Not getting into the typical "soundbites" game, Dean might just stick to what he is already on record for: the quote in Tucker's NY Times magazine article of a week ago, that the republicans are intellectually dishonest. Over time, a "there they go again, being dishonest; there's yet another example" might have an effect beyond "defense".
I've been saying that Dean's health plan is just a little more of what we already do (which it is.). When you explain it to people, they realize that it's not that scary, and most importantly, doesn't involve any of the loss of personal choice that national health plans sometimes cause.
I believe that the attack points (because really, that's what they are) are fundamentally dishonest. Personally, part of Dean's appeal is that he doesn't have that whole "I voted with the Republicans/President" baggage to deal with. There is a significant portion of the population that was appalled when the Dems caved on (almost) everything after 9/11. So I don't think that this attack tactic will fly with most people.
I agree that he should simply stay on message, because when the truth is put out, people respond positively to it. This is just typical Republican manipulation and lies, and yes, we must combat it... with the truth.
For Civil Unions:
The Federal Gov't doesn't grant marriage licenses, but it does recognize marriage. In the same way, state governments have to decide for themselves about civil unions, but the federal gov't should recognize them when they do.
For Health Care:
Dean's plan is no more budget-busting than a huge, irresponsible tax cut combined with no plan to improve access to health care, which leaves states to pick up the costs.
As a governor, Dean can always frame a question as either a state or federal responsibility, and expose the GOP's "states-rights" position as disingenuous.
This is all they've got? Yow, they are in trouble.
Civil Unions: Look, lets face it. Anyone who is STRONGLY AGAINST civil unions isn't going to vote for Dean. All Dean has to do here is explain the position and leave it up to people to decide. If someone is so homophobic that they think recognizing civil unions means that suddenly the entire country will go gay, well... there is nothing we can say that will help.
Health Care: So their point is that he wants to take away the bush tax plan and give us healthcare. Hmmm, even when they say it, it sounds like a good idea. Given the polls showing little support for bush's economic ideas, is this really a problem? Again, all Dean has to do is just keep explaining the plan exactly how it is.
Whenever I hear the "Ultra-Liberal" tag, I always mention his 100% rating from the NRA and remind people of what an ultra-liberal organization the NRA is. 
Right now the fraudulent "chief" is giving his State of the Union address and I won't watch it. Can it get any worse? An unelected fraud, there only because of a corrupt Supreme Court, called by Helen Thomas "the worst president, ever." And the guy will get fawned over by the media, who will seek his favor and fear Karl Rove's retaliation.
Gov. Dean has to respond to the attack that the RNC has started and that the media will ape.
What separated Dukakis and Gore from Clinton was that Clinton responded to the attacks, and stuck to his positions.
At every speech, Dean has to address "liberal" label, reiterating endlessly his NRA "A" rating, his incredible fiscal responsibility--proven as a state chief executive who served nearly 12 years--versus Bush's reckless deficits, his states' rights views, and turning the slam on civil unions into a positive on civil rights. Dean has already said these things, but with the hopelessly incompetent, shameless media, he has to pound his message relentlessly and now.
And we need to organize and write to the media every time they use the RNC talking points to define Dean.
I agree with Scott. This is a mortal threat and must be addressed by Dr. Dean and all supporters immediately. I get the drift from writers here and people in general that they don't understand how biased and pro-right wing the media has become. What newspaper launched the Whitewater investigation that crippled Clinton and nearly ruined him? The liberal Gray Lady: The New York Times.
I would hope that those in the Dean campaign will remember the War Room mentality of Clinton '92 when answering their talking points. If he shows any weakness at all, the rabid dogs of the RNC will be all over him.
One other point that can, and should, be made about health care, particularly in light of President Bush's craven SOTU rhetoric last night: The choice isn't between rationing and no rationing. We HAVE rationing now, it's just based on class, rather than need.
Dave, don't get me wrong. I have witnessed the attack tactics many times, and I understand that we have got to fight back. I can personally dismiss those issues while still defending Dean publicly. Hope that helps clarify where I'm coming from (since you did point to the "writers on this site", of which I am one. ::smile:.
Dean must defend his stances on the issues, but he also has the opportunity to lash out at Bush/ Republicans. When he talks about his states' rights philosophy on guns, civil unions, education, welfare, & medical malpractice policy, he should mention that Republicans use "states' rights" only as an appeal to Southern racists who long for the days of segregation BECAUSE BUSH'S POLICIES DO NOT RESPECT STATES NOR ALLOW THEM TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT FALL UNDER THEIR JURISDICTION.
The media, like Russert on MTP, will try to tag Dean a hypocrite by framing civil unions as a civil rights issue like voting or abortion rights, and that Dean is only invoking states' rights for political expediency. This fails to recognize, as David points out, that states are constitutionally granted power over marriage laws. Dean should cite his support for adding gays/lesbians to federal non-discrimination and hate crimes laws (and pound the GOP for its homophobia) while also exposing Bush's hypocrisy on states' rights (Ashcroft's pathetic attack on Oregon's Death w/ Dignity Act as on example).
TXDem - you nail it with your comments. I'm going to forward them to the Dean campaign.
As an aside, are you an Austinite?
TXDem
Right on. I miscommunicated when I wrote of Govenor Dean and "states rights" vis-a-vis gun control and civil unions and you succinctly, and without harshness, clarified the matter. Thank you. Of course "states rights" is a disastrous term to use, given its loaded history as the right-wing code word to discriminate against southern blacks. And let's not forget how the concept was used by that court in 2000 to stop the voting in Florida and shatter our Constitution.
And the Gov. has more material to attack this disaster of a president, who just today nominated a quack, pro-life, ultra religious nut to head a key FDA commission that has a lot to say about availability of drugs and procedures about abortion and other women's health issues. This comes on the heels of appointing homophobic minister to a federal AIDS commission.
I don't have the specific names, titles, or institutions, but they're in the news today.
And how about for another point Bush's Medicare Mediscare? I know the Gov. has addressed this, but as an MD he really has the credentials to speak out.
Thanks again TXDem. You have the right attitude...reminds me of what I've heard and read about the Gov.
Do some research on the 2000 "Take Back Vermont" campaign...it was essentially a hate campaign run against Dean about immediately after he signed the Civil Unions Bill. The man has already had to run against an all out hate campaign...and he won. There isn't any trash that can be thrown at Dean that he can't effectively handle. He's got lots of experience with that. At first the whole Civil Unions thing made me sort of uncomfortable, but it doesn't anymore. I think it's good for the community, society and the state that gay couples are held to the same standards of behavior and legal reckoning that I was held to when I got divorced. It's only fair. It's not easy to get out of a Civil Union, and is just as much of a headache as getting divorced is.
Dean is a hell of a leader and is a real doer. I describe him as having the honesty and heart of Jimmy Carter combined with the financial prowess and leadership ability of Bill Clinton minus the scandalous behavior. He's going to get the nomination and will wipe the floor up with Bush.