DNC Meeting Set to Begin in New Orleans

[cal04]

Wielding hammers, crowbars and shovels, Democrats plan to clean out hurricane-ravaged homes in this slowly recovering city, a project designed to highlight the party's criticism of the Bush administration. The choice of New Orleans for the Democratic National Committee meeting that begins Thursday was part of a political calculation, as is a three-day agenda for the 400 delegates that combines party business with community service.

Eight months after Hurricane Katrina and the widespread criticism of the administration's response, Democrats hope their reconstruction work leaves an image with voters that lasts through the congressional midterm elections. "It's reinforcing an impression that is widely held among the public and one that will be a critical theme for Democrats across the country — namely that this administration is dangerously incompetent," said Steve McMahon, a Democratic strategist and a longtime adviser to party chairman Howard Dean. Republicans chalked up the Democrats' New Orleans meeting to grandstanding.

(snip)
A recent Associated Press-Ipsos poll showed that nearly six in 10 Americans disapprove of Bush's handling of the relief effort for Katrina victims. By a 49-33 margin, respondents favored Democrats over Republicans when asked which party should control Congress. Republicans currently control both the House and Senate, but a lobbying scandal and public discontent over the Iraq war have weakened the GOP. The president's dismal approval ratings also have taken a toll on the party's standing.

Democrats feel they have benefited from the Republican woes, and party strategists hope that venturing to New Orleans, still in disarray eight months after the storm hit, will strengthen the party's argument that a change in power is necessary. "For the American people, Katrina is one of the biggest symbols that this government doesn't work for their interests," said Jenny Backus, a Democratic consultant. The strategists also said that meeting in New Orleans injects tourist dollars into a fragile economy, sends an important message that the city is open for business and allows the party to identify with part of its base.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060420/ap_on_el_ge/democrats_1

[Coexist]

1. I just hope they do 'real' work and not make a photo op out of it

It would be nice if they really made a difference while they were there.

[Ecumenist]

2. Somehow, methinks that "photo Ops"

Are the last thing the democrats will be thinking about, seeing how well that went over with the Americans at large. Nope, nope, nope, this won't be a "maybelline moment".