We need a DNC chairman who represents the base

[pstokely]

what are the chances of it happening?

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. Better than you might think.

Well, the first step to that.

[NEOBuckeye]

As strong as Howard Dean's chances are of becoming the next DNC chairman

[Nite Owl]

2. Can we start a petition?

Really can DU poll for some candidates and send out choices to the DNC. I want Dean.

[YDogg]

3. By "the base" ...

... do you mean Al Qaeda? If we bring them into the party, the terrorists will win.

[freetobegay]

4. Which base?

Pro choice? Pro life? Anti Gay? Pro Gay? Thats just the start. The list goes on & On & On. There is no base in the Democratic party. There are only factions anymore.

[4_Legs_Good]

5. I think you're right -I think we need to think of the Party as a coalition

of a bunch of factions with a common goal.

We can have the progressive faction
The centrist faction
The minority faction
The pay as you go faction

And get leaders in each area to mobilize each base around a candidate. I think this is our best shot.

david

[Abelman]

6. Our base

is the common American. We've been neglecting him or her.

We know where we stand. State rights over Federal rights. Better conditions for workers. More direct representation of the people in the government.

[K-W]

7. No, we need someone who can build a top of the line party machine

on the cheap.

I love the enthusiasm, but if you pick the cogs in your movement wheels based on ideological tests you end up with a screwed up movement. We need a DNC chair who can build a strong political machine, just like we need minority leaders who are great with procedure and making deals. Roles in the party should be filled based on skill sets.

For all I know Dean has the right skills, but it is not smart to put politicians you like in functional positions. If you want Dean to lead the new democratic movement, you want him in public office, not running a party machine.