Marc Fisher, who writes a regular column for the Metro Section of the
Washington Post has a really interesting one today,
'Web Campaign Can't Replace Pressing the Flesh.'
In his column, Fisher notes the limitations of an internet-based political campaign but, nonetheless, credits Howard Dean for generating a great deal of enthusiasm
Once upon a time, maybe six or eight weeks ago, Virginia was going to be one more feather in Howard Dean's cap, a demonstration that a secular ex-governor from New England could win even in the conservative South by capitalizing on rage against the president, lost jobs and a craving for straight talk.
This was no mere fantasy of college kids, Webheads and antiwar activists who succeeded in building up early enthusiasm for Dean. Some of Virginia's most savvy Democratic operatives came on board, too.
However (and whenever) Dean's campaign ends, he has earned the respect and admiration of many Democrats around the country. For those of us supporting other candidates (Richard Gephardt in my case) through the primaries, we as a political party owe a special debt of gratitude to Dean and his fervent supporters. Unless Dean himself can resurrect his campaign and garner the nomination, the truth is that our eventual nominee (probably Kerry or Edwards) must acknowledge that fact and earn the respect and support of all Dean supporters. And we'd all be better off for it.
Fisher quotes Mame Reiley, a superdelegate to the Democratic convention and a former Dean supporter
At Dean's rallies and meetings," she says, "there were so many people I didn't know, and I know everyone in Northern Virginia politics. Whatever happens with Dean, everyone is going to want all those e-mail addresses.
Having worked for several political campaigns, I know from personal experience that politics can be a ruthless profession. Certainly not one for the faint-hearted but, even so, I wouldn't have put it as crassly as Ms. Reiley did. I must admit that even though I have, at times, gently criticized Dean for one thing or another, all I want to say to Governor Dean today is: thank you for showing us how to act as Democrats again. Just for that and much more, we'll always be eternally grateful.
ps: I posted a slightly different version of this in response to another thread on the main page when I really intended it to be a diary entry. I hope that faux pas doesn't violate the new diary rules.