Even in new role, Dean comes out blazing

[Rose Siding]

VANCOUVER -- The speech was billed as "Civic Engagement and Democracy in the 21st Century," but Howard Dean punched it up with some politics Tuesday night.

Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee and a former presidential candidate, talked about the importance of participating in a democracy during his college-sponsored speech at Skyview High School near Vancouver.

But he heard the loudest whoops and applause when he delivered campaign-style attacks on the Republican Party and the Bush administration. He also blasted proposals to privatize Social Security and emphasized the need for individuals to contribute money to political candidates to offset the influence of corporate giving.
He wasn't speaking as chairman of the Democratic Party, Dean said at the outset of the speech, noting that he committed to the engagement before he got his current job in mid-February.

"But I intend to be partisan," he said, to applause and cheering.
....
"The reason we need you to give money is because the political process on both sides -- but particularly on the Republican side -- has been utterly corrupted by people who give huge amounts of money from large corporations," Dean said.

With his voice rising, he continued, "The middle-class people get squeezed out of the political process. And people don't care, but they have a say.
....
The remarks, including a jab at President Bush, were so partisan that Don Carlson, a former Republican state senator from Vancouver, walked out less than 15 minutes after Dean began.

http://www.oregonlive.com/metronorth/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/metro_north_news/111338673088020.xml

[Zenlitened]

1. I hope the "he's just a corporate sell-out" DUers are reading this.

Dean freely acknowledges that corp. cash is a problem on both sides, and he's committed to making the Democratic party a party of the people again. :)

[Deep13]

3. Got an email ...

... solicitation from Dr. D asking for financial support for the DNC. He ain't wasting any time.


"Every four years, a few months before the presidential election, the Democratic Party puts staff and resources on the ground in a few battleground states ... and then they're gone. After November the whole operation disappears.

"Then, four years later, we do the same thing all over again.

"That hasn't worked. And I ran for chairman on a promise to do it another way.

"So a few days ago I met with the state party chairs, and we made a decision together. For the first time ever we're going to build for the future by putting staff and resources on the ground early -- starting in 2005, not 2008. The first four states: North Dakota, Missouri, North Carolina and West Virginia.

"How soon the next 46 states get moving depends on you -- can you make a contribution now?

http://www.democrats.org/50states

"You mandated a party built from the ground up, and that's exactly what we're going to do.

"The half-million dollars we're investing in these first four states will pay for professional organizers -- the key staff who will develop skills and help build a permanent network of Democrats at the grassroots level.

"But we cannot stop here. It's your party, and it will only grow with your help:

http://www.democrats.org/50states

"I am personally dedicated to making sure that every single state has the resources and infrastructure to compete at every level of office.

"To do that, we need a Democratic Party that commits to a long-term presence in every state, every region, and every community.

"I can't wait to announce that we're moving into the next group of states -- but the timetable is up to you. Your $100 contribution grows the Democratic Party faster, and will immediately make us more competitive:

http://www.democrats.org/50states

"The Republican Party isn't waiting. They have been building for years, and every day that slips by means another opportunity missed.

"This is your time. This is your challenge. Let's get to work -- together.

"Thank you.

"Governor Howard Dean, M.D.
Chairman, Democratic National Committee

"P.S. -- Please tell every Democrat you know -- no matter where they live -- that together we're building a truly national Democratic Party. Ask them to join us now: www.democrats.org/join."

[Zenlitened]

4. Yep, I got that too, and sent in a few dollars. But honestly...

... before Dr. Dean took the helm, I would have just deleted it unread!

:hi:

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

8. I began donating on the day he was confirmed.

And just to be symbolic, I donated $20.06

[Rose Siding]

2. The suggestion of Rove or Gingrich speaking nxt yr was booed

snip>
Next year, organizers hope to book either former U.S. Rep. Newt Gingrich or Karl Rove, the high-ranking staff member in the current Bush administration.

The suggestion drew boos and hisses from the crowd.

[kaitykaity]

5. Poor widle wepubwican -- had to walk out. couldn't handle it.

:rofl:

[Dave Reynolds]

14. And, unlike a repug event,

he left voluntarily instead of at the arm of der SS.

[Lerkfish]

6. so, the republican walked out? LOL

they can dish out the most vile putrid slander of people, but they can't tolerate a little partison rhetoric on the other side.

lame butt cowards.

[Rose Siding]

7. He complained it was a "political speech" but the group alternates each yr

snip>
"He's giving a political speech," said Carlson, who praised a presentation he heard earlier Tuesday by two former Democratic governors, Mike Lowry of Washington and John Kitzhaber of Oregon. "He was supposed to be here to talk about civil discourse. It was not supposed to be a Democratic event."

Before Dean began his talk, a speech organizer said political parties represented in the keynote speech are alternated each year.

Last year, for example, John Sununu, the former New Hampshire governor and White House chief of staff for President George H.W. Bush, delivered the speech, said Edward Weber, director of The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service.

[realFedUp]

9. Gee, if it's that easy to get Republicans to take a hike....

we should put Dean on every ballot.

[Javaman]

10. Hey, Don Carlson! The truth hurts doens't it???

Stupid bastard.


Howard you are da man! Yes, Sir!

God Bless you Dr. Dean!

[gratuitous]

11. Of course Don Carlson walked out

It's not like he could deny the truth of anything Dean said, so he had to skedaddle or look like he was assenting to the fact that his party is a corrupt bunch of thugs and crooks. And Republicans who cross the Family don't hang around long, if you know what I mean.

[Straight Shooter]

12. Don Carlson: "Ouch, ouch, ouch! The shoe is on the other foot. Ouch!"

Weenie. And a rude weenie, too.

[Rose Siding]

13. kick

[ProudToBeLiberal]

15. kick nt

[Renew Deal]

16. Good article and good for the school.

:applause: