Appearing on CNN following an interview with former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, ex-DNC head Howard Dean all but rolled his eyes at the prospect of the billionaire running a successful campaign for president.
Speaking with host Michael Smerconish, the former Vermont governor was asked about Schultz's prospects after the ex-CEO said the Democratic party is swinging too far to the left.
"Howard Schultz said to me he thinks the Democratic Party is headed in too extreme of a direction as it enters its nomination process, do you agree?" the CNN host asked.
"I certainly do not agree," Dean shot back. "Most of the candidates we picked up, the seats of the 40, they were from the heartland from Texas, from Pennsylvania, from Kansas. That's a media myth."
"Second of all no, disrespect to Howard Schultz, but if he weren't a billionaire, nobody would be paying attention whatsoever -- so let's have the political commentary done by people who know something about politics," he added.
'He shouldn't be precluded, because he's got money in the bank, right?" Smerconish parried.
"It's the only reason he is being considered," Dean fired back. "If he didn't, you wouldn't have him on your show. That's the point I'm trying to make; if he didn't have a billion dollars or whatever you wouldn't consider him a credible candidate and I think that's the problem for most Americans."
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