Dean slams McCain on Cobell

Obama organizer:  American Indian votes crucialHoward Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, rallied the crowd of more than 100 and said their communities will be crucial in electing Barack Obama.

"It is time to assume your rightful place in the political system of this country," Dean said.

Four or five Democratic senators owe their elections to Indian Country votes, Dean said.

Dean attacked Republican candidate John McCain, who led the Senate's Indian Affairs Committee, for his treatment of Eloise Cobell, the lead plaintiff in a multibillion-dollar Indian lawsuit against the federal government.

"He treated her like dirt. It was a disgrace. There's going to be a big difference between a John McCain presidency and a Barack Obama presidency for Indian Country," Dean said.