During his 2006 visit to the Chicago area, I was fortunate to net an invite to a dinner/fundraiser hosted by former presidential candidate, Vermont governor, and DNC chairman Howard Dean.

Governor Dean has indeed worn numerous hats, the first of which was that of doctor. Before entering the world of politics, Howard Dean was a practicing medical physician - something that served him well during this particular function about an hour outside of Chicago.

Working the rope line and greeting fans and donors, Howard Dean's encounter with "ordinary folk" was largely uneventful. That was until an elderly woman asked if it were true that Howard Dean was really a medical doctor. Gov. Dean politely responded that he was.

For the next few minutes, however, I bet he regretted medical school altogether.

The woman proceeded to involve the former Democratic presidential contender in a lingering argument with her husband regarding the side effects of a particular blood pressure medicine.

Barely able to keep from laughing, others visibly turned away from the rope line to avoid making an embarrassing situation any more awkward.

As for Governor Dean, he answered the question. He may have even settled the argument, which, from the looks of things, was more intense than any conflict native to the Middle East.