Is there anyone here from DFA (past or present) who would be willing to engage me in

[silvershadow]

conversation? I would actually probably take it offline somehow, either through email or chat or something. I am very interested in finding out a few things...If you're out there, contact me! And thank you!

[irisblue]

1. DFA? Dogs From America?/edit

Democracy for America?

[silvershadow]

2. Yes, Democracy for America. Why do you call them dogs? Just curious. I don't know any backstory.

nt

[irisblue]

3. not calling them dogs...

I didn't recognize the meaning of the initials, so I googled, and got in order DFA records, Dimensional fund advisors, Dairy farmers of America, DFA records Wikipedia article, & Double click for advertisers. I came back and being an unsuccessful smart aleck, typed dogs for America. When a few caffeine molecules came and grabbed brain cells, I thought...Dean for America? Googled again and found Democracy for America. I opened the thread from the latest page didn't see it was in Politics 2013, which would have been a big clue I was being snarky & I apologize.

[lunatica]

4. Why would you want a discussion if you can't even be bothered to spell the initials out?

[silvershadow]

5. I beg your pardon. I erroneously assumed everyone here would know who DFA was. They used to. nt

[DFW]

6. I'm not a part of DFA, but I support them and know both Howard and Jim Dean

They are both busy as hell, but I can get a name for you if you are looking to get in touch and help out.

[polichick]

7. Help out with what?

[DFW]

8. DFA is always looking for volunteers with their on-site efforts on the ground

e.g. the Virginia governor's race. Every helping hand is appreciated.

[polichick]

9. I worked on the Dean campaign but have lost track of DFA...

What are their principles these days?

Are they expecting change to come through the Dem party?

[DFW]

10. They are not part of the DNC

They are trying to do grunt wort on the ground in crucial election. "Purple to blue" is their watchword. Texas is now also on the radar. They are working to elect Democrats in difficult areas, not change the party all by themselves. That is beyond their scope and goals. They are realists as to the limit of their capabilities.

[polichick]

11. I thought Dean's 50 state plan was awesome...

It really bothered me that Obama borrowed so much from Dean and yet had no room in the administration.

I'll check out what DFA is doing.

[DFW]

12. I can only hope that Obama regrets what Rahm did to Howard in Obama's name

I never dared ask him that outright. Our little session was last year, and re-election strategy was the big theme (along with health care, Syria, renewable energy and a LOT of etc.) Howard took his snub stoically at the time, said it was Obama's choice as to whom he was going to listen and whom he was gong to choose for his administration. At least outwardly, Howard took the insult like a trooper. But Obama is no idiot and I think he knows full well that if Howard had not been DNC chair from 2004-2008, that he (Obama) would not now be president. I can only hope he knows what he lost in not picking Howard for HHS during his fight for the ACA. It would have been nice to have an expert in the field at his side while arguing his case.