Isn't this issue made for Dean?

[senseandsensibility]

We have a new leader, Dems, and his name is Howard Dean. He has said that he will not be in charge of policy, and I support that. In fact, I have nothing against Howard at all. I will always be grateful to him for voicing opposition to the war and to * when others were too afraid.

But now it time for him to stand up. The idiot in chief is traveling the country ON OUR DIME, holding faux town hall meetings that WE can't attend. He should be screaming about this, and he should tell all other Dems who appear on TV to scream along with him.

I do get tired of having to beg Dems to use winning issues that just fall into their lap. I was hoping that with Dean in charge, I wouldn't have to.

[acmejack]

1. Absolutely correct

We need to compile the costs we're footing for these little forays into the heartland. It can't be cheap!

[madfloridian]

6. He did.

http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/031005/dean.html

[Cha]

10. Thanks for the link, madflor..

SNIPS~

The memo argues that Democratic criticism of private accounts would be “more powerful if rooted in a definitive direction and conviction.”
For now, Pelosi has ordered House Democrats to “oppose, not propose,” changes to Social Security, according to a well-placed Democrat.

Inside the caucus meeting, Dean received the biggest applause when he promised that he would put at least four political operatives in all 50 states and not just the so-called “battleground” states.

He also briefed lawmakers on his efforts to shore up grassroots organizing, saying that the DNC is touting its message to save Social Security in advertisements on African-American, Spanish-language and rural radio stations.

Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), the ranking Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, was the first lawmaker to welcome Dean. Rangel highlighted what he described as the need for a close working relationship between House Democrats and the DNC.

This is tres interesting and chock full of info on what Dean is discussing..

I'm glad there's Dean!

[MelissaB]

2. I agree!

He needs to tackle this one.

[madfloridian]

5. He did.

http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/031005/dean.html

[LizW]

3. He criticized Bush's road show in a meeting with House Dems Thursday

See this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1298658

[madfloridian]

4. This was posted there several times...he went after Bush.

http://www.thehill.com/thehill/export/TheHill/News/Frontpage/031005/dean.html

Dean slams Bush on town-hall meetings
By Jonathan E. Kaplan
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said yesterday that President Bush’s policy of excluding non-Republicans from town-hall meetings on Social Security reform was “not an American thing to do.”

Patrick g. Ryan
DNC Chairman Howard Dean met yesterday with House Democrats.
Dean spoke at the House Democrats’ weekly meeting for 15 minutes and took questions from lawmakers, according to several sources inside the well-attended closed-door gathering. He made the comments about the town-hall meetings at a press conference after the closed-door session.

At the press conference, House Democratic leaders said they were most exercised about Bush’s town-hall meetings, which are open only to Republican voters and party activists."

Inside the caucus meeting, Dean received the biggest applause when he promised that he would put at least four political operatives in all 50 states and not just the so-called “battleground” states.

He also briefed lawmakers on his efforts to shore up grassroots organizing, saying that the DNC is touting its message to save Social Security in advertisements on African-American, Spanish-language and rural radio stations."

[senseandsensibility]

8. He needs to go on the talk shows

with this. I'm glad he has tackled it, but unless he does so in live interviews, and tells ALL other Dems who appear on television to scream about it, it's just not enough. The mediawhores will ignore it.

[madfloridian]

9. He has explained that. I thought you knew.

Actually it is our own congressional members who are wanting him to give them the spotlight. He graciously has taken himself out of the limelight to work at more local levels.

He said he will give national interviews later on.

He expects us to fight for our right, let the party know. He can not do that as chair.

I would rather see him go 3rd party, but that won't happen.

[daninthemoon]

16. Don't forget, we gotta get the media to report what he has to say

If they can slip it in between Jackson and the Atlanta shooting

[madfloridian]

7. Poor Howard. He just can't keep that bunch in line...been a month now.

Geez, guys. Give a guy a break. He has been to the South, KS, going to TN on the 22.

He is meeting with congressional leaders, and being told by the DLC types to keep his nose to the grindstone and his mouth shut.

[paineinthearse]

11. Work from the inside

A personal journey.

I first volunteered for a Democrat as a "student for McGovern" in the snows of New Hampshire in 1971. Over the years I didn's stay active, but always kept abrest of politics.

After the November debacle, to counter Rove's perpetual campaign, I pledged to work from within the party, organizing a town committee where one did not exist.

Using www.meetup.com, I'm now well connected with the local Dems.

The way to influence party direction is to work from within. Get active in your local town/ward committee. Become a delegate to platform and nominating committees. Invite members of the DNC to your town/ward meetings.

I'm now in a position where communications with DNC members is weekly.

Just get connected.

p.s. :hi: senseandsensability, ltns!

[senseandsensibility]

13. dumb question

what is ltns? Hi, paine! I am connected at the local level, and it's great in so many ways. One unexpected way is social; we're invited to some really good parties. As far as affecting national politics, I see that as a long term strategy. There's nothing wrong with long term strategies, but when you're fighting an evil empire the national party needs to recognize that NOW in my opinion.

[janx]

12. You don't want him to support policy, but you want him to support

policy?

Make up your mind! ;-)

[NYCGirl]

15. LOL!! Lots of people here were carping on it

when he was running for chair..."I hope he doesn't think he'll be able to set policy!"

Now, when anything happens, it's "Why doesn't Howard Dean do something about that?"

[senseandsensibility]

14. HE said that he would not be in charge of policy.

I said nothing about supporting policy. Many piled on him for saying that. I still don't want him in charge of policy. I want him in charge of politics. Big difference, and I have no trouble making up my mind, but thanks for the words of wisdom.