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KENNETH P. VOGEL
White House senior adviser David Axelrod on Sunday softened a shot he took at former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean last week.
Dean has emerged as a leading opponent of the compromises the White House and Senate Democrats have made in their effort to push through health care reform. And on Thursday, Axelrod lashed out at Dean, saying his criticisms are "predicated on a bunch of erroneous conclusions" and that "to defeat a bill that will bend the curve on this inexorable rise in health-care costs is insane."
But asked Sunday about his comments, Axelrod clarified: "I didn't say he was insane. I want to make that clear."
In an appearance on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Axelrod explained "What I said was, it would be insane to pass on an opportunity to enact the reform that would have such positive impact on our future and on the well-being of families across this country."
He nonetheless acknowledged "it was probably an unfortunate choice of words" and called Dean "a friend of mine. I have a great respect for him."
Axelrod praised Dean, a medical doctor and former Democratic National Committee chairman, for his passionate support for health care reform.
