Not unexpected, but in a way, the end of a brief era.
Howard Dean will not seek a second term as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, ending a tenure marked by an aggressive attempt to reshape the mission of the committee – and to court support by the so-called Netroots – but also marked by frequent quarrels with Democratic leaders over his abilities and the direction he was taking the party.
Mr. Dean’s decision not to seek a second-term was expected after the victory of a Democrat, Barack Obama, in the presidential election last week. New presidents typically install their own leaders of their political party.
Dean did some very good things as head of the DNC. His 50-state strategy was exactly right as a philosophical matter, and as a practical matter probably helped Obama turn previously-red states like IN and NC blue. And, of course, Obama’s success owes a lot to Dean’s pioneering use of the internet. Beyond that, he was one of ours.
Mr. Dean was a unusual chairman, defeating a slate of more established candidates, in no small part because of the broad support he enjoyed among the Netroots. Mr. Dean was a pioneer in appealing to this emerging constituency and the legacy of his otherwise unsuccessful 2004 presidential campaign was his use of the Internet to organize and raise money; it provided a template upon which Mr. Obama built.
Kudos to Dean for a job well done, and best wishes for whatever comes next.
Dean was an outsider in Washington and was able to shake up the establishment.
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p>His 50-state strategy was brilliant. He helped align things and that is to his credit.
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p>Dean’s effective use of the Internet as a political tool (i.e. meet-ups, fundraising, etc.) fit the times.
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p>We can not underestimate the fact that Howard Dean had a dynamic and transformative candidate with Barack Obama.
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p>Howard, you woke up America with a holler and you shook up Washington with perseverance! The DNC should thank you for you leadership!
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Sure, we’re not going to win ID, WY, or UT in a POTUS race for a while, but do keep in mind…
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p>For Congress, in addition to blue state pickups:
2006 saw gains in AZ, NC, KS, IN, TX, FL, MT, MO, VA, and OH
2008 saw gains in ID, AL, NC, NV, VA, FL, and OH
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p>We didn’t hold all those gains [TX, KS], but yeah, I’m a big fan of the 50 state strategy. I think I’d pour more resources in the Gulf Coast, from FL to TX. We can keep picking up a House seat or two, compete for Senate, and be in position to keep Florida and maybe pick up Mississippi for POTUS in 2012. If we can force the GOP to spend defense money in AL, MS, or TX, we’re doing just fine. Same goes for Georgia.
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p>Thanks Howie. I hope we don’t get all DLC while you’re gone.
especially when the Republicans have so blatantly not honored their supposed small-government philosophy. If Obama does a reasonably good job for the next two years, even longtime Republican voters will notice. Some of them will consider voting differently as a result.
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p>On the other hand, if the Democrats pull out of states where they lost big, it strengthens the other side. Make them fight everywhere, and maybe they’ll become a better, less religiocrazystupid party. If we’re only allowed to have two parties, it’s better for everyone if they’re the best two parties possible.
after last tuesday, the democrats have closed the gap to 74-76. which was almost unthinkable 5 years ago. and ominously for republicans, texas may be their best bellweather hope for the future growth of their party.
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p>states like alabama and wyoming, despite being full of good folks, are never going to be national trendsetters. the republicans may be able hold down majorities in these places for some time yet. but when a state like texas, which has a diverse modern economy and evolving demographic shifts that mirror where the country is heading, is trending heavily towards the democratic party, it bodes very badly for the republican party.
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p>howard dean was one of the few democrats at the national level who did not seem predisposed to write off places like texas as genetically conservative and republican. by taking pragmatic politics to all states, and taking a progressive democratic message and values to meet the peculiarities of different parts of the country he, more than anyone, has brought the democratic party back to being a national party. rather than an northeast/west coast clique that could never form the majorities necessary to win a national election.
It hadn’t occured to me that he might step down, but I guess it does make sense with a successful nominee. As far back as the 2004 primary season I did not believe Dean would make the best nominee or POTUS (I supported Kerry.), but very early thought he did have the right skills to be Chairman.
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p>So who would be a good candidate for this post? One name that springs to mind is Senator Clinton (Yes, I’m still trying to get her a major consolation prize for so closely contesting the primary.). She would not even necessarily have to resign her Senate seat to do this. For that matter President Clinton might be a good candidate himself. How about Governor Patrick? He could do this for his friend the President-elect AND remain in the Corner Office. I’d like to hear others’ thoughts via the comments.