I’ve discussed the DNC Chair privately with others and have come to the conclusion, despite initial reservations, that Howard is ultimately the right person for the position - and with some effort, likely to get the job. He’s lined up a lot of diverse support, which has impressed me (addressing one of my major concerns). He still has work ahead of him - but he’s a smart man and I think he is as capable as anyone of getting the job done. While it sounds like a cop-out, knowing much of Howard’s baggage ahead of time has real value (for him and us). Howard is quite aware of framing issues - and the last time everyone worried about Howard’s baggage we got…well, we didn’t get to defeat Bush. It wasn’t about perfection then - and it still isn’t, but we can learn. I think Howard has learned and is willing to learn, and that makes a huge difference. Enough said. Winning Illinois is likely to be of great importance for Howard - and it can become a reality with your help!
Eric Davis, founder of Democracy for Illinois, who has been extremely involved with Howard Dean’s national campaigns (from presidential run to Democracy For America to DNC Chair) asks Democracy For America (DFA) members who support Dean to write their state’s Democratic Party chairmen/women and ask for their support of Dean (this is at Howard’s direction). Howard specifically asked that DFA members NOT write/call other DNC voting delegates in other states, or other delegates in our own state, unless you know you are a constituent of that person (your local party committeeman, for example). Eric writes:
“The Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois (and the man who holds most of the votes from this state) is IL House Speaker Michael Madigan.
SO…please start right now, right after reading this. Write a short, hand-written note telling him ‘here’s how I’m personally involved now, and Dean’s why, and you should support him for Party chair’ notes, to
Hon. Michael Madigan, Chairman
Democratic Party of Illinois
PO Box 518, Springfield, IL 62705
and please also tell all your fellow Dean supporters and/or DFA volunteers. Please also check in regularly at www.democracyforillinois.org (or, of course, www.democracyforamerica.com!) for the latest information.”
Thank you for your support!
Comments 3
Hiram, should we address the letters to ‘Honorable’ Michael Madigan or ‘Honorable Speaker’ MM? It never hurts to kiss up.
Posted 19 Jan 2005 at 10:14 am ¶Hi Weinerdog43,
There are two ways to take your “kiss up” comment. The first way, and the way I think you mean it (since I know you) is as a joke of sorts regarding Michael Madigan’s preferences. The second is as a criticism of my post.
I say this completely unoffended - so no worries (either way). I mention it because, in hindsight, this was not the type of quality post I like to put up on WurfWhile.com. It lacks a decent, public argument why Howard’s vulnerabilities should be discounted. I offer no excuse, other than to say that it was late last night when I was working on it, and having no time to address it properly - I put it up hoping that I had done a good enough job. I didn’t. Tomorrow I will post a more considered argument why I think Howard is right for the job, and why my endorsement, however convenient as a Democracy For America Meetup Host, is not just “kissing up”
Thank you for calling me on it (even if unintentionally) - and yes, I mean it. I think I have pretty good quality control - but it isn’t infallible. You and other readers make it better.
Posted 19 Jan 2005 at 11:56 pm ¶It was not a criticism of your post!
Perhaps the most important point is that whatever ones feelings for Dr. Dean may be, he brings with him the unmistakeable aura of a reformer. This may later turn out not to be true, but the alternatives are simply not acceptable. With the exception of Mr. Rosenberg and Mr. Fowler, I don’t think anyone else ‘gets it’. For all intents and purposes, the DNC chair is the face of the party. I may be wrong, but Dean is the most recognizable public figure who was against the war in Iraq. He is also well aware of the benefits of framing the debate on our terms. I just don’t see the others as holding their own agaisnt someone like Radicot or the RNC chair.
Don’t apologize for your post. While, yes, I was being a little snarky about the Speaker, (he has such a tiny ego don’t cha know), your fundamental point is well taken: Get the letters out now folks!
Posted 20 Jan 2005 at 7:26 am ¶Post a Comment