Almost the forgotten man

A hand for Howard, please . . .
Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean has done a pretty good job for us. And he deserves some credit for his work, according to National Debunker, with whom I completely agree. Chris Weigant at The Huffington Post, concurs. I quote,

,. . . Looks like DNC Chairman Howard Dean has been totally vindicated in his pursuit of the "50-state strategy," as more and more House districts which were once Republican locks are made competitive by the Democrats. You don't win in such districts unless some groundwork has already been done, and Dean has tirelessly and relentlessly been pushing this concept ever since he got the chairmanship. This bodes well (it should be highlighted) for 2008.

Leadership - On the Democratic Party web site, Chairman Deam articulated a realistic and plausible "agenda:"

1. Honest Leadership & Open Government
2. Real Security
3. Energy Independence
4. Economic Prosperity & Educational Excellence
5. A Health Care System that Works for Everyone
6. Retirement Security

Voter education - MyLifeInSpain, an expatriot who voted absentee from Spain, passed along some useful voting information from Dean. Quote,

. . . here's some more good information to pass along, from Howard Dean:

1) If you're a registered voter, do not leave your polling location without voting. Every registered voter is entitled to cast a provisional ballot.

2) If you're in line before the poll's closing time, you are entitled to vote.

3) You're entitled to view a sample ballot at the polling place before voting.

4) If you experience any problems voting or observe any irregularities, immediately call 1-888-DEM-VOTE to report the incident. In addition to providing your polling place information, by calling 1-888-DEM-VOTE you can record a complaint or speak with an election protection monitor. The line is available in English and Spanish.

If the course for America changes - If either chamber of Congress change hands it will be because Democratic candidates worked hard and won over the voters. If Democrats win any governors' races it will be because they captured the fancy of their state's undecided voters. And it will be because Howard Dean had the good sense to lower his visibility and go back to the basics of party organizing.

Nay-sayers haven't forgotten - However, if the 2006 election changes America's course for the better, Howard Dean may not get enough credit. For example, New York Times writer Adam Nagourney's pessimistic piece says,

Almost without exception, Democrats have praised Mr. Emanuel and Mr. Schumer — though Howard Dean, the party’s national chairman, may have to defend his decision to spread Democratic National Committee money to build up parties in all 50 states, while parrying requests for support in the Congressional races.

Just OneMinute terms the story, "Easing the Air Out of the Balloon," spin designed to dampen Dems inflated expectations. Joe Gandleman at TheModerateVoice quoted conservative columnist Robert Novak's assessment of Dean,

According to Novak, if the Democrats win, it was because of "an arrogant and politically tin-eared Republican establishment in Washington" and "brilliant candidate recruiting and fundraising on the part of two men - Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Chairman Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) Chairman Chuck Schumer (D-NY). And should it occur, Democratic victory will come in spite of the total incompetence of Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Howard Dean."

Leadership is not the same as note-worthiness - The mainstream media lacks the capacity for realistic perspective on Democrats. The media siezed upon other more famous Democrats about which to talk, and, too often, dismissing or criticizing Howard Dean. Former President Bill Clinton still retains much of the old celebrity "star power" of the Democrats, and remains the titular head of the party. Barak Obama is deservedly the up and coming new star. Unfortunately, John Kerry recently garnered far too much press coverage for the party with his recent gaffe. And Republicans were overly successful in casting Nancy Pelosi as a lightning rod for unreasoning fears about losing their Congressional power to a "San Francisco Liberal Female." Yikes!!

Anyway, I just wanted to remember to say, "thanks Howard."

Tags: democrats election election 2006 elections republicans vote voting news and politics Howard Dean media

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