Dean: 'Mitt Was the Candidate I Feared Most'

Mitt Romney would have been a better GOP candidate than John McCain, Howard Dean told the press yesterday—with unlimited cash resources and a willingness to “say anything” to win. “I know him from New England,” the top Dem said, and he “was the candidate I feared the most.” Dean said the Republicans underestimated Mitt, the Wall Street Journal reports, even as he gave a preview of Dems' tacks for the general election.

The party is “absolutely going to target” McCain’s flip-flops, including his reversal on the Bush tax cuts. Dems will steer clear of the Republican’s age, the DNC chief said: “I think there’s somewhat of an ethical bar on our side.” Dean also noted data showing swing voters to be especially grim about the state of the country. (More Howard Dean stories.)