Dean's appearance this morning wasn't as bad as the previous one a couple of years ago, mainly because that was the standard bearer for terrible appearances.  This morning, Dean didn't seem as confused, but he did lie his butt off and gave non-answers at every possible moment.  It should be interesting to see how the RNC breaks down every single statement Howard Dean made in that interview.

The most telling moment was when Howard Dean criticized Republicans for their rhetoric at the same time Tim Russert was railing off some of the ridiculous comments that Dean had made in the past few months.  The mere fact that Dean was willing to criticize someone else for being harsh comments in the face of a virtual mugshot of Tom DeLay complete with serial numbers at the bottom of the photo appears on the DNC website is laughable. 

The fact that Dean would prejudge Tom DeLay as a criminal, yet wouldn't do the same for a terrorist responsible for the worst foreign attack on American soil shows the primary reason why the American people don't trust Democrats with leadership, particularly in regards to foreign policy.  I'm sure a number of people winced when they saw that part of the show.

Howard Dean showed precisely why he isn't fit to lead a political party.  It isn't because his comments are offensive, it's because they insult the intelligence of the electorate at every turn and are often absurd.  I'll provide a more thorough analysis once NBC posts a transcript, but I'm sure a number of people agree with this view.

Ed Morrissey liveblogged the show, and offers his insight here.