DNC chairman aims for diversity with delegate nominations

[Jim Lane]

224. If you want to say that something is wrong, fine, but don't say it isn't true.

There are situations in which people are well advised to refrain from saying something, even though it's true, but noting that prudential consideration is different from proving that the statement is not true.

As for setting aside our differences, my view is that Perez, as DNC Chair, has a particular responsibility to work for party unity. He must act in ways that are fair. In addition, what can often be more difficult, he must act in ways that are generally perceived to be fair. In this instance, there's a good argument that he failed in the first responsibility. I think it's absolutely clear that he failed in the second.

There are divisions within the Democratic Party. Perez won a narrow victory to become Chair. I don't accept an implication that "set aside our differences" means that everyone who was part of a substantial minority faction must unquestioningly accept everything that Perez now does. That's morally wrong; in addition, given that so many of the people involved on both sides are activists who aren't used to rolling over and playing dead, no such suggestion would be likely to succeed as a practical matter even if it deserved to.

If Ellison had been elected he'd be in the same position -- dealing with a substantial minority that has to be kept on board.

Yes, this makes the Chair's job more difficult. I'm sure that being DNC Chair sometimes feels like being the only fire hydrant on a block with 50 dogs. Too bad. Perez knew what he signed up for, as the saying goes. If he can't handle the situation, then he's not the right person to help elect more Democrats.