The Democrat party being essentially a political spoils coop, its really interesting to see who's in, who's out and who's jostling for position.

Howard Dean clearly looks to be on the losing end of this equation.

The conspicuous absence of Howard Dean from Thursday’s press conference announcing Tim Kaine’s appointment as Democratic National Committee chairman was no accident, according to Dean loyalists.

Rather, they say, it was a reflection of the lack of respect accorded to the outgoing party chairman by the Obama team.

Despite leading the party in consecutive triumphant election cycles — as well as through off-year races such as when Kaine was elected Virginia governor in 2005 — Dean has become all but invisible since Election Day, passed over for the Cabinet position he coveted and apparently not in line for another administration post.

Dean is apparently someone the Obama administration feels it can afford to alienate, and someone with whom continued association is judged to be a liability. Democrats talk crazy, because that who votes for them, but in matters of power they are extremely pragmatic.

Howard Dean says crazy stuff, and since the administration already have Joe Biden to baby sit, they don't need another loose cannon on deck.

OK, but lots of Democrats say crazy stuff, but they still get a seat at the table. Yeah, but its because they have juice with important constituencies. Howie doesn't have a constituency, not even in Vermont. He probably still has some chits with the far-left moonbats, but Daily Kos readers can't elect a dogcatcher.

Yeah, but what's a guy like Rahm Emmanuel got that Howie doesn't? He doesn't have a constituency either. True, but Rahm can raise money. Dean? not so much. In probably the most favorable year for Democrats since the 1930s, Howard Dean raised half of what the RNC did.

No cash, no votes, no brains and no respect. See ya Howie.