Dean = DNC chair?

[ProfessorPlum]

I've been wondering what Democrats will do with Dean if he doesn't win the nomination.

I believe he would make an excellent DNC chair, if we could get rid of that piker Terry M.

Think about it - his fundraising ability. His ability to lay out the truth about Republicans fearlessly (he tells the truth and they think it's hell) - he could be like an honest Ed Gillespie. His obvious understanding about building coalitions and taking back Congress. His strong message about how basic Democratic values are decent and proper and nothing anyone has to apologize for.

He'd be excellent in that role, if he doesn't get the nomination. It would allow him to really be a watchdog, truthteller, and party builder, three things he seems excellent at.

[Renew Deal]

1. I used to agree

But the fact that he calls Clark, Edwards and Kerry republicans isn't the kind of behavior I would expect. Also, I am not sure how he will handle the cock roaches.

[krkaufman]

2. Posted something similar a few days back...

I agree....

Message over Money...!!

[LuminousX]

3. This would depend on who is President

I don't see Kerry wanting to have Dean in a position like that because Dean has too much support that isn't filtered through the President. It would quite honestly be like having a shadow President, because some of us would listen to Dean's take on a situation before we listened to Kerry's.

I think it is the correct place for him though. His movement is the exact type of thing that motivates and keeps things going not just for 4 to 8 years but for a generation or two.

[lastliberalintexas]

4. It depends

I hate to start a flame war, but I just don't think some of our candidates would fire McAuliffe- and I haven't heard anything about him voluntarily stepping down. (please tell me that he has said something to that effect)

But unfortunately, I think some of our candidates are as much in bed with McAuliffe as Clinton was/is, so I don't see a great change coming.

[progressivebydesign]

6. When DNC sends one of their top execs to Kerry's campaign..

well.. I don't see things being too shaken up over there. I can't remember her name.. damn. When Kerry experienced a loss of staff, his new campaign manager (?) was hired over from the Democratic Party. Wasn't she their Dir. of Communication? Unlike Joe Trippi, everyone else's staff are invisible (as they should be).

[LuminousX]

8. McAuliffe is stepping down

http://politics.nideanet.com/archive.php?d=2003-12-10

At least he was when Dean was charging full steam ahead. Maybe Kerry will ask him to stay.

[mzmolly]

9. McAuliffe is stepping down, and The DNC Chair position is voluntary..

Interestingly enought it's a non-paid position.
I do think Dean would be tremendous. I feel that whoever gets the nom owes Dean a debt of graditude *because he lit a fire under their sorry asses* and the New Prez, if it's not Dean better extend some tangable thanks.

As a Dean supporter I demand a position for him. I think the movement itself is in a position of power, and in a position to make demands.

That's how *I* feel anyhoo ;)

[CalProf]

5. I think he'd be great

though I also think he'd make a great Senator from Vermont...

[dansolo]

10. They already have two good Senators (n/t)

[On the Road]

7. Dean Will be Persona Non Grata

I believe he will be shafted.

If Kerry wins and gives Dean a speech at the convention, I will be pleasantly surprised. But I'm not holding my breath. I am afraid of the second death of the party.

[mrgorth]

17. Agreed. THis is what's coming.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

11. Why, because of his demonstrated skill at being divisive?

After Dean's attacks against the Democratic party, and his failure as a candidate, why we would put him in charge?

[stickdog]

12. Dean only said what we've been saying since the Democratic party

sat back and let Bush fuck up everything because "9/11 changes everything!"

Dean is a symptom of the divide. It's great that Kerry is now winning using much the same theme. But for many of the most informed and active Democrats, there is still the question of trust.

Put simply, we trust people powered Howard more than we trust the corporate powered Dems running against him.

[adadem]

13. No. I'd rather see

Al Sharpton. Dean is too divisive...we already have a "love him" or "hate him" DNC chair...don't need another.

[RetroLounge]

14. Yes, speaking truth to power

will give you that reputation.

Scares the sheep too...

[ProfessorPlum]

15. Everyone loves Al Sharpton?

huh. Didn't know that.

[Eloriel]

16. Another insulting idea

Sorry, Dean's not out. Not yet. And i'll let DEAN tell me when he is. And even after that he's got work to do and I hope he won't be too fatigued to do it. And it won't be within the establishment if I have anything to do with it (which, admittedly, isn't much).

Oh -- and that "fundraising ability?" That's not it at all. There's no "ability" there, like there is for some jerk like Terry McAuliffe. This is the power of leadership and inspiration which happened to result in funds being raised. I don't think that's particularly transferrable to the DNC -- not unless or until the whole damn party is WAY different.

[mdmc]

18. I'm not insulted by the idea

Dean has already changed the party forever. Who would have thought that an Anti war candidate would do so well in the early primaries? Compared to the other anti war candidates, and compared to the pro war candidates, Dean did very well.

Dean has changed this race, and he will change this party. Whether he does it as President or Chair remains to be seen.