The idea that we're going to win this war is an idea that unfortunately is just plain wrong.

March 25 2004 – Dean endorses John Kerry. During his presidential campaign conservative critics labeled Dean's political views as those of an extreme liberal; however in Vermont Dean long known as a staunch advocate of fiscal restraint was regarded as a moderate. However those who were in the actual audience that day insist that they were not aware of the infamous "scream" until they returned to their hotel rooms and saw it on TV.

S. Dean was subsequently elected to five two-year terms serving from 1991 to 2003 making him the second longest-serving governor in Vermont history after Thomas Chittenden (1778–1789 and 1790–1791). Dean served as chairman of the National Governors Association from 1994 to 1995; during his term Vermont paid off much of its public debt and had a balanced budget 11 times lowering income taxes twice.