Dean blasts GOP in bid to chair

[jamesinca]

Dean blasts GOP in bid to chair Democratic Party
Western states convention hears seven candidates
- Carla Marinucci, Chronicle Political Writer
Sunday, January 23, 2005


Sacramento -- Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, aggressively seeking to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, urged his fellow Democrats on Saturday to appeal to voters not as "mini-Republicans,'' but as "the party of centrists" dedicated to bringing "America back to a reasonable central moral position in the world.

"We balance budgets; they don't. We stand up for job opportunities,'' said Dean, who received standing ovations from many of the 600 Democrats gathered at the Radisson hotel. He urged Democrats to "speak with conviction'' and give the party base reasons to vote for their candidates "other than that we don't like the president.''

Dean's fiery appeals seemed to dominate the convention in Sacramento, where DNC members and party loyalists from around the Western states amassed. They came to hear the seven candidates vying to become the next chair of the Democratic National Committee, the powerful political and financial post now held by the outgoing Terry McAuliffe. The choice will be made on Feb. 12 by 447 voting members of the DNC.

The occasionally raucous, standing-room-only crowd assembled to watch the proceedings included the Rev. Al Sharpton, as well as Rep. Mike Honda of Woodside, who is running for the post of DNC vice chairman.
"It's two days after the Bush inauguration, and you have 600 people in the room here -- they're hostile, they're hungry and all that will work to our advantage,'' said Bob Mulholland, campaign adviser to the state Democratic Party. "If we do this right, four years from this week, we'll have a Democratic president.''

----------------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/01/23/DEMOCRATS.TMP

[JohnnyCougar]

1. I love that man...

Go Dean!

[jamesinca]

3. Gov. Dean can still get them going

I am thinking there are very few people that are willing to work harder than him to bring back the values of the Democratic Party. I truly believe he represents the democratic wing of the democratic party. I truly believe that he will be a great asset to Sen. Boxer. I truly believe that he is making Sen. Wellstone smile.

[Joz]

9. Dean is important

I think it's very important for the Democrats that Dean win the DNC chair. He would be a strong leader and fight against the bullshit that the republicans are constantly pumping out - there needs to be more people like him, boxer, etc that need to really attack the bush administration, and I can't believe that they are of the few that are really hitting this administration for what they are doing, they are almost the only ones publicly upset and saying the things everybody should be saying!

Anyway I think whether or not dean is DNC chair will mean a lot to the future.

[PassingFair]

40. Welcome to DU, Joz!

Best 2nd Post Ever...

(of course, I'm prejudiced)

Please check out this petition:

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/deanfordnc

Let the DNC know how you feel!
If you REALLY want them to know how you feel, go to
www.democracyforamerica.com and DONATE a buck or two!

[Joz]

55. Thanks!

Thanks for the welcome, compliment, and link to petition which I quickly signed!

[CHIMO]

2. I Hope

That it is not Kerry lite.

[jamesinca]

4. I don't think he is Kerry lite

I think Gov. Dean is his own man. I think he is driven by his convictions not by some pundit, media poll, or a need to appease the republicans. If Gov. Dean turns out to be republican lite, or DLC lite, or Kerry lite, or even Miller lite beer I will be very disappointed. I think he is who he is, he is not trying to emulate somebody in an attempt to win a popularity contest. If he wins by being himself, there is no need to change because he won not the image of somebody else.

[CHIMO]

5. I Agree

With everything that you say.
The one point is the war in Iraq.
That is my point of lite.

[jamesinca]

7. Howard Dean is against the war in Iraq

I think his stance is justified even more so since the ISG pulled out and found no WMD. I think his Iraq war stance was very clear in the primaries. I think he was right in saying that we are no safer with Hussein out of power. He was criticized by people for his comments and told that it is easy to not be in congress and hold that opinion. He has held that opinion and continues with the anti Iraq war posture. It is turning out that he was correct, there are no WMD and taking Hussein out did not make us safer. It was Howard Dean that got the rest of the Dem party to be public about their opposition to the war. Remember he was the only one,or at least the most vocal one about it during the primaries. When he got out to this huge lead the rest became more vocal and started with the same ideas in public. He lit a fire under somebody's butt out there. As Paul Wellstone once said: sometimes in order to win the fight, you have to start it. Gov. Dean started it and I don't think he will back down.

[mahina]

36. Sorry, that's nonsense.

Howard Dean said the war was a mistake and misallocation of resources throughout the primary. Emphatically. Clearly. Impossible to misread.
Unless I didn't get your point, I believe you are mistaken.

[jamesinca]

45. Yes he said it was a mistake

Because it was a mistake, he was against it. I separated out 2 parts with *****'s.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Text Prepared for Presentation by
Governor Howard Dean
June 25, 2003
Council on Foreign Relations
Washington, DC
Two days ago, I formally launched my campaign for President with a call for a Great American Restoration.
I spoke of the need to restore the American people's faith in their political system and government. To restore our government's commitment to the values of community, equality, opportunity and justice for all. To restore our role as a world leader by setting a positive example and working together to meet the challenges facing the global community in this new century.
I believe that the United States has a special role to play in world affairs. We have long been an inspiration to all those around the world seeking democracy, freedom and opportunity.
We have shaped our own destiny and set an example for the world that through hard work every obstacle can be overcome.
Every candidate who seeks to lead America must keep this inspiration alive.
In recent months, I have traveled across the country and found a nation deeply troubled about the direction of U.S. national security policy today.
Americans do not understand how we could have squandered the precious opportunity we had after September 11 to unite the world in opposition to the likes of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda.
They are concerned that international support for the war against terror is waning and, along with it, admiration and support for the United States.
They are confused that elections in countries long allied to us such as Germany and South Korea are now being decided on the basis of which candidate is more willing to stand up to oppose American policies.
They are astounded that increasing numbers of people in Europe, Asia and in our own hemisphere cite America not as the strongest pillar of freedom and democracy but as a threat to peace.
They are disturbed that brave men and women in our armed forces are being targeted systematically nearly two months after a war we were told had ended, in a country where we were assured that our troops would be welcomed as liberators.
There is a dawning realization across the land that despite winning a military battle in Iraq, the United States may be losing a larger war. That we may well be less secure today than we were two and a half years ago when this administration took office. And we have yet to see the report that details the events that led up to September 11th, so that we can improve our ability to respond in the future.
Americans are ready, I believe, to restore the best traditions of American leadership. Leadership in which our power is multiplied by the appeal of democratic ideals and by the knowledge that our country is a force for law around the world, not a law unto itself.
America became America by rebelling against imperial power.
America emerged from isolation to greatness by beating fascist power.
America became synonymous with justice by supporting independence for colonies from an imperial world.
America's ideals triumphed when it confronted communism to the point of extinction.
America is not Rome. We do not dream of empire. We dream of liberty for all.
In November 2004, the American people will seek a President who is prepared to use our brave and remarkable armed forces, as I would, to defend against any actual or imminent threat to ourselves or our friends and allies and in concert with others to deal with grave humanitarian crises.
They will seek a President skilled at garnering the support of allies, but willing to act, as I would, when it is necessary to protect and defend our country.
They will seek a President focused, as I would be, on the dismantling of terrorist organizations, the disruption of terrorist operations, the apprehension of terrorist planners and the prevention of terrorist efforts to obtain weapons of mass destruction.
But they will also seek a President who would strive, as I would, not to divide the world into us versus them, but rather to rally the world around fundamental principles of decency, responsibility, freedom and mutual respect. Our foreign and military policy must be about the notion of America leading the world, not America against the world.
Presidents such as Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy built and strengthened international institutions, rather than dismissing and disparaging the concerns of allies. They inspired and mobilized other countries because they believed there was no more powerful force on earth than that of free people working together.
They helped build global platforms such as the UN, NATO, and the World Bank, on which free people everywhere could stand. Our greatest leaders built America's reputation as the world's leading democracy by never resting until they had given life to American ideals.
*******************************************************************
That is why I do not accept that a candidate's national security credentials should be considered suspect for opposing the war in Iraq at the time it was initiated, with the limited level of international support we had, the lack of postwar planning that had been undertaken, and the failure to make the case that the threat was imminent enough to justify preventive action.
******************************************************************
Some in the Democratic party claim that a candidate who questioned the war cannot lead the party in the great national debate that lies ahead.
I would remind them that during the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedy took on the hawks among the Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as the "me-too'ers" in Congress. The President and his advisors used toughness, patience, and diplomacy. The missiles came out of Cuba and war was averted.
Last October, four of the major contenders for the Democratic nomination supported the President's preemptive strike resolution five months before we went to war without, as we now realize, knowing the facts.
*******************************************************************
I stood up against this administration and even when 70% of the American people supported the war, I believed that the evidence was not there and I refused to change my view.
*********************************************************************
As it turned out, I was right. No Democrat can beat George Bush without the same willingness that John F. Kennedy showed in 1962. A President must be tough, patient, and willing to take a course of action based on evidence, and not ideology.
I question the judgment of those who led us into this conflict this unfinished conflict that has made us, on balance, not more secure, but less. Although we may have won the war, we are failing to win the peace.
I believed then and I believe now that removing Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq was a just cause. But not every just cause requires that we go to war, especially with inadequate planning and without maximum support.
The Bush administration led us into war without convincing evidence that an imminent threat existed, without a strategy for securing nuclear, chemical and biological materials, without a plan for financing reconstruction, and without a clue how to consolidate the peace or unite the Iraqi people in support of democracy.

<SNIP>

Preemptive war against tyrannical dictators is not a comprehensive strategy for addressing the threat that terrorists, tyrants, and technologies of mass destruction pose in the 21st century.

[Melynn]

46. I hope but......

It seems like the insiders at the DNC want a "Kerry lite" as chairman. If the Democrats select a party hack for the DNC chair then 2008 will be a repeat of 2004. You can't beat Republicans by pretending to be a Republican. Voters will just vote for a real Republican over a phony Republican. The sooner the Democrats realize that fact, the better off we will be.

[Born Free]

6. Dean was my first choice

I supported Dean and thought democrats made a big mistake giving in to the media attacks on Dean. In the end Dean would have fought harder, longer and probably would be in the white house now, but when the media stated their attacks, calling him crazy, democrats ran with their tails between their legs. This time I hope the Democrats stick with him rather than buy into the corporate picked professional losers.

[johncoby2]

19. Oh Pluleeeeeze. That is such horse shit.

I was a Dean supportter also, but was 100% behind Kerry when he won the nomination. The vast majority of our Dean folks did the same.

Only a few had your thought train. And they just quit. It was better for both parties.

Now for Dean as DNC Chair, there is no better a person. He is the man and I agree the Democrats better not screw this up.

[GOPFighter]

26. In retrospect...

...I wish Dean had been the Democratic candidate. He probably would have lost, but then so did Kerry. The thing I like about Dean is that he is one of those rare politicians who puts principles and character above all else and the voters see is and respect it. Kerry, like almost every other professional politician today, said what he thought would get him elected.

Politicians today are followers, not leaders.

[reprobate]

37. Dean could NOT have been the parties nominee.

Dean was a case of political assassination by the M$M, pure and simple. They took a tape clip of him pumping up his volunteer workers and used it to claim he was unfit for leadership. Clearly a Rovian attack. KKKarl was likely beside himself with glee at finding such a clip.

And the next day Kerry was the front runner according to the white house stenomedia. Talk about your dark horse breaking out of the pack!

I have come to think that Kerry was chosen by Rove as the one to run against, since the repugs were clearly afraid of Dean's popularity, and Kerry was in fact one of them, one of the power elite.

I think it was a done deal long before any convention. I know it's hard to believe that the repugs chose OUR candidate for us, but look at the facts and the time lines. It's inescapable.

We were played like fools, and no one said a word in anger.

[WorseBeforeBetter]

59. I agree - Rove knew that Dean's more populist message...

would resonate with "the masses" (in spite of the latte-drinking, Volvo-driving, Birkenstock-wearing attacks he would have launched against Dean). The Corporate Media chose Kerry - it knew it had a juicy story with Kerry-the-War-Hero-Turned-Protester against AWOL Shrub. They considered it an infinitely more interesting story than Dean v. Shrub, who both were spared (for whatever the reasons...) service in Vietnam. I'm sure they knew the Smear Boat Veterans were lurking and that their story w/be explosive. Although correct, Dean's comments re the dangers of huge media conglomerates controlling information didn't help either. Out of self-preservation, they NAILED him on that.

[xchrom]

8. i don't care who it is

as long as long as they are clear, concise, aggressively anti-republican{i.e. what is a democrat?},does not EVER back down in the face of media quetioning{i.e. i've had it w/ wimp interviews on russert} and gives the public a look at a party that is alive and lively and spittin fire.

[Virginia Dem]

10. I agree with one thing

He said he wanted us to have something to vote for*other than not liking the president*

IT'S ABOUT TIME!

[Toots]

30. I take it you didn't think much of Kerry

I personally found Kerry to be a hundred times better than Bush* and I voted for him and not against Bush*. I always vote against the republican and for the Democrat because I believe in the Democratic ideals. I especially loved the way Kerry defined those ideals. It is just too bad the Media wouldn't let his words stand on their own merit but had to "explain" them to their listeners.

[jaysunb]

33. I love this picture, but

it's, it's, it's....MAKING ME SNEEZE !! ACHEW !!

ROFL

[Toots]

44. Those flowers in front are called fireweed

This is a picture of my house taken from the old Auke Indian village site.

[jaysunb]

53. Sooooo

is this the kind of place Bushie and the gang want to do little drilling ? Or on some equally as beautiful Alsakan area.....

I think it would be helpful if people understood about places like Anwar and other places the "wrecking crew" wants to destroy.

(I know this is completely off topic, but I couldn't help it.)

[mahina]

38. Wow, where is that?

That's beautiful!

[Toots]

43. Thank you... It is a picture of my home

The house on the point in the center of the picture is my home and has been for over fifty years. It is a place called Auke Bay after the Auke Indian tribe of the area.

[roguevalley]

58. I know where that is. I live in Soldotna. Incredible summer we had,

eh? Nothing like a perk or two from Global warming.

[bahrbearian]

11. YeeeHawwww,

My Dean rebel yell.

[MaineDem]

12. "the party of centrists"

I wonder how many people here will ignore the fact that Dean said that?

[pokercat999]

13. Exactly, I'm very disappointed.

Like an adult child trying to "get their life together" it's time for Democrats to move back home. It's time for Democrats to put forward some real changes, not just repug lite bullshit.

How about we enforce our workers safety and environmental regs, stop the "right to work" laws in states, do away with the minimum wage and institute a "living wage" and MAXIMUM wage for executives.

How about we stop all imports from ANY country that doesn't have real wage, safety and environmental regulations that meet or exceed the US regs AND that enforces them.

How about we "forgive" our criminals that have actually served their time and paid their debt to society, instead of making any felony conviction a life sentence with non-voting regs and job and housing discrimination.

How about we overturn the supreme court ruling that gave corporations the same rights as persons.

These are just a few of the things a human party would support. The fact that democratic leaders do not support these things prove that we are a CORPORATE party rather than a human party. We will not win unless we change and change dramatically.

Read the book "Purple Cow" to help understand marketing in America today because that's what we are really talking about marketing our nominees.

[napi21]

16. The corp rights thing is a double edged sword.

The power of corps today is one my real sore spots!

If Corps didn't have rights as an entity (or person as you put it) they would never be able to be sued and fined and forced to pay some of the hugh penalties we've seen recently. I don't think you would want them to get away with any more than they already do.

[pokercat999]

64. What if

we simply did away with corporations and went back to individual ownership and individual responsibility?

Sure I know about Robber Barons but we could limit personal wealth also. Think about this, if there can be a minimum wage there can be a maximum wage. There is always a yeng for every yang, I said that, confused maybe, but not Confucius.

[cali]

22. In Vermont felons can vote

not just ex-felons.

[MaineDem]

24. Maine too

It must be a state-by-state thing.

[aikido15]

61. I feel ya...

The repuks and dems are both part of the same corporate corruption! I wish more people would wake up to that fact and stop supporting them!!!!!!!!! We will never have a party of the people if we don't, just more of the same corporate controlled bullshit we've had for YEARS now, yes under Clinton also!

www.socialismandliberation.org

www.solidarity-us.org

[piece sine]

14. Stop it!

It's more important to flaunt the leftist label (and shock our parents!) then actually win elections.

[KittyWampus]

17. It's Just A Matter Of Pointing Out The Hypocracy

What I like about Dean is his dedication to getting local Democrats elected across the country.

What I don't like about him has more to do with the way his supporters often project words and positions onto him.

[ozone_man]

31. Dean has always claimed to be a centrist.

The press and certain Democrats and Republicans tried to paint him in that "too liberal" light.

But what is different about Dean's centrism is that he thinks for himself and does not just follow the crowd. He listens to the crowd, however. So, it came as no surprise that his anti-Iraq war position was resisted by other candidates in his own party. They had already voted for it, thinking that it was the path to win the election.

But as a centrist overall, he is liberal in regards to social policy (civil rights, education, health care, etc.) and conservative fiscally (balances budgets). So, I think it would be correct to label him that way.

It would be also appropriate to paint Bush as a liberal with my money, deficit spending and throwing it away on this Iraq war. But we don't usually hear it defined that way.

[blm]

35. Bingo. I'm supporting Dean for chair right now because I think it suits

his political talents and he seems to be more aware of the GOP control of the media and the voting machines than the rest of the pack.

But, if someone came along and said those two issues would be their priorities, then I'd get behind that person.

[Warren Stupidity]

21. my mom is 79 and my dad is dead and

Im not trying to shock my parents.

The Democratic Party has been trying to not be 'liberal' 'progressive' or 'leftist' since it got beat up by Reagan and has been losing election after election after election. Hell Clinton only won 'cause Perot was in the race.

Maybe we ought to change course, seeing as how the current course has been a disaster.

[54anickel]

18. I caught that right away too. Gave me the jeebies, though nothing

against Dean (always loved that guy). To me it says more of how far right the Dem party has moved - Hell, now we've got to step back to the center to make our way back home?

[Warren Stupidity]

20. good point

what exactly does Dean mean by that?

The Democratic Party has to be for progressive issues:

universal health care
environmental protection
economic security including job security, workplace safety, and FAIR trade rather than 'free' trade
educational excellence AND access - and that does not mean just testing the shit out of kids
equal rights for all - and I do mean all including explicitly THEM GAYS
fiscal responsibility AND full funding for social security/medicare

AND

The Democratic Party has to be against the New Imperialism, against conquering other nations, explicitly against the whole PNAC world domination agenda, against the use of torture, against the fascist police state now in power, against any attempt to reinstate the draft.

I want to know where Dean now stands. I want to know where the Democratic Party stands on these issues. I will not support a party that is not acting in opposition to the policy and practices of the regime in power. I will not support another compromised candidate like Kerry.

I can chose to support a losing candidate and party that actually espouses the issues I care about rather than supporting a losing candidate and party that keeps moving towards an ever right-shifting mythical center. I'm waiting to see if we are the party of Barbara Boxer or the party of Diane Fienstien.

[Orangepeel]

28. I wonder how many read the entire sentence?

"to appeal to voters not as "mini-Republicans,'' but as "the party of centrists" dedicated to bringing "America back to a reasonable central moral position in the world."

He's saying what he's always said -- that if he is considered a "liberal," then the country has moved too far right. Democrats already occupy the middle of the road, mainstream position that the majority of American hold -- there is no need to copy republicans to get their votes.

[Ramsey]

42. I don't have a problem with that

I take centrist to mean reasonable, not radical. We argue that the GOP has been taken over by their radical right faction. They have demonized Dean for being "too liberal" when in fact he is not. The fact is that the majority of Americans are moderates. I would include myself in that category if the current contrast between the radical right and myself was not so stark as to make me feel like an extreme leftist.

Don't forget, Dean has also said he doesn't like labels at all. If you look at his own positions, they range from centrist to liberal, but each issue is thought out and the most practical and reasonable stance taken. That is exactly how I like to view the issues, not by whether my stance will pass some liberal litmus.

[RadiDem]

52. That's merely 'Re-Framing' using Lakoff strategy

nt

[aikido15]

57. I won't forget...

Don't trust any of them, Dems or Pubs...time for a new party. They are all part of the capitalist corruption, accepting money for favors from the exact same corporate powers. UGH...dump them ALL.

[sandnsea]

60. Let the gymnastics begin

I saw that too, out come the apologists, just like always. I also note he's repeating the tired old line, nobody had a reason to vote except against Bush. I guess he still thinks he can build the Democratic Party by ripping it apart. Whatever. It's still worth it to have him as chair so that some people will see there's a limit to how far left the country will go, even with Howard Dean blazing the way.

[CTLawGuy]

62. I don't ignore it

in my mind, I don't care if we are centrist. I just care whether we stand up for our beliefs.

Many people confuse centrism with wimpiness and liberalism with strength.

[ausiedownunderground]

15. Get some spine Democrats before its to bloody late!!!

When are you Democrats going to tell the US the truth!!! You're hated by nearly the whole world. Most people i know are cheering for the Iraqi Guerrillas. We all know we keep you in a comfortable lifestyle because you owe the rest of us heaps.And one day we're going to ask for it back! The US lives in this dream world where it thinks it still runs us all. But you don't anymore. We know your heavily in debt and your military is not that good!! The rest of the world is getting "Cocky"! Remember Rome,Genghis Khan,Napolean,Hitler and "The Bush Gang"! You Democrats have nothing to fear!! Be outspoken and tell your "Jesusland" cousins where to go!!! Because the rest of the world is definately right behind you. We are not behind "The Bush Gang"!! and Jesusland! If this Dean guy wants to head your party then its a great start!

[Just Me]

23. Dean has the strength to pull on that right-swinging pendulum!!!

He's straight-up, articulate, knowledgeable and IN TOUCH with reality.

He is a man of integrity and has a mission to to re-empower "the people".

I don't expect to agree with his every position,...but, he doesn't demand that I either agree or be rejected. That approach is hugely important to me.

[ananda]

25. Go Dean!

I'm right at the point where I will leave the Democratic Party if Dean is not elected to the DNC position.

Sue

[Straight Shooter]

27. Contact the DNC and let them know what you think and what you insist upon

We can't just "want" something anymore; we have to insist that they listen to us.

This site has the web-based contact form: http://www.democrats.org/contact/

Here are the other two ways to contact them:

Mailing Address:

Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol St. SE
Washington, DC 20003

Main Phone Number:

202-863-8000

If they're going to keep calling Dean "fiery," then I'll respond that Dean is the one bush is referring to as the "untamed fires of freedom." GO HOWARD GO!!

edit: my message to the DNC: I fully support Howard Dean as the next chair of the DNC. If it had not been for Howard Dean, even Kerry would not have gotten as far as he did. Howard Dean recognizes the frailty of our election process. Wake up and smell the coffee, it's time to show some real strength in the Democratic Party, as well as courage, intelligence and compassion. Shame on the Democrats for abandoning this true leader in the first place, over a pep rally microphone fiasco.

Just my 2 cents: I changed my registration from Independent to Democrat because of Howard Dean. If you do not choose him as the Chair, I'll change my registration back to Independent.

[TahitiNut]

29. Howard Dean and Mike Honda? Love it.

Mike Honda was my Representative when I lived in Los Gatos. He's terrific! He's a true liberal.

[ckramer]

32. How does one become a voting member of the DNC?

Anyone konws?

[Orangepeel]

51. members of the DNC are elected

they include elected Democratic officials at the federal level (e.g., Senators) and people elected to represent each state.

Each state elects DNC representatives differently. In my state, Florida, they are elected by state committeemen and statecommitteewomen, who are elected to represnet each county by the county executive committees. The county executive committees consist of precinct men and women elected to represent each precinct by Democratic voters during the Democratic primary.

[janx]

34. Can you imagine what will happen in the Dem party if this works?!

YEEEAAARGHH!

[jamesinca]

50. That is what we are hoping for

Phoenix, rebirth, resurrection, born again, back in black or what ever you want to call it. Kicking ass in '05 and '06 and '07 and '08 and....

[dave29]

39. If we do not support

the Democrats who most passionately defend us, we have already lost again...

Howard Dean is not only right for DNC chair - he has earned it.

[realFedUp]

41. Copy editors...ya gotta hate 'em.

They must have a whole sheet of war expressions
like blasting, fiery, hostile they love to use
when talking about democratic opposition and
the pursuit of truth in the face of lies.

[jamesinca]

47. Regardless of peoples opinions,

He can still get people stirred up. This thread almost sounds like the passionate ones that were here in the primaries. I think it takes that kind of passion, energy and drive to get it to happen in this party. We don't have the luxury of sleeping for two years and hope we wake up winners in '06. If his mere presence gets people to move, then I think the Democratic party wins.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

48. Earth to DNC & Dean-doubters...DEAN SCARES THE SHIT OUT OF REPUKES!

Why do you think Rove came out early during the Dem. Presidential Primaries to "support" Dean?

Why do you think the Repuke-lite Dems don't want him?

Why do you think the corporate led media is working hard to smear Dean?

...the answer...

THEY KNOW WHAT MANY DEMS FAIL TO RECOGNIZE, and they have done a good job of pulling a reverse psychology trick on trusting and TIMID Dems.

DEAN is the ONLY saving grace of a party that is quickly falling into obscurity. If Roemer beats him for the chair, I'm changing my registered voter status to Independent and will no longer support the Dem. Party.

JB

[Pastiche423]

49. If Dean does win the chair

I might go back to the Democratic Party.

If not, I'll stay an Independent.

[ozone_man]

54. I feel the same.

I never really left, just became an Independent/Progressive sometimes a Democrat. But, Dean could restore my hopes for the Party.

[Gloria]

56. Dean is the one to GALVANIZE the party....and it sure needs it.

He knows about winning back the old "Perot" voters who have wandered over to Bush....

[Vidar]

63. Give 'em hell, Howard!