Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean Address To DNC Winter Meeting "Leadership for America’s Future"
February 5, 2007
Today, Chairman Howard Dean addressed more than 400 Democratic National Committee members at the DNC's annual Winter Meeting. Below is the text of his remarks:
AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY.
"Four years ago when I stood before you at our winter meeting, I said that we're going to change America, we're going to bring hope to America, and bring pride to the Democratic Party.
"As I stand before you again today I am proud to be a member of the Democratic Party, proud of what our Party stands for, and proud of what we have begun to accomplish for the American people since this past election and the 2005 election.
"We've come a long way since we met here at the Hilton two years ago.
"With strong Democratic Congressional leadership, leaders like Majority Leader Harry Reid, and the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, we have put the American people first again.
"Democrats know that the power voters gave us in November does not belong to us; it has been loaned to us.
"I'm proud to say that we are already delivering on the promises Democrats made on the campaign trail. We've put an end to the practices that allowed the Republican Culture of Corruption to permeate our government, implementing the 9/11 commission recommendations to keep our nation safe, helping kids afford to go to college by cutting their student loan rate, and we're proving hope to millions of Americans by passing life saving stem cell research. And we've also made fiscal responsibility a priority again.
"And now that Democrats are in Control of Congress, we are finally seeing a long overdue debate about the war in Iraq.
"We need to repair America's foreign policy and reestablish America's position around the world. We wholeheartedly support our troops. We are strong defenders of America. We know that escalating the Iraq war is not the answer. We will hold President Bush accountable.
"Last November, Democrats won up and down the ballot and across the country, showing that if we show up, talk about what we believe in we can win in any part of the country.
"The American people have loaned us the power to represent them and their interests.
"If we continue to do the hard work, we can and we will win the White House in 2008.
"The American people have had six years of failed leadership from the Bush Administration and the American people deserve better.
"The American people deserve strong leadership, optimism and vision to lead our nation. A vision that includes all Americans.
"I'm confident that a Democratic president will provide that kind of leadership.
"I'm proud that in our Party we have a very talented and diverse group of presidential candidates joining us this weekend -- proof that we can bring the same kind of vision, talent and strong leadership to the White House that we have to Congress, Governor's Mansions, State Houses, County Legislative Seats, and Mayors across our country.
"I want to thank each of the Presidential candidates for coming and addressing the meeting, we are looking forward to hearing you speak, hearing your ideas and your vision for America's future."
