Donnie Fowler's out; endorses Dean for DNC

[BlueInRed]

I guess the fat lady is actually singing. The Blog for America has this posted:

<snip>
Donnie Fowler Endorses Governor Dean

Donnie Fowler has just endorsed Gov. Howard Dean to be Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Donnie Fowler said, "Today it became clear that Howard Dean has the votes to become DNC chairman."

I got in the race because I wanted to see change in the Democratic Party. I know from experience that local people know better and that strong state parties and successful elected officials should teach the rest of the Party their best lessons. I want to see the DNC get back to its real mission: to help each candidate and assist state and county parties to achieve new standards or performance.

With Howard Dean as its next chair of the DNC, the Party will have someone who not only understands change, but knows how to make it happen.

As a presidential candidate and as a candidate for Chair, Dean has brought with him a grassroots movement that will reinvigorate the Democrats with new activism and new voters. As a former governor and former Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, Governor Dean also knows the value of respecting and including those who are most loyal to the Party. It's the best of the new and the traditional. And the Democratic Party will be better for it."
<snip>

more at http://blogforamerica.com

On Edit: Yahoo now has a link, plus the one from the Guardian posted below. Here's the Yahoo link: http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=536&ncid=536&e=4&u=/ap/20050205/ap_on_el_ge/democrats_chair

[Bluebear]

1. So thta just leaves Roemer, yes? nt

[BlueInRed]

3. I think so and with his views on choice, I can't imagine

him getting the post.

[Bluebear]

5. Congrats to the Doctor!

[calimary]

128. If you could have heard Midge Costanza fume about him

at this "DNC Listening Event" I attended, you would probably feel pretty secure in that. Not just what she said, but the reaction from the crowd - OVERWHELMING and UNMISTAKABLE. Costanza is a longtime liberal activist, especially in the areas of women's and gay rights. She was a special assistant to President Carter. She was one of the people who got up to speak at this event in downtown L.A. a few weekends ago. I'd never had the pleasure of hearing her in person before, and what a savory experience it was.

When she uttered tim roemer's name, she almost spat it out, excoriating the establishment Dems for daring even to consider this wolf in sheep's clothing as a potential party chair. She portrayed it, quite properly, as a complete betrayal. She was QUITE forceful in her comments.

In hopes of streamlining the proceedings, everyone who arrived was furnished with two blank index cards, one red, one green. You were supposed to hold up the red card if you opposed what the speaker of the moment was saying and the green card if you agreed. When Costanza denounced tim roemer, you would not believe the sea of green cards that were not merely held up, but waved, some rather wildly, high in the air. The card system was put in place to keep the rabble quiet, so the speakers could do their thing in a swift and orderly manner and no time would be taken up with a lot of audience interruptions, hecklings, or applause. But many of us found it impossible to let the green cards speak for us. People hissed and booed. I, for one, whooped out loud in concurrence, and I was far from the only one doing so.

In short, you could NOT misinterpret the sentiments of EVERYBODY there. And I do mean EVERYBODY. Of the dozens and dozens who spoke, probably 150 or so, with at least that many remaining who hadn't been able to speak before the event had to end. Perhaps three or four people of ALL of those got up and endorsed somebody else for chair. Fowler I think got a couple of mentions. I think there was another one each for a couple of others, including Rosenberg, obviously before they'd withdrawn. Even a couple of these people added that Howard Dean would be more than okay by them if their first choice wasn't viable. It was NEVER tim roemer. NEVER. Not even ONCE. Of the hundred-plus people who spoke, absolutely everyone else, to the last man and woman, endorsed Howard Dean. HEARTILY endorsed, too, and with specific reasons added in for good measure. Nothing milquetoast about it.

[BlueInRed]

141. That's very interesting

I think the right of privacy in the Constitution (including choice) is one of the bedrock principles for most of the people in this party. I'm glad to hear that so many others share that view.

My big problem with the choice/abortion issue is that it is legally based on narrowing a much larger group of privacy rights under the Constitution. And many of the Federalist society judges use the abortion issue to fire people up, when there real goal is to scale back all privacy protections under the Constitution. And having a DNC chair that potentially believes in limiting the right of privacy under the Constitution would be a very bad thing. We are hanging on by a thread right now and if they ever reverse Roe v Wade, they will be eliminating lots of rights we take for granted that have zero to do with abortion. That's why I believe even if you personally oppose abortion, you should still support the right to choose, because it is a private decision the government has absolutely no business making for people.

[Eloriel]

15. OMG - Rosenberg dropped out too! I didn't know that.

It's on the blog as well. Wow.

[radio4progressives]

117. YIPPEEEE!!!! n/t

[w13rd0]

40. Roemer became radioactive...

...within hours of his announcement that he was running. Wow, barring an "act of god", I think that just about wraps it up.

[calimary]

129. I think what nailed his coffin shut was the added release of his

anti-choice stand. Frankly, that's all I needed to hear. I hate to be reduced to a one-issue candidate. I hate to have to do the litmus test thing. But I tell ya, where somebody stands on choice absolutely, slam-dunk separates "the men from the boys" - so to speak. If I learn that some candidate is anti-choice, I usually conclude that I don't need to hear any more. That pretty much decides it then and there. Sorry, but this one's non-negotiable.

So, in other words, if he's steering a sinking ship, FINE. Sayonara, roemer. And, by the way, that ought to send a message. You compromise on choice? What ELSE of longterm and crucial and utterly foundational interest to Democrats do you intend to compromise on? What else do you intend to sell out on?

Dear GOD we need DESPERATELY to be able to hang out the "UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT" sign!

[imenja]

121. word is Roemer and Rosenberg don't have a shot

Once Frost withdrew, Dean's main competition was Fowler. Looks like Dean has it in the bag. There is no one else left who can challenge him.

[mhr]

2. Hip Hip Hooray!

eom

[yardwork]

Good. I see this as a very positive step forward!

I'll throw all my support behind Dean if he is elected DNC Chair.

[coloradodem2005]

4. So the only opponent now is Tim Roemer?

Wow. It becomes more likely that Dean will be the next DNC chair.

[necso]

6. Says the same thing in the Guardian:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-4779776,00.html

At this point, the voters should try for unanimity on the first ballot.

[DFLforever]

16. I think they're probably working on that right now.

However painful it might be for a few.

[necso]

21. I expect that they

either are or soon will be... and Roemer should bail.

Everyone should make the best of it -- for the sake of the Party.

[pokercat999]

65. Last night on "crossfire" James Carvel

looked like he could spit nails over this subject. He didn't say a lot but you could tell he hates Dean. I love it!

[HootieMcBoob]

80. I thought Crossfire had been canceled?

When will that thing finally end? Thank you Jon Stewart :)

[sunnystarr]

89. I loved it too and had a good laugh. Carvel obviously wanted

to say more but thought better of it. I truly believe that the future of the Democratic party lies with the grassroots movement that is calling for Dems to be Dems and not Puke-Lite.

Hillary better think twice about the reversal of her positions. As it stands she won't have a chance in '08.

[Southsideirish]

109. Agreed!

[davidwparker]

148. This is why I prefer the Clintons not get near the White House.

How can Bill (and I'm watching Hillary to see if she is the same) flip-flop for political expediency? If Hillary does this as well, then what good does it do us for Hillary to lie about her beliefs, get elected, and then do the opposite of what she was elected to do.

I'd like to reject anybody who is a political chameleon. Speak your view and stick with it.

[mattclearing]

102. Carville is finished. Anyone watched the "The War Room" recently?

What happened to that guy? It's like someone drilled a hole in his brain and sucked out his will to fight.

Carville made GHWB his bitch every day of the '92 campaign. Now he spends more time whining about Howard Dean than about Bush!!!

What a loser. With Democrats like these, who needs Republicans???

[BlueInRed]

104. What worries me is when outsiders become insiders, like Carville did

Back in 92, Carville and his upstart candidate Clinton were the outsiders. Yeah, they were in Democratic circles, but they were not the "establishment". The establishment really didn't want Clinton at all. But then they won, took power and look at what as happened as they became the establishment. They lost their will to fight, except when it was a fight to hold on to power.

I hope that sort of thing never happens to Dean et al.

[Sterling]

167. Sleeping with the enemy?

How could you have sex and live with someone who hates everything you stand for?

[BlueInRed]

171. good point n/t

[Starlight]

176. I've never really trusted him because of that.

I know I would never even consider dating a repub, yet this guy actually married someone who works for the worst of them? And he wants me to believe he's serious about his political beliefs & values? Sorry, but it just doesn't ring true.

[Southsideirish]

111. Washed up hack longing for a Clinton return, no doubt.

[calimary]

135. Truer words were never spoken: "With Democrats like these, who

needs republi-CONS?" I am SO glad to see the snowballing of support for Dean. I am SO glad. Just after the election, I dug out my Dean for America bumper sticker (that I'd removed from my car's rear window when Kerry took over), and put it back in my window. I got a compliment on it from a woman walking by as I was pulling out of a parking place just this afternoon!

Perhaps Kerry had to run and implode for our party to see that it just does NOT pay to a) pretend we're something we're not - ie: republi-CON-Lite, or b) fight like feather dusters when the enemy comes at us like rabid pit-bulls.

As for Carville, he's too invested in the past. What worked to get Clinton into office won't now - except, frankly, for Carville's own rapid response team (which Howard Dean did a rawther excellent job with, in his heyday). But the dynamics are different, and the enemy isn't as greedy and powermad as it is now.

Besides, Carville's spent a little too long sleeping with the enemy. It evidently HAS affected him.

[wryter2000]

157. LOL

Just after the election, I dug out my Dean for America bumper sticker (that I'd removed from my car's rear window when Kerry took over), and put it back in my window.

My Dean for America sign never left my front window. After all, it doesn't say Dean for President but Dean for America. I was thinking the next time I wash the windows, I'd take it down. Now, I think I'll leave it there.

I probably wasn't going to wash the windows before the 2008 election, anyhow. :evilgrin:

[Southsideirish]

108. Both he and Begala have been against Howard from day one.

They are afraid of him.

[radio4progressives]

116. YES!!!!! and maybe Dean's nomination will put an end to Carville's career

too.... carville belongs with the Reeps - and so does Roemer and the rest of the right wing Neo Libs!

[candy331]

130. Move over Carville, your time is up, kiss Mary Magdeline goodnight.

[Cha]

132. We've known "he hates Dean" since

the primaries. I'm loving it that carvel and a few other dems who are not for the People are having to suck it up ..

[Fir]

164. My personal thoughts

I have an idea that in all the polls that Carville, Clinton, and the Washington inside Democrats were looking at said something that they missed in the translation.

I believe they are so entrenched into the idea that corporate money is the only way to remain competitive in elections that they have to fall into line with corporate interests. Meaning following more conservative road signs toward more and more corporate control of our government. And have given up on defending unions, individual rights insofar as they bump up against corporate power plays.

Why else is someone like Carville not shouting the house down about the corporate propaganda thugery that is our news media today? And leaving the nation to flounder because of no substantive information being given to the public? It is inexcusable to think that there is not a united effort to expose this stealing of the 4th estate in the Democratic Party. But then it was Clinton that signed away some of the controls that were in place. kinda makes ya wonder. huh

If we are to remain a party of opposition we cannot follow this policy. We have to regain our stance as a bastion for the middle class working American, and fight for personal freedoms and dignity.

[Eloriel]

166. I think you're right

Good post -- and welcome to DU!!

Re the media -- one of the ideas floating to Dean (see if you can find the thread from yesterday) is a DNC Newspaper to gt the REAL news out to people. I'd subscribe, wouldn't you??

[patricia92243]

175. Great idea. Yes, I would subscribe. Hope this would be just the beginning

of great ideas from our party's chair.

I wish Dean could do weekly segment for AAR.

[Eurobabe]

124. I said before, if Dean gets it I will OFFICIALLY join DEM party

If he has an agenda to change the spineless organization that the DNC is now...

Dean would make this Clarkie real happy to become a card carryin' Democrat!

YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGGG!!!

[Lizzie Borden]

126. OK 48percenter, we will hold you to that!

[davidwparker]

149. With Dean apparently getting DNC chair, Clark rises to

the top for me.

[wryter2000]

158. What I've always felt

Deanies and Clarkies aren't so far apart. We both want the same things for our country. I've always been a Deaniac, but I would have been thrilled to have Clark as our candidate and president.

[KaryninMiami]

7. This is a very good thing! Truly a bright light for all of us.

Let's hope the Dems don't blow it and start taking the criticism and fear tactics of Novak and others seriously. DEAN GO!

(I've loved him from the beginning...)

[Chipper Chat]

147. A year ago Kelly Ann Conway said

"Howard Dean is our dream candidate - Bush will crush him." This was on Hannity & Colmes. This "fear tactic" as you call them, obviously encouraged Sean-boy and ilk to deflect Dean's surge and open the door for a weaker candidate. Ahhh...those connivering Repukes!

[Goldeneye]

8. Kind of ironic. Fowler dropped out the same day as rosenberg.

Didn't he say a few days ago how rosenberg was done?

[BlueInRed]

9. love the sig line

18181 ahaha!

[progressiveandproud]

70. Is 18181...

..referring to the # of votes received by three different Repub candidates in Texas during the same election cycle? As in, the three who coincidentally -- hint, hint -- all got the same vote tally?

Just wondering, 'cause it would be really cool if the sig line referred to that. I love inside jokes/sarcasm about election fraud. :)

On edit: just noticed that the "18181" is a link. Got the message. Right on!

[BlueInRed]

85. That's how I took it, Comal County, Tx n/t

[GetTheRightVote]

10. Hurray, a new light and a good leader, Dean is the right choice

:kick:

[More Than A Feeling]

11. Howard Dean, Harry Reid, and Nancy Pelosi

A powerful one-two-three combination! Can it be that the Democratic Party actually has *gasp* effective and energetic leadership? whoda thunk it?

[AuntiBush]

35. You said it!

Including Boxer and my Senator's Mikulski and Sarbanes, these HEROS are giving us hope when everything else seems so grim!

Dean, and Reid... Pelosi are, well... your 1 word said it best, *gasp*

I'll say this. They've got their work cut-out for them now. Can you imagine the door slamming on the hill.

[pokercat999]

66. I hope Pelosi can lead better than she appears on TV.

That Nancy Ray-Gun deer in the headlights look is scary.

[Southsideirish]

112. Too much make-up!!! Also, she needs to edit her speeches more - talks

too much and says too little. I don't think that works anymore.

[piece sine]

123. Harry Reid?!

energetic is not the first thing that comes to mind.

[paineinthearse]

12. They're dropping like flies....

....who's left, just Dean and Roemer?

[BlueInRed]

13. yep to your question - n/t

[ProudToBeLiberal]

14. yeeeeaarrrghhhhhh nt

[progressiveandproud]

72. Yes!!!!

And we're gonna take it to California, to Texas, to.... Yes!!!!

[Auntie Bush]

94. I think you spelled that wrong...needs another a. lol n/t

[Depth03]

106. Could somebody please...

post this link at blogforamerica .

Some computer setting is not allowing me to post there.

<http://www.depthaudio.com/Dean.htm>

Howard Dean Remix

[GRLMGC]

17. How exciting!

Yay!

[cal04]

18. Go Deanie

In a statement, Rosenberg said Dean will help "revitalize our party and help us win again in the 21st century."

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said Friday he is supporting Dean for the chairmanship.

"The race is essentially over," said Richardson, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. "He's won fair and square."

http://www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/31-02052005-444854.html

[killbotfactory]

19. Awesome

thank jebus the demo-weenies didn't screw this up.

[d_b]

20. That seals the deal.

[farmbo]

22. Yawoszziir!

Ain't Life Grand?!

[rwenos]

23. And then we're going to Washington . . .

. . . and take back the White House!

Yeeahhhhhhhhhhh!

("Welcome to the Jungle" thuds in the background.")

Deaniacs Unite!

[w13rd0]

41. Oh the irony...

...indeed ;)

WE'RE GOING TO WASHINGTON! YEAAAARRRRGHHH!!!

[janx]

77. Yes--

You're right! Such irony!

[ashmanonar]

83. lol

are we democratic pirates now?

ARRRR...aye, matey! we be goin all the way to the white house!

[Castilleja]

103. LOL, I love your pic!

N/T

[Cha]

134. Surreal Irony!

It's the finest journey.. Dean has taken us on..

[Polemonium]

24. Excellent news

Hope is spreading. :bounce:

[latteromden]

25. You ran a good race, Donnie. 2nd place isn't bad. But from the moment Dean

announced he was running (or even before), he had it pretty much locked up.

This is exciting! Dean vs. Mehlman! The last time I remember being so proud to be a Democrat was after the first debate.

[okcdem]

26. Awesome

Very cool indeed.

[Eloriel]

168. Fowler wasn't bad

From what I saw of him. But let's face it -- Howard had HUGE momentum going into this. I'm sure more of "the 447" knew all about Fowler and the others, but none of the others had accomplished nearly as much as Dean in terms of excitement, growing the grassroots, getting the money, and positively affecting Dem elections (by raising money for them). Hell, Dean's DFA has been its own little mini-DNC from the outset, or conversion from Dean for America to Democracy for America. He was a natural for the job (tho I'd still rather he be President if I had to choose).

[Erika]

27. Now if Reid, Pelosi, and Dean

show the guts Wellstone had, we've got it made. Bush can hold up the $ signal for all to worship, and we'll show the needy.

[ultraist]

28. Better NOT be Roemer, he is ANTI-Choice

We are in serious trouble if Roemer gets it and not Dean. I'm a little worried. IT HAS TO BE DEAN!!!

[BlueInRed]

29. Dean has commitments from over 250

which is more than enough to win. I can't imagine that Roemer could get them to change their minds. I could have seen it with Rosenberg or Fowler, but not Roemer. I am a skeptic and even I am breathing easier tonight. :)

[Lone_Star_Dem]

33. I'm a skeptic, too.

And, I'm starting to feel comfortable about this.

Change is on the horizon!

[ultraist]

34. I HOPE you are right!

I will be extremely worried if an anti-choicer gets it.

It certainly looks like Dean is a shoe in.

[AuntiBush]

30. I don't see any doubt at this point

that Dean is the "man!"

:pals:

[Guaranteed]

31. Yup. I actually feel comfortable saying "Dean won."

Wow. He did it. :)

[AuntiBush]

36. Same here!

Shew. He certainly did "do it!"

NEWS: Saturday 8:00 p.m. EDWARDS will be on C-SPAN. Reportedly, to bring us together... I don't know what to make of it personally. You know.

[Lizzie Borden]

127. No. We did it!

He's in!!!:toast:

[Mr Rabble]

32. Congrats everyone!

...

[dave29]

37. Time to get to work

lets get these wheels turning again

[Borgnine]

38. THE DOCTOR IS IN!

It's a new day for the party. The grassroots have spoken.

[Califooyah Operative]

39. awesome.

i'm so excited and nervous.

[JNelson6563]

42. I've got my checkbook out

and I will soon donate to the DNC. There's something I haven't done for a few years.

Julie

[lojasmo]

44. I'll be writing my check on the 12th.....

AFTER Roemer is kicked to the curb.

Remember, Reid and Pellosi backed Roemer.

[HootieMcBoob]

81. I think after Dean is confirmed the DNC will see a big surge in donations

They won't even have to ask - it'll just happen :)

[Eloriel]

170. This is the first time in ages anyone could talk to ME about it too

Wouldn't be much, but it would be a worthy "investment" at long last, IMO. I know Dean's a cheapskate and fiscal conservative and will spend the money wisely. Besides, I wanna see that DNC Newspaper get off the ground!

Met Howard Dean! DNC could make their own newspaper! Article ideas??
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1568959#1570653

[sendero]

43. It really is invigorating.....

.... to get some good news for a change.

[Rainscents]

45. Dean Poised to be new Democratic Party Chief!

It looks like Dean is the winner!!!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=615&u=/nm/20050204/pl_nm/politics_dean_dc_3&printer=1

[sellitman]

46. Excellent!

Now I hope he can make sense out of this party.

[Goldeneye]

47. 250 votes....freaking awesome!

[TahitiNut]

48. He'd be wise to stay out of small airplanes.

[xxqqqzme]

57. OK, U just scared me!

[ashmanonar]

84. problem is...

TN is right. Dean needs to be careful of himself now, and make sure people know that he doesn't want to commit suicide or anything...

bc this is when something could happen to him.

[Sporadicus]

49. Words Don't Do Justice to the Elation I'm Feeling Over This

I was hoping against hope that Tim Roemer wouldn't get the position.
:scared:

[killbotfactory]

50. Hope is reborn!

*does the happy dance*

If the spineless wimps of the party won, all would be lost.

[BillZBubb]

51. Finally, some good news!

He'll be very effective.

[Voltaire99]

52. His first act: find someone to run against Lieberman

Time to clean house of the DLC'ers who have turned the party into a right wing sty.

Clean out the Bush-lite crowd, Dean, and you just might stand a chance again some day.

[quiet.american]

107. Amen. n/t

[radio4progressives]

118. AND FEINSTEIN!!!

on edit ;

Feinstein is a WAR PROFITEER and just as much of Bush Crime Family Supporter as Lieberman is.

They both MUST GO!

I attended a Dr Cornell West speaking event last night and actively engaged in the effort to recruit candidates.

We need to recruit PROGRESSIVE African Americans, Chicano/a's and other people of color in places like California, New York, Connecticut, Texas, throughout the south and the midwdst etc..

We need them in the local, State and U.S. Senate offices all over the country NOW.

Please help with this recruiting effort, or consider RUNNING YOURSELVES.

[candy331]

131. Great just what I've been saying, include the people who are really

doing the voting, outdo the repugs show them real inclusiveness and not just user friendly.

[bahrbearian]

53. Great ,just what we need another" Centrist"

[eridani]

61. Yes, but a "strong party" centrist--

--as opposed to a "cautious party" centrist.

[BiggJawn]

54. Yeah, well, Kerry supposedly "had enough votes to win" his thing, too.

But I'm hopefull.
I just hope Evan and Bill and Jowly Joe don't fuck things up at the last minute.

[RaleighNCDUer]

76. kerry did have the votes.

He just didn't have the election boards.

[BlueInRed]

87. That brings up another good thing, bc Dean takes the voting machine

stuff very seriously. That alone could make a huge difference in future elections!

[Us vs Them]

55. If Dean is in fact chosen for DNC chair

We can expect a little more fight in the future. Dean winning is not just good news for us, but also a call to action. Every last one of us needs to do as much as we can to secure our party's future. This means more than just actively participating in DU. This means actively participating in our own communities.

This man has summed up the future of politics with his message - we are the party. Lets see some interaction.

[PassingFair]

114. Time to GET BUSY!

Today, I was elated to submit a resolution at our county convention supporting Howard for DNC Chair. Loud shouts and great applause, and every single index card held high!
Afterwards, my Congressman informed me that Fowler had dropped out. Something really crappy would have to happen to kill my mood today!

[Cha]

136. "A Call To Action"!

Yes, Indeed! It would be easy to get motivated with Dean as the DNC Chair!

[Downtown Hound]

56. All right!

I'll be honest, I never thought it was going to happen. I thought that the insider Dems would do everything they could to kill him. But I'm very pleased. Regardless of how some of you might feel about Dean's voting record, the fact remains that he knows how to build up grassroots support and listen to the people, and that's what the Democrats need right now. They need someone to build networks of supporters. For the past fifteen years the DNC has been so lazy at that, and even in this last election much of the support was not coming from the party itself, but from ordinary citizen activists who were so fed up with Bush. Dean leading the party could very well signal a new direction from that, one that is sorely needed.

[roguevalley]

60. This worried me for a while, all the others, but I am elated tonight!

[BlueInRed]

58. And this just in... Fowler's out too

For details, see this thread
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=1214136&mesg_id=1214136

[BlueInRed]

88. Oops, I see I got this one on the wrong thread!!!!!

I was scurrying back and forth between threads last night, and obviously I wasn't paying close enough attention. Blame it on "battle fatigue"! Boy do I feel silly reading this.

[GetTheRightVote]

59. I am loving it, Go Dean Go !!!!

:kick:

[Piperay]

62. WONDERFUL

Dean is going to bring new blood and energy to the Democratic Party, he's our best chance for some wins! :thumbsup:

[progressiveandproud]

74. Blueneck.

Love the reframing! Did you come up with the word yourself or find it somewhere?

Jonathan

[ZombieNixon]

110. The FReepers came up with it, thinking it was an insult,

and we co-opted it. Thanks, FReaks!

[Califooyah Operative]

63. he's poised, i'm excited/nervous,

this is another victory this year, and just the start.

[UrbScotty]

64. YEARGH!

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

:D

[stlsaxman]

67. Done and done! n/t

[Tom Rinaldo]

68. They can't stop him

This is a great victory for the grass roots, and it is a victory for the whole Democratic Party because it should help heal the developing rupture between the roots and the traditional structure. Now that they are moving to accept Dean as head of the DNC we have to accept them as part of the Party also, and help them move in a new direction. That is why I supported Dean. I think he has the skill to pull that off and keep the Party united. Dean will need all of our support in helping move the Party forward while holding it together (while helping show true turn coats like Zell Miller the door out).

[Freedomist]

75. It takes a big tent to win

Zel pointed out just how far the party has moved compared to where it used to be, where the centerist swing voters needed to aquire a national voting majority are. You would show victory the door.

[eddieb]

90. Your Right, Dean's in the center

Dean does represent the center of American sentiment. Zen represents the far far right of that scale

[wryter2000]

160. Welcome to DU, Eddieb

:hi:

[More Than A Feeling]

91. Who cares what Zell Miller thinks? n/t

[IronLionZion]

93. Zell is an asshole, but he has some valid points

we can still be awesome without abandoning rural and moderate Americans.

Like Dean said, we need to "show up and listen" to these people. Without abandoning our values, we can address their concerns and win more elections. They often agree with us on a lot of issues but have been tricked by Republican propaganda.

[IronLionZion]

92. Yes, the Republicans have abandoned moderates

and generally sensible people so the Democrats should welcome them in. And Dean can obviously do this without alienating the liberals. "Big Tent 50 state party that doesn't abandon its values" is the one that will beat the Republicans.

[quiet.american]

113. The "centrist swing voter" is a myth. n/t

[Eloriel]

172. Almost. More accurately,

IMO, they're mostly ill-informed or just plain ignorant. Some don't even understand the ideological difference between Dems and Repugs. Seriously.

It's our job to educate them by way of campaigning, etc.

[quiet.american]

174. Agreed. n/t

[wryter2000]

159. Welcome to DU, Freedomist

:hi:

[DebJ]

69. Best news I've had in a year!!! I'm so excited. I have no money

at all, and tons of debt, but I WILL find a way to contribute with Dean in the lead! Yippeeee!!! I'm sitting here at home alone just yelling my head off!!!!


:toast:

[davidwparker]

151. Don't forget your non-monetary contributions. If

you can give, great, by for your sake, get rid of the tons of debt. I was able to do that this year, and, for the first time in my life, I am debt free. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.

I'm celebrating too!

[underpants]

71. Good but I have noticed this whole thing has gotten ZERO MSM coverage

Maybe they are letting the Dems fight it out but more likely they don't want to give the Dems any publicity. MSM can continue with the "The Dems are out of control" "No leadership- rudderless" line of discussion.

[MissB]

98. Gee, you noticed that too?

There isn't even a whisper on CNN's or MSNBC's websites.

[Chipper Chat]

150. MSM is too busy praising our Prickadent and his wonderful

proposed programs for "us little guys."
Smiling Paula & Darren & the two Carols gush on and on about what a great man Dubya is. I puke, click off the remote, and puke again.

[NNguyenMD]

73. I say we being to show our support for the good doctor and start sending

in some money to DNC after they formally announce Dean as the official DNC Chairman.

Someone from a previous thread said that we might even be able to do it uniformly for that they know its from Democratic Underground?

[Mend]

79. that's a great idea....eom

[American Tragedy]

144. That is an excellent idea

That way we can assert our importance as a voting demographic. This is our time.

[juajen]

78. Halleluh!! The Doctor is in.

God, I really needed some cheer today, and the last ones dropping is it. Wow, he's gonna be great!

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

82. The first thing he needs to do after winning

is put up the bat!

My checkbook is ready...

RL

[eddieb]

86. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT!

We need LOUD,OUTRAGIOUS,CONTROVERSIAL,NOISY,STRIDENT,RUDE,NAME CALLING and most of all INTELLIGENT to get the attention of the numbnuts in the media. Bring in the noise, Bring in the funk Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean. He's has to be our MAD DOG of the center.

[Rainscents]

95. Dean knows everything about the voting machine...

He will make loud noise about this issue and also, if he can't get the messages cross the TV... He may make US take it to the street!!! Like Ukrain did. This is the only way, we are going to take back the Democracy and the Country!!!!!!!!!!!!

[IronLionZion]

96. YEARGH!!!

:toast:

Roemer scares me, but we should be able to beat him. I'm glad Fowler and Frost endorsed Dean, but was surprised that the very pro-war Rosenberg did too.

[gulfcoastliberal]

97. Hope is kindrel

Hope the good doctor is ready for some emergency surgery.

[Debi]

99. DFA....DNC....DFA...DNC.....DFA.....DNC.....

Well, you get the point!

Woooo Hoooo :kick:

[The Animator]

105. I love our new battle cry!

Too bad FOX SNOOZE and other * Admin mouthpeices took it out of context, and overplayed the hell out of it to cost him the primaries.

But it's definitely an accurate depiction of our emotions at the time. We were all fired up, we were all fed up, and pissed off and ready to tell W. to get the hell out of our White House.

To turn this singular primal roar into a battle cry is genius. To take what they sought to use as our greatest weakest, and turn it into an expression of our streangth, that's just really deep.

YEEEEEEEeeeeeaaaaarrrgh!

[Abathar]

100. What great news to be my first post!!!

:bounce: :party:

[Renew Deal]

101. Welcome to DU!!!

And congrats to all of us!!! :hi: :party:

[Cha]

138. Your sig line made me

chuckle! :hi: :party:

[stray cat]

115. Hi! Welcome to DU

[davidwparker]

152. Welcome to DU

[zara]

119. FINALLY a man who will speak the truth...

to Republican power.
Hooray for the Dr.!

[wryter2000]

161. Welcome to you, too, Zara

:hi:

[ProudToBeLiberal]

120. Dean confident he has lock on DNC chair

Posted on Sat, Feb. 05, 2005

Dean confident he has lock on DNC chair

BY JEFF ZELENY

Chicago Tribune

WASHINGTON - (KRT) - One year after voters rejected his presidential candidacy in a campaign that sought to rewrite traditional rules of politics, Howard Dean is on the verge of taking the reins of the Democratic Party as it fights to regroup from a punishing year of defeat.

The former Vermont governor, a physician-turned-political firebrand, said Friday he has secured enough votes to be elected chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Though the move will not be ratified until the group votes in Washington next Saturday, rivals continued to drop out of the race, and Dean made plans to move into Democratic headquarters and begin plotting a strategy to rebuild the demoralized party.

"He has learned a lot from his experience running for president," said Linda Honold, the chairwoman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, who decided to support Dean over more than a half-dozen other candidates. "If he hadn't, that would have bothered me."

For Dean, the party chairmanship offers another chapter in an unlikely rise from small-state governor to leading presidential contender to fallen candidate. Along the way he became a Democratic phenomenon, gaining a devoted following through the Internet and in grass-roots political circles.

more at...http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/politics/10827202.htm

[Cha]

140. This cracks me up!..

"Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., who also unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination last year, said: "He wasn't my first choice. I felt we needed a bridge-builder at this point. But I will respect whatever decision the DNC makes. And if it's Howard, I'll go along."

Lieberman and other moderates voiced concern that Dean's reputation for stirring controversy with his sharp rhetoric could set back the party as it studies what went wrong in the 2004 election cycle, in which President Bush won re-election and Republicans increased the size of their majorities in the House and Senate. Dean, however, has worked to assure Democratic leaders that he had matured and would not speak against the party's interests.

"I would be less controversial if I didn't make absolute statements," Dean said in an interview during the height of his presidential campaign. "I would also be less appealing."

Shows you what lieberman knows..Dean is a "bridge builder" but lieman has his head so far up bush's ass..he doesn't have time to do any investigating.

[proudbluestater]

154. Zidzi, oh my GAWD, who WRITES this stuff?????????

"Lieberman and other moderates..." if he's a freaking MODERATE, I am the Queen of England.

If we were in Europe, our liberals here would be called moderates. That's how far right we have "drifted."

As for Dean, "I would be less controversial if I didn't make absolute statements," Dean said in an interview during the height of his presidential campaign. "I would also be less appealing."

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!! He just KNOWS! He KNOWS! Good Lord, we have had ENOUGH of these mealymouth "get alongers" and "bridge builders" and where the freak has it got us????????

Howard Dean is responsible for the revitalization of the party. Nobody but Dean should be chair. He had the guts to say what needed to be said, and he stuck with it. The other Dems, especially the Republican-lites, should take a LESSON here.

[98geoduck]

155. Do you want to become like Communist Europe or something?...

Americans don't want free healthcare, fair salaries, modern living standards, 30 days vacation, decent education with college opportunities for all.

We Just Want Freeedom!!! And were gonna spread it round the world.

And we sure as hell don't need that SOCIAL SECURITY crap either, cause were going to invest that money in the stock market and ALL be RICH!!!


PS I wish i was just joking.

[wryter2000]

162. Oh, Lordy

Last night on the news, they were talking about how Hillary would bring the party closer to center. I screamed, "We're already to the right of center! The repugs need to move toward the center!"

PS This is not a slap at Hillary but at the "news" commentary.

[Anwen]

122. GREAT NEWS!!!!

This makes me so happy!! There is hope left for our party!! :D

[sasquatch]

125. "Yeah, the revolution starts now"

:yourock:

[candy331]

133. Was a response from Joe really neccesary?

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., who also unsuccessfully sought the Democratic presidential nomination last year, said: "He wasn't my first choice. I felt we needed a bridge-builder at this point. But I will respect whatever decision the DNC makes. And if it's Howard, I'll go along."

[ima_sinnic]

139. a "bridge builder"? or a doormat, Joe? (nt)

[Fir]

165. Joe loves the sound of his own voice!!

For far too long Lieberman has had the ear of too many Democrats of influence. He puts forward an agenda that is so close to the neo-con concept that it is surprising that he is a Democrat.

There is little that is populist, progressive, or even liberal in his agenda. And so he advocates for the "centrist"(right wing) policies that are the true failure of this party.

Sorry Joe, elections happen. And you have twisted the knife about as far as you are able. Time to give someone who is populist, progressive, and liberal a chance.

We have got to cut the purse strings with corporate thugs and rebuild our Democracy, you are an impediment to that process.

[BlueInRed]

137. A NYT article on Dean, McAuliffe, the trip to the DNC

Here's another one of many articles on Dean taking over at the DNC. This one talks to McAuliffe and a lot of people, and is generally positive, although there are a few slaps, like they all have.

http://nytimes.com/2005/02/06/politics/06dean.html?pagewanted=print&position=

<snip>
Indeed, some prominent Democrats said that Dr. Dean's proven skills on the campaign trail in 2003 - his ability to inspire voters and to raise money through small donations over the Internet - were desirable traits in a party chairman, while his proven deficits - a sometimes loose tongue and hot temper - mattered less for a partisan leader than for a president.

"I think what people want in their party - I'm talking about grassroots activists - is someone who will fight, who is a proven, effective political communicator," said David Wilhelm, a former chairman who was anything but a firebrand during President Bill Clinton's first term. "In the age of the Internet, money flows from that, volunteers flow from that." . . . The paradox is that Dr. Dean himself has now become one of the party's most important money people. Even after he dropped out of the presidential race last year, he helped raise about $3.5 million for Democrats around the country.

On a moment's notice, aides said, Dr. Dean managed to raise some $250,000 for Senator Tom Daschle's unsuccessful re-election campaign in South Dakota, and a similar amount for one of the recounts in Washington State that eventually led to a narrow Democratic victory in the governor's race there.

"If you could boil it down, Dean is seen as a soldier's general," said Representative Jim McDermott of Washington, one of the comparatively few Congressional Democrats who supported Dr. Dean's presidential bid. "He's a guy who sleeps in the trenches with the troops."
<snip>

[Cha]

142. That's so touching what McDermott has to

say about Dean..

"If you could boil it down, Dean is seen as a soldier's general," said Representative Jim McDermott of Washington, one of the comparatively few Congressional Democrats who supported Dr. Dean's presidential bid. "He's a guy who sleeps in the trenches with the troops."

[Eloriel]

173. I really liked it too -- and it's so true

It reminds me of how inclusive Dean was during his campaign. He never spoke about himself alone, it was always "We this, our that," even in cases where it sounded a little odd. AND, it wasn't just empty talk, either. He profoundly believes that it's about all of us, working together, The People. He profoundly believes in giving power BACK to The People.

This is one reason the Party Elites have been so suspicious of him, if not downright antagonistic. They don't particularly want the power back in the people's hands.

But I'm so tickled -- Catch this: it happened without them!! The People, in the form of "the 447" who are DNC voters (lots of them small-time party activists in their own states and communities), spurred on by everyday grassroots people like some of us, chose Dean. This has got to be a first. They ("the 447") overrode the Party Bosses on this. And it's probably too late for anyone to do anything about it at this late date, tho there are probably people who are trying to think of something. Only 2 things I can think of: a smear campaign and/or changing the voting rules. I think the former wouldn't work and the latter would foment an absolute revolt.

[AgadorSparticus]

143. Hip, hip, HORAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!! I am so thrilled to hear this!

This gives me hope. :bounce::bounce::bounce:

[davidthegnome]

145. YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGGG!!!

GO DEAN GO!!!

[AgadorSparticus]

146. welcome to DU!

[proudbluestater]

153. Such great news! The dream becomes reality!! Go, Howard, Go!

[wryter2000]

156. Yes!!!!

2006, here we come. Watch out, repugs. The doctor is going to give you your medicine.

:loveya: <---Howard Dean!

[Vidar]

163. Yeehaw, there is a God. Go, Howard, go.

[IronLionZion]

169. I, Howard Brush Dean III, do solemnly swear

to light a fire under the ass of the Democratic party, to move our people to grass roots political action, to uphold our progressive values, to be a 50 state party, to be a big tent party, to stand up to the Republicans, and to tell George W. Bush to shove his Social Security "reform" where the sun doesn't shine. YEEAAAGH!!!

Watch out establishment, he's coming...

[fishwax]

177. Way to go, good doctor

Imagine that, a reason to get excited about the democratic party :D