Shop Talk

So, what happened to Howard Dean’s fabled internet money-raising machine? Read:

Howard Dean will not air ads in any of the seven states holding elections next week, officials said Thursday, a risky strategy that puts him at a distinct disadvantage with high-spending rivals for the Democratic nomination.

With his money and momentum depleted, Dean decided to save his ad money for the Feb. 7 elections in Michigan and Washington state and, 10 days later, the primary in Wisconsin, said officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

If you thought yesterday’s not-quite-firing of Joe Trippi was bad, retrenching on TV spots is even worse. I’ll be the first to say it: Dean will place no better than fourth in South Carolina next week.