US NEWS: CCC Invites Dean to address it's board..

[Kahuna]

On edit: I forgot the US News link:
http://www.usnews.com/usnews/issue/031117/whispers/17whisplead.htm

snip...
Rebels For Dean
Vermonter Howard Dean's grab for the redneck vote has won him just the kind of support he doesn't want: white supremacists. The Council of Conservative Citizens has put an open letter of support for Dean on its Web page, next to the Confederate flag Dean cited--then denounced--when airing plans to go after white guys who display the rebel emblem on pickup trucks. "We wish to commend you," says CCC Prez Tom Dover. Recall that talks by Sen. Trent Lott to the group helped end his reign as majority leader as Republicans ducked racism charges.

http://www.cofcc.org/events.htm

What say you Deanies? How should Howard handle this? Should he go? I have made no judgements about this. I'm interested in your takes.

snip...
If you are indeed serious that you wish to be the candidate of "white folks in the South who drive pickup trucks with Confederate flag decals on the back," then the Council of Conservative Citizens is the group to whom you need to speak.

Hoping to see you in Nashville next weekend, we thank you for your attention.

[La_Serpiente]

1. Oh my gawd

I do not think Dean should take it unless it was done in the same room as NAACP members.

He needs to address both of them at the same time.

This is on par with Bush talking at Bob Jones University.

[Kahuna]

2. You're a smarty. If he could get them...

in the same room, it would be quite a coup.

[La_Serpiente]

4. And make sure

that they do not bring the confederate flag to the table of brotherhood *hee hee*

[Kahuna]

7. They wouldn't bring it to the table...

but I'm sure that they have the flag in every room.

[polpilot]

23. EVERONE, EVERY GROUP will try to pile on Prez Dean's train before

it reaches Pa. Avenue.

Dean '04...

[hlthe2b]

19. He should insist on an inclusionist audience...

IF CCC will invite African American and other leaders.......

[Don_G]

3. Probably Not

But it is instructive though. They're worried about the destruction of their culture first followed by their jobs. I suppose they can't see that Dimbo has sold them down the river already.

[w4rma]

5. I think he should address the CCC board. Maybe a few of them will listen

to Dean? If not them, then maybe someone else who hears about his address.

[Kahuna]

6. I suppose that if he went and told them...

that they are a bunch of rascist neanderthals it would be a good thing. As long as he doesn't pander to them I suppose it wouldn't hurt.

[Kamika]

8. I think he should just make a statement

That Dean represents America, and America consists of people of every color.

[tsipple]

9. Probably Ignore It, But...

...It is tempting to go down there and tell them to their faces what he thinks.

Nothing ever boring in politics, is it?

One more day, one more week, in which the other Democratic candidates can't get any media oxygen. And that's not good for them.

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[RuB]

13. I think of the old Saturday Nite Live skit

and the famous line, "Jane you ignorant slut" when I think of some of the supposed Democratic talking heads in the media. I saw Margaret Carlson on a c-span show a few months back on with Wilson and they were discussing the infamous "Niger" quote and she looked so uncomfortabled sitting next to him and eventually she got up and left the show!! Lou Dobbs, Colmes, Margaret Carlson, Novak and the like are to me fitting of that line, "___________ you ignorant slut."

[quaker bill]

12. Were I Howard Dean

I would probably have a conflict on my schedule that day. In fact, on this short notice, it is not at all unlikely that he actually has one.

However, I would put out a carefully worded statement to the board welcoming their support on the 'issues where we agree'.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

15. I Think He Should Go And Tell The Truth....

It would be a hoot

[virtualobserver]

34. agreed....He should go there and talk straight......

He shouldn't pull any punches.

He should let them boo him off the stage.

[loyalsister]

37. That would be brilliant!

and totally in keeping with his campaign style. He should go and say look, "If you have a bad attitude about people of other cultures that influences your voting, you are letting your racism interfere with the success of your children's schools. Do you see how damaging these attitudes have been yet? It is hurting EVERYONE! It backfires every time. Your racism is like a suicide bomb- ineffective, and self damaging."

[Scott Lee]

42. If election year politic rules hold, it shouldn't matter

Otherwise, every rightwing republican whoever spoke at Bob Jones U would have lost.

[Floradora]

14. write the CCC an open letter

The idea about getting the CCC and the NAACP in the same room is great--though the NAACP is moderate and is not the opposite of the CCC, which is extremist. I think Dean should write an open letter outlining his entire platform comparing it with the CCC platform, and asking the CCC if they are ready to give up their stated goals and work for his. The letter would spotlight what he is about and what they are about.

[Nazgul35]

17. Perhaps...

the Nation of Islam and the CCC in the same room....

Last time something like this happened didn't Geraldo's nose get broken?!

Seriously, Dean should ignore them as much as he ignored the attempts by some candidates to paint him as embracing the confed flag....what he should do is go to the poor rural regions of the south and talk frankly and openly about how they're getting screwed by the repugs...

[The Backlash Cometh]

16. Can Dean really be naive about who is behind the "redneck" vote?

There are rednecks and then there are rednecks. And if you can't tell the difference between the two, then you're not fit to run this country. It's really that simple.

[leesa]

18. He should definitely go. It's not often someone who is not a racist can

speak to these addled people. They will not like what they hear, but I don't think they will lynch him.
Also, he will be able to clarify what he was saying and we can all decide what to think. If they are true racists they will hate it if he does not induldge their desire to hate.

[HFishbine]

44. Not unless

It's open to the public.

I have no doubt that Dean would know just what to say to this group, but the whole country needs to hear it. Since their "board" meeting is advertised as being closed to the public, it wouldn't matter what Dean had to say if the reality of the headlines would be "Dean meets behind closed doors with white supremisists."

[lysergik]

20. If he speaks to them, kiss the presidency goodbye.

Did you happen to miss this part?

"We wish to commend you," says CCC Prez Tom Dover. Recall that talks by Sen. Trent Lott to the group helped end his reign as majority leader as Republicans ducked racism charges.

Talk about walking into a trap. Write an open letter to these folks and certainly don't appease their mission at all. Garnering the support of these wingnuts if right up there with getting the support of the KKK.

[Scott Lee]

43. Oh NONSENSE

First of all, Lott's long and well known association with the CCC did not "help end his reign as majority leader", as you put it. If you recall, the incident that did end his gig as Senate ML was a crack he made at Strom Thurmond's birthday party that suggested the nation would be better off today if we had elected a segregationist like Strom back in the 60s.

Can you imagine what it could do for Dean if he actually took this invite, walked into the lions lair, and let them have it with both barrells?

Maybe you thought you were dealing with whimps like Gephardt or Kerry.

[Zynx]

21. This is fascinating.

I really didn't think that they would like hear the things Dean said, but I have heard many southern whites now saying things along the lines of "what a great man he is for saying this". It kind of reminds me of when Carter said, regarding busing, that he wouldn't want to disrupt the "ethnic purity of the community" and he went on to sweep the south. Part of that was because of his regional position, but the point remains.

He shouldn't addres them though considering they are a racist group.

[Larkspur]

22. If Dean accepts, I 'm confident he'd give 'em Hell over their racial bias

and support of Repukes who are swindling this country, white and black, blind.

[mandyky]

24. 3 words: Possible Assassination Attempt

Are these people really white supremacists? They don't admit they are racists, on their website. This is Dean's call to make, but I would rather he'd do a mixed forum with other racially diverse groups, and a few reps from this one...

[ElsewheresDaughter]

25. are you kidding?...fuck no!

[in_cog_ni_to]

26. He wanted to engage these people

in a dialogue, right? Well, then do it, with the understanding that African American's will also be invited.
That should be the ONLY way Dean would agree to attend. African American's and the CCC in the same room. How could he have a legitimate debate without the African American's being represented?

It would remind me of the old Phil Donahue shows or the old Geraldo shows when they had the KKK Grand Wizard and African American's on the stage together. I might add, those shows never accomplished anything except the hosts getting injured when the fights broke out.

I don't think it will ever happen. If the CCC doesn't agree to African American's being present, Dean should just say....No Thanks and write a letter.

[mzmolly]

47. ooooooooohhhhhh, that's a thought!!!

"Well, then do it, with the understanding that African American's will also be invited. That should be the ONLY way Dean would agree to attend. African American's and the CCC in the same room."

What an idea. ;)

"How could he have a legitimate debate without the African American's being represented?"

Is this a 'debate'?

[quinnox]

27. Dean should say, "While I welcome the support of the CCC,

I can't speak in front of them until they renounce their extremist positions. However, if they want their children to have healthcare, I welcome their vote."

[mzmolly]

48. Good answer!

:thumbsup:

[CWebster]

28. It was never about supporting what the flag represents

It was about appealing to those who are victimized by the Right's use of divisive symbols to ultimately vote against their own best interests economically.

No matter how you twist it...
Did any of Dean's accusers claim Dean was a bigot or a racist? No. Sharpton pulled out the race card because he was reacting to Jesse Jackson Jr's endorsement. The rest just used it as an opportunity to climb onboard.

Kerry spent the entire section on one morning program fielding questions about Dean and Edwards made a fool of himself on another. Both of them, at this point, are growing liabilities rather than assets in their pursuit of personal ambition over greater party unity.

Fuck 'em.

[dd123]

29. I think he should go and give them a few things to think about.

[Eloriel]

30. Welll, this IS interesting, isn't it?

For anyone who hasn't read their letter, please do. There are some obviously very objectionable things in it, but there are some not at all objectionable things as well.

Is it a trap? An assassination-in-the-works, as someone upthread speculated? I don't know, but I'm more likely to take this guy at his word, which is "let's have a dialogue." That's a great deal farther than any other Democrat of any kind has gotten.

I'll post again what Joe Scarborough said the other night in his coverage of Dean's flag flap: "There are millions of Southerners who vote Republican and don't feel very good about themselves for doing so. But it's a lot better than voting for someone who calls you a bigot."

As a Northerner who now lives in the rural South -- and I do mean rural, and I do mean South -- I can understand that comment all too well.

Let me put it this way. There are plenty of racists in the area where I live. In fact, there is KKK here. But the racism runs along a continuum scale -- from virtually zero to rabid KKK, depending on the individual. There is no way I support racism, BUT this is where I live, these are my neighbors. Do I denounce and refuse to have anything to do with those of my neighbors who I perceive to be more racist than I? Or do I engage with them on the things we can agree on and hope at some point to find opportunities to sway their attitudes? Think of the U.S. as one really big community.

Dean has promised -- and delivered, so far -- that he would go to the South and speak about race and racism with whites. Now he certainly has a chance to do just that. Will he? I have no idea. I'm not at all sure he should, but it's a totally intriguing thought. What fascinates me is that while the attention of THIS group may be unwanted, Dean's remarks got their attention and at least in part for the issues he wanted to get their attention about.

Eloriel

[realFedUp]

31. It didn't seem to hurt Haley Barbour....

I wouldn't advise Dean to address this hate group...
or any hate group but what's good for the goosers
lately ain't for the politically correct ganders.

[AntiCoup2K4]

32. Somehow, I doubt many of the CCC members are Democrats

The ones that were probably left the party when Strom Thurmond did (and good riddance) The CCC used to be called the "WHITE Citizens Council" so it's obvious what their agenda is. Dean's comments weren't meant to be an outreach to racist hate groups. Some of you seem to think he might light the first cross at the next Klan rally if asked.

[ThorsteinVeblen]

33. DEAN SHOULD GO SPEAK!

but demand that Jesse Jackson Jr. speak immediately before him.

Dean should also refuse to tailer his message in any way whatsoever. He should come out and say exactly what he believes.

The goal here is NOT to get the votes of these guys. The goal here is to change the debate from "race" to "self-interest". The goal here is to start the process of going from thesis and antithesis to synthesis.

He should not patronize them. But he should not tailer his message. Show them respect as people and southerns but challenge them on some ideas. Agree with others. These people are Americans. Transcend the bullshit. LEAD. CHANGE THINGS. Don't be a victim of the status quo. Change the course of history. Don't let history dictate the future.

[killbotfactory]

35. Dean should go tell them off

But it would be quite risky.

[Jacobin]

36. Got Carl Rove written all over it

[janx]

38. It sure does. But Dean won't walk into a situation like this blindly.

It's too full of interesting possibilities...

[dfong63]

39. fantastic opportunity to show his stuff

make it a joint address to the CCC and some mostly-black group. talk to them about the issues that should unite them. the need for economic justice, health care, education. taking back america from the greedy corporations. yeah!!!

[ferg]

40. talking to white people about race

is one of Dean's standard lines.

It would be a tough speech to write, but it's an interesting idea.

I do assume the CCC was just looking to smear Dean with their support, but they may have been too clever.

[Scott Lee]

41. And if Dean DID address them and change some of their minds

What would be the next bitter fit from the Dean Haterz? That he didn't convince "all of them", perhaps?

Or maybe that you didn't like Deans "smile"?

Or maybe that he wore the wrong shirt?

Or (insert any irrelevent, statist excuse for detesting a long needed change in party tactics)

[WhoCountsTheVotes]

45. These Republicans support Dean for the Democratic primary

The neo-klan CCC, all Republicans I'd bet, are supporting Dean for the Democratic primary, so they can vote against him in the general election.

Bush has Rice and Powell in his cabinet, and Dean is courting confederate flag wavers. Hispanics are watching closely.

Isn't it obvious what's going on? Dean screwed up, all the spin from his supporters went to his head, and now Dean is tilting at windmills.

This is NOT turning out well.

[mzmolly]

46. I think he should go and discuss 'racism'...

with these !@#%^.

[grasswire]

49. yes if c-span covers it live...

....and the camera shows audience shots.

I'd like to see their faces, actually.

Let him address them in full public view. He could take Jesse Jr. with him.

[E_Zapata]

50. Okay Deanites - weren't you saying we should reach out to the racists?

Oh, I forgot, you framed the whole confederate flag debate as not really having anything at all to do with racism. That's right, I forgot. 200 years of history just evaporated when Dean crossed a really disturbing line. All for Dean, and Dean for All!

Well, I think following your assertions that it was bold and courageous for Dean to reach out to that sect ("we need the votes"), that it is incumbent upon Dean to put his money where his mouth his. Yep, he should come address the CCC -- you know.....'we need the votes' and Dean is all about being all-inclusive - that's the beauty of the Dean campaign! It's for everyone! Democracy in Action.

And well, I would be fine if Dean spent the next 6 months reaching out and rallying all the extreme conservatives into the democratic party. That should keep him busy, and it is very important that Dean put action behind all these incredibly democratic principles.

What will it take for the Dean camp to admit that their candidate is not only a joke, he's downright scary. Kind of like Bush, Jr.

[virtualobserver]

51. what this really proves is that Gephardt, Kerry and the gang.......

played perfectly into Republican hands by stirring up this false issue.

By trying to make it about the flag, rather than what Dean intended, which was to illustrate that southerners needed to vote their pocketbook. They proved that they were nothing more than Politicians trying to score cheap political points.

It proves clearly that we need someone to take the reins of power from these incompetent fools, who have blown multiple Congressional elections with their poorly thought out manipulations.

These guys all voted for the war so that they wouldn't look wimpy as they strutted down the runway at the Presidential beauty contest.

Now they cry "racism", once again selling their souls in a pathetic, futile attempt to frighten people into voting for them.

They make me ill, and I have lost all respect for them.

[quaker bill]

52. If you tell the truth

and some people that you do not agree with on every point happen to vote for you, what is the problem?

The man was not talking about changing the message. Only getting it to people who need to hear it.

The actual joke in all of this was a number of democratic candidates playing Rove-ish out-of-context gotcha politics.

I don't know what you have been watching, but to seriously compare any of the Democratic candidates with Shrubya* is so delusional as to suggest a need for medication. Seek help.