The Quadrangle

Issue date: 2/23/05 Section: Perspectives

The Democratic National Committee took the first step in their quest to bring the party back to victory with the election of Howard Dean as party chairman on Feb. 12. The 447- committee members chose Dean on a voice vote to replace outgoing chairman Terry McAuliffe. Dean, who brings passion and energy to the stage, embarks on a four-year journey to lead my party back to the top. At a time when right-wing Republican crooks are running our nation, the election of the outspoken Dean is just what we need.

"This was the first race for DNC chairman truly driven by the grassroots of this party," Dean said during his acceptance speech. "And so, I want you to know this is not my chairmanship, this is our chairmanship."

The former Vermont governor is the perfect choice to lead the Democratic Party at this critical moment in our nation's history. He honesty and candor, as well as his ability to stand up to right-wing lies, are imperitive. George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Tom Delay, and several other conservatives will continue to mislead our nation over the next four years, and it's about time we Democrats stood up to the attack machine. Dean has the ability to bring new people, particularly young people, into the political process. His ability to raise money over the internet during and after his presidential campaign revolutionized political fundraising, as millions of average Americans donated small amounts of money to his campaign and the Democratic Party.

"If we want to win nationally, we have to win locally." This key point, which Chairman Dean reiterated during his acceptance speech, was a major reason why DNC members elected the new party leader. In the weeks leading up to the election, Dean expressed his belief that the party needs to organize and compete in every political contest in the country. Dean correctly asserts that Democrats must win local races, races for town and state positions, in order to win at the national level. He also articulated his belief that the party must compete and win elections in all sections of the country, including those areas where the population is heavily conservative.

Sen. John Kerry contributed $1 million to the DNC to support Dean's efforts to build grassroots support for the party at the local level. In an email message, the senator encouraged his supporters to "welcome Howard Dean and give him the groundswell of grassroots support he needs."

DNC member Elaine Kamarck, an early supporter of Dean, added, "The weakness that everyone in Washington is afraid of is almost his strength. He actually has the ability to lead people and inspire people. This is not a bad trait in a party chairman."

Continued...

Page 1 of 3 next >

Article Tools