Dean speaks about programs he initiated as governor of Vermont.

First, he focuses on a program to aid children at risk of becoming criminals later in life, Success By Six. He notes Vermont began this program during a time of budget cuts and meant it to be, at least, a preventative measure against prison expenditures. He cites statistics that show the un-intended benefits, such as reduced child sexual abuse.

Second, he discusses welfare reform. He says Vermont was the first state to reform. He argues the reform was not done to save money, but to improve lives, attitudes about work, and employment numbers. In the process, he describes how the Vermont reform differs from the contemporary federal reform.

Third, Dean discusses expanding health insurance to every child in the state. Again, he emphasizes this was done during a recession and budget cuts. He says it is important not just for the children, but for the peace of mind for their parents. Although he advocates universal health care in America, he says at least the country can provide health care for those under 18 like it does for those over 65. He says he is not in favor of single-payer, government-run plans.

Topics discussed during the question-and-answer session are: his interaction with Newt Gingrich, partisan politics, incentives to the private sector, ideas for universal care on the national level, health insurance companies and HMOs, funding of abortion, the scalability of the Vermont model, and the Canadian health care system.