Sen. Durbin's strong statement on Howard Dean

[WI_DEM]

Apparently Dick Durbin made this statement on "This Week" on Sunday, I should preface this by saying Durbin did not formally endorse Dean for DNC Chair or anybody else. He says he isn't going to endorse anybody, but I think he was quite generous towards Dean:

"I'm open to Howard's suggestions for leadership. And I also have to tell you, don't overlook what he accomplished. He may not have moved forward in the presidential primary process, but he activated hundreds of thousands of people across America in a way we've never seen. HOward Dean made a great contribution to the American political scene. I want him as part of the leadership of the Democratic National Committee even if he's not chairman."

http://www.dailykos.com
(you'll have to scroll down a bit)

[benburch]

1. God I Love My Senators.

Obama and Durbin. The entire future of the Party here in Illinois.

[barb162]

2. good for Durbin!

[LuminousX]

3. I wrote Durbin

I wrote Senator Durbin awhile ago begging him to make a push to become Minority Leader and to support Dean for DNC chair. I have a feeling a lot of people did (I in no means am a vanguard of such things and am usually a straggler in writing letters, so if I did it, I assume many, many more did so before me).

Sadly we are stuck with a Red State Minority Leader with Durbin as 2nd in Command, but a lot can be done from that position, especially when the 'other Senator from Illinois' is Obama.

I know Dean stirs up a lot of bitterness on DU, but hopefully the anti-Dean contingent can focus on the fact that the party as a whole is attempting to seek out people with skills and get them in positions that can help revitalize things.

[AmerDem]

4. I like Durbin

Wish he were the Senate Minoroty leader. Dean is also my pick for DNC head. I hope it all works out.

[More Than A Feeling]

5. I am so proud of my state

we know what's up here!:)

[Radical Activist]

6. He complimented everyone Russert asked him about

He made more complimentary comments about a Senator he was asked about than he did about Dean. Kos should be ashamed for calling it an endorsement.

[WI_DEM]

7. what Senator is considering a run for DNC chair?

I hadn't heard of that.

[Radical Activist]

8. I'm trying to find a transcript or video

This Week charges for their transcripts. I can't remember who they were talking about. Do you have a video link?

[Radical Activist]

10. Byron Dorgan

was suggested by Harry Reid, according to the interview.

[Radical Activist]

9. Durbin's strong comments about Byron Dorgan on This Week

The comments in the above post about Dean were in response to a question about strong criticism of Dean by other Democrats. It helps to put the comments in context of the question.

George then brings up Byran Dorgan for DNC Chair and Durbin says:
"Byron is an extrodinarily good Senator and one of the more articulate Democratic spokesman on the floor. If he's willing to be considered I think he should be seriously considered."

Durbin also said he's not going to endorse any candidate for DNC Chair. He's playing nice with everyone.

http://movies.ziaspace.com/Durbin.wmv

[JI7]

11. he endorsed Vilsack early on

before Vilsack dropped out. interestingly it was Reid who also backed Vilsack.

and it's Reid who thinks Dorgan would be a good choice and recommended him. it seems like Reid wants someone from the midwest and Durbin might also based on what he has said and done so far.

Dorgan is also very popular in his state unlike Daschle and some other Democrats in republican states who have competitive races. Dorgan's is pretty much a safe seat.

[Julien Sorel]

12. Daschle's seat was also safe, until he became the

guy who was a Bush "obstructionist."

[JI7]

13. yes, Thune's entire campaign

was about how Daschle was preventing Bush from doing anything and everything and he(Thune) would be on the side of Bush.

Daschle kicked Thune's ass in every single debate they had also. Thune came off horrible. his only message was about how he is on the side of Bush.

[dansolo]

14. Durbin and Dean (and Obama)

Three reasons why I haven't given up hope for the Democratic Party.