The Tattered Cover Bookstore is a venerable institution in Denver as a successful independent bookseller. On Tuesday night there were two book signers.
One was George McGovern, the lion of peace on the Left who was soundly defeated for the presidency even though “everybody I knew” voted for him. An eminence, a presence. And a noble warrior. I worked for McGovern in ’72 and was totally devastated by his crushing defeat. He, like many retired Dem officeholders, has gone on to do good works after leaving office. A good man, a symbol of the lost liberalism of thirty years ago.
The other author that night was Markos, creator and facilitator of the DailyKos community.
Instead of a “presence” he was present, with an open smile, enthusiasm and sharp, illuminating questions and comments. DailyKos has grown into a community, enabling and promoting the coming re-emergence of what is now called “progressive” politics.
I found it very interesting who attended that Drinking Liberally gathering with Markos while McGovern was speaking a few blocks away. We’re in the middle of a hot race to take Bob Beauprez’s seat in Congress for the Democrats. All three of the primary candidates made an appearance. And Bill Winter, the Fighting Dem from CD6 was there also. A couple progressive State Representatives, the Young Dems of Jefferson County and a good selection of Colorado progressive bloggers like Colorado Luis, Soapblox Colorado and ColoradoLib.
As a Dem Statehouse District chair, I found it a very productive evening for promoting our April 29th Canvas for America and strategizing on countering a nasty Republican 527 group targeting our progressive legislators.
There’s change in the wind when a young guy from California with a writing obsession can stop in at a downtown bar and gather such a crowd.