Howard Dean says Dems' message sells in Mississippi

[madfloridian]

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050225/NEWS01/50225018/1002/NEWS01

SNIP..."Howard Dean says Dems' message sells in Mississippi
By Emily Wagster Pettus
The Associated Press

Howard Dean, new chairman of the Democratic National Committee, says he's coming to Mississippi next week because "Democrats are not going to give up on supposedly Republican states."

"We think we have a message that will sell in Mississippi and Kansas," Dean told Mississippi reporters today in a conference call from Kansas, where he was making several appearances this week.

SNIP.."Asked about Democrats' biggest challenge in states like Mississippi, Dean said: "I think it's to kind of overcome the Republican propaganda machine."

Dean said Democrats have let Republicans paint them inaccurately on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage...."

SNIP..."He said the DNC will put four people on the payroll in Mississippi to try to beef up the party's activities in the state.

"I think it's disrespectful for Democrats not to come to Mississippi and talk about our issues," Dean said...."

[Renew Deal]

1. Some DUer is a big deaniac from Mississippi

I can't remember who it is. She worked really hard during the election.

[Cha]

5. "Moonbeam Starlight"?

:)

[madfloridian]

9. Someone said there were about 1000 for the JJ dinner.

And there were other smaller fundraisers as well as a cocktail party.

[Cha]

11. Sounds like blast!

And a good turnout..

As you say..Dean's "just getting started".

[FreedomAngel82]

17. Nice!

I'm glad to hear all this success! Yay! Nice hope for 2006. I hope.

[ProudToBeLiberal]

12. In kansas?

Weren't they estimating about 40 thousand dollars raise? Do you think they are going to raise more than that?

[madfloridian]

14. 1000 in MS just at the dinner.

Someone who was going to the cocktail party posted it here. Don't know about KS, there were several there as well.

[Scout1071]

24. Just got home from Dean in Kansas! Thanks to Proud2BeLiberal

who provided me a ticket. I looked for you Proud!

He was great. Place was sold out and we were fired up. I did two interviews on my way out. I did get to meet him and had my pic taken, but something happened to the camera and it didn't turn out. Bummed.

Anyway, I went to another event directly afterwards and talked with Governor Sebeilus - the DEMORATIC Governor of this purple state. I told her that both TalkLeft and Air America had mentioned her in a very positive light several times over the last few months because she is a Dem and managed to win this supposed red state. Sadly...she had never heard of either network. I started to explain, but others approached and she started doin' her political thing. I just politely said goodbye, but I was really stunned she had never heard of either network.

All in all....a great night.

[AuntiBush]

25. Lucky you!

I'm happy for you! And glad you reported it out here. Go Dean, Go! We're in good hands with Dr. Dean "now" in out house!

When I see him, receive emails from his org., and here his name I know we're finally getting back on track. Glad you hear a fellow DU attended one of his meetings. Good news for a Fri night!

[Zenlitened]

2. He just totally gets it, doesn't he?

Just the way he speaks so matter-of-factly about the repuke propaganda machine. Sweet!

(edited spelling)

[roguevalley]

3. my uncle is trying to help revive the dems in eastern Oregon. They

already have an invite in for Dean. I hope to go when he comes. :-D

[Cha]

6. I hope you do, too~!

You better be able to go!

[FreedomAngel82]

18. I hope you can go

That would be fun. Anybody have any photos from these events? Anything shown on CSPAN?

[Cha]

4. Is this not the truth?..

"Asked about Democrats' biggest challenge in states like Mississippi, Dean said: "I think it's to kind of overcome the Republican propaganda machine."

And not just in the South~!

[DemDogs]

8. True but part of the story

We have to start having a presence in the places the story is told. The churches seem like the easy part. It is also at the John Deere dealer, at the Southern States store, on farm radio, in the CW bars. We aren't there, and what happens? We are the butt of every joke, and the next guy who hears the whole room laughs will never speak out for us. It's gotten bigger than the propaganda machine. It has become the culture, and we have to start NOW to undo it. With voices that Southerners (and Midwesterners) will listen to.

[madfloridian]

10. At least he is adding 4 more staffers....

A shame it has to be that few, but just getting started.

[Gloria]

13. 250 FM stations up for auction in the South and West.....

but anyone buying for our side. Air America has apparently dropped the original plan to buy stations and is now essentially distributing programs....and to a helluva lot of Clear Channel stations who are not taking the whole lineup and who seem to be monkeying with the the newsbreaks.

Who will get these stations? More religious nuts, etc.??? Why not us???

[sojourner]

15. why not us?

US. DUers. Think about it.

[Bouncy Ball]

7. See, as someone in Texas

I can't believe the DNC ever gave up on any states in the FIRST place. I agree with Dean, you run a FIFTY state organization or just forget about it.

You don't give up on places or states. That just makes the party in those states give up.

You keep them energized, keep them fired up, give them support, etc.

Good for him, good for him. Best thing to happen to the party in a long time.

[Cha]

19. OT..a little...but I just got a call from

the DNC..and the guy was really excited about Dean being the Chair.

I told him I just gave some money and we went on to talking about bush and his "3rd rail of politics". The activist says he hears of so many conservatives who are against bush's push to derail Social Security.

I'm hoping their greed turns around and bites them in their big fascist ass.

[Bouncy Ball]

21. Oh it will.

Don't worry, it will. It always does.

[Zhade]

23. Not showing up...

...makes it look like Dems don't care about that state's problems. It's basically saying "we don't care enough about you to try to convince you why our positions help you".

Shitty tactics, if you ask me. Dean's got it just right. SHOW UP. Duh.

[autorank]

16. He gets it!!! I love this guy!!! Thank you Dr. Dean for your service!!!

"I think it's disrespectful for Democrats not to come to Mississippi and talk about our issues," Dean said...."

God, I must be channeling Dr. Dean. I was begging for him to head SOUTH once he got the DNC slot. The only difference between my fantasy Dean and the real thing is that he's not yet driving around in a pick up. Close enough.

Finally, we have a guy who understands "respect" and "gesture." Why would anybody vote for our national candidates in MS and KA etc. if they don't even show up and have enough respect for the people to understand our message. I say, hurray Howard!

[quaoar]

20. Writing off Mississippi would be a terrible mistake

Mississipi has a long and proud Democratic tradition and has had one of the most progressive Democratic governors in the South in William Winter.

Plus, if Trent Lott decides to cash in and not run for re-election in 2006, we have a great chance to pick up his seat if Ronnie Musgrave runs.

[mtnsnake]

22. Dr Dean is just what the doctor ordered for this party

It's about time someone actually did something to change the perception of what Democrats are really about. It's such a simple concept, yet no one ever addressed it, up until now that is.

Thank you, Howard Dean!

[Andromeda]

26. I have a lot of faith in Dean...

He really believes that the Dems will become stronger in the South and Middle America.

All you gotta do is approach 'em, tell it like it is and don't whitewash the truth.

Dean has conviction and honesty and he doesn't try to bullshit people and everybody knows it.

We are so lucky to have him as DNC Chairman.

[elshiva]

27. He has always tries do the best he can.

That's what I admire about him. Showing some great leadership skills.