Our friends spent much of Sat. with Howard and Jim Dean in Orlando.

[madfloridian]

They got to spend much of the day Saturday with Howard Dean, Jim Dean, Tom Hughes and others. Breakfast, a special meeting with hosts of Meet-Up, and an evening reception. They got to ride with him to some meetings, and I am so jealous.

I posted it in GD Politics, but deleted it. Maybe I can share more later. She is one who is newly elected committeewoman for the state.

He said he would not run for DNC chair unless he were sure he could win. Running for president in 08 is useless unless there is drastic change in the party.

They learned a lot about the party, especially the fact that Southeast Florida has the power over the state. But of course we knew that.

She and her husband are like us, they would like him to work with DFA. We don't feel that the party is receptive enough to real change. She said the Friday meetings that people spent most of the time patting themselves on the back....wanted to say did you know we lost it all in Florida?

Jealous as heck about Saturday.

[madfloridian]

1. A little more.

She said he was just so real, very sincere. Was impressed with the staff. She has been around other staff people on other campaigns, and she said there is a realness here..just nice.

[DFLforever]

2. Thanks, madfla for your account.

Very encouraging, especially in these bad times.

[JaneQPublic]

3. Thanks for the report

Unfortunately, Dean is probably right: There's no use of him running in '08 unless there is drastic change within the party. However he has also said that if he is party chair, he won't run for president in '08.

So it seems the only way to reconcile these two facts is for Dean to continue to change the party from the OUTSIDE, through DFA, and forget about the DNC chair, leaving himself open for another presidential run.

[madfloridian]

4. Yes, that is what it sounds like to us.

The party is not ready for that change, not that kind. And the party changed even a little would not allow Dean as nominee. So you are right, I think. It would work.

[Capn Sunshine]

5. It 's a matter of prioritizing for Howard.

This will be evident in the interview I did , I'm polishing it now.
LA Times has first crack, along with WAPo.

[madfloridian]

6. Yay. you got the interview. Can't wait.

You did not tell us. They were so impressed with the respect accorded him by his staff and everyone around. She has sent her remarks to Tara at the blog.

Best of luck...want to read you in the Post!
:hi:

[madfloridian]

7. One thing I forgot to mention.

My hubby had almost decided to go with them....to keep from having to drive and fight traffic. Last minute, he decided not to go because no one was sure of any thing really happening. Needless to say he is kicking himself now.

[Cha]

8. It looks like Dean wants the job

and that would mean he wouldn't run for Prez in 2008 if he wins, right?

Hope there is another time for you and your husband to hook up with Dean down there in that hotbed of political activity.. Florida.

[Kire]

9. did they have sausage at this breakfast?

get it? Jim Dean? hardy har har