What is the primary role of DNC: to elect Dems or to advance Dem policies

[NAO]

With Dean as chairman of the DNC, I find myself wondering what the charter of the DNC really is.

Is it supposed to concentrate on helping Democratic candidates get elected?

Does it's function include working strategically to advance Democratic policies?

Does it include educating the public on the issues and the Democratic position on the issues, separately from the electoral efforts of any candidate or race?

It seems like a narrow focus on elections and candidates would really limit the effectiveness of the DNC to advance the agenda of the Democratic Party.

A more strategic focus - working with elected Democrats to get everyone on the same page (as much as possible); coordinating with the media to get elected Democrats and effective Democratic spokespeople booked on TV as much as possible; and developing education programs that would inform citizens on the issues (that's not quite the same as informing voters on the issues) - would seem to be much more effective.

Does anyone know how they (the DNC) see themselves fitting into the picture? Do they think they are just 'helping candidates' or do they try to engage in wide, long range strategic programs?

[merbex]

1. Very good question

One in which the Party seems to struggling with right now

[adwon]

2. Elections

The odds of a central organization accurately representing the various wings of the party are tiny. If the DNC staked out public positions that were untenable in certain areas, it would hurt the elected Democrats from that area. The DNC doesn't have accountability like elected officials, that's why they don't set policy.

[smoogatz]

3. Seems to me they're mutually dependent--

essentially the same thing. How can you elect Dems without advancing Dem policies, and vice versa?

[Sanity Claws]

4. That was my immediate response too.

You can't have without the other.

[welshTerrier2]

5. advancing Dem policies will help elect Democrats ...

thinking you can separate "campaign mechanics" from a deep commitment to a system of values, beliefs and policies is exactly what has caused the Democratic Party to grow weaker over the last 25 years ...

we need to get elected Democrats, the grassroots, Democrats who have left the Party for other parties and those who no longer vote at all engaged in a national dialog on the issues ... when Democrats campaigning for office reflect the collective wisdom of all these groups, and right now they don't, Democrats will drive the right-wingers out of Washington ...

[illflem]

6. My understanding is that the DNC's

main function is fund raising.

[beyurslf]

7. Both are essential but electing Dems is the central role. Promoting the

party is one way to help elect Dems.

[Totally Committed]

8. You cannot govern if you do not win...

you cannot have one without the other.

They need to do both things now!

TC