MN DNC representatives at grassroots listening session

[Lydia Leftcoast]

Here's the link to my account. I posted it in GD-Politics in the hope that it will inspire people in other states.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1408844

[Lydia Leftcoast]

1. In case the GD version sinks into the Archives, here it is:

The Progressive Caucus of the Minnesota DFL sponsored a grassroots listening session this evening (Dec. 3) in Saint Paul for Minnesota's members of the Democratic National Committee as well as our state chair. The main topic was the upcoming election of a new DNC Chair.

Over a hundred (maybe as many as two hundred?) people showed up for the open mike session. Most were from either Minneapolis or Saint Paul, but there were a few from far-flung suburbs. Included in the crowd were myself and several DUers: dpbrown, no name no slogan, goodhue, and EricJ in Minnesota. (Apologies if I overlooked anyone). I also saw many people I knew from the Kucinich campaign, and it was evident that a lot of veterans of the Dean campaign were there, too.

Anyone who wanted to express an opinion was given one minute to make a statement, and I estimate that perhaps fifty people did. While they covered a variety of concerns, several consistent themes emerged:

1. The Dems have to offer a consistent, clear, easily stated vision that will give voters a reason to vote for them instead of just against the Republican. "I know better what the Republicans stand for than I know what the Democrats stand for," one participant said.

2. The party needs to develop its grassroots movements and keep them alive between election years. A lot could be accomplished in terms of person-to-person persuasion and visibility during the "off" years. One participant suggested showing thought-provoking ads ("Which do you prefer: Social Security or tax cuts for the wealthy?") in the red states NOW.

3. Participants were angry at the national party for depending too much on corporate contributions, disrespecting grassroots activists with local knowledge in favor of Beltway consultants, and paying attention to the base only when it wants money.

4. Participants were very aware of the need to reform the media and the voting system. One man told of driving through the red states recently and hearing nothing but right wing hate programs on the radio.

5. The types of candidates the participants wanted to see were those who were bold at expressing a positive vision and who had integrity.

The evening ended with a straw poll about the people currently under consideration for DNC Chair. Howard Dean was the overwhelming favorite, followed by Sidney Rosenberg and Max Cleland. "Don't know" got more votes than any of the other candidates.

The DNC members present reacted quite favorably to what they heard. We learned that one way in which the Minnesota party is different from many other states is that DNC reps are elected by the rank and file, not appointed. Perhaps this is why they were so willing to come to this meeting. I suspect that appointed reps might dismiss the attendees at such a meeting and tell us that "we don't really understand."

Our DNC reps will be holding three other listening sessions in other parts of the state.

I hope that activists in other states are able to organize similar sessions with their DNC reps. From what I hear from around the country, some state parties really need their asses kicked.

[no name no slogan]

2. Great report!

There were at least 250 people there (seating was for around 230-250, and we had at least another 30 standing, too) and was truly a unique experience for those of us who've done party politics before.

Our DNC reps actually LISTENED to us! Better yet, they promised to have more meetings, even AFTER the new DNC chair is elected.

Folks, this is how we build a party: from the ground up, by listening to its MEMBERS-- not some high-fallutin' inside the beltway 'political consultants'. We win when we listen to Main Street, not Wall Street.

I look forward to many, many more events like this!

[Eric J in MN]

4. Are you expecting more events like this?

They said they might have another meeting to explain why they voted for their choice of DNC chair, but they didn't say we'd have regular meetings.

[no name no slogan]

5. I think we're planning on it

I thought I heard one of the DNC members say they liked the idea of regular meetings like this. IMHO last night's turnout would be a strong impetus for them to do it more often.

BTW you made some excellent points last night! Nice job! :hi:

[Eric J in MN]

6. Thanks. I agree with what you said about the primaries.

Enough of letting Iowa and New Hampshire determine our nominee every time.

I think Missouri should go first. It's a medium-size state, which is both midwestern and southern, and more diverse than Iowa or New Hampshire.

[goodhue]

3. Thanks LL!

The turnout was impressive I felt for a Friday evening. I'd guess there were at least 300 folks at its peak. Pretty neat to see so many supporters of Dean, Kucinich, other candidates along with committed DFL activists all speaking from the heart about need for change in party. I hope this kind of event will continue into the future as it provides a much needed contrast to the official conventions, which don't often involve all that much positive listening to delegates on subject of changing party.

[katinmn]

7. Thanks for the summary, Lydia!

Glad to hear there is overwhelming support for Dean for DNC chair.

If you haven't heard it yet, here's the link to his recent video message:
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/meetuphosts/dec_meetup_video.php

[dflprincess]

8. Is the DNC doing this in other states?

I know through the years the DFL has often been a thorn in the side of the DNC and most our DNC reps have done a good job of conveying the messages from the Central Committee to the DNC (most often when the rules for national conventions are being written. Generally, the dialogue deteriorates to the point where the DNC threatens that the Minnesota delegation will not be seated at the convention if we don't cave.) If this isn't being done around the country, it will be a golden opportunity for DFLers to continue to give the DNC headaches.

[no name no slogan]

9. Rumour has it, they're thinking of going nationwide

I bet if there's good enough reception in MN, it could spread to the rest of the states. There's a meeting of state party chairs in Florida next week, and I'm quite sure Mike Erlandson will be talking about Friday's event (he was present).

Wouldn't that be amazing....a national party that actually listens to its constituents!