Dean May Be Out Of the Race, but He's Not Out Of The Grassroots Efforts...

[slinkerwink]

It's been a very long six months of supporting Dean, my candidate. I first came aboard the Dean campaign in the summer of 2003, after my congressional work in D.C. I felt so let down by the Democrats in Washington. None of them were articulating my feelings against the war in Iraq, and they seemed to think that George Bush was going to be reelected again.

That was the time of George Bush's popularity in June, then all the deaths in Iraq started racketing up, and there was a growing sense in the air that Bush might be beatable. The Republicans in the Longworth halls and Cannon halls were looking gloomier day by day. I felt that I was witnessing a momentous change in history so I started looking around for Democratic presidential candidates.

I wasn't fond of Kerry because of the poor work he had done for us in Massachussetts, so I looked at Edwards as an alternative but he didn't strike that chord in me. So I went to blogforamerica.com, and the minute I saw that video of Dean saying, "What I want to know is what in the world so many Democrats in Washington are doing supporting the unilateral intervention in Iraq?" I was completely and totally hooked from the first time I heard Dean's voice echo my own frustrations with the Democratic party.

I remember the day the bat went up, and how many donations it got because so many Americans were being excited by Dean's message. I was one of the many that was being swept up in the Dean campaign, and I read up on all I could about Dean. What I found about his record in Vermont, I admired greatly, and there were some positions like his death penalty stance and gun rights record that I didn't like. Dean wasn't perfect, but he definitely was my guy.

I stood by him, and worked for him, volunteered, gave my time and effort to his campaign because I believed in him. I loved his honesty, his smile, and his moral outrage at how far American democracy had fallen at the hands of the corporations. I stood up for him when no one else would, I stood up for him because I shared his beliefs, I stood up for him because I wanted to take my country back like he did.

I was there at the Bryant Rally in New York City. I was one of the volunteers helping with security, and I had been assigned to the front of the crowd. That was the perfect spot for me to see Dean. The crowd roared with all its might when he came out holding the red bat in his hand. He was just a man, but a man that we had projected all our hopes and dreams for a better America on. The spotlight was on him, and he went into his stump speech that I've memorized by heart now, and the crowd roared again and again, and again. He had started a wave in which people were free to voice their frustrations and hope for the future.

I am determined to carry on the grassroots efforts for congressional races around the country. I am going to start from the bottom-up in taking the House and the Senate back into the hands of progressive Democrats. We are carrying on the movement that Dean started. This is the time for the grassroots efforts to get started to take their country back, not the time for a Dean presidency.

I like to think that in an alternate reality, that somewhere, Dean is enjoying his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, and all the growing momentum across the country to propel him to the Democratic nomination. Somewhere, that Dean is now taking the oath of office on a cold, bright January day, grinning against the grimace of despair on Rehnquist's face. I can see it now. The hundreds of thousands of Americans in Washington DC, listening to Dean's first presidential speech about real change in our country, and how we need to get back in touch with democracy. Then the first step into the White House where Dean reverses all the orders that Bush had done. A solid four and maybe eight years of a Dean Presidency that would renew America's standing in the world, and light the beacon of hope so that others may wish to be an American again.

Tonight, I will be unleashing a video that will highlight the best moments of the Dean campaign. For now, I will remain committed to Dean so that I can vote for him in the MA primary. My heart will always be with Dean and his campaign. Dean was the first politician that I truly loved and admired. He knows that we love him, and that is why he is not giving up the fight to renew the soul in the Democratic party.



I love you, Howard Dean, and I will always be a Howard Dean democrat.

[Debi]

1. agreed

"I love you, Howard Dean, and I will always be a Howard Dean democrat."

Well said...but make that a capital D!!!

[slinkerwink]

2. thank you....

[dave29]

3. Absolutely

I want my congress back

:toast:

[slinkerwink]

5. first the congress back so the nominee won't have to face a

republican congress.

[bif]

4. Well said!

My sentiments exactly!

[slinkerwink]

6. thank you!

[NoPasaran]

7. We DO have the power!

I intend to use it.

[slinkerwink]

14. same here too.....

I will always be a Howard Dean democrat.

[coloradodem2005]

8. Very Nice!!!!!

He might be better to try to change things as an outsider too. As a grassroots organizer, he might be better able to affect change in the Democratic party than as President.


Nobody in their right mind can deny his contribution to this race. I am really bummed about him leaving the race, but hopefully this is only the beginning for him and those like him.

[slinkerwink]

12. same here too---may this be the beginning of a real change in

the Democratic Party...

9. "We have written the Democratic party platform for 2004"

Didn't Dean say that last night?

The "we" being the grassroots.

How true.

Now it remains to be seen how this plays out.

Are the "remaining" 2 candidates men of conviction or of convenience? (to cull another statement of Dean's last night)

[slinkerwink]

13. I hope that we'll have enough grassroots power to remind

Kerry at the convention that he needs to heed our voices.

39. I agree

& that's why it's important to keep the pressure on and for those of us who have not had a vote yet, I hope Dean does stay on the ballot in those states, so that there is an official record, that people will have a harder time ignoring of this movement.

[CWebster]

10. That was beautifully heartfelt slinkerwink

This especially...

"I like to think that in an alternate reality, that somewhere, Dean is enjoying his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire, and all the growing momentum across the country to propel him to the Democratic nomination. Somewhere, that Dean is now taking the oath of office on a cold, bright January day, grinning against the grimace of despair on Rehnquist's face. I can see it now. The hundreds of thousands of Americans in Washington DC, listening to Dean's first presidential speech about real change in our country, and how we need to get back in touch with democracy. Then the first step into the White House where Dean reverses all the orders that Bush had done. A solid four and maybe eight years of a Dean Presidency that would renew America's standing in the world, and light the beacon of hope so that others may wish to be an American again."

made me feel profoundly sad.

[slinkerwink]

11. I know......it made me sad too, to think of a Dean presidency that will

never be.

[Spirochete]

33. That's not really a given..

that a Dean presidency "will never be" - it just won't be in 2004.
He may run again, at a later date. I'm sorry to see him go now, but glad he was here in the first place.

[slinkerwink]

34. I don't know----if we don't break up the media conglomerates by then

they will viscerate Dean again because he'll have "dared" to run again later.

[GainesT1958]

15. You saw in Howard Dean...

What I saw in Jimmy Carter in 11th Grade: the singular desire of a man to do right, right by the people he served--and sought to serve. To right the wrongs of history, and to make this nation, and its place in the world, everything he thought it should stand for, and everything those who supported him thought it should stand for.

And well that you, and all of your fellow "Deaniacs", should have seen it: that's just what Dr. Dean wanted to do; to motivate people to "take their country back", in the purest form that democracy comes in--only using the very latest Web technology to make that happen. His is the vanguard of the first political revolution of the 21st Century, and marks a watershed of how campaigns will be run from now on in the U.S....at least, let's hope they will be run that way!

You SHOULD be proud of what you did for Dr. Dean, and proud of what he did in making every effort he could to "take this ocuntry back". And the good news is, it's not over; it's just starting out.

Stick with the movement, and the message. The man who led the effort to bring it to you will be glad you did--and so will we! :D

B-)

[slinkerwink]

16. thank you!

It's hard to find politically honest men like Dean.

[Arugula Latte]

17. this is beautifully written

Yes, Dean brought some hope back into my political life. My hope lives on, even though the Dean campaign does not, because the good doctor did a fantastic spine implant on the Democratic Party.

[slinkerwink]

23. I hope the Democratic Party remembers and repays Dean

for putting that spine back in them.

[dae]

18. Well said, slinkerwink! Dean deserves the credit for jump-starting a

dying party.
I believe his some of his work is already beginning to pay off, such as in the KY6 special election yesterday with a Dem winning a Republican seat.
This can be our time, if we stay together.

[slinkerwink]

21. which is why I'll be doing my work for the Democrats differently in

the general election. I'll be helping out congressional campaigns, and run several ads against Bush on the internet.

[mzmolly]

19. Beautiful Slinkerwink...

"I love you, Howard Dean, and I will always be a Howard Dean democrat."

[slinkerwink]

24. always.

[Guaranteed]

20. In a just world, Dean would be our President.

I love him too.

[slinkerwink]

25. this may be the first and last time I'll ever love a politician like I did

with Dean.

[progressiverealist]

35. maybe true,

but maybe not.

If our senator, Russ Feingold (WI) ever runs for the highest office, you may see *some* of what you love about Howard Dean in Russ.

I turned 39 years old today... no longer in my youth, but not really old yet either. Not to sound the self-important "pseudo-elder" but one thing I've learned is that sometimes your very first love is the best you will ever have, and other times, in other arenas of life, one is blessed a second time. For instance, my parents died, and then I was adopted.

There will never be another Howard Dean but remember these two things:

1. Dr. Dean didn't *DIE*. I think you know where I'm going with that...

2. Life is long and the world holds many truly beautiful people. Occasionally one of these people enters politics. Love Howard Dean forever, but always allow for the possibility that some time in the future, someone may inspire you to the same degree.

[slinkerwink]

I like Feingold, but I've never seen the man himself

[slinkerwink]

51. I like Feingold, but I've never seen the man himself

[GumboYaYa]

22. Slink, getting to know people like you and so many others

who are all true believers in the progressive cause and who are willing to sacrifice time, money, and a little piece of their heart for it has been a great experience.

I'll see you in the Congressional campaigns. I have this candidate in Ohio that I have been meaning to send money to for a long time. I think writing a check to that fellow today will make me feel much better.

[slinkerwink]

26. that fellow in Ohio definitely deserves your check!

:hi:

[Voltaire]

27. You've penned a new appellation

Howard Dean Democrat. I like it a lot.

And so Voltaire shall be forever known as a Howard Dean Democrat!

[slinkerwink]

29. I've changed my sig line quote to "Forever a Howard Dean democrat"

[progressiverealist]

28. though Dean was never my first choice for the nomination,

the party owes him and his supporters a huge debt of gratitude. Howard Dean was the first candidate to have the guts to openly and harshly criticize George W. Bush. He's got one hell of a backbone, as do his supporters.

I have been critical at times of some who have made the "nobody but Dean" argument and in fact I would still disagree with that sentiment. However, Dean supporters of every stripe have both a right to mourn, if that's what they need, and also a right to feel extreme pride in their candidate and in themselves.

I think it inappropriate for me (as a former Clark supporter who has followed the General to the Kerry camp) to ask any Dean supporter to do anything at this time other than hug your comrades and keep your ideals.

[slinkerwink]

30. thank you for saying that....

I know the vultures will be circling above us today and for this week to come.

[Ramsey]

31. Very eloquent

I heartily concur. I cannot add any better statement.

I too plan to work now for the congressional and state candidates that inspire me,. not having anyone left in the presidential race who does so.

I still hope to vote for Dean or write him in when I vote in my state's primary in April, to show my continued gratitude and support for the force he has been.

[slinkerwink]

32. thank you for joining me in the grassroots effort to take our Congress

back!

[atre]

36. We need to get Dean a cable TV show

I don't want to see him leave the scene. He's got too much fire and too much charisma to just ride off into the sunset.

[diamondsoul]

37. Can I interject one thing here?

Slink, that was an incredible endorsement of Howard Dean and you have my utmost respect for it. I'm on the verge of weeping and I don't even like the man! LOL

Don't like him but I respect him. Because of that I hate saying what I'm about to say- what does your vote for Dean mean now? Not much, am I right? It'll get tossed aside or leave delegates open, won't it?

I'm going to leave you with that to consider. I'm tired of pushing a candidate. I like Kucinich's issues but maybe you don't, and that's ok. I just want you to use your vote in a way that's going to help you and not just be an expenditure of energy, know what I mean? The whole effin' system sucks anymore.*sigh*

[slinkerwink]

41. I'll still be voting for Dean---my vote is not transferrable

in this primary season.

[madfloridian]

50. He asked for our support in the primaries. Quote.

DEAN: I am no longer actively pursuing the presidency. We will, however, continue to build a new organization, using our enormous grassroots network, to continue the effort to transform the Democratic Party and to change our country. And I...

(APPLAUSE)

And speaking to all of you and all of the hundreds of thousands of people around America who are going to get this word, either by the establishment media...

(LAUGHTER)

... or the Internet, I have some things that I specifically want to ask of our supporters.

First, keep active in the primary. Sending delegates to the convention only continues to energize our party. Fight on in the caucuses. We are on the ballots. Use your network to send progressive delegates to the convention in Boston. We are not going away. We are staying together, unified -- all of us.

[RetroLounge]

38. Thanks for that message.

I feel sad today, yet hopeful.

[Anwen]

40. I feel the same way, Slinkerwink.

This is the first time I've ever been so involved in a campaign. I used to just show up on election day and check the Democrat box, and that was as far as I paid attention to politics.

Then Howard Dean came along and made me feel like I mattered. His message was so inspiring. His honesty refreshing. He gave voice to my deep concerns about Bush and he gave voice to my dreams for a better America.

Today I am saddened, shocked and reeling from what happened to the man I know in my heart would have been the best President in modern history. On Super Tuesday he is still getting my vote. He has earned it.

I am also determined to keep the grassroots efforts going. I plan to work hard and do whatever it takes. This is NOT the end by far -- it is only the beginning of the movement to take our country back. It's not going to be easy, but I have faith that it will be done.

Thank you, Howard Dean, for giving us hope.



P.S. I can't wait to see your video Slinkerwink :)

[slinkerwink]

42. it'll be a good video----that I can promise you.

[eissa]

43. I share your sentiments

Like many other Dean supporters, this was the first time I really felt energized by a campaign. Dean proved that you can stand up to this corrupt administration and the people responded. He made the other candidates better, and he changed the course of this election. Dean stood up when no one else did; he gave me a voice and for that I will always be grateful.

I don't want to see him go -- I really hope there's a place for him in our party.

[slinkerwink]

45. our party will have failed us if they don't repay Dean

[SeattleRob]

44. I'm not going anywhere...

There's too much work to be done. I am still inspired by Doctor Dean's message and I have a newfound hope that through a grassroots effort, we can actually take back our country and realize the dream of a true democracy.

[slinkerwink]

46. I'm here for good also...

[Larkspur]

47. You took the words out of my mouth, slinkerwink

I too will be working through my Dem Town Committe in CT to rebuild the Dem Party from the ground up.

[slinkerwink]

48. good for you!

[slinkerwink]

49. kick

[FarLeftRage]

52. This is the most beautiful thread I have read

on this sad day.
And it is the first thread I have ever bookmarked.

What you have expressed here, is what the good Doctor has been doing from day one - speak straight from the heart.

Thank you Dr.Dean.
Thank you slinkerwink.

Although I am not a Democrat, but a far-leftist I was able to overlook Dean's "faults" and listen to his message.

It is too bad and that other so-called "DUers" could not see or hear this as well.

[slinkerwink]

53. thank you for saying that....

:hi:

[FarLeftRage]

58. You are quite welcome...

Anytime! :hi:

[slinkerwink]

59. awww....

:hi:

[Cassandra]

54. I will proudly cast my vote for Dean in NY

thank you for that beautiful message and for all your hard work. It has been a long time since a candidate moved me as much as Howard Dean. Can I move into your alternate reality? It sounds nice.

[slinkerwink]

56. I'm hoping that other Democrats are enjoying Dean's presidency

in that alternate reality ;-)

[David Zephyr]

55. Nice Thoughts, Slinkerwink.

:hi:

[slinkerwink]

57. I will continue to speak for those who can't speak now

:hi:

[slinkerwink]

60. kick

[MidwestMomma]

61. Wanted to give your wonderful post an evening kick

Thanks for sharing Slinkerwink. :pals:

The part about the alternate reality moved me to tears. There have been many tears shed by the grassroot supporters these last few weeks. But I like to think that the tears we shed now are the rain that will nourish the seedlings of change in our Party.

Hang in there and thanks for all your efforts to make our country a better place. I really appreciate it. Believe me when I say that in that alternate reality, I would have happily congratulated you and Dean for a race well won!

Peace

[slinkerwink]

62. thank you for saying that and doing the thread kick!

:toast:

[spooky3]

63. a lovely tribute, very heartfelt

[slinkerwink]

66. thank you for saying that!

[RedEarth]

64. slinkerwink, that was outstanding

First off, let me say you are really a terrific writer. I think you found your calling. As far is Dean is concerned, he was the one that initially got my attention also last summer. I admired the fact he had the courage to speak out and question this administration when no one else would. He was the lone voice on the national stage that spoke for so many people that felt the same way he did.

Over time I became concerned how Dean would be accepted if he were to become the Democratic candidate and decided I would give my support to Clark. Now, Clark, as well as Dean, are both out of the race, however both of them stirred a passion in voters that I hope will carry forward to the general election.

The first time I voted for a president was in 1972 and I feel the upcoming election is the most important election in my lifetime. I have never been so concerned about our country as I am now. The thought of another four years of Bush is almost more than I can handle.

I hope that all of us, Dean and Clark supporters, will rally around our nominee and do everything we can possibly do to keep Bush from getting re-elected. In addition, as you mentioned, we need to work as hard as we can to get Democrats elected to as many city,state and federal offices as possible. It is critical we take back our country from the radical right.

Slinkerwink, again, thank you for your post and let's all work together for a brighter future.

[slinkerwink]

65. that is why I will stay involved in politics because I want the

future to be a bright one for my children and their children's children.