Howard Dean pulls out of DNC gay fundraiser

[Starry Messenger]

http://www.americablog.com/2009/06/howard-dean-pulls-out-of-dnc-gay.html

The former chair of the Democratic party now has a "scheduling conflict" for a fundraiser on behalf of the organization he used to run. Dean is one of the four top names on the invite - he's throwing the event, and now even he's not going.

Pam's House Blend is keeping tabs with an updated copy of the invite:

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/11657/victory-funds-wolfe-drops-out-of-lgbt-dnc-fundraiser-updated-list

edit to add PHB link

[AtomicKitten]

1. Money talks especially in politics. n/t

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

2. This makes me very sad. n/t

[madfloridian]

3. Why does it make you sad?

He has spoken out strongly on DADT and DOMA and that Obama needs to stand up on those issues.

It does not make me sad he dropped out.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

5. It makes me sad because Obama is NOT following through. Not because Dean pulled out!

I'm in agreement with Dean!

[madfloridian]

6. I agree.

Thanks for the explanation.

:hi:

[Starry Messenger]

4. It's a very strong statement.

I thought this might be coming after his appearance on Rachel Maddow last week. He rightly denounced the DOJ brief and the language it used on DOMA.

edit:typo

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

7. Exactly. He was also on Colbert and expressed his dismay with that report.

And rightfully so. I needed to be clear on why this saddens me. As a daughter of a black, gay man who served honorably in the military, I cannot understand why the administration is not staying true to its message that these policies are doing more damage to the community.

That's why I'm sad.

[Starry Messenger]

8. I thought that might be it.

I don't understand it either. Your dad sounds like a really special person. Thank you for sharing his story.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

9. I am very, very passionate about this issue. People are really hurting and families

are being torn apart.

[Starry Messenger]

10. I have family this affects too.

I think that really puts things in perspective. It hits close to home. :hug:

[Bonobo]

11. That OP title could be worded a little more carefully...ahem.

[masuki bance]

19. Who was the fundraiser? nt

[Bonobo]

26. Indeed.

[mzmolly]

12. Perhaps he actually does have a conflict? Dean isn't one to run

from controversy.

[Starry Messenger]

13. It's been scheduled pretty far in advance.

And he's on the invite as one of the hosts. It's interesting anyway.

[madfloridian]

14. It appears he was taking a stand

His spokesperson, Karen Finney, says it was a conflict. But it has been planned for ages.

[mzmolly]

23. I think I misunderstood.

Sorry bout that.

[camera obscura]

15. Very interesting. The former DNC chairman now making it clear he is not on board.

That's got to leave a mark.

[redqueen]

16. Except he's not making it clear.

He ought to, if it's really a matter of principle.

[madfloridian]

17. Video

He has taken a public stand.

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/madfloridian/4314

[redqueen]

18. Good. He should notify his spokesperson.

That 'conflict' shit is weak.

[madfloridian]

20. Okay

Whatever you say.

Nothing is ever enough, I guess

[redqueen]

22. No no... nothing against Dean.

Just the 'scheduling conflict' seems like a weak thing to say when making a stand, that's all.

[madfloridian]

24. It may be hard for him since he is barely out of chairman mode.

Might be hard to say it right out loud.

He was putting the party first for 4 years, so I guess it takes time.

I really do doubt the previous commitment thing, as this has been out for ages.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

25. LOL. its very clear that this is not a scheduling conflict. its a way to make a statement

without waging a battle with the president. a president with whom i am sure he agrees with and needs for other issues.

[Bluenorthwest]

21. Howard Dean is a great guy. More like him please.

Back when he was chairman, he said something that was incorrect about the DNC platform and GLBT rights on TV. I called his office as I always do when politicians are going off into the tall grass. I expected what I have gotten from all of them always, thanks for your opinion, click. Instead the woman transfered me to another office. I said my bit again. Then the second woman, she asked me questions, and listened to the answers. Took my contact info. An hour or so later she called back with Dean's acknowledgement of his mistake, and also a few more questions for me. Which I answered.
His office was and is the only political office to actually listen to me when I called them. Dr Dean's position has evolved, and all along he has been seeking a better understanding of GLBT issues. His mind is an open mind, and that is the key.
Thank you Dr Dean.