Howard Dean didn't make it to the White House in 2004, but in his capacity as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, he seems to be acting something like a president in abstentia for his party.

At least that's what it sounds like in an on-line interview with Politico, in which Dean discloses that he's in contact with various countries around the world and constituencies back home, firming up relationships should a Democrat take over residency at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in early 2009.

"I am trying to build relationships with other governments in preparation for a Democratic takeover," Dean tells Politco. "I want to make clear that there is an opposition in America and that we are ready to take power and that when we do, we are going to have much better relationships with them."

He also says he's been schmoozing well-known Christian evangelical leaders back in the USA, in hopes of helping build better relations with them, too.

"We're never going to convince them on civil rights for gay people or abortion rights," Dean says. "But we certainly can focus on the things that we both care about a lot: global warming, poverty and the materiality of our culture."

For a complete read of Politico article, click HERE.

By the way, the question of whether Dean might someday run for prez. again came up.

"I have no idea," Dean responded. "I hope we are going to elect a Democratic president, and I won't have to think about it until 2016. In which case, I will be a lot older than I am now."

68, to be exact.

-- Sam Hemingway