Please forgive me if my rant offends you, but it is what it is.
I'm tired of this "Don't Forget the South" pie war. I've read several diaries and threads on the topic, and i think many of the "don't forget the South" crowd are missing one critical component.
If you care to hear my Liberal North Eastern perspective, follow me over the jump.
Too many commenters are complaining that "Howard Dean's 50 state strategy didn't include MY district". I think they miss the point.
For one, the DNC paid for staffers in ALL 50 STATES. They did help you, weather you won or not.
Secondly, elections aren't won by sitting there at your computer and complaining about not getting any attention. You have to work for it. YOU have to volunteer, donate, go door to door. This is not something that the DailyKos, and Howard Dean can do for you.
Look at NH-01! Carol Shea Porter was not only ignored by the Democratic establishment, but actively opposed int he primary. She was written off from the monent she won the primary, and could barely raise money to support her effort. Carol won with 1/5 of the money of the Republican incumbent, in a Republican leaning district, with only herself and her grass-roots supporters.
My point is this: If you think the South is winnable, WIN IT! If you want your candidate to do well in the campaign VOLUNTEER! I'm not going to fly to Alabama, and volunteer to win your election for you.
Yes, the National Democratic Party can frequently be significantly less than helpful. If you show them you have a vibrant and active campaign, they will help.
Even if they don't, that shouldn't stop YOU from doing everything you can.
Prove them wrong about the South. Prove us all wrong.
Because, if you haven't done everything you can to win the hearts and minds of your neighbors, and you loose, you have no one to blame but yourself.
End Rant.