DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Presidential hopeful Howard Dean is dismissing Democrats in Washington as too timid to challenge President Bush's economic policies, arguing that their reticence reflects a fear of losing.
The former Vermont governor plans to offer a more detailed economic plan in September, but he is using a campaign swing through Iowa this week to try to distinguish himself from his foes for the nomination while criticizing party leaders willing to compromise.
"Too many Democrats in Washington have become so afraid of losing that they have remained silent or only halfheartedly fought the very agenda that is destroying the democratic dream of America," said Dean in remarks prepared for delivery to a union hall audience Wednesday.
"In order to change America, we are going to have to change the Democratic Party, and make it stand for principles once again," he said.
The Associated Press obtained copies of his remarks and the outline of his economic proposals.
Dean has vaulted to the top tier in the Democratic primary race based in part on his staunch opposition to the U.S.-led war against Iraq, a position that resonates with the party's liberal base. He received a financial boost in the second-quarter fund-raising period, collecting more than $7.5 million, largely through the Internet, and his ratings have improved in polls in Iowa and New Hampshire.
He is trying to broaden his appeal by focusing on the economy. His effort comes, however, as centrist Democrats, including many who gathered in Philadelphia this week, expressed real fear that his candidacy and possible nomination will mean ruin for the party next November against President Bush.
In his remarks, Dean assailed Bush and his economic plan. The president, in addressing the National Urban League Monday, had touted his policies, including tax cuts, for providing greater opportunity for Americans.
"Never has a president talked so much about jobs while doing so much to destroy them," Dean said.
The former Vermont governor, who often cites his record on balancing the state budget, proposed several economic steps, including an increase in the minimum wage, broadening unemployment insurance to cover part-time workers, more money for cash-strapped states and expanding high-speed Internet access. The cost and additional details will come in September, he said.
"We must return to fiscal sanity for the sake of future generations, yes, but also for the sake of our national security," Dean said. "We cannot be a world-class country if we are the world's largest debtor."
