Dean again, new column: "Democrats Cannot Give Up "

[madfloridian]

http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_15090.shtml

SNIP..."The Democrats took a beating last week, at least at the federal level. But while the re-election of the president may be a setback on many levels, especially from the point of view of fiscal conservatives like myself; the Democratic Party is not in the middle of a catastrophe.

First, at the local grassroots level, Democrats fared better than the Republicans. We picked up two state legislatures, and a number of other offices. We also had some near misses in a states where candidates who had never run before did very well, thus helping to build a strong bench for 2006.

SNIP..."Having said all this, the Democratic Party needs an overhaul. We will never win by trying to be “Republican-lite.”

I think Democrats have a better message. First, we are fiscally responsible, and deficits hurt America. There is nothing moral about passing on our debts to our children. You cannot trust Republicans with your money. This week another increase in the debt ceiling is to be voted on, and Democrats need to stand fast for fiscal responsibility.

The President successfully turned a discussion about moral values into a discussion about gay marriage and abortion. I think moral values are also about how you treat poor people, how you treat those who are different, how you respect the opinion of others, and what you leave to your children. On those moral values, I think the Republicans lose. We need to talk about these values too...."

[rockymountaindem]

1. This dude had better be the new DNC chair.

I don't want to see another tired money man in there.

[Nightjock]

2. So the silence from our leaders ends

and there is not ONE word about voter fraud. I should not have gotten my hopes up that anyone had a backbone.

[madfloridian]

4. Dean can NOT talk about voter fraud. Think.

He would be way out of line, sorry, but he would. That is the job of the campaign, which kept him on the sidelines mostly, and the DNC, which keeps its distance from Dean.

So why in the world would he take the chance of making an accusation when the campaign and party do not have it as an issue.

[LisaL]

7. Dean sure was concerned voter fraud before the election

He send out e-mails asking people to sign a petition to make sure every machine gave out a paper receipt.
Why couldn't he talk about voter FRAUD now?

[NYCGirl]

9. Maybe you should ask the DNC/DLC why they weren't listening to him then?

NT

[madfloridian]

11. May I ask you why the campaign isn't? Why need Dean now?

Why does everyone expect him to carry the load on fraud?

[Ducks In A Row]

5. same here

are the dnc and dlc people afraid? why? they can't think that the rethugs will let them have any real power in congress.

if they do they are more stupid than ever believed, and we need to get rid of them. we need to rebuild the party without them

[madfloridian]

6. Also I posted about his powerful Dartmouth speech last night.

He is really speaking out.

[cali]

8. Dean has never been silent

Your criticism merely illustrates your ignorance.

[Nightjock]

13. I am many things cali

but not ignorant.
Perhaps I was out of line but I am dumbstruck by the continued silence (post 11-2) and my hope is turning to dissapointment!
Believe me--- in full Monday Morning quarterback mode---I would not have fallen into the "Dean is unelectable" crowd if I had it to do all over again...

[madfloridian]

15. Here is my other thread about his Dartmouth speech last night.

He IS the only one speaking out, and he can NOT talk fraud. Put on your thinking cap.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=1340562&mesg_id=1340562

[MoJoWorkin]

3. damn straight--Dean's da Man!

:kick:

[ProfessorPlum]

10. That's what I'm talking about

This guy has never been afraid to stand up and unapologetically announce what is so GOOD about the Democratic party. The Democrats had better get him into a position to do some good, or they will be choking on electoral losses for decades to come.

[Voltaire]

14. Just not inside the party

Dean would be silenced as DNC Chair. If he wants to run again, and I hope to GOD he does, then he should do it from the outside, just like last time. Tougher, smarter, wiser, but from the OUTSIDE!

[ProfessorPlum]

16. Yeah, that's a GREAT idea

Marginalize him, so that the apologetic leadership is ensconsed, and Dean's positive message is kept at the fringe of the party.

Dean is no outsider. He is a pretty mainstream Democrat. His policies are sane and centrist, except that he makes a great case for Democratic principles. That is exactly what the entire party needs - not for him to be shunted away like he is a crazy aunt.

[madfloridian]

12. I post how Dean is talking out....folks say why isn't he talking out?

Go figure. :shrug:

[xxqqqzme]

17. U just can't please some people

I have enormous respect 4 Howard, volunteered in 2 states 4 him, donated, raised money, walked precincts...u name it. I am torn. If the Democratic party is 2 survive, they need 2 pay attention 2 Howard's message. I would love 2 C him B DNC chair 4 that reason but I don't want the confines of that position 2 shrink his voice and stature. He delivers the 'social progressive; fiscal conservative' message better than anyone.

[ProfessorPlum]

18. I wouldn't want to shrink his voice either

But giving him the bully pulpit of the chairmanship (and he would treat it as a bully pulpit) would amplify his message and give ALL Democrats a shot in the arm. It would rejuvenate the party. Dean is no appeaser.

[JetCityLiberal]

19. Thanks for this madfloridian

We sure as heck are NOT giving up in my house. Ever. We are attending our district Democratic meetings now and are looking forward to going to a DFA meet up in Everett.

The Democratic candidate here my wife and I door knocked and phone called for won re-election. He was recommended on the DFA site as well.
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/candidates/candidate.php?district_id=2039875

If anything, my voice will become even louder.

Thank you Howard Dean, keep us believing.

And thank you madfloridian, you keep me believing as well!

JetCityLiberal

[madfloridian]

20. Thanks, I appreciate that.

My husband and I have been so down and depressed. He is going to the DEC meeting tonight, but he is on the edge of not going anymore. Our Democrats here are so used to bending over for the Republicans that they feel guilty if they stand up for anything.

He is on the verge of telling a couple of them off as well. I would rather he stay home, but one of our DFA group is trying for a position..I just told him to keep his mouth shut.

We need a leader now, not political correctness.