Tonight we attended
several events, but the highlight was a DNC reception for outgoing
chairman Howard Dean. We had gotten to know him during his
Presidential bid in 2003 and 2004, and strongly supported him for DNC
chair. Many credit Dean with strong showings in 2006 races through his
50 State Strategy that devoted time (and money) to Democratic
candidates in traditionally red states.
Dean made a career of successfully bucking tradition and status quo and proved that the Democratic Party could be resurgent even at the height of the Bush administration. Early on, a lot of the Democratic Party leadership disagreed with him, and wanted to focus primarily on the most winnable races, but he prevailed and led the party to victories in many races thought unwinnable only a year before. His predictions of a big 2006 victory came true, even if given quite a bit of help from GWB with his disastrous policies of the last 8 years. Successes from his strategy were consolidated in 2008 on the strong coat tails of PE Obama.
Tonight
he gave a short farewell speech to the Party faithful talking about his
key issues: equality, healthcare, education, and voting rights. He was
classic Howard Dean. We got a few minutes with him after his speech to
chat:
Gracie with Howard Dean
Bob, Howard Dean, and Gracie
He provided great leadership as Governor of Vermont and as Chair of the DNC. We wish him well and hope to continue a long friendship with him.
More tomorrow.
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