DEAN FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST / David Podvin

[Caro]

MakeThemAccountable.com

DEAN FLEW OVER
THE CUCKOO’S NEST

By David Podvin

On Thursday, Howard Dean was excoriated at a meeting with Senate Democrats for saying Republicans are "not very friendly to different kinds of people. They are a pretty monolithic party…. It's pretty much a white Christian party." The objective part of Dean’s statement was factual. Eighty-two percent of Republicans identify themselves as white Christians, which by any reasonable definition makes the GOP a pretty monolithic party. Insofar as whether Republicans are “not friendly to different kinds of people”, that is admittedly a subjective judgment which depends on whether one considers it friendly to intimidate African Americans from voting and prevent gays from getting married.

The current conflict is a reprise of the 2004 Democratic primary campaign during which the corporate-controlled media pressured Dean to end his candidacy as punishment for telling the truth. Now, the corporate-controlled Democratic establishment is pressuring Dean to end his chairmanship as punishment for telling the truth. If the past is prologue, Dean will soon be sidelined and those who liked the 2004 John Kerry campaign will love the 2006 Democratic congressional campaign…

If history serves as a guide, when the Democrats meekly point out that Republican policies are failures the right wing will respond by noting that liberals hate God and despise America and love fags. This inflection point in the campaign is where Dean would have aggressively counterattacked, but he apparently will be muzzled as the Democratic elite again depends on the public to reject gutter politics.

How many times must this horror movie be seen before we can correctly anticipate the outcome?

The greatest enemy of American liberalism is the Democratic Party establishment…

Click below for more.
http://makethemaccountable.com/podvin/more/050612_DeanCuckoosNest.htm

[yurbud]

1. "binary system" is crucial right now, we must choose assholes or cowards

[bpilgrim]

2. The greatest enemy of American liberalism is the Democratic Party establis

exactly

thanks for sharing :toast:

peace

[sendero]

3. While I don't think it will happen..

.... if Dean is "forced out", it will be the beginning of the end of the Democratic party IMHO.

I'll certainly have sent my last dollar to the Democratic party or any Dem candidate.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

12. "... the beginning of the end..."

Oh, child, the end is so far behind us already.

Did you miss the last Presidential "election'?

[Guaranteed]

23. But you want us to talk about the issues?

I think the difference I have with you is that I think the Democratic Party needs to define itself much more broadly than just issue by issue. We need a clear philosophy and character behind our positions that people can rely on and believe in. I think Dean is attempting to define that.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

28. By namecalling

and stupid, exclusionary characterizing?

How would you define the ideal Democratic Party, if not issue by issue? Right now, substance is what matters to people, not lofty, far-flung rhetoric.

People need to be told that the Democrats will, for instance, begin the work to bring medical coverage to the uninsured.

That is how a philosophy is developed - one issue at a time.

And your difference is not with me, but with my opinions. Make sure you're clear on that, because I have absolutely no "difference with you."

[Guaranteed]

33. No. "White Christian Party" isn't namecalling.

It's not derogatory. He's calling out what they represent. He's defining them.

And this all is very much a matter of substance. Who the Republicans represent is a matter of substance. Whether or not our leadership has the integrity to follow through on their promises is a matter of substance. Whether or not they're even going to oppose the Republicans on issues when they disagree with them is a matter of substance. The issue has become not what you're saying, but whether or not you believe what you say and whether or not you're going to fight for it.

That's what the Democrats are lacking right now. It's what they sorely need. It's what Dean is trying to bring to the party.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

36. "...leadership..."

That's the problem. There is no leadership.

There is no viable, functioning, potentially successful organization. And if you honestly believe that what you say means nothing, then you've lost your soul.

Dean fits right in with the spastic, random, impotent flailings that currently define the Democrats.

Yes, it is namecalling. Whenever you isolate and characterize a group for only derogatory reasons, that's namecalling. Just change it around, and see how this sounds:

"White Jewish Party"

Not very enlightened.

[Guaranteed]

38. Dean has a very real strategy- the DLC is interfering with it, though.

As far as your characterization that he was using the phrase in a derogatory way, let's take a look at the whole quote:

------------
Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean, unapologetic in the face of recent criticism that he has been too tough on his political opposition, said in San Francisco this week that Republicans are "a pretty monolithic party. They all behave the same. They all look the same. It's pretty much a white Christian party."

"The Republicans are not very friendly to different kinds of people," Dean said Monday, responding to a question about diversity during a forum with minority leaders and journalists. "We're more welcoming to different folks, because that's the type of people we are. But that's not enough. We do have deliver on things: jobs and housing and business opportunities."
-------------

So Dean was not saying anything about who they are BECAUSE they're white Christians, but because they're virtually ALL white Christians. They don't accept anyone with a point of view other than a white Christian one. As far as the truth is concerned, he's right. I don't have the foggiest idea as to why you'd disagree with that.

If what Dean said isn't enlightened, I don't know what is. It sounds like something MLK, Jr. might even say. However, that you're trying to mischaracterize what he said probably isn't very enlightened in itself.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

43. Boy

When it takes that many words to explain a three-word phrase, you know you're in serious trouble.

Try it again my way (you're not paying attention): "white Jewish party."

You cannot make a silk purse out of this one. Dean blew it.

[NYCGirl]

45. BTW, according to a Pew Research study, the GOP is comprised of 82%

white Christians, as opposed to the Democratic Party's 57%. That sounds like "pretty much" a party of White Christians to me.

Sorry for the namecalling. I feel so dirty now!!

[OldLeftieLawyer]

47. Tell me this

What is advanced by Dean's characterization of the Republicans thusly?

What positive thing, exactly, did he accomplish?

[NYCGirl]

48. He showed that the GOP is not the party of diversity, even though they

love to portray themselves as such.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

55. So?

What does that mean? Do you think that matters?

It's so symptomatic that something that irrelevant can be cited to justify Dean's antics.

Meanwhile, people die in Iraq, children go hungry in America, adults can't go to doctors or get their prescription medications because they lack health insurance, and Howard Dean sure is showing everyone what the Democrats are about, isn't he?

[NYCGirl]

58. Sure is. He talked about all those things in the rest of that speech. NT

[OldLeftieLawyer]

63. Good

But only his inflammatory rhetoric got the coverage, so his whole message failed.

[yodermon]

69. oh my god.

The media framed it, and you fell for it.
:eyes:

[OldLeftieLawyer]

70. Fell for what?

Look and see what got coverage. It's that simple.

You gotta stop personalizing these things. Trying to project Dean's shortcomings and missteps on others doesn't do a thing to advance the Democrat cause, such as it is.

You know, after a lifetime spent working for Democratic candidates, representing clients in Constitutional matters where their rights were in peril, and giving a whole lot of money to good causes, I now have to wonder exactly who and what are going to step into my generation's places after we fade out.

From what I've seen here, I am still hopeful. But, watching the narrow, intolerant, and almost-uneducable kneejerk responses, the personalization, and the utter lack of perspective displayed by so many, my hope is shaken, my belief is fading.

[janx]

72. I'm glad you're still hopeful.

And I know that you have stated you have reason to be cynical. Hell, we all do.

But in this instance, I think you may be surprised. You are a critical thinker; I know that because of the Schiavo threads in which both of us encouraged people to research things for themselves and in which you educated me about certain aspects of law.

Howard Dean was one of the first to come out against that horrible situation (not that it particularly matters in this context).

Some of the responses you are seeing may not be as knee-jerk as they appear. The exhuberance is obvious, and so many people have waited and worked for something like this for so long. But wait and see. As I said, you might be pleasantly surprised.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

80. More hope

As in, I hope you're right. I truly do.

What I see missing is a commitment to issues as opposed to personalities, and a terribly - and, I think, ultimately self-defeating - tendency to make it personal and lose sight of the larger and more important objective.

I choose to believe you, and so, once again, hope flourishes while that cynical watcher will be over there ------> on the sidelines, watching and wondering when or if its time will come.

You sure do have some impressive timing. Thanks for showing up, and thanks for the boost.

[stickdog]

74. He was asked why an Asian should choose Dems over Repukes.

His answer was that Dems are diverse and like diversity while Repukes are monolithic and less welcoming of diversity.

And your problem with this again is?

[Mr Rabble]

87. He created news.

Whether we agree with this particular statement or not, his candor is making sure that he gets airtime- airtime which he would not have gotten without making a potentially inflamatory statement.

Go Howard!

[Rageneau]

56. The issue isn''t what Dean said, it's that he said anything at all.

It makes no difference what Howard says over the next couple of years. Inevitably, the republican media will go out of their way to criticize every comment of his they can.

This whole 'white Christian' thing is a perfect example. Dean said nothing perjorative, mean-spirited or incorrect. But the media seized on the word "white" and intimated that that meant something racial, then they took the word "Christian" and tried to make it sound as if Dean was saying that being Christian was somehow wrong. IOW, the Media is trying to harm Dean by second-guessing his every statement, no matter how innocuous.

It is the MEDIA that is our enemy. Or as Twain said (paraphrasing): "It takes two people to insult you; the first is your enemy, who tells lies about you. The second is your friend, who makes sure you hear them.

The MSM is the "friend" who repeats lies to us. It is they who tilt the playing field in favor of the fascists.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

64. Of course it's perjorative

As soon as you characterize a group, you've essentially isolated it and set it up.

Substitute "Jewish" or "African-American" for "Christian," and you'll understand why what he said was so stupid and so counterproductive and so playing into the hands of the Republican strategists, for whom Howard Dean is like Christmas morning.

[stickdog]

75. This I don't understand. If I say the NAACP is pretty much

black Christians, you'd find that perjorative? How so?

[OldLeftieLawyer]

81. Huh?

How does a civil rights group enter into a discussion of Howard Dean name-calling?

[Name removed]

50. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

65. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[stickdog]

73. The comparison isn't apt. If there was a party that was 90% "white Jews"

(whatever that means), then what would be wrong with mentioning that fact?

[Larkspur]

83. You sound like one of the aides to a Dem Losership Council member

Your strategy and the strategy the Neville Chamberlain Dems in Washington is a guarentee loser. Get out of the Dem Party!

[KoKo]

60. In most of America who wants to admit that they are "Bankrupt and

Uninsured? I don't know who you know but I know the people the Dems rely on and none of them want to admit they are "down on their luck."

If there was such a great outcry of folks doing poorly in Greenspan's Bubble America wouldn't they have spoken out?

Why didn't or haven't they spoken out. The "Poor" in America have given up and the others are living so high on Home Assets/Re-Fi's and Greenspeak they don't know how poor they are going to be.

So, what's your point?

[tavalon]

41. The Democratic party is nearly dead

if Dean is forced out, it will be the end of the end of the Democratic party. If the Democratic party survives, it will be because of Dean, Reid, Conyers, Boxer and not too many others, really. Definitely not the DLC.

[KoKo]

61. Yep...it's on "life support" and we are hoping for a miracle to end Coma..

:shrug:

[Carolab]

4. This is so insightful.

There is no mystery involving why Americans believe the Democratic Party is too weak to govern. Voters see Democrats insanely and masochistically absorbing abuse. The electorate then concludes that insane masochists might not provide the best leadership. Instead, the public opts for insane sadists.

The time has arrived to stop the insanity, the epicenter of which is the Senate Democratic Caucus. It is the skid row of American mental health. Dean is being flogged for speaking honestly, and the Inquisition is being led by Senate Democrats whose contact with reality is tangential at best.

[Al-CIAda]

25. Yes sir. n/t

[arewenotdemo]

68. Couldn't agree more.

[Vincardog]

5. Say it again

The greatest enemy of American liberalism is the Democratic Party establishment lead by the DLC to worship the corporate pigs the Rethugs do. WE have to follow Dean's example and Speak Up and Tell The Truth.

[glaeken777]

8. the title is sort of amusing

Gives me this image of Dean grinning and shouting "Put it in the basket, chief! Jump up and stuff that sonofabitch!"

[Guaranteed]

11. That's exactly what he's telling them.

But they like where they are, I guess.

[Carolab]

22. LOL. Or of Nicholson saying "YOU WANT THE TRUTH?"

You can't handle the truth! In "A Few Good Men".

[Guaranteed]

6. So well said.

Guts ball.

[CTLawGuy]

7. nice article!

NT

[Cha]

9. Dean knew his job wouldn't be

easy..He does have the backing of some very interesting people,though.

"Richard Pryor has said that sanity is boring, so if you really want to enjoy yourself observe crazy people in action. It is doubtful Pryor ever dreamed that craziness could attain the heights we are now witnessing, but the viewing experience would be even more entertaining if establishment Democrats were not destroying the only political party that can protect America from conservatives."

And it's not as if those "establishment" dems don't have experience that their way DOES NOT WORK.

[Mass]

10. Apparently, you are one of those who want to let

Bush and Co define the Democrat Agenda.

We can continue helping the RNC as we are doing by allowing them to keep us off topic (and this goes both for those leaders who criticize Dean and for those Dean supporters who do not know where to stop), or we can focus on the real issues that matter to people.

Apparently some Democrats have chosen the former. Very regrettable. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

[Guaranteed]

13. The issues hardly matter anymore.

This is a power struggle.

Does Rush Limbaugh talk about the issues? Hannity? No, not really. They just define their opponents so that whatever they may say themselves automatically becomes correct.

[Mass]

17. In that case, we have lost forever.

because we have stopped worrying about the important thing: what the people want, and I do not mean some activists who spend half of their life in politics.

Sad day for America, and I dont think we should be proud of it.

[Guaranteed]

19. That's what the media has turned into.

There's no more room for real discussion of the issues.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

18. A power struggle?

In order for there to be a power struggle, there has to be power up for grabs.

There is not.

You're not paying attention.

[Guaranteed]

20. Maybe you could elaborate on that. nt

[OldLeftieLawyer]

30. Look around

The Republicans have all the power. The Democrats are folding on every issue.

Or have you forgotten that brilliant ploy by Frist to "compromise," and thereby release into our judiciary - with no discussion - three of the worst, most dangerous legal thugs of our lifetime, while the Democrats - morons all - celebrated the preservation of the filibuster?

Look around and tell me what power is up for grabs.

[Guaranteed]

34. And now you're attacking Dean for fighting them? nt

[OldLeftieLawyer]

37. Are you kidding?

Right over your head, huh?

[Guaranteed]

40. I actually have no idea where you're going with any of this. nt

[OldLeftieLawyer]

44. Why should you?

It's the journey, not the destination, that matters.

[Mass]

24. So you advocate a fight among Democrats??

Sorry, not for me.

Fight Bush as much as you want (I have no real problem with what Dean said), but please spare us these types of inflammatory rethoric, whoever is writing it and to whom it is aimed.

[Guaranteed]

27. I don't think that's what I said...there.

But the truth is that the DLC started this fight. They wanted it, they all piled on.

And if they disagree with the idea that we need to both define ourselves and the Repukes in a broad manner, then they're wrong, and they need to step out of the way.

In any case, the DLC shouldn't be attacking Dean for attacking Republicans. It's pretty ridiculous. You can expect Dean and his supporters to fight back when they're trying to once again assassinate him.

[Mass]

31. Well you made my point,

because Dean did not attack in return, as he is more intelligent than that. He said "It's important to make the news, not be the news". Nobody is trying to assassinate Dean, except may be some of his supporters, at this point.

So you want a fight between Dems. No surprise here, but dont hide behind Dean who clearly wants to unify and solidify the party by talking about issues.

[Guaranteed]

35. No, what I want is for the DLC to stop attacking Dean.

Don't put this shit on Dean supporters when it's Biden, Feinstein, Salazar, Nelson, Obama, etc. attacking him.

You're blaming the victim. That's totally uncalled for.

But, you're right. If they're going to attack him, you're damn right I want him to hit back. Fair is fair.

Apparently, what you want is for the DLC to just run rough-shod over the real leadership in our party and bow-down before the neo-cons. I'm sorry, but I can't agree with that.

[Mass]

39. I cant either. Too bad that it is a pure invention.

I like Dean a lot and have not blamed him once in these posts.

I blame some of his supporters that have adopted a fictional Dean.

I dont like the DLC (I may like some people that belong to the DLC in particular), but if you feel better thinking the opposite because I dont agree with you, too bad for you.

Once again, I have NO PROBLEMS with Dean. I have issues both with the leaders who attacked Dean (many of whom are NOT DLC - I am sure you have not read what Feingold and Durbin have said) and with those of Dean's supporters who do not know how to stop a battle (like you).

It is time to stop this battle for the sake of the Democrats. The DLC is not going to fire Dean because it cannot. The local states, the leadership of the Dems in the House and the Senate, and most of the Senators have said their support to Dean (whatever they thought of what he said in this particular instance). Do you think Harold Ford Jr (the only one who has suggested something even remotely close to firing Dean) has that much power.

[stickdog]

76. I'm SICK TO DEATH of chickenshit Dems attacking brave Dems for

simply telling the TRUTH about Republicans.

Why aren't you?

[Mass]

78. Well, I am too, but one week after this story has started , it is time to

put an end to it. I have emptied my indignation bag on the subject and agree totally with Dean that it is time stopping to : be the news, but start making the news.

Blasting the DLC every two threads is not going to accomplish anything, especially when as many people outside of the DLC have criticized Dean than inside.
Spreading unsubstantiated rumors does not help.

Continuing to attack the Republicans, as Dean did yesterday (as well as HRC, BTW), helps a lot though. Just dont confuse the target. The target is not the democrats that are less vocal than you are, but the Republicans.

[candy331]

62. So very true BGL, some just can't get it they keep talking about

issues as if the media is interested in any issues from the Dems.If Dean fell down and worshiped Bush at his feet that would not be enough for some. It is to the point where some live to disagree. Dean is out taking the heat and the complainers are sitting in the air sipping lemonade. It is Dean time and he will not be denied whether Chairman/other.

[Mass]

79. OK, feel free to make the day of the RNC.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

16. Oh, lord, I've been so alone in this wilderness

Thank you for restating what I've been trying to get across to people on this subject.

Dean's playing right into the Hands Of Rove, and instead of making the issues the issues, he's making himself the lightning rod/whipping boy center of attention. He's accomplishing nothing except keeping the real matters hidden.

I am so tired of the Democrats either playing bad defense or Republican-style offense.

[cajones_II]

51. There's a difference between being alone in the wilderness and agoraphobia

I 'm afraid you suffer from the latter, politically speaking

[bpilgrim]

59. it is a minority these days who continue to bash our leaders

who are speaking out against the neoCON crime family :eyes:

this tempest in a tea pot is very revealing though in how it demonstrates what a farce our M$M is and who is on our side.

spending all your time on this NON-ISSUE is just plain silly considering the REAL issues out there.

peace

[bpilgrim]

57. the democratic leadership, lets keep it straight

and who do you mean the OP or the author of the article?

either way, i think it is beyond debate by now to now we have a real problem with the DLC/third-way Dem's taking us to the right.

if the dlc/third-way Dem's care about the party they would get behind Dean or at least ignore him and join the STRUGGLE to take our country back.

UNITY

peace

[LizW]

14. Recommended n/t

[kentuck]

15. They only attack the character of those that threaten them...

They feel threatened by Dean. I hope the Democrats were not serious about stifling him but only as political show. They only scream when they get kicked in the ass.

[KittyWampus]

21. The Corporate Controlled Media Pressured Dean To End His Run?

Delusional.

BTW, it was the corporate controlled media that gave Dean glowing coverage month after month after month while ignoring Edwards, pronouncing Kerry dead and bad mouthing Clark.

[lojasmo]

26. The DNC central committee just backed dean strongly.

This is all republican/DLC/media hype. Fuck em all.

[Cha]

29. My sentiments,

exactly!

[FredStembottom]

42. Link to that news item if possible?

DNC backing Dean, that is.

[ImADeanDem]

53. Here's a tinyurl for ya!

It's a Reuters article: http://tinyurl.com/dzgps

[FredStembottom]

77. Appreciated!

thanks!

[lojasmo]

85. Here ya go....it was on CNN headline news too.

www.capitolhillblue.com/artman/publish/article_6866.shtml

"Democratic National Committee leaders embraced feisty party boss Howard Dean on Saturday and urged him to keep fighting despite a flap over his blunt comments on Republicans.
After a meeting of the DNC's 40-member executive committee at a downtown hotel, members said Dean was doing exactly what they elected him to do -- build the party in all states and aggressively challenge Republicans.

"I hope Governor Dean will remember that he didn't get elected to be a wimp," said DNC member Gilda Cobb-Hunter, a South Carolina state representative. "We have been waiting a long time for someone to stand up for Democrats."



But in a series of interviews DNC members backed the former Vermont governor, known for his fiery rhetoric during his failed 2004 White House run, and said they knew what they were getting when they elected him in February as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

"Howard Dean is going to be much more aggressive, much more outspoken and much more of a risk-taker outside the Beltway than any chairman has been. We knew that," said Alvaro Cifuentes, chairman of the DNC Hispanic caucus."

[janx]

46. The article sounds like hype to me.

Either that or whoever wrote it believed the hype that the right wing was spewing. Didn't the Obama article appear in the Moonie Times?

[PassingFair]

32. HUGE KICK!

A GREAT essay...

[janx]

49. I like the essay, but I'd like to know where Podvin is getting

his information. When and how was Dean excoriated by the Dems at the meeting? I've only read about the large share of support he received there.

[kath]

67. Read more closely - he said it was the Democratic Senate caucus

going after Dean, and named several senators. It was at the DNC meeting this weekend that Dean received lots of support.

[janx]

71. Thank you!

My eyes are bleeding from reading so much on the screen today. :hi:

[BigBearJohn]

52. It just hit me. Dean is beating them at their own game and they hate it!

[cajones_II]

54. Bing!

The sight of fat rich christian-activist white men denying that republicans favor rich white christians was hilarous.

It was a total bullseye for the intended audience.
(hint: not rich white christians)

[mandyky]

66. "but battered spouses exhibit infinitely more self-respect than Democratic

pols" LOL I like this guy. He covers One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest and Groundhogs day (without mentioning it) -
"How many times must this horror movie be seen before we can correctly anticipate the outcome?
The greatest enemy of American liberalism is the Democratic Party establishment. Despite vast advantages in fund raising and media coverage, the Republicans have been routed in the past. They can be routed again. Conservatives are paranoid and upon being confronted paranoid people come unglued. Yet whenever someone attempts to confront them, it is the maniacs in the modern Democratic Party who rush to the rescue of their sworn enemies. "

And finally "It is revealing that the chairman’s most venomous critics are not the malicious demagogues of the GOP or the professional deceivers in the mainstream media, but the babbling lunatics in his own ranks. Democratic politicians demand adherence to the fantasy that being deferential towards Republicans is the winning formula, disregarding the fact that the approach has been tried repeatedly and has always failed. As Benjamin Franklin noted, continuing to do the same thing while expecting different results is the very essence of insanity."

This guy really gets it!

[Don1]

82. Wow, the conspiracy is even bigger than I thought.

"Now, the corporate-controlled Democratic establishment is pressuring Dean to end his chairmanship as punishment for telling the truth."

I was not aware they were pressuring him to leave, but it all makes sense. There is no real reason for it except money and power either. It's all right here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1851096

[demwing]

84. The Essense Of The Issues -RIGHT HERE!

"There is no mystery involving why Americans believe the Democratic Party is too weak to govern. Voters see Democrats insanely and masochistically absorbing abuse. The electorate then concludes that insane masochists might not provide the best leadership. Instead, the public opts for insane sadists."

Why are we considrede weak on defense?

Because we refuse to defend our selves, our principles, and our platform. And when one of us doesrise to our own defense, we eat him, gristle and all, done to the well picked bone.

[CWebster]

86. True, but somewhere I heard stats on Dean's standing

-that Dean was organizing and confronting the Right and fulfilling the expectation of his role as Chairman.

I saw part of the Dem meeting on C-span and Dean was great. Dean has the kind of common popular support these insiders envy - and they can't hide it.

[AX10]

88. The Democratic Party's "establishment wing" will do what ever...

is needed to destroy Dean. Where the DLC/Blue Dogs flirt with Bushisto,
Dean takes off the gloves and fights like a REAL MAN.

[AX10]

89. Ben Nelson is horrible...

"Ben Nelson is an ostensibly Democratic senator from Nebraska who votes to confirm all of Bush’s radical judges and supports the conservative economic plan to redistribute wealth upwards. Nelson harshly criticized Dean for saying that Republicans are the bad guys. The senator represents a state that has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964, yet he wants the party to be run using the “Omaha model” in which Democrats talk like Republicans and vote like Republicans. Otherwise, Nelson warns, he might not be re-elected, and the loss of centrists like him would rupture the Democratic cause. Ergo, Dean is a menace who should know his role and shut his mouth."

Bum!

:mad:

[Norquist Nemesis]

90. ummm...."Dean was 'excoriated' "???

Gee, I was under the impression no media were present when the meeting took place. :shrug: