Dean's Announcement at DFA:

[janx]

I'm Running

As I have traveled across our country, I have talked to thousands of people who are working for change in their own communities about the power of politics to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. Every group I have spoken to, I encouraged them to stand up for what they believe and to get involved in the electoral process—because the only sure way to make difference is to step up and run for office yourself.

Today, I'm announcing my candidacy for the Chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee.

The Democratic Party needs a vibrant, forward-thinking, long-term presence in every single state and we must be willing to contest every race at every level. We will only win when we show up and fight for the issues important to all of us.

Another integral part of our strategy must be cultivating the party's grassroots. Our long term success depends on all of us taking an active role in our party and in the political process, by volunteering, going door to door and taking the Democratic message into every community, and by organizing at the local level. After all, new ideas and new leaders don't come from consultants; they come from communities.

As important as organization is, it alone can no longer win us elections. Offering a new choice means making Democrats the party of reform—reforming America's financial situation, reforming our electoral process, reforming health care, reforming education and putting morality back in our foreign policy. The Democratic Party will not win elections or build a lasting majority solely by changing its rhetoric, nor will we win by adopting the other side?s positions. We must say what we mean—and mean real change when we say it.

But most of all, together, we have to rebuild the American community. We will never succeed by treating our nation as a collection of separate regions or separate groups. There are no red states or blues states, only American states. And we must talk to the people in all of these states as members of one community.

That word—'values'—has lately become a codeword for appeasement of the right-wing fringe. But when political calculations make us soften our opposition to bigotry, or sign on to policies that add to the burden of ordinary Americans, we have abandoned our true values.

We cannot let that happen. And we cannot just mouth the words. Our party must speak plainly and our agenda must clearly reflect the socially progressive, fiscally responsible values that bring our party—and the vast majority of Americans—together.

All of this will require both national perspective and local experience. I know what it's like to lead hands-on at the state level and I know what it?s like to run for national office.

With your help, this past election season, Democracy for America, already started creating the kind of organization the Democratic Party can be. This past election cycle, we endorsed over 100 candidates at all levels of government—from school board to U.S. Senate. We contributed almost a million dollars to nearly 750 candidates around the country and raised millions of dollars for many more candidates.

Together, we helped elect a Democratic governor in Montana, a Democratic mayor of Salt Lake County, Utah and an African American woman to the bench in Alabama. Fifteen of the candidates we endorsed had never run for office before—and won.

I also have experience building and managing a local party organization. My career started as Democratic Party chair in Chittenden County, Vermont. I then ran successful campaigns: for state legislature, lieutenant governor and then governor. In my 11-year tenure as governor, I balanced the state's budget every year.

I served as chair of both the National Governors' Association and the Democratic Governors' Association (DGA). And as chair of the DGA, I helped recruit nearly 20 governors that won—even in states like Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Mississippi.

All of these experiences have only reaffirmed what I know to be true. There is only one party that speaks to the hopes and dreams of all Americans. It is the party you have already given so much to. It is the Democratic Party.

We can win elections only by standing up for what we believe.

Thank you and I look forward to listening to your concerns in the weeks ahead.

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/features/2005/01/11/im_running.php

[MadAsHellNewYorker]

1. Woohoo! A TRUE Glimmer of hope for the Democratic Party! n/t

[ProfessorPlum]

3. If the delegates can get their heads out of their butts

for five minutes and vote for him. Instead of some no-name nobody who has never been heard of before, or a DINO.

Jesus, this is such a gift. To think the establishment Dems aren't even taking Dean seriously is frustrating beyond description.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. This could get verrrry interesting. Go, Howard!

----------------------------------------------------------
Save our country one town, county, and state at a time!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm#why

[NoPasaran]

4. The tea is in the harbor!

While I expect the ABD forces to try their best to stop him, I am sure that the Governor would not have taken this step if he was not convinced he could win.

[x_y_no]

7. I expect that's true

He has surely counted carefully and at least considers himself a very strong contender.

Personally, I'd be happy with either Dean or Rosenberg. Not so happy with the others that have been mentioned.

[txaslftist]

5. This is just what we need.

A committed, thoughtful reformer with the zeal and drive to get the job done.

Yeeeaaargh! Go Dean!!

[Cheswick2.0]

6. The best parts

As important as organization is, it alone can no longer win us elections. Offering a new choice means making Democrats the party of reform—reforming America's financial situation, reforming our electoral process, reforming health care, reforming education and putting morality back in our foreign policy. The Democratic Party will not win elections or build a lasting majority solely by changing its rhetoric, nor will we win by adopting the other side?s positions. We must say what we mean—and mean real change when we say it.

But most of all, together, we have to rebuild the American community. We will never succeed by treating our nation as a collection of separate regions or separate groups. There are no red states or blues states, only American states. And we must talk to the people in all of these states as members of one community.

That word—'values'—has lately become a codeword for appeasement of the right-wing fringe. But when political calculations make us soften our opposition to bigotry, or sign on to policies that add to the burden of ordinary Americans, we have abandoned our true values.

We cannot let that happen. And we cannot just mouth the words. Our party must speak plainly and our agenda must clearly reflect the socially progressive, fiscally responsible values that bring our party—and the vast majority of Americans—together.

[x_y_no]

8. I'd say the whole letter is pretty terrific.

n/t

[Bouncy Ball]

68. I had a hard time CHOOSING any best parts.

The whole damn thing was so good.

[gottaB]

9. Dean is the best candidate

The New Dems do not seem capable of building a strong party from the ground up. Dean is.

I hope he keeps an open door for the New Dem pragmatists, because some of them have a keen understanding of the way the Republicans are playing the game to their advantage.

[Demrock6]

10. Woo hooo! Dean is the man!

We need someone who stands out, who is smart, who is willing to stand up to the GOP. He is the guy we need right now!

[derzocrat]

12. YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

I think I like that "...party of reform..." paragraph most of all.

[newyawker99]

13. Hi derzocrat!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[ktowntennesseedem]

80. And after Chimp gets finished with Nightmare II,

there will be plenty of things needing reform!

Go Dean!

[lancdem]

11. When is the chairmanship election?

I have to admit I haven't been paying close attention. All I know is, I don't want Tim Roemer.

[NYCGirl]

14. February 11, I think. NT

[ImADeanDem]

37. It's February 12th, in D.C. (nft)

[Turn CO Blue]

54. And I don't want Wellington Webb (from Denver). No way!

[Ripley]

15. Can he really change the party single handed?

I really want him to do that, but I doubt he can.

I wish he had run as an Independent, he would have beat them all, fraud or not.

I have a feeling "they" won't allow him to become chair.

[janx]

17. It's not a matter of changing the party. It's a matter of changing

the leadership.

And we (not he) can do that.

[Bouncy Ball]

69. No, he CANNOT change the party single-handedly

and he knows that. His philosophy all along has been that we all work on these things together on every level.

He needs ALL OF US to do this.

[truebrit71]

16. Excellent news!!!! Go HOWARD!!!!

Listen up DNC, the Doctor is in the house....

[MsUSA]

18. I love this statement: That word—'values'—has lately become a codeword fo

... for appeasement of the right-wing fringe. But when political calculations make us soften our opposition to bigotry, or sign on to policies that add to the burden of ordinary Americans, we have abandoned our true values.

We cannot let that happen. And we cannot just mouth the words. Our party must speak plainly and our agenda must clearly reflect the socially progressive, fiscally responsible values that bring our party—and the vast majority of Americans—together."

[WI_DEM]

19. So it's official. Excellent news.

I think Dean is the favorite. Not becuz the DLC elements have fallen in love with him, but because there are enough bright Democrats out there like Rep. Murtha of Pa. who disagrees with Dean on the war resolution who is supporting him, nonetheless, for Chairman. He understands the party needs a shot in the arm regardless of policy differences and knows that Dean is a fighter. I also think that the large field is an advantage for Dean.

[Larkspur]

20. Dean's speech reminds me of his June 23, 2003 formal announcement

speech call "The Great American Restoration." That was a great speach, full of vision and hope. That speech is what he needed to get back to heading into the 2004 Iowa Caucus and he didn't. But he's doing it now and I pray that he wins the DNC Chair. Yes, I'll write my DNC electors, but I live in Connecticut, Lieberman territory, and don't know how many of the CT DNC members support Howard Dean.

[janx]

22. That was by far one of the greatest speeches I've ever heard.

This one is good too, but nothing can top the Restoration speech.

[XemaSab]

49. Can we get a link?

n/t

[janx]

84. Here!

http://www.4president.org/speeches/howarddean2004announcement.htm

[XemaSab]

86. Thanks!

n/t

[JDPriestly]

21. Dean for DNC chair

"Dean will join six other candidates in the DNC race: Former Reps. Tim Roemer of Indiana and Martin Frost of Texas; former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb; Simon Rosenberg, head of the centrist New Democratic Network; former Ohio Democratic state chairman David Leland; and Donnie Fowler, a veteran Democratic activist and campaign manager for retired Gen. Wesley Clark's presidential bid.

Kate Michelman, former president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, a group that advocates for legalized abortion, has said she will decide this week whether to run for the DNC post."

http://www.cnn.com/2005/ALLPOLITICS/01/11/dean.dnc/index.html

Isn't Dean the only candidate for party chair who comes from a state that went for Kerry? If the other candidates couldn't even organize or see to it that someone organized a winning campaign in their home states, how in the world are they going to organize a winning campaign in the nation? What a bunch of losers.

Dean is the only winner in the bunch. He should lead us.

[d_b]

23. Go Deano!

[iwantmycountryback]

24. If the "insiders" don't choose him

They're just turning the knife on themselves. I am absolutely disgusted that these people think they need to do things their way, because "their way" has been working so well recently.

[HootieMcBoob]

27. I have a feeling things are going to change

Those insiders want to protect themselves, that's their main motivation. They'll soon discover that the best way for them to protect themselves is to bring real reform to the Democratic Party and to the country and that real reform starts with choosing Howard Dean as party chairman. It's our job to make sure they understand that very clearly. :)

[ktowntennesseedem]

83. Exactly! Things will change no matter what happens.

If the leadership recognize the groundswell of support for Dean and select him to head the party, we can begin to implement the changes Dean is calling for. If the leadership prefers to keep their heads up their collective ass, however, things will still change because all that energy and enthusiasm will simply be funneled somewhere else. Third party, anyone?

[newsguyatl]

25. the movement begins again!

[janx]

26. Check you PM, please, Newsguy.

[Eloriel]

57. It was the best of times, wasn't it, newsguy?

Looking back I realize that it was very much like the 1960s -- a time of hope, great passion and idealism, a certain innocence, fun, companionship. No drugs, tho. ;-) We had our own natural highs, tho, didn't we? Really. The tenor of the time for me was very much like that of the 60s.

[newsguyatl]

62. i've pretty much become numb to it all

since nov...

dean being around again is bringing it back to me...

and yes, it WAS the best of times... just indescribable really.

[killbotfactory]

28. Good

The DNC needs a leadership transplant. If they pass Dean up, there won't be much hope for the party.

[incapsulated]

29. Go Howard!

If he doesn't win this, I don't know what I'll do. It's one of the few hopes I have left for this party. No one person can change the party, I don't expect that, just some hope for our future. A sign, a chance in direction, that's all I ask! :cry:

[LuminousX]

30. I changed my avatar in honor of Dean

Maybe we can get this thing done right and see some results by 2006.

[V Lee]

31. Yes!

I've always been impressed by Dean's ability to "say it like it is" in a clear, straightforward way that lets you know exactly where he stands. (Bush supporters say they like that quality in Bush, even though he usually does the opposite of what he says, so Dean should have some appeal to that demographic.) He also doesn't seem to back away from controversial issues or try to "play politics" and take both sides of an issue. We need that kind of clarity and integrity!

[lavenderdiva]

32. would someone please explain to me how the DNC chair is actually elected?

I hate to sound ignorant, but I am pretty new to getting involved politically, and do not understand the specifics of electing the DNC chair. Who actually votes for him/her? Is this something we as voters do, or do some party leaders select the person? When is this vote carried out?

By the way, I think Dean would be a terrific shot of energy in the Democratic Party. Just what we need!

[NoPasaran]

39. DNC Chair will be elected by the Democratic National Committee in Feb

Each state has DNC members who are chosen at party conventions or by virtue of holding various elected offices.

[lavenderdiva]

41. Thanks for the info! n/t

[Andromeda]

33. I got this letter in my e-mail today....

and he HAS given a lot to the Democratic Party and HAS helped Democrats get elected all over the country.

He is perfect for the job and what he says is so RIGHT.

He would energize the Democratic Party like it has never been energized before.

We need someone like Dean to kick proverbial butt!

[Eloriel]

58. There's one more thing that makes him perfect for the job

He's an experienced and accomplished executive/managerial type. In addition to his VISION (which is considerable, IMO), he has the ability to actually get things done, and impressively, frankly. That's a demonstrated fact. It's not just pie in the sky with Howard, he gets things done. AND he does so in a political environment (which is to say he has to tippytoe around a lot of the people unlike in a corporation where the top guy gets to say, in effect, do it my way or you're fired).

[Eloriel]

59. PDA supports Dean

(this was an inadvertent dupe -- thought I'd turn it into something better)

http://pdamerica.org/articles/news/dean_by_cobble.php

Here's a small excerpt:

Oh, one more thing. When Howard Dean became Governor of Vermont in 1991, it was a red state. In the previous president election, a Bush had defeated the Democratic nominee from Massachusetts 51-48%. But since Howard Dean became Governor, Vermont has gotten bluer and bluer. Which makes Governor Dean the only candidate running for DNC chair who actually led his state as it switched from red to solid blue...

When the netroots first began pushing "Dean for DNC," one party hack was anonymously quoted attacking the idea, saying that it would be as "bad" as when Ron Brown ran for DNC Chair. Well, that's interesting disinformation. I was on Ron's campaign for Chair, and here's what happened:

* Ron Brown won, defeating 4 serious opponents.
* The Democrats held the House and Senate in '90 & '92.
* Bill Clinton won the Presidency in 1992.

If that's our template for the next 4 years, the party hack's comparison is not an attack, it's a compliment!

Dean for DNC. It's the next step for reformers. And PDA is ready to roll...

[Democrat Dragon]

34. Time for some change!

One big scream for Dean! YEEEEAHH!:loveya:

:nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke: :nuke:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

35. I am in complete support of this and plan to call all my Dem reps

and senators

[sendero]

36. I got this letter emailed today...

... and also a separate email from "democracy for texas" (www.democracyfortexas.org asking me to vote for my choice of DNC chair via email.

Of course, I voted for Dr. Dean.

What else can I/we do to make this happen? I think Dean can do us a lot of good and I want him to chair the DNC.

[Eloriel]

63. The best thing is to contact your own local (state) delegates

and elected officials -- they'll be the ones voting in Feb.

[buddhamama]

38. Yes !

Dean is the Man for the job.

"That word—'values'—has lately become a codeword for appeasement of the right-wing fringe. But when political calculations make us soften our opposition to bigotry, or sign on to policies that add to the burden of ordinary Americans, we have abandoned our true values.

We cannot let that happen. And we cannot just mouth the words. Our party must speak plainly and our agenda must clearly reflect the socially progressive, fiscally responsible values that bring our party—and the vast majority of Americans—together." -- YES!

[Miami Liberal]

40. Wooooooo Hoooooooooo!

I'll drink to that!

[Demrock6]

42. DEAN OR GREEN!!!! n/t

[bigwillq]

43. What a great day! Dean's running!

I think Howard would do a great job as DNC chair. He has my full support!


GO HOWARD GO!:bounce:

[David Zephyr]

44. Howard! Howard! Howard! Howard!

"I am Howard Dean, and I'm here to represent the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party."

[CherokeeDem]

45. The Force Must Be With US!

Thank goodness, Dean is going for it. I am very scared that a DLC'er will become Chair; this Party does not need to go Centrist. Let's hope that Dean can win because at least we know he is not afraid of speaking the truth!

If any of you know DNC members in your community, please contact them and let them know that you want them to vote for Dean. Your local Party Chair should be able to tell you who they are.

Go Howard!!!!

[fearnobush]

46. DNC Dean is a must - Our party is dead with out him.

We need Dean real bad.

[MoonAndSun]

47. I just got home from work and saw this in my e-mail!!

I back him 100%, and I just sent DFA a donation.

GO HOWARD!! We need you now more then ever.

[Clarkie1]

48. Nice! Dean for DNC chair! n/t

[XemaSab]

50. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEARGH!

n/t

[progressivebydesign]

51. Shout Out To Howard!! This is WONDERFUL NEWS!!

What can we mortals do to help him get the spot??

[undercover_brother]

52. Hell yeah!

[hollowdweller]

53. Is there anybody we can email about it or anything??

[AmericanErrorist]

55. Please Write Your DNC Members

To Support the candidate of your choice:

http://www.changetheparty.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=59

(Endorsement of Fowler campaign not intended)

[PassingFair]

74. Hit this petition:

http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/deanfordnc

It will be sent to the voting members!

[Merlot]

56. That's what I'm talking about!

'Nuff said.

[mvd]

60. I support Dean for DNC chair

Usually a DNC chair does not have to be a known quantity, but I think it is important this time. We need someone who can start right away articulating our message. While in the primaries Dean had strong supporters and opponents, as DNC chair he'll prove himself able to get everyone talking like Democrats again.

[mzmolly]

61. I sure hope he wins.

:toast:

[sonias]

64. Keep hope alive!

Thank you Dr. Dean!!

Now lets get out there and fight for our party and our country. Howard supports fighting in all 50 states, not just the swing states.

I have a dream that one day we can win back our country and Howard Dean is always in those dreams.
:dem:

Sonia

[Cha]

65. Howard Dean wants the job and

I want him to have it. I really like his thinking and the way he can articulate what he wants for the future of America.

And the energy he has put in to making it happen is astounding!

Go, you feisty little Democrat!

[Blossom]

66. Howard Dean.... YES!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!! HOPE!!!! YES!!!!!!!

[Bouncy Ball]

67. I read the whole thing on the DFA page and it brought tears to my eyes

I couldn't find a single word I disagree with.

This is EXACTLY what we need. Exactly. Precisely. Totally. I know it in my gut, my heart. I AM a Democrat and this man, his message is bigger than he is. It speaks to me.

I am going to do everything within my power to support him in this. And to support DFA.

What now? Write letters to the members of the DNC? What?

Edit: Changed my avatar!!! GO HOWARD!!!!

[Bouncy Ball]

70. Ah here are my Texas members

I'm writing them starting tonight. I will write every one of them a letter. Dean did a LOT for us Dems in Texas during the primary season. Many of us will never forget how he energized us, breathed life into us....

Texas

Ms. Linda Chavez-Thompson, 815 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Hon. Yvonne Davis, PO Box 3727, Dallas, TX 75208
Hon. Al Edwards, 4913 1/2 Griggs Rd., Houston, TX 77021
Ms. Norma Fisher Flores, 7409 Lakehurst, El Paso, TX 79912
Mr. Jaime Gonzalez, 817 E. Esperanza Ave., McAllen, TX 78501
Ms. Gabrielle Hadnot, 4316 Europa St., Houston, TX 77022
Mr. David Holmes, 1781 Spyglass Dr. #196, Austin, TX 78746
Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson, 1511 Longworth House Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20515
Hon. Ron Kirk, Gardere Wynne Sewell 1601 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75201
Ms. Sue Lovell, 1802 W. Main, Houston, TX 77098
Mr. John Patrick, 413 Meadow Run Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546
Ms. Betty Richie, 1307 Roanoke, Graham, TX 76450
Mr. Bob Slagle, 1601 Oakhill, Sherman, TX 75092
Mr. Charles Soechting, 701 Rio Grande, Austin, TX 78701
Hon. Oscar Soliz, Clerk Nueces Cnty. 7005 Brandon Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Ms. Senfronia Thompson, 1301 Travis, #300, Houston, TX 77002

[talk hard]

71. Dean for DNC Chair

OK, slap me if you like, but I didn't support Dean in the primaries. I simply thought he was waaaaaaaay too controversial to go up against junior. In retrospect, what the hell, maybe he would have been the better choice.

However, I fully support him as DNC Chair. If feel he is the Democratic Party's ONLY chance of survival. Only Howard Dean could cause me to vote for a Democrat again cuz I'm not too thrilled with them right now.

I only hope the voters in this process can see the big picture or, as they say, the forest for the trees. In my opinion, the very reasons Dean was wrong for the 2004 presidential candidate make him PERFECT for DNC Chair in 2005.

[pazarus]

87. True that

I didn't support him in the primaries either (which I dont regret, I heart Kerry), but I support him now as DNC chairman. the chairman post is more about organizing efforts and less about popular appeal, so I think he's a fine choice.

[Leilani]

72. Really great news!

I'm tired of "Washington Speak!"

We need a fighter to shake things up. Continuing down the same losing road with the same losers is insanity.

Here's to the Future!

I only hope the Dems will be smart enough to choose him

[inslee08]

73. If Dean becomes DNC chair...

Then a run for president in 08 is pretty much ruled out, no?

And I'm sure some of us wouldn't mind if he ran again...

[janx]

75. If the Dem party doesn't do some serious housework,

NO Dem is going to win in 2008 or for any reasonable time thereafter. It's going to be tough to get the work done before 2012, frankly.

[d---mad2]

76. Dean is the ONLY choice for the DNC chair

The Democratic party has been labled, and rightfully so, as nothing
more than "Republican Lite". Dean can return the party to the people.
And if he is defeated it could be or should be the death knell of the Democratic party.

[TheDonkey]

77. I'm glad we have several talented Democratic leaders

that's an impressive announcment from Dean.

[tainted_chimp]

78. This is GREAT fucking news!

We need this sooo badly!

[Piperay]

79. HURRAY...

Go for it Dean and I hope you are successful for the good of the party and for all of us! :thumbsup:

[Thurgood Marshall]

81. Dean should lead

Dean's head of the DNC would be best for the party at this time. Voting scandals aside, in my mind, the early tossing away of Dean in the primaries helped cost the Democrats in this election.

Dean did more to energize youth and the internet activism and is in touch with grass roots politics. I believe the neo-Clintonites who worked to keep him out also kept many young voters away on election day who were previously energized by Dean early in the election cycle.

Howard Dean is an interesting mix of a fiscal centrist with social progressiveness. And many of you mentioned that he isn't afraid to tell it like it is. A refreshing change and one Democrats need now.

[bklyncowgirl]

82. Let the revolution begin nt

[carnie_sf]

85. Dean for DNC chair

Wes Clark in 2008