Dean's 50-State Strategy Continues to Generate Debate

[DeepModem Mom]

WP: Dean's 50-State Strategy Continues to Generate Debate
By Jonathan Weisman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 26, 2008; Page A22


Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, turns over the convention gavel to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Denver. (Preston Keres/WP)

DENVER, Aug. 25 -- When Howard Dean officially opened the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, he could look with satisfaction at the assembled delegates from all 50 states, knowing that many more states are in play this campaign season than were before he took over the party.

"Looking out from this podium tonight, I see this diverse assembly of Democrats as a testament to the strength and unity of our party and the fruition of our 50-state strategy," the party chairman told the throng as he gaveled the convention to session. "While the Democratic Party is the oldest continuing party in the world, I can also see that we are the most vibrant, inclusive and energized party, and we are ready to compete in all 50 states in November.

But with the Democratic National Committee still scrambling for cash and a more defined role in the presidential campaign, Dean's tenure at the helm is as debated now as it was when he stormed to power after his 2004 primary defeat. Democratic leaders are quick to praise his vision of expanding the party's reach beyond the narrow swath of swing states that dominated party organizing for more than a decade. But the gap between Dean's vision of an expanded battlefield and his execution of a plan that could turn those battlefields blue remains open to question.

"I think he's doing well," said Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.). "I wish he could raise more money. That would help us. But I have to say his 50-state strategy turned out to be just what we needed." "The problem was not his concept; the concept has been vindicated," said a senior party official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity so as to not reopen old wounds. "It was the implementation."

For Dean, such guarded praise actually represents progress. After his spectacular collapse in 2004, Dean took over the party determined to show that the Internet activists and grass-roots organizers who propelled his long-shot campaign to momentary front-runner status could be harnessed for a more lasting ascent to power....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/25/AR2008082502463.html?hpid=topnews

[smiley_glad_hands]

1. Only one's still debating are the Pumas.

[DeepModem Mom]

6. PUMAs have a position on the 50-state strategy? nt

[smiley_glad_hands]

7. Dunno, but they have a position on Dean. eom

[Davis_X_Machina]

2. The power of the top of the ticket...

...especially when vested in an incumbent, must be broken, or we'll have a return to the Clinton years of popular presidents facing down Republican majorities in Congress. The Republicans never fell prey to this misconception, and they fight like wolverines all the way down the ballot to dogcatcher.

Winning and governing are two different things. One is an end, one is a means.

And as my wise old moral theology prof. told me "The most potent source of human unhappiness is confusing needs with wants, and means with ends.

[kansasblue]

3. I was happy to see shots of Dean on TV tonight at the convention

I like Dean. I love the 50 state project. Very early he was here in Kansas. He was at a party in Lawrence.

[last1standing]

4. This isn't debate it's talking points from the disaffected.

Dean took a moribund operation and turned it into a successful organization with feet on the ground in every state. Without his vision there would be no Democratic majority in the house or senate.

The only debate at this point is whether anyone could have foreseen so much success so soon. The rest is just sour grapes.

[DCKit]

5. Fierce competition to take over a newly successful franchise.

That's Dean's vindication. Now everyone else is crowing about how they could do it better. WTF?

Dr. Dean is likely stepping down next year, but I hope he leaves a hand-picked team in charge. Avarice and naked ambition are not good enough. Qualified adults need to remain in charge of the DNC or the Republicans are going to begin making gains again within two years.

Only slightly off-topic: How many more election cycles before it's safe to throw the DLC under the bus then back over it a few times?