Dean, Driven by the Grass Roots| WP

[Rose Siding]

Bottom-Up Strategy May Turn Politics Upside Down

snip>
Dean's field operation has taken on such a life of its own that campaign officials have been frenetically working to stay out ahead of it by continually developing Dean's already intricate Web site to better communicate with supporters and by starting to tap the largely unknown volunteers for specific projects. On Saturday, the campaign will dispatch to Iowa and New Hampshire 500 "Texas Rangers," Dean volunteers from President Bush's home state, to push for Bush's defeat next year.

snip>

Trippi said that as balloting draws nearer, the campaign will dispatch "SWAT teams" into some states to organize volunteers. The campaign now lays out more specific goals and objectives on the Web site -- but largely leaves it up to the volunteers on how to achieve them. "In the next ten days of September, we're asking every Dean supporter to do at least one thing to increase the visibility of the grassroots in your community," the site advises, as part of its "September to Remember" promotion.

Similar stories of independent activism emerge in interviews with a number of volunteers who said they were drawn to the Web site after becoming impressed with Dean's blunt way of talking on a news show or by his anti-war stand.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A44798-2003Sep21.html

[joeybee12]

1. This really is Dean's strongest asset

Never understimate the power of volunteers.

2002 was lost because of a lack of grass roots by the Dem leadership.

You think they'd learn by now--it ain't all about the money.

[pruner]

2. I volunteered for Dean yesterday

worked at the NYC Avalon fundraiser.

it was my first time ever volunteering for a political campaign and it certainly won't be my last.

Go Dean!

[Semi_subversive]

6. And in the words of Mammy Yokum

"Good is better than evil, because it's nicer!"

[Malikshah]

3. Aaaghh. Beat me to it...

No harm no foul--

The article is quite wonderful IMHO.

It addresses some people's concerns, but, more importantly emphasizes the unique nature of the movement---the last line is gold--

"He feels less like politics as usual--which is not what I'm interested in."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

[Rose Siding]

4. That quote is the best

I don't even see a down side anywhere in the piece! I gotta send Ms. Romano a note.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

5. Freedom and trust

"In the next ten days of September, we're asking every Dean supporter to do at least one thing to increase the visibility of the grassroots in your community," the site advises What I love is that they advise, but do not dictate. They left supporters to decide what to do on their own, often showcasing some good examples on the blog to stimulate idea sharing. It's empowering that the campaign trusts its supporters to chose the best ways to spread Dean's message.

[CMT]

7. Dean runs a totally innovative campaign

which actually makes supporters part of the process and that is one reason why we are so dedicated.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

8. *

edit-*

[corgigrrl]

9. why not LBN?

hey, why can't we have this thread in LBN? i want as much visibility for it as possible. really captures the spirit of the people who back Dean.