Ickes endorses Dean -- seriously (not a joke)

[BlueInRed]

This one blew me away. Ex-Clinton aide Ickes has endorsed Dean for DNC. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=536&ncid=536&e=4&u=/ap/20050128/ap_on_re_us/democrats_chair

<snip>
Harold Ickes, a leading Democratic activist and former aide to President Clinton (news - web sites), said Friday he is backing Howard Dean (news - web sites) to be chairman of the Democratic National Committee (news - web sites) — giving a powerful boost to the front-runner.

"I think all the candidates who are running have strong attributes, but Dean has more of the attributes than the others," said Ickes, who considered running for chairman himself before dropping out in early January. "Many people say Howard Dean is a northeastern liberal, he is progressive, but his tenure as governor of Vermont was that of a real moderate."
<snip>

[WI_DEM]

1. I guess I'm surprised, but pleasantly so

Thank you, Harold.

[Cheswick2.0]

2. Wow

I wonder what brought this on?

[NYCGirl]

3. I'm shocked! But pleased.

:thumbsup:

[mattclearing]

4. Rock on.

That is a big deal.

First real indication that the establishment Dems may give in to Dean.

[lojasmo]

5. Heh, he's gonna get spanked for this.

Good for him, though.

[Adelante]

12. No spanking for Harold

He wouldn't do it without the Clintons approval.

[NoPasaran]

6. Ay carrumba!

I sure didn't see that one coming.

[Ironpost]

7. I knew there was a reason I like you

[sandnsea]

8. First Jordan, now Ickes

Weird. Can't quite figure out what these D.C. insider consultants are doing.

[Cheswick2.0]

17. probably trying not to look like left behind fools

I think they are seeing the writing on the wall and pretending to lead the parade.

[sandnsea]

24. I think

They've got their own 527 interests at heart. No matter what happens to Dean, they win. They're either in with the DNC chair or can tap into the grassroots backlash if Dean loses.

[rniel]

9. Finally

A little good news!!

[movonne]

10. I think I just heard about a week ago that Clinton and Dean got

together...could this have something to do with this...I hate when they say he is not a liberal but a real moderate...

[BlueInRed]

11. I would have liked to be a fly on the wall

in that conversation!

[w13rd0]

16. The thing is...

...people don't even really understand the terms, or, as I view it, the whole right-left dichotomy thing is really so last century.

[melnjones]

13. very cool. nt

[BootinUp]

14. Go Dean!

I'm counting on him to make some big changes. :)

[JI7]

15. i think Dean will get the Chair position

it will be interesting to see how things go.

i wonder when the first debate will be between Dean and Ken Mehlman.

what will be interesting is that the right wing will use Dean signing the civil unions bill to rile up the religious conservatives, but the Republican Chair himself is gay.

we just need to get it out there that Mehlman is gay.

[w13rd0]

18. Ooooh, good thing I'm not Dean...

...

Mehlman: "As Governor, Howard Dean signed a bill letting gays 'settle down', he's out of step with mainstream America."

Me: "Ken, I just want you and others like you to have the same opportunities for lasting love and committment that heterosexuals are offered, because I know family is important to everyone. Isn't having a family important to you?"

[JI7]

20. hahahahahahh

i hope the first debate is very soon.

[BootinUp]

19. No Shite

First time I heard that about Mehlman. So its confirmed not just a rumor?

[roguevalley]

22. John Aravosis has a lot of fun with him. Calls him a big girl. :-D

www.americablog.org and bradblog.org (or com, I can't remember.) www.rawstory.com and www.bluelemur.com Good sites all.

[Adelante]

21. Is he openly gay?

Perfect.

Hi, J17 :hi: how are ya?

[enough already]

23. Careful

Watch your back, Howard. I could see the establishment setting him up with some kind of scandal to kill his 08 hopes and pave the way for another DLC type.

[w13rd0]

25. He has said...

...if he gets chair, that's where his focus will be, NOT on 08 presidential election cycle.

[dave29]

26. whaaa?

wow.