1115.org

Could Bob Novak have interviewed the wrong Democrats?

(Poll by Gallup)

Just a few months ago, the idea of Howard Dean becoming chairman of the Democratic National Committee seemed absurd. The party establishment threw up every mainstream Democrat with a pulse (and I’m guessing looked into reanimating some without) to be the safe choice to continue the status quo. A party that had just suffered a painful loss in a winnable race, failed to take back the House for the fifth straight election and lost Senate seats again did their best to keep the band together. Luckily for all of us, they failed at that too.

As I have reminded readers on several occasions, I didn’t support Dean in the primaries, and I stand by that decision. Watching many politicians (especially the President) would lead most people to think that they don’t learn from the process, but with the lessons of the past year, Dean has turned into a much more effective leader.

He quickly turned his unsuccessful campaign into Democracy for America, a grassroots organization designed to support progressive candidates at every level of government. He proved an effective surrogate for John Kerry’s campaign, appearing on talk shows proudly advocating Kerry’s positions and knocking down Republican nonsense.

Dean has earned another chance on the national stage, and he is well suited for the struggle to come. Whether the success of his 2004 campaign was a fluke or planned, it changed the face of politics in a way that can help Democrats for years to come. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that even not getting in the way can be effective leadership. I’m most optimistic about two qualities Dean brings to the DNC:

But this is only the beginning, and it’s going to be a challenge. Some people at the DNC are going to have to go. Matt Tobey reminded me yesterday that while Dean was giving his acceptance speech, there were some pained expressions in the room. It’s time to purge the status quo party operative culture that has become a cancer. Dean will need to move quickly and choose wisely to return the party to it’s constituents.

Republicans started attacking Dean even before he became chair. The Scream is again playing on cable news shows. Pundits are arguing about whether the party will continue to drift toward the center or tack left. But everyone is missing the point: Dean isn’t seeking public office, he’s organizing and funding a party, and his enthusiasm will serve him well. The party won’t move left or right because of decisions Dean makes, but it will move forward.

Some blogs have set up a fundraising link to show the media that we support Dean as DNC chair. Give a few bucks if you are so inclined.