I was at Meetup in Madison, Wi last night with Howard Dean!!

[WI_DEM]

Meet up last night was extraordinary. We decided to hold it in one centarlized location so that we all could get the same marching orders at the same time--which basically is to do our all to win Wisconsin for Howard Dean.

The Meetup was held at the Majestic Nightclub in downtown Madison. The capacity of the club is 500, but it was SRO with, I'm sure another 200 packed in. Additionally, people who were turned away at the door went next door to a popular downtown bar where Dean would come over after the Meetup and greet them--about 200 more gathered there.

The crowd was pumped. Prior to the beginning of the Meetup/rally, I ran into John Nichols of the Nation and thanked him for the piece he wrote about the media taking down Dean. I asked him what he thought: "I think Wisconsin is a good opportunity for Dean" and he though Washington could be good for us this weekend and Maine "very good", but he conceded that Michigan didn't look too good (but I think we will surprise some there by doing better than expected and getting a fair amount of delegates).

Dean was introduced by the most popular politician in Dane County (Madison)our County Executive Kathleen Falk. She stirred the crowd and said, "Wisconsin will have a big say on who our nominee will be--and it will be Howard Dean!!".

Then Dean came out and spoke for about a half-hour. The reaction was tremendous. He contrasted his record of accomplishment with the dismal failure of George W. Bush. He said "any of the democrats running would be better than Bush" but said if you want fundamental change you won't get it from the Washington politicians. He commended the Democratic party for showing some "spine" but rightly pointed out that he had led them in this direction. The crowd loved it and Dean was fantastic.

As I left I grabbed a Dean yard sign and began my walk home. As I walked at least five cars honked at me to show their support and I passed (by my count) six people who gave me either a thumbs up or a "Go Dean" acknowledgment. One young woman stopped me and engaged me in conversation for five minutes. She was disappointed she missed the rally. I assured her that Dean was going to be camped out here for the next ten days and she will have plenty of opportunities to see him and help his campaign. As we broke up our conversation she said, "Dean is genuine. Kerry is vapid and Edwards is vapider"

I feel good about Wisconsin and I think we will win here. If we don't it will make no difference because I will be working for and voting for a candidate I believe in and who represents real change.

BTW, here is an article on this rally from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. I was quoted in it, I'm the hospital administrator mentioned.

http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/feb04/205189.asp

[LuminousX]

1. I've said my prayers, I've given my money, it is in the hands of

the people now, God grant them the wisdom to not only vote for the right person in the primaries but also the right person in November.

[texas_teacher]

2. NPR

Y'all were on NPR this morning as well : )

[GumboYaYa]

3. Awesome, I heard there was great attendance at Meetups all over last night

The Dean supporters are die-hards. I hope the rest of the candidates recognize how strong the admiration for Dean is amongst his grassroots supporters. If they alienate Dean too badly, I'm scared they will do the same to some of his supporters.

Personally, I'll vote for that goldfish that survived a fall from its bowl the other day, before I vote for Bush. Nevertheless, people need to remember the impact that words can have. Some may be deeply offended by continuing relentless attacks on Dr. Dean and his supporters, particularly some of those of the sort that I have seen on DU.

Everyone expects the Dean pepole to take a pledge of party unity. That cuts both ways. Unity means being gracious in victory as well as in defeat. If Dean is the ultimate nominee, I will gladly extend a hand and welcome other Dems to the Dean team. I hope others will do the same for me if Dean loses.

[Snivi Yllom]

4. Dean needs to go after Kerry on special interests

He has some ammo here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=269640

[GumboYaYa]

6. He is; so is Edwards.

The question is whether the press will hammer Kerry with this like they did Dean's so=called "gaffes" before Iowa.

[Robb]

5. Robbstrodamus has a prediction

...Based on little else, arguably, than the patterns of the grounds in my coffee this morning. Dean will win Wisconsin and Michigan, baffling the already baffled press. And I also predict he will go on the win the nomination.

I'm not sure why, but this morning that's what I'm really convinced will happen. :shrug: