Reply #18: Thank you very much. Deeply admire your passion!

[Pithy Cherub]

Time is the great leveler. Howard Dean has had less than 6 months in his new role and look at how much has been accomplished. A real and lasting change of direction. That is the heart of the matter.

The other hidden little intra-party "squabble" comes when the DNC's money needs to be spent. That is going to be the clash of the Titans. Governor Dean knows who sent the money and certain pols are going to need it. How will the money be spent? That is what is causing great terror on behalf of the DLC - which DLC members that can pull in that kind of cash, consistently without the DNC's help.

Once the cash is there for candidates, this goes to the obvious DLC strategic shortfall, where are the votes? The DLC decided to bet the farm, healthcare, justice, liberty and the pursuit of happiness on the squishy changeable center. You have to have natural passion to inspire, you only need a pollster to define the mythical center. DLC has plenty of folks who have traditional "centrist" strategies, but innovation is the province of the passionate.

For primary presidential candidates especially, the center doesn't come to in the same numbers at the "base". And as far as I know, Howard has yet to make a firm decision on whether Iowa & New Hampshire are still the lead off states. If that changes, once again the DLC would be in deep trouble. Can you imagine regional primaries?

So, your conclusion about how fundamental this is to the future of the party is true. Your also right about people seeing the still water, but not understanding the deepness.

Look forward to seeing your posts tomorrow. Thanks again for your graciousness.