Win or lose, democracy stands fast

[cal04]

KATHLEEN PARKER

And now, ladies and gentleman, a final round of applause for the real winners of the midterm elections: The American people, democracy and, yes, Howard Dean.

(snip)
It is a remarkable thing, this process we take for granted; it is also good for the rest of the world to witness as Americans shift directions with civility and pledges of unity. Whether those pledges hold is another matter, but the spirit implicit in the United States of America remains intact.

(snip)
Finally, it was Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, who really won Tuesday with his 50-state strategy. While others in his party wanted to spend money on candidates, Dean insisted on rebuilding the party's infrastructure. As one insider put it to me: "Dean's greatest weakness (stubbornness) became his greatest strength."

Dean spent millions paying and training staff in states where there was little or no party structure. The good doctor accurately diagnosed what ailed his party and produced the cure. He built the party, and the people came.

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20061111/1060576.asp