Spring Meeting & Fifty State Strategy Collide (Part II)
Posted by on April 22, 2006 at 08:49 PM
Just got back to my apartment in Washington, D.C. from New Orleans -- it's nice to be home. I'll have some photos and video up from the French Quarter Festival that was going on today. I am so glad I took the time to walk the streets, as tired as I was. That said, I stumbled upon this article from the AP as soon as I opened my laptop.
Howard Dean, long known for bucking the establishment, has spent much of his time as Democratic chairman trying to strengthen the party outside of Washington — and his rank and file loves him for it. "He is truly nationalizing the Democratic Party and he's looking to the future," said Steve Achelpohl, head of the Nebraska state party.
He's doing very well," said Mitchell Ceasar, a former Florida Democratic Party chairman. "We're winning races in red states, places where we, frankly, haven't won anything in 30 or 40 years."
Andrew O'Leary, executive director of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party in Minnesota, said that because of Dean, the DNC now is paying the salaries of four organizers now working in Minnesota.
"He's raising the money necessary to be competitive. He's just spending it in ways the party's never seen before," O'Leary said.
"Howard Dean has put his money where his mouth is," added Jay Parmley, a former Oklahoma Democratic Party chairman who is working in Mississippi as a DNC-paid organizer. "He's delivered on his promises to help state parties reach out to our counties and precincts."
As I was watching Governor Dean speak at this afternoons general session, I got the goosebumps again. They are the same goosebumps I personally would get at times during the 2004 presidential primaries, but today they were for a different reason. As the governor spoke about the Fifty State Strategy, the grassrtoots, and individual success stories around the country, you could start to feel a buzz in the room begin to build. I am so proud to have been a part of the events like the national canvass taking place next weekend and the Democracy Bonds community (and an owner myself!), and I wasn't the only one... As the room erupted in cheers, the goosebumps came. We have every reason to be proud of the DNC this evening. The Party has come a long way in the last few months, and we have even more to build over the next few years. But one thing we know for sure, if you live in Wyoming or Ohio, Florida or Phoenix, Alaska or Alabama ... Democrats are fighting to win from the top of the ticket to the bottom. And that is something we can all get excited about as we approach the 2006 midterms.
Comments (7) «
Via Kos, Dean lays out the Democratic Agenda:
That Democrats will fight for a six-point plan that includes raising the minimum wage, tax ``fairness'' for the middle class, a complete ban on gifts and travel from lobbyists, the inspection of all cargo coming into U.S. ports, fixing the Medicare drug plan and transition in Iraq.
John Kerry also spoke of the Democratic Agenda:
Tell the truth. Fire the incompetents. Find Osama bin Laden and secure our ports and our homeland. Bring our troops home from Iraq. Obey the law and protect our civil rights, supporting health care, education, lobbying reform and alternatives to oil, as well as reducing the deficit.
Until people actually see/hear Howard in person, they do not get that feeling of goosebumps. When sitting and watching Howard, you cannot help but get the feeling of his sincerity ! that he really DOES care. That this is not politics to him, rather it is Taking Back our Country! And then you get goosebumps and want to do whatever it will take to get the job done. To be a part of something bigger than yourself. To make the country's future a better place for our children and grandchildren.
One of my best memories will always be shaking Howard's hand! He looks you straight in the eye, and you feel that standing with him, you DO HAVE THE POWER.
I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm wondering if we can't pick a word other than "fight" to describe what we are about. How about "strive?"
Tim,
Thanks for all of your hard work the past few days, bringing us such excellent coverage of the spring meeting. I was glad that I clicked on the blog yesterday morning and was able to watch the last hour and a half of the general session. I agree - it was exactly what I needed to hear to stay motivated.
There is so much to be excited about - but there is a lot of work ahead. Let's get it done Democrats...we've waited too long not too. Our great nation depends on us for change at this critcal hour.
Yes PamB, you are so right. I too still get goosebumps whenever I hear Howard Dean speak in person, and I have been priviliged to have heard him many many times. He inspires and motivates like no other politician. No other politician, either past or present, can make the claim that Howard Dean can of fulfilling every single campaign promise he ever made. He is truly a man of action and not hollow promises. And when he shakes your hand, he gives you his full attention. It is if you and he are the only two people in the room even though there are hundreds of others waiting their turn to speak to him. He listens to you. He is not looking over your shoulder seeking out someone more important to talk to (as happened to me when trying to ask John Kerry a question). Howard looks you in the eye and and gives you not only his undivided attention, but also his respect for you as a person.
Yes PamB, you are so right. I too still get goosebumps whenever I hear Howard Dean speak in person, and I have been priviliged to have heard him many many times. He inspires and motivates like no other politician. No other politician, either past or present, can make the claim that Howard Dean can of fulfilling every single campaign promise he ever made. He is truly a man of action and not hollow promises. And when he shakes your hand, he gives you his full attention. It is if you and he are the only two people in the room even though there are hundreds of others waiting their turn to speak to him. He listens to you. He is not looking over your shoulder seeking out someone more important to talk to (as happened to me when trying to ask John Kerry a question). Howard looks you in the eye and and gives you not only his undivided attention, but also his respect for you as a person.
Just had an idea, and I don't know where to go to suggest it, so...
The National Debt should be referred to as the Republican Debt. Democrats balanced the budget after the Reagan/Bush administrations buried us in debt. Democrats have a proven track record of making the hard choices. Republicans talk about fiscal responsiblity but,it is all talk. Every taxpaying American owes,so far,$140,000 to the Republican Debt. Can you afford it? Do you believe Republicans can get beyond their talk and make the hard choices? If not now, then when? Democrats balanced the budget before when it seemed impossible, and they will do it again if voters realise the truth. The National Debt is a Republican Debt. Can you afford it?
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