"The fact is that we wouldn't be in Iraq if it weren't for Democrats like Senator Kerry"

This quote by Howard Dean implies that the Democratic Party is partially accountable for the United States' involvement in Iraq. Dean is most likely describing the fact that lots of Democrats, including Senator John Kerry, voted in favor of the Iraq War Resolution in 2002. This resolution authorized the President to use military force against Iraq, and it was passed with strong bipartisan assistance. Dean's quote recommends that the Democratic Party must take some responsibility for the war, as a lot of its members voted in favor of it. This quote likewise suggests that the Democratic Party should be held accountable for its actions, which it must not be able to simply blame the Republican Party for the war. Eventually, Dean's quote works as a suggestion that both celebrations are responsible for the choices they make, which they ought to be held responsible for their actions.