Silly question, but I want some clarity.

[Meldread]

What exactly *IS* the DLC in relation to the Democratic Party? Are the simply a group of people who've decided that they are in charge? What is their relation to the DNC? How are they different?

I am just wondering. I want to know exactly WHAT the DLC is and how it formed.

EDIT:
I also wanted to add. How are their leaders elected, and could we elect Howard Dean as the leader of the DLC if he doesn't win the nomination?

[jean]

1. googled, a ton 'o stuff comes up for Democratic Leadership Council

Why don't you try Wikipedia for starters:

from Wikipedia

[Meldread]

5. Ahh. Thank you.

So that just about answers my question, but for clarification... Pretty much anyone can create a DLC or DNC like organization as long as they have support?

[YouMustBeKiddingMe]

15. No. They are elected. See post #4

[lastknowngood]

2. The republican branch of the Democratic

party

[Mairead]

3. Not a silly question

Yes, they're just a group of people--millionaires who hold elected office--who've declared themselves in charge.

The DNC is the 'board of directors' of the Party. The DLC is a caucus within the Party, but some of them are also on the DNC--enough to make the DNC their agent, apparently.

Their leaders are selected by insider vote. Ordinary Party members have essentially no say in who becomes a member or a leader.

[YouMustBeKiddingMe]

4. Found this with google

http://www.worldhistory.com/wiki/D/Democratic-Leadership-Council.htm

Click on "United States Democratic Party" in the first paragraph. In the next window in the 6th paragraph under "History":

"The Democratic Leadership Council organized by elected Democratic leaders has in recent years worked to position the Party towards a centrist position. It still retains a powerful base of left-of-center supporters however, as like the Republicans, the Democrats are generally a catch all party with widespread appeal to most opponents of the Republicans. This includes organized labour, educators, environmentalists, gays, pro-choicers, and other opponents of the social conservatism practiced by many Republicans."

So the leadership is chosen and elected by Democratic leaders. Back to the initial page, they specifically point out that Dean is a concern of theirs, so I doubt there would ever be a place for him in the DLC.

[redqueen]

8. ... again.

I'm sure you meant to say that there would never be a place in the DLC again.

He was a member once, wasn't he?

Or did he just give speeches there and bask in their glowing praise?

[YouMustBeKiddingMe]

11. I don't know, was he?

I'm just going off of what I read there. If he used to be a member of the DLC I am not aware of it.

[Armstead]

6. From the horses mouth

or otehr parts of its anatomy, here's their website.

http://www.ndol.org/

[Meldread]

7. Okay thanks everyone for the clarification.

Now a suggestion/comment: Seeing as how there is a wide spread anti-DLC/DNC mentality around here (myself included), why are we continuing to put up with their crap? Why don't we just break ties and form our own committee to bring the Democratic Party back in line with our own goals? Why are we jumping off to third parties when our own has been hijacked?

I’ve given thought to something like this for some time. I don’t see why it shouldn’t be done – the Democratic Party represents what I believe in. They just don’t act on what they represent.


EDIT: This would be a great use for the Dean movement if Dean isn't elected.

[YouMustBeKiddingMe]

9. LOL! You do that.

[Foswia]

14. He has the power!

Because he has the power? He has the power? He has the power?

[Foswia]

13. DNC Isn't the DLC!

Ugh. THe DLC isn't the DNC! Take the Democratic Party back from what? Yes the DLC allowed us to actually win elections, but not everyone is a DLC Dem!

[democratreformed]

10. Link

http://www.ndol.org/ndol_ci.cfm?kaid=86&subid=85&contentid=893

Excerpt:
The Democratic Leadership Council is an idea center, catalyst, and national voice for a reform movement that is reshaping American politics by moving it beyond the old left-right debate. Under the leadership of founder and CEO Al From, the DLC seeks to define and galvanize popular support for a new public philosophy built on progressive ideals, mainstream values, and innovative, non bureaucratic, market-based solutions. At its heart are three principles: promoting opportunity for all; demanding responsibility from everyone; and fostering a new sense of community.

SNIP
The DLC was founded in 1985. The past chairs include former President Bill Clinton, Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, former Rep. Dave McCurdy of Oklahoma, Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana, former Sen. Sam Nunn of Georgia, former Sen. Charles Robb of Virginia and House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt of Missouri.

SNIP
Chairman: Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN)
Vice Chair: Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-CA)
Founder and Chief Executive Officer: Al From
President: Bruce Reed
Executive Director: Chuck Alston
Vice President and Political Director: Holly Page

[Foswia]

12. Not silly! More anti-DLC people need to know

Its the vanguard of the neoliberal democrats. It is not the DNC's leadership (although New Dems are in power there).