A nice write-up by a DFA aide about Dean in DC today.

[madfloridian]

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/005967.html
Report from the Winter Meeting

Lakshmi Barot works on the Political Team at Democracy for America. This week, she is in Washington, D.C., staffing the DNC Winter Meeting.

A shining sun and a balmy breeze greeted me as I stepped off the plane from Burlington and onto the tarmac of Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C. It felt more like a vacation spot than the nation's capitol in mid-winter and the site of the Democratic National Convention.

I had traveled to D.C. with Dina Wolkoff (DFA scheduler) and Governor Dean to attend the DNC Winter meeting and assist the Governor is his bid to become the next Chair of the Democratic Party. The Governor was picked up to attend meetings, and Dina and I rented a car and drove to the hotel. Our daunting task for this busy weekend... finalize the Governor's schedule and prepare for the coming election.

Despite working for the Governor for several months, I had never experienced firsthand the reactions he invokes in people who are desperate for change and for someone who will stand up for them. They want someone who will bring hope back to the party and they know that the Governor is that person.

While traveling with him I was stunned by the number of people who approached him just to say, "Thank you". The next night I was shocked again when over 1,000 people showed up at Capitol City Brewery to hear the Governor speak about bringing change to the Democratic Party. They formed lines around the block and spilled into the street as they waited to hear the Governor speak the truth about issues that are directly affecting their future. And when he took the stage, the roars where deafening. Many people had to wait on the patio as the Captiol City Brewery had reached maximum capacity—the Governor headed outside after his speech to address them. When he stood at the top of the stairs to speak to the crowd, people who just happened to be walking by the event stopped and turned to hear him speak.

As great as the past couple days have been, today is Friday and we still have a full weekend planned. I am proudly sporting my Dean for Chair regalia around the hotel as we eagerly anticipate Saturday morning. I know that the Governor is the catalyst this party needs, and I have seen firsthand the amazing work that Democracy for America and our pheonomenal grassroots has done. When I am back in Burlington on Sunday, I'll know that there is no better leader for our party.

—Lakshmi Barot


Reporters and television cameramen follow former Vermont Governor Howard Dean (L) as he walks with aides to a meeting with delegates at the Democratic National Committee 's winter meeting in Washington, February 11, 2005. Dean, a former presidential candidate is expected to win the DNC chairmanship at the election on February 12. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Reuters - Feb 11 10:52 AM

Any DFA people know who the guy is beside Dean? He looks familiar.

[mzmolly]

1. I am still in a bit of a haze. I can't believe it's gonna happen!

Nice article MF. :hi:

[madfloridian]

2. It is hard to believe.

:hi:

[liberalnurse]

3. I'm ready for duty.

You know we have our work cut out for us. Voter protection is the first issue too. We all have to make this conversion from the darkside of America back into the Land of the Free.

[mzmolly]

4. Oh my that's a funny Maxine LiberalNurse!

:hi: