I’m reading everywhere that Republicans are overjoyed to welcome Howard Dean back into Democratic leadership. They were so heartbroken when his presidential candidacy misfired. They were so desolate that he would not become the Democratic presidential nominee. Dean would suit Republicans perfectly, they proclaimed. Good old boy heartland Americans will stand in line to vote against such a quintessential eastern liberal egghead.

Methinks Republicans doeth protest too much.

Republicans are, in fact, justifiably terrified that the wounded Dean has come back stronger than ever, and with a shiny new forum for his ideas and influence.

Exactly as they did back when Dean showed every sign of winning the primary, so now are Republicans screaming with one voice, louder than Dean ever did, in a concerted attempt to quickly marginalize and stereotype him before he infects America’s mainstream.

Republicans are rushing to solidify the impression that Dean the Scream and Dean the Extreme is unworthy of respect, interest, curiosity, or even a brief listen. (Such is American democracy?) In urgent unison they scream:  Do not hear this man. Do not read anything he says. Stop up your ears and avert your eyes before it’s too late, before you actually think about what he has to say. Don’t waste a minute of your time on him.

Because what Dean has to say will resonate with the rank-and-file. Dean’s vision is infectious, and it will shake to the roots the wobbly edifice of half-truths and innuendo carefully built up by conservative radio and television demagogues.

There are even some entrenched Democrats who have opposed Dean from the start, and for basically the same reasons: Dean is powerful and uncontrollable, in the way Clinton is. This doctor cares deeply, he’s comfortable with anyone, he thinks outside of predictable boxes. He unflinchingly speaks truth to power. He will poke unforgettable holes in Republican nonsense-as-usual, cut through institutionalized silliness, and from his bully new pulpit he will be heard. Dean is capable of rousing the rabble to their own cause, and of triggering a grassroots upheaval, He will help shape a Democratic platform that Americans desperately need, and will vote for in droves.

And that makes him absolutely terrifying.