HATS Off to Howard Dean !

[Laura PourMeADrink]

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/

Dem Howard Dean's 528,468-Mile Journey
January 03, 2008 08:13 PM ET | Bedard, Paul | Permanent Link

Phew! What started as a groundbreaking but controversial bid to set up Democratic Party offices in every state, even red ones, has been completed, and party boss Howard Dean has the frequent-flier miles to prove it. Exactly 528,468, after a brief visit to Hawaii last month, his 50th and final state to organize. "And those," he says, "don't include the international trips." Recall that his "50-State Plan" was slapped around in 2006 when party leaders wanted Dean to stop adding offices in GOP states and instead fund House and Senate races. He did both, and now the Democrats control Congress and have full-time officials around the nation. That should help the eventual party nominee, he says. "We do have a field operation in every state, so nobody's going to have to come in to a state and ask which way to the bathroom," says Dean.

Over 35 months, the 2004 presidential hopeful and ex-Vermont guv learned some tricks, like: Don't check luggage. "I go someplace for two weeks, and I don't check luggage, though that usually involves a laundromat." Fly early; know your route. He's so air-smart, friends joke that he should run the Federal Aviation Administration.

"It'll be worth it if we win," he says of his travels. "I like to work hard," Dean adds. "That way, if you don't win, at least you've done everything possible you could to win."

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[rocktivity]

1. Can I get a Dean Scream?

YEEEEAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!

And cue the Vonage theme!

:woohoo:
rocknation

[patrice]

3. I'll second that motion:

YEEEEAAAAAAGGGGHHHH!

:bounce:

[sam sarrha]

11. the "media" dean scream was digitally altered out of a room full of screaming people, it was then

manipulated by the media into a mass hysteria mind control program to make everyone feel embarrassed as if they had made that altered noise in packed "quiet" room...

it was very devious

[patrice]

2. Congratulations Dr. Dean!

But I've got to say: I wish some of these "Independents" and cross-overs had been there for him 4 years ago, because Dr. Dean is the ONE who created the train that all of them are jumping on now.

Oh well . . . better LATE! than never . . . I guess . . . .

[bemildred]

4. Dean rules.

:applause:

[benny05]

5. BooYah!

He has been an excellent chairman. Thank you, Howard Dean.

[The Backlash Cometh]

9. That marine yell, "Boo-YAH!" Do you know that phonetically, in Spanish is means

noise?

[crikkett]

6. What, just one hat?

that should be 'Hats' since Hat's is a contraction of "hat is"

-grammar police

[Laura PourMeADrink]

8. duely noted !

[KharmaTrain]

7. Dr. Dean Has Done A Lot No One Recognizes

When people ask who I feel is the most dynamic Democrat today, I always say Dr. Dean. Most have forgotten him as his work has been not only under the media radar, but even of most Democrats. His contributions over the past 4 years have been greater than any Democrat and while not being credited with making the winds of change blow, he's sure helping direct it in the proper way.

He's rebuilt the DNC into a truly NATIONAL committee...a far cry from the McAuliffe days where millions were spent on mailing lists and nifty puters but little was invested in the people. The Democratic party is now "rebuilding the farm system"...setting up shop in places long forgotten or under supported. There are few places now a Democrat not only can run, but can be very competitive.

He's also embraced new thinking and expanded the party base. The proof are the strong fundraising numbers...more people donating now than ever and money going into campaigns and party building rather than consultants and nice DC digs.

Kudos to Dr. Dean...here's hoping he's re-elected unanimously as DNC Chair should he decide to stay on.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

10. It's an extraordinary accomplishment ! I travel for a living and

traveling is a total nightmare. You have to
practice meditation constantly so that you
don't go postal with all the delays and hassle.

This proves he is a "get the job done person" and
would have made an extraordinary president.

I would love to know the progress made on getting
Dems in the Sec of State positions. He was wise
enough to realize that they controlled elections
and could nip valid recount requests off at the bud.

[KharmaTrain]

15. Also Winning State Houses...That Will Be Big In 2010

Yes...having a Democratic Secratary of State in Ohio is a lot better this year...no Blackwells to deal with.

I think the real dividend is his work on building strong parties on the state level...flipping the balance of state houses to the Democrats. New Hampshire is one example of that work. Come 2011 this majority will rebalance many DeLay gerrymandered boundries and enable Democrats to win even more House seats.

I know all about the travel...I'm fortunate to live near O'hare and can travel non-stop to most locations...but even that can be an adventure. Last summer I traveled the Acela...the high speed train from New York to Philly...it was a joy...no snotty TSA screeners, the train was on time and an hour later it pulled into the 30th Street station. OK, so I had to endure the Jersey countyside (just kidding) but it was the best travel experience I've had in ages. Any future trips I make to the NE corridor, this is the way I go.

Cheers...

[Laura PourMeADrink]

16. You know I would love to hear a candidate say - Let's connect

all our major cities by high speed rail by X date.

I have never understood why we have let our rail
system languish. In Europe it is wonderful !

[Hutzpa]

12. Bravo Mr Dean, bravo!!!

will people start paying attention now.


:woohoo: :applause:

[blogslut]

13. What a sweet mistake he turned out to be

Sorry. I got "The Simpson's Movie" as a late Christmas present. :)

His 2004 presidential campaign showed us all the power of Internet community and organization when it comes to politics. I was sad that he rose so high and fell so fast in the race. Still, look where he is and look what he's done. I like him just where he is.

[mnhtnbb]

14. With no help from the DLC. This guy is a true patriot.

[rocktivity]

17. An oldie but goodie

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2969561

:headbang:
rocknation