Dean part of DNC leadership even if not chair?

[Eric J in MN]

That is what Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) suggests:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/12/14/11118/285

"I'm not going to be endorsing Howard or any particular candidate. I hope we find the right person. But I do associate myself with his remarks. He's right, we shouldn't be giving up states, saying, 'Well, they'll be red forever,' or blue forever. We have to look at a national strategy as a party. And I've learned that as I've come back to the Senate <...>

I'm open to Howard's suggestions for leadership. And I also have to tell you, don't overlook what he accomplished. He may not have moved forward in the presidential primary process, but he activated hundreds of thousands of people across America in a way we've never seen. Howard Dean made a great contribution to the American political scene. I want him as part of the leadership of the Democratic National Committee even if he's not the chairman."

[madfloridian]

1. Makes no sense.

Personally I would rather see him continue to build DFA, but this makes no sense. If you don't want him front and center, then where would you put him?

He is the one who can get the media coverage while the others are not as effective. He is the one people like to listen to because he is anything but boring.

Makes no sense. A non endorsement endorsement.

[DFLforever]

2. Yes, it makes no sense and Dean won't take it.

But this is interesting coming form Durbin. He's not sure Dean can win it, although I think he'd be happy with him as chair. He's being realistic. He knows there's tremendous opposition to Dean.

edit: I'm with you madfl. I want him outside this pit of vipers at the DNC and heading up DFA: I can't imagine DFA flourishing without his influence

[mandyky]

3. He needs power to effect the reform

Are they listening to him now or are they just leading him along?

Unfortunately, I think they are many Dems that do not want to be weaned from the corporate teat and really build the grassroots. There are also many who think there is nothing wrong with moving right instead of having conviction in our core beliefs.

[ScreamingMeemie]

4. Sigh...what are they so afraid of? It sounds like so much more of the

same. "Howard Dean should be thanked, and then kicked to the curb..." I'm tired of it. I want my party back! Or a new one.

[NoPasaran]

5. A lot of these Democratic "leaders" are delusional

They fail to understand that the big mobilization of the the grassroots was brought about by candidates with MESSAGE. After our candidates were defeated in the primaries, we regrouped and were good soldiers for the ABB cause for a candidate who was just PRODUCT. We gritted our teeth and busted our ass while the finest minds of conventional thinking ran one of the worst, most uninspiring campaigns imaginable. And if we dared whisper any doubts, we were told to get back in line, the pros were playing chess while we were thinking checkers. And when it was all over they couldn't wait to concede, assign blame to Michael Moore and uppity women and gays, and slap themselves on the back because they came out of the whole mess with money in the bank.

Well, enough of that bullshit. The Democratic Party needs reform, and we need leaders who "get it". I'm not saying that Howard Dean needs to be DNC Chair or the 2008 nominee. But we do need leadership and candidates who talk like Democrats, who take command of the issues, and who offer a VISION of what America should be, not just a marketing campaign.