surgeon general is one that comes from within the ranks. Not only does the surgeon general need to come from within the ranks but the office of the surgeon general needs to be funded independently so political influence will not overshadow the independence needed for this office. The office of the surgeon general needs to focus on the health and well being of the country regardless of political party and influence.

erin eppstein of CO 12:36PM March 08, 2009

Yes -- I was very disappointed to hear Gupta give 'reasons' for backing out of consideration, but I am not opposed to Dean being considered for the Surgeon General position. Other than the 'scream' -- why not? He is a good spokesperson, a medical professional, knows a bit about government, having been a Governor, -- seems his qualifications are in order.

cyndi of SC 11:24PM March 07, 2009

Howard Dean would be a perfect man for the job, has all the qualifications one needs....he is high class

genice Carpenter of OK 3:35PM March 07, 2009

If his heart isn't in the job, why try and push him to do it? Howard Dean should hold out for something of higher visiblity or just simply do what he is doing. Have any other commenters ever taken a job they didn't like?
Carl Wiley
Author
The Ring of Knowledge

Carl Wiley of NJ 2:38PM March 07, 2009

It seems a bit fishy to me, when I heard Gupta withdrew his desire to be the SG.. the reasons he gives are bogus IMHO
anyone know the real reasons?
I would have liked to see him as SG.. he is an excellent communicator and am sad to see him go and Dean the yeller be considered

Raj of WA 11:53PM March 06, 2009

The surgeon general does two things:
One, use his/her job as a bully pulpit to educate Americans
Two: Tell Congress (using one syllable words) what science and medical stuff means.
Three: lead the USPHS CC of docs, most of whom work on Indian reservations.
Dean is too political for I, too polysylabic for two, and as for three, no experience.
Gupta rates two out of three

Miguel Zambrano of MN 10:55PM March 06, 2009