"John Ashcroft is not a patriot, John Ashcroft is a descendant of Joseph McCarthy"

This quote by Howard Dean is a criticism of former United States Attorney General John Ashcroft. Dean is implying that Ashcroft is not a patriot, however rather a descendant of the infamous Senator Joseph McCarthy. This comparison is likely indicated to recommend that Ashcroft is a similarly dissentious and controversial figure. Dean is likely slamming Ashcroft's policies and actions as Attorney General, which were often seen as severe and excessively aggressive. Dean's quote implies that Ashcroft is not a true patriot, however rather a figure who is more concerned with advancing his own agenda than with protecting the interests of the American people. This quote is an effective condemnation of Ashcroft's tenure as Attorney General and a suggestion of the threats of McCarthyism.