Howard Dean is an American physician and retired politician who was born on November 17, 1948. From 1991 to 2003, he served as the 79th governor of Vermont. Dean was among the Democratic Party’s nominees for the 2004 U.S. presidential election. He was also the founder of a progressive political action committee, Democracy for America. Between 2005 and 2009, Dean served as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Before stepping into the world of politics, Dean studied at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine to earn his medical degree in 1978. Let’s take a look at his life journey to celebrate his special day.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Howard Brush Dean III
Nickname:
Howard Dean
Birth date:
November 17, 1948
Age:
75 years, 5 months
Zodiac Sign:
Scorpio
Height:
5' 8"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$4.0 million
Background
Howard Brush Dean III was born in East Hampton, New York, on November 17, 1948. He was the eldest of four siblings from Howard Brush Dean, Jr. and Andrée Belden Maitland and he has three younger brothers. Dean attended Manhattan’s Browning School until 13 years old and continued his studies at St. George’s School in Middletown, Rhode Island. After being awarded a scholarship, Dean attended the Felsted School in the U.K in September 1966.He graduated in 1971 from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He worked as a stockbroker for a short time before deciding to study medicine. Dean completed a pre-medicine class at Columbia University and received his medical degree in 1978 from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He married fellow doctor Judith Steinberg in 1981, and the two established a family medical practice in Shelburne, Vermont. The couple was blessed with two children, Anne and Paul.Dean’s political career began in 1982 when he became Vermont’s state representative. He was appointed as lieutenant governor in 1986. Dean succeeded the late Richard Snelling as the governor of Vermont on August 14, 1991. He later announced his candidacy on June 23, 2003, for the Democratic nomination in the 2004 presidential election. Dean was a pioneer among other presidential candidates to fully utilize Internet-based fundraising and grassroots organizing. His effort proved to be more cost-efficient, making him both a top fundraiser and a favorite for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Nevertheless, he withdrew from the race after placing third in the Wisconsin primary in February 2004. In that same year, he founded a grassroots political action committee to endorse progressive candidates, named the Democracy for America (D.F.A.)
Career timeline
Dean graduates from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Dean completes his studies at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and receives a medical degree.
He marries Steinberg and establishes a family medical practice in Shelburne, Vermont.
Dean becomes a state representative of Vermont, marking the first step of his political career.
Governor Snelling succumbs to a cardiac arrest, and Dean becomes the Governor of Vermont.
Dean announces his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the 2004 presidential election.
Howard Dean FAQs
How many books has Howard Dean written?
Dean has written three books.
Why did Howard Dean yell?
After losing the Iowa caucus to John Kerry, he wanted to reassure his supporters but was also carried away by his own excitement during his speech.
What is Howard Dean doing now?
Dean serves at Hofstra University as a Senior Presidential Fellow. He is also on the board of the National Democratic Institute.
5 Surprising Facts
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A belt in memory of Charles
Dean is frequently seen wearing a black leather belt that once belonged to his late brother.
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From Republican to Democrat
Dean’s family was Republican, but he became a politician for the Democrats’ side.
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The longest-serving governor
Dean was elected to five two-year terms, making him the longest-serving governor in Vermont’s history.
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He’s an author
Dean published three books in 2003, 2004, and 2009.
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A Clinton supporter
Dean endorsed Hillary Clinton for the 2016 presidential election.
Why We Love Howard Dean
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He supports people of all races
During his study at Yale, Dean was said to make a specific request to room with an African-American. He was not patronizing like a typical white student when it came to race — he respected their differences and was willing to hold healthy discussions with those of different color than him.
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He is a progressive politician
Despite not winning the presidential race, Dean left a legacy that proved to be beneficial to his party even after he retired. He developed a strategy to bolster the Democrats’ influence until they won the presidential race and reclaimed numerous seats in congress.
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He takes care of his people
Dean has made some remarkable achievements during his tenure as the Governor of Vermont. Among them were a balanced budget and the implementation of universal health care for children and pregnant women in the state.
Howard Dean’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 17 | Thursday |
| 2023 | November 17 | Friday |
| 2024 | November 17 | Sunday |
| 2025 | November 17 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 17 | Tuesday |
