Howard Dean just sent around his farewell email as he prepares to hand over the reins of the DNC to Tim Kaine. In it, he made a couple important announcements. First, the 50 state strategy works!! (OK... I'm parphrasing.) Second, Tim Kaine is committed to a "grassroots approach" that has been so successful. (I'm not sure whether to read anything into the fact that Dean didn't use the phrase '50 State Strategy' at all... but for now, I won't.) Third....
And here's where we come in..... Governor Dean announced that Tim Kaine will field questions from the grassroots and release a web video addressing those questions. You can go to the website to submit your question. I won't tell you what to ask, but I wouldn't mind making a suggestion. I think this is an opportunity for us Deaniacs, and others who simply agree that a job-well-done should be recognized and rewarded, to stress to Kaine (and hopefully the rest of Democrats) that we believe Howard Dean deserves credit for the resurgency of this party and that the party would be wise to continue allowing Dr. Dean to play an important role. For example, here is the question I submitted.
I do not think I am alone in my opinion that Howard Dean SAVED the Democratic Party. From his courageous 2004 Presidential candidacy to his wisdom and leadership as Chair of the DNC, Howard Dean restored the Democratic Party to the people of this country and the results speak for themselves. Howard Dean will never publically complain about the Democratic Party, but we will on his behalf, whether he likes it or not. What are Barack Obama, the DNC and the Democratic Party as a whole going to do to ensure that Howard Dean continues to play a leading role in this party?!!
Perhaps if enough of us asked similar questions, Tim Kaine will be forced to address it. And, as has been suggested in other diaries here, Barack Obama really is listening, then wind of this might get back to him as well. I'd have to think it will get back to Howard Dean, so at the very least, it is another way to show him our appreciation.
Visit this link and submit your question.