DNC Meeting in Los Angeles yesterday - Terrific turnout!

[shance]

Yesterday, members from the DNC came to Los Angeles to speak with LA Democrats about the election, the status of the party and the election of a new DNC chair.

I arrived an hour after it started and it was a full house. The energy was terrific.

And, despite all that is being enacted by this Administration, the mood and tone was hopeful, (not in a form of denial either*), enthusiastic and yes, a good healthy dose of anger was included too.

I was impressed with the eloquence of almost everyone speaking. Most had wonderful points to offer, came prepared and I think made a great impression on the DNC overall.

The subjects addressed primarily were DNC chair (Dean, Dean, and DEAN), election reform/fraud, the invasion of Iraq, media reform and a call to regroup and unify our party and probably a need to have their voice heard, which is equally important. We've had some wind knocked out of our sails and what impressed me the most is how I really felt Dems are done with the "backseat" and arent going to take it anymore. It made me very proud to be a Democrat yesterday.

I was also impressed with the individuals who addressed the issues around election reform and fraud. One woman in particular I thought was able to effectively show the signficance of the fraud problem when she offered very convincing stats on inadequate voting results for (2000,2002,2004) and was able to get some great points in under two minutes.

I have to say the enthusiasm and energy coming from such a large part of our party is undeniably those who have been inspired to get involved due to Howard Dean. It is undeniable, it shouldn't be denied. I think it warrants a good shout from every mountaintop. And yesterday, I was reminded of the full appreciation and gratitude that people feel for him.

In a cliff note version, almost everyone I heard was staunchly Dean. I think I heard mention of two other recommendations for Fowler and Rosenberg during the entire time I was there, which was until it ended.

The resounding support for Dean didn't surprise me but it impressed and moved me further listening to some of the stories of people becoming involved in politics because of Governor Dean and because of the commitment that he has certainly shown to the Party and to Americans overall. Hes a great leader.

There was not enough time to hear everyone speak, but it was a great day overall.

[Cleita]

1. Yeah, yeah, Dean, Dean but

he won't be chairman. The DLC'ers will get their guy Simon Rosenberg in. Period. Sorry but I took my cynic pills this morning. :-(

[shance]

3. Well, now Cleita I wouldn't bet my house on that one.

The DNC cannot ignore the fact that the majority, perhaps the great majority of Democrats want Dean for president, much less DNC chair.

Also, I think the fact the DNC Delegation is traveling to hear other Dems opinions is a much needed and appreciated action, and will only serve to create a positive outcome (whatever that is).

Mind you it was LA, however to hear essentially no other name but Dean all day, the DNC would be very hard pressed to come up with a logical explanation as to why they made a decision in picking a pro-life DNC chair, or two other virtually unknown (and one who is DLC affiliated) candidates, to Governor Dean.

As someone said yesterday, its a "no-brainer". A few people mentioned both to me and to the DNC, they would have no other choice but to leave the party if Dean was not chosen. No doubt, alot of people feel that way.

I could be wrong, but I gather most DNC members outside the Washington beltway support Dean.

I have to add, how many others have raised as much money,worked and accomplished as much as Dean?

Likewise how many have had to jump through as many hoops as he has in order to receive a position in which I believe should have been offered to him months ago?

[Cleita]

5. You said,

I could be wrong, but I gather most DNC members outside the Washington beltway support Dean.

Yes, they do, but the chairmanship will go to whom the Washington insiders want, not whom we want. Watch and see. I hope I am so wrong about this.

[shance]

6. I hear you. Its a valid concern.

I will most probably leave the party if they make that choice and so will many others. They could actually stand to lose the majority of the Democratic party.

The choice not to pick Governor Dean at this point I believe would be another slap in the face to Americans and in my opinion would seem to confirm most of what already seems to be true about the few in the Washington establishment positions.

It is clear to me that if they will appoint people who are not as qualified and connected to Americans as someone like Howard Dean, I think it will be time to look at other ways to be more effective than pretending to be a Democratic party.

[Cleita]

7. I think I'm going Green myself.

If enough of us join to gain a majority, we may have a chance of changing things for the better and getting our candidates in office and not theirs.

[Old and In the Way]

2. Why is it even a contest?

Everything I've seen or read indicates that the grassroots is backing Dean by overwhelming majorities. Why is it even a point of discussion?

It's not about who can raise money. Democrats have proven we can nuetralize the Republican corporate fundraising advantage. It's about who can best organize and re-energize this Party. Dean is the right man , at the right time. We need to imprint the Dean model on our leadership....if we had a 1000 Deans running for national/state offices, I think you'd see a huge seachange of attitude in the Democratic Party.

[shance]

4. No question.

I agree with you 100%.