Bill Nelson "blisters" party leaders and early states at state convention.

[madfloridian]

I will just bet that is one unifying Democratic convention. They have buttons saying "Screw Howard Dean", and "Size Matters." Tasteless.

Poor taste in buttons at Florida convention

And now we have Bill Nelson attacking the rest of the party in public at a convention for what was Florida's fault to begin with.

From the Orlando Sentinel coverage of the convention.

Nelson Blisters "Party Bosses"

Florida U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson blistered Democratic National Chairman Howard Dean and Democratic leaders from early primary states for getting Florida boycotted by presidential contenders.

A new Quinnipiac University poll shows a growing number of independent voters are less likely to support a Democratic candidate next year because of the intra-party fight, Nelson said. Such ominous signs should move Dean to lift the ban.

"We simply cannot afford another misguided Republican administration," Nelson said. "Democrats regardless of different views and arguments must unite as we enter into this campaign."

Nelson concluded with a message for the Democratic chiefs.

"The average citizen in Florida can no longer see their candidates for president," Nelson said. "The party bosses have barred them from campaigning here except for private fund-raisers. This is unacceptable. Pay for political participation is unacceptable."

Maybe, Bill, Florida should have thought about that before they started planning this with the Republicans way back in March 2006.

"Florida Democrats are all for it," Mark Bubriski, spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party, said at the time. (The time was March 2006)

It's almost a relief not to care anymore about the state party. It's like a big load off our shoulders after a few years of activism with them. A state party that can not be honest will not get our support.

[sharp_stick]

1. They should have a single day for all the primaries

that would solve this idiocy. Just like the general election, call a single day primary day and all registered members for either party go out and vote for their preferred candidate.

I'd also like to see mandatory public financing with zero private money and an end to the Electoral College. I bet $100 that I never see any of these things in my lifetime.

[madfloridian]

3. I am concerned at Florida's divisiveness, that is what my post is about.

Primary change is needed, but not at the expense of honesty.

[sharp_stick]

9. You're absolutely right

It's an amazing and sad thing to watch.

[Myrina]

4. Yep - I agree.

For whatever it's worth ...

[madfloridian]

6. But that is not what my post is about.

Not that it matters anyway.

Florida's primary push showed that lies really do win. Propaganda wins.

[Myrina]

8. Well, I wasn't responding to *your* post ...

I was responding to - and agreeing with - Simski ... therefore the subject matter of *my* post doesn't necessarilay have to address the content of your original.

[madfloridian]

10. I am cautious.

Because so many take what I post about Florida's propaganda, and turn it into an argument for regional primaries.

I have nothing against primary change, but I guess I am just surprised that more people do not find Florida's behavior startling.

[Vincardog]

2. How rePIGlikin of them blame the national party because the state party refused to follow the rules

[mrdmk]

5. The only thing on these peoples mind besides power is money

How can one be honest about their politics if money and power are the goals.

[rodeodance]

7. i am no fan of bill nelson of FL-----only a shade better than bill nelson of NK

[Mojorabbit]

11. Rumor has it he is hoping for

the VP slot with Hillary.

[madfloridian]

12. That's what I heard.

Are you at the convention? A friend of ours went, haven't heard from him.

[Mojorabbit]

13. I went for a couple of hours

this evening. My code pink group did the big rally in downtown Orlando today. Long long day for me.
Gravel spoke both at the rally and at the netroots/progressive meeting. Kuchinich decided at the last minute to honor the ban.
The party is putting some roadblocks for PDA getting a progressive caucus going but hope to get that ironed out.
You will be glad to know no one was wearing any anti-Dean buttons that I saw.

Gravel gave a great speech mentioning the DLC. I really like him. He is so pissed off at this war and really upset about the possible next one with Iran. He spoke about empowering the people under his leadership as opposed to wallstreet. He spoke about paper ballots.He was upset at being kicked from the next debate.
I am exhausted.

[madfloridian]

14. Thanks for sharing. Bet you are tired.

Get some rest.