Huff Post: Dean as a role model for finding another way to affect change...

[madfloridian]

in the party when one door was closed. I was glad to read this tonight at Huff Post. I have said it shows the real character of a man when they are so viciously treated by the media, even by their own party...to get up and start over again in another way.

Howard Dean as a role model

In the in midst of this chaotic presidential season, while we wait for the people of Guam to help finally crown a Democratic nominee, I took a few moments today to look back on a quieter, simpler time -- and by that I mean, of course, the 2004 presidential race. And it occurred to me how something somewhat strange happened in that race that went somewhat unnoticed outside the Beltway: Howard Dean passed fairly seamlessly from being a leading candidate to the head of the Democratic National Committee.

"Now, that's kinda like running for homecoming queen and instead being happily appointed head of the student council events committee. It's not a glamorous post. It probably involves more headaches than huzzahs. But proms just don't throw themselves, and if your devotion is to your compatriots more than your own glory, it's not a bad job to fill.

It's a cliche that politicians are consumed by blinding personal ambition, that compels them to surmount every obstacle and tear down every foe on their way to a particular office or legislative accomplishment. I don't know how true that really is. But Dean's transition at least from candidate to party chair is a case study in one politico actually wanting to do the hard work of making the trains run on time, getting money in the bank, and making sure all the moving parts of the party run smoothly (or at least don't bring the party to a grinding halt.)

I like this from the comments. One of the comments said there is:

the fundamental decency in this man. Throughout his run for the party nomination, Dean didn't do anything destructive to his Party or the democratic process. He didn't poison the relationship between his supporters and that of other candidates. Despite all the negative press on him in recent years, he has kept his focus and steadfastly pursued the 50-state strategy, which resulted in the Dem's comeback in 2006."

He started out wanting to be president to bring change to the country. Then he in his own words saw the shape the party was in throughout the country....so he stayed around to see what he could do.

Florida is trying to define his chairmanship on their terms. They have bullied him mercilessly. He has not lost his cool about it. They have hurt his fundraising...demanded refunds.

But in the long run no matter what happens he has shown us the party needed to be reborn from the bottom up....and I don't think anything else will be acceptable in the future.

[Blondiegrrl]

1. Great article! I've long been an admirer of Howard Dean.

I was devastated when the media smeared him out of the 2004 race. He would have made a great president. But I do think the Democratic Party is lucky to have him in charge. Sure, the man's not perfect, but for the most part he's done a respectable and commendable job. But I don't envy his position at present, in particular regarding the mess of Michigan and Florida. It's "damned if you do, damned if you don't." I'll bet the guy pops a lot of Rolaids, lol.

[calimary]

2. I still love Howard Dean!

Still.

KICK!

The Good Doctor had the perfect prescription then. The Good Doctor STILL ghas the perfect prescription now.

[Cha]

3. Florida dinos will lose and

Dean will win. I'm so proud of him after all these years of hard work!

[madfloridian]

16. I don't think anyone ever believed those of us from Florida

when we have said that Florida Democrats are different. They really are different.

[msongs]

4. howard dean for president in 2008 - the real deal progressive nt

[me b zola]

5. I stand with Howard Dean--and the Democratic Party

:thumbsup:

[kerry-is-my-prez]

6. You really ought to move out of Florida.... You're like a dog with a bone.

"Don't let the Florida vote be counted" is your mantra. For a Floridian - that's quite bizarre.

You don't seem to have much regard for the state.

[madfloridian]

7. LOL....I have very low regard for FL Democratic leaders. .

I do not even pretend to think Florida is acting honorably.

I am royally pissed off at this state, and angry that the Hillary campaign is using it as a tool.

I say...were you trying to lay a guilt trip? It did not work

[TheDoorbellRang]

17. madfloridian has been keeping all of us up-to-date on FL dem party shenanigans

Asking her why she doesn't move out of Florida would be like asking us in DU who criticize America why we don't move to another country.

[madfloridian]

22. There are many Floridians who feel like I do.

It is just that there is no one speaking for them, the media is not reporting the truth.

[davidpdx]

8. I was never a big Dean fan when he ran for president,

but his 50 state strategy has changed that. This guy has given us a reason to fight in every state and every race possible. We now have taken back the US House, US Senate, Governor's mansions, and in Oregon both of the branches of the Oregon Legislature. There is one more big one to go....

[madfloridian]

9. What he saw as he traveled the country during his campaign...bankrupt state parties.

Dean had to get 12 state parties out of bankruptcy, pay unpaid debt, get padlocks off doors.

"....."When Dean took over the DNC -- this was the condition of about twelve of our State Parties. He actually had to find lawyers to go into court and get the parties out of this kind of "Trusteeship" before he could even begin to reorganize. In fact, one of the reasons some of the Field Organizers Dean appointed are on the staff of the DNC rather than state parties is because it avoids dealing with old trustees and old court judgments."

That is from The Next Hurrah...it was shocking what he had to do. The party had been neglected in many states.

[EFerrari]

10. I wasn't a Deaniac then but I sure am one now.

:toast:

[Triana]

11. I certainly hope he's not cowed by the Clinton-supporting RBC...

...he needs to keep his spine with them.

[TheDonkey]

12. I think Dean has done a good job as DNC chair.

[Lugnut]

13. I'm still a Deaniac.

I still think he would be a great president.

[madfloridian]

21. We still are.

:hi:

[Muttocracy]

14. kick for Dean's hard work. nt

[Zachstar]

15. Dean has done a ton of great work and it is sickening to see some so called democrats attack him.

I so looking forward to this primary being over so we can stop acting like idiots.

[Debi]

18. I credit Dean with the 2006 success here in Iowa

and in Virginia and in Montana..... we are so very lucky to have him as Chair!

[AllexxisF1]

19. Howard is the man.

Howard Dean will go down as one of the most influential men in politics of the modern century. His work continues to show just how talented and dedicated he is. It is simply because of HIM and HIM alone that the Democratic party is finally coming home to its ideals.

[RainDog]

20. Howard makes me proud

I posted a (purposefully silly) luv fest the other day. Feel free to share the luv. (Sometimes this forum needs to lighten up.)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5779536