The accommodationist strategy of appeasement has been disaterous in 2002 and 2004.
Howard Dean's has lots energy, new ideas and above the moral compass the Democratic Party so despirately needs.
Howard, you inspired us in the 2004 electtion. I hope you will revitalize this moribund party in the next four years. We need "Dean vision", not "McAuliffe myopia".
Dean was my choice during the primary, and he is definitely my choice to lead this party. If only we had all come to this conclusion earlier this year!
In reading these comments, lets not get all worked up about the need to become more Republican-like. The people didn't speak, they were shamelessly manipulated by a top-notch propaganda machine. We do indeed need the courage of our convictions! Howard Dean has a proven record as the kind of uniter needed to build and expand the party.
We have GOT to take this party back for REAL American Values. The people have spoken and they wanted someone who was willing to take a stand. We all know where Dean stands!
What we need most right now is the courage of our convictions. The VAST majority of people, red-staters included, believe in freedom, believe in decent health care, believe in keeping their families healthy. These are the beliefs that will win for us because they are basic and true. We need to get someone in HQ who will fight for these beliefs, not someone who will give it all away as a political convenience. Howard Dean is our guy.
Howard Dean is an inspiration and a REAL Democrat. I would love to have him for the Chairman of the DNC. I agree that we must insist on paper trails to our votes. We should boycott and protest any election that does not provide for a paper trail.
The Democratic party is desperately in need of new ideas and Howard Dean has them. Also, if the Democratic party does not insist on paper trails in the 2008 election, as it should have for 2004, we will be duped again.
Like Gail, the only reason I got into the Democratic Party was Howard Dean. Someone must take the reins and lead this party. We need to understand the process more to change things from the bottom up, but from the top down, Howard Dean is the only person I can see who will be able to do it. Visionary Leadership is the key. Fiscal Responsibility is the lock. Howard has both.
Howard Dean is the ONLY reason that I will still be interested or willing to donate another dollar. This party needs to be hit in the head with a huge " clue stick" and I belive Dr Dean is the only one who will be able to deliver it!
Please, Governor Dean, stop Al From from taking over the Democratic Party! His recent statement "we've got to close the cultural gap" strikes terror in my heart. It is code for moving to the right. Yes, we do need to close it, but in the way you outlined on your DFA Meetup Conference Call, not From's way! The base is the Party's only hope, and I know you will nurture and grow it. Yes, working from the inside has risks, but unless someone like you comes in, there will be no inside -- that is no Party -- left.
Thanks for all you are continuing to do.
Beverly Marcus
Seattle WA
We need to revamp the Democratic party. We need new leadership, vision and somebody willing to speak on our behalf. I believe Howard Dean is that person.
Howard Dean gave the Democratic Party a spine this year. Has the transplant taken or not? If so, I'll return to the Dem Party; if not, I cannot. After being ganged up on in Iowa, Dean still took the high road and worked diligently for the Dems and Kerry. It's time to recognise that his leadership already exists and name him chair!
After the most recent defeat the democrats need a new leader, someone with vision, someone who is willing to take a stand and not pander to the Rebuplicans hoping they will throw us a bone. Howard Dean is the person to lead the Democratic Party in these times. A strong stand is necessary, no hemming or hawing, decisive action. The democrats across the country deserve it.
Not sure if Howard thinks this is the best way for him to help take our country back--but there is no doubt that he would energize the troops once again if he were at the healm
I agree with Justin Curtis Donahoe #15 and Mark Stavish #17. As Democrats, we need to BE Democrats, clearly express our vision, our values, and stand up for them. Howard Dean does this!
Howard Dean is the srongest, most charismatic and popular Democratic leader to rise to the top in a long while. He attracted people who had given up on politics, plus he attracted people from ALL parties. If you want to SAVE this party...Howard is the only person who can do it.
Well if the Democratic Party wants to be a major Political force, it needs to Have some ballz and vision.
Connect with the SOUL of America and Dr.Dean can and has shown he can do that. We need a top down change in the way we think and act.
Governor Dean has a proven track record of successful efforts to balance budgets, raise money, unite Republicans, Democrates, Greens, Independents. Governor Dean is a solid leader with an every growing following.
There is time for a change; the way the party has moved in the past 10 years is not working. Howard Dean is not a radical, and actually knows how to put together coalitions while still fighting hard for Democratic principles.
Since Kerry was elected as the Democrats option for the election, I have not found myself able to actively support him. Why? He seems to sway with popular opinion, does not connect with people and generally does not motivate people t do anything significant. Howard Dean did all of these and much more in his campaign and since. He has reminded us that this is our country and creatively encouraged and pushed our involvement in creating the country we want to live in and leave for our children. This is what Howard Dean would do as Chair of the Democratic Party to pump life back into American citizens and make the party truly stand for something again.
