Dean: "Things are already different."

[madfloridian]

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/005778.html
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Things are already different.
I just wanted to take moment to thank all of you. Your encouragement means a lot.

This race will be difficult. In the past, this kind of election has been insider game. Only a few hundred people will vote to decide the next DNC Chair. What's worse, the talking heads and the Republicans (frequently the same thing) will be offering our party unsolicited advice during the process.

But things are already different this time. Regular Democrats are following this race like never before. We are already becoming a party where the grassroots hold the leaders accountable.

Financially and technologically, the party is in the best shape it's ever been in, but there's still a lot of work to do. We need a long-term grassroots infrastructure, some party discipline and serious organizations in every single state. We need to stop playing defense, reframe the debate and stand up for what we believe again.

I believe elections are won by differentiating our message from the right-wing message and by giving our base a reason to be excited about voting, working and contributing.

These things will not happen automatically. Each of us needs to take responsibility for the future of our country, if we expect to win.

You will hear more over the next few days about how you can help.

Posted by Howard Dean at 02:44 PM

[janx]

1. This is GREAT:

"What's worse, the talking heads and the Republicans (frequently the same thing) will be offering our party unsolicited advice during the process."

They already are, Guv. They already are! LOL

[tk2kewl]

2. YEARGH! He said we need to reframe

Howard is definitely on it.

[madfloridian]

3. I am glad he said that.

Kind of like the values thing yesterday. Sounds like the old Dean is back now a little.

[janx]

9. Oh yeah, he's definitely back!

LOL!!!!!

And no matter what they try to do now, it won't work nearly as well because the cat's out of the bag, so to speak.

God but that's funny...

[Cheswick2.0]

4. this race is being paid attention to

because of Howard Dean. Otherwise the grassroots wouldn't even know who was running. That's just my .02

[LeftCoast]

6. I disagree

I for one, would be following this even if Dean weren't running. The person picked to lead the DNC is going to have a crucial impact on how our party moves forward. Having Dean in the race sure doesn't hurt, but I think the 'netroots' would be watching this very closely in any case.

[janx]

10. Of course.

People would follow it, but they wouldn't be impassioned by it otherwise.

It's a blast, and it's great for American politics.

[hippiechick]

5. Rock on, Howard !

I had my doubts when all the "Dean for Chair" talk started, I thought the insiders would marginalize him were he to win, and that he could better serve the grassroots by staying out front of DFA & leading us from there.

But after reading this, I think I am changing my mind.

Bring it to 'em, Doc !! :)


:hippie:

[janx]

11. ...he's not going to let them!

;-)

...so funny...!

[Cha]

7. That little Sweetie!

I love it! "Things are already different"

Has anything been the same since Dean came on the scene?

Hell no, he's not perfect.. but I like him so much for speaking out for us these past years since he threw his hat into the ring.. And now it's the DNC chair ring he wants..here we go again! :bounce: :party:

[JNelson6563]

8. Right on all counts.

As usual the Dr. knows what is needed.

Julie

[itzamirakul]

12. Maybe it really doesn't matter just who is

the DNC chair.

What I mean is this. This seems to be mainly a fight between the DLC and the rest of us for control of the party - mostly - control of choosing our major candidates.

So, if, God forbid...the DLC manages to strong-arm their way into maintaining control of the DNC...if Dean just makes the DFA as strong as the DLC, and he can do it with our support, the DLC will become a feather and their figure head at the DNC will have to do the bidding of the DFA. The DLC will have corporate money - but they will not have votes. They will HAVE to go along with the candidate of our choosing.

[janx]

14. That would be correct, yes.

;-)

[crispini]

15. The DLC doesn't choose our candidates.

Whachoo talkin bout Willis?! :shrug:

[itzamirakul]

17. The DLC is the only coordinating body in the party...

at least up to this past election. They are the ones who had their own guy in as Chair of the DNC. If that is not influence on who gets to choose our final presidential candidate...I don't know what is...

[janx]

13. Kick for the Guv. It's a good one. n/t

[demnan]

16. Gotta love the good doc.

n/t

[madfloridian]

18. What a great appearance on CNN just now.

Absolutely outspoken and excellent.

[Downtown Hound]

19. Go Doc!

[4_TN_TITANS]

20. Very convincing.......

I like what I hear. :toast: