Dean Meetup: When Are We Going To Focus on GE Organizing

[Sensitivity]

Our meetup last night was mostly testimonials on experience in Iowa.
A lot of angst, self-criticism and analysis of Iowans and the Caucus process.

Surprisingly, one of the leaders that went to Iowa suggested we seriously consider linking up with Kerry. Whoa, the reaction was immediate from a bunch of folk. No way, we ARE going to get Dean the nomination. A lot of snide remarks followed and discussion of what to do if Dean falters was killed.

It was interesting that those who went to Iowa were much more ready to discuss Kerry than those who didn't. I have a couple Kerry friends. But, as a whole our meetup group is so steeped in anti-Kerry feeling I am really worried that all our efforts are never going to move forward into a bigger grass-roots movement to win in November.

Our primary is March 3rd, but I hear that Wisconsin next week is do or die. If Dean doesn't win will we have a meetup to plan towards the GE? Will anyone come the meetup?

I have really enjoyed all the meetups but my passion is to win in November and now I feel that the focus on personality and negativity means that most of our community building and work is going to be wasted.

[LuminousX]

1. You cannot ask people who are invested in Dean

to turn their backs on Dean before Dean has officially dropped out. You don't give up the fight until there is no more fight left. The fact that Dean has set out specific conditions, letting everyone know under what circumstances he will end his campaign means that we have to work hard up until that circumstance comes about.

Linking up with Kerry will be the hardest thing to do. Each person will have to decide for him or herself who they will support. The Dean movement should attempt to transcend the presidential race and focus on further revitalization of the Democratic party.

[Sensitivity]

3. Some of US have been active before. We have made Leaps as a group

during the Dean campaign. But is the progress now going to dissipate
in a lot of internal dissention and bad feelings if Dean doesn't make it? That wasn't the feeling when we started out. But now the number of the group wanting to change the world rather that follow one person seams to have decreased rather that increased.

We can turn it around, but last night, at least, some vocal members are stifling any hope.

[LuminousX]

4. Last night wasn't the appropriate time

Last night you should have been talking about what you could do to help Dean win Wisconsin.

After Dean drops out, the Meet Ups can begin discussing 'what do we do now.'

Tact, much?

[WiseMen]

7. Just Heard Dean will Keep going even if he looses Wisconsin.

Guess he just saw the latest poll.

I am not sure this is fair to his supporters.

[creativelcro]

2. Wow, a Kerry infiltrator... Good job....

[Renew Deal]

5. All the work you have done is valuable.

Remember, only one candidates supporters will be happy. There will be 8-9 unhappy camps. That's how it is. You just have to get ready to move on and merge with the other groups. Your community will expand when the nominee is chosen, not contract. Remember, this is all done to find someone to run against Bushco. And I tdon't think there is anyone here that would prefer Bush*.

[Raya]

6. Its been pretty lonely Since I quit Dean. Hope your group holds

together and then helps us win the GE after Dean drops out.

Good luck with this weekend.