Markos on Al Franken Show NOW..

Just tuning in to Air America - Joe Conason is filling in for Al Franken - and they are focusing at the moment on the next chairman of the Democratic Party.  

Markos is scheduled to be on the show soon, so I thought I'd use my diary to post a heads-up for everyone.  First up is a writer from the American Prospect so Markos is to be after this segment - possibly at the same time as Chris Suellentrop of Slate.  

If I may, this might be a good place to talk about potential nominees.  Er.. Is there a consensus gathering about any of the candidates?  Is there anyone who feels strongly about a candidate - aside from Dean, who we know has plenty of support here?

Does reform necessarily = outside-the-Beltway DNC chair?    

•  The Beltway is the problem!

  The national party has been lead down the path of destruction by the Washington crowd. It will be another round of blame the liberals. Only a progressive voice from outside DC can speak to and for the average citizen. It would also say to the world that it isn't business as usual over at the DNC.
  Dean to the DNC!

  by smartinez on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 09:34:44 AM PDT

•  Dean is not what the Democrats need

  Dean is a true politician and I believe that there are some tangible other things that are much more important to being a good DNC chair that the popularity of a politician.

  From what I can see Dean's organization was obviously inspired but apparently not in tune to what was going on the ground in Iowa.

  We need s DNC Chair that has great organization skills and outreach to regional ideas. And some one that will bolster the state parties and also figure out a compromise so that Iowa and New Hampshire can be moved from the foristt in the nation spot. Also the primary is too front loaded that the public does not get a cnce to get into the contest before it is over.

  by wdmosely on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 09:50:37 AM PDT

  •  I disagree...

    The ground in Iowa was not terra firma -it was the shifting sands of media darlinghood. Howard Dean did not implode, he was dissected by the Party Establishment. Howard Dean is exactly what we need. Not another consultant, good Lord no! Howard has a message and as DNC Chair that message will be full out, 24-7 from a man who can articulate what it means to be a Democrat.

    by smartinez on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 10:20:35 AM PDT

•  Dean's comments about Gen Clark was not fair

  Dean said that Gen Clark was not a Democrat.

  That was just about as right as saying Dean was not a Democrat.  Hell, Dean had the same positions that Gen Clark had. So Dean decides to attack Clark because he got a little attention being a new face.  Dean just provided the right wing with ammunition because Rove and company truly were afraid of Gen Clark gaining traction or the nomination out of all the canidates.
  

  by wdmosely on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 09:55:20 AM PDT

  •  Let's do the Time Warp again.

    Not holding a grudge, are we?

    by Feanor on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 09:59:48 AM PDT

•  Donnie Fowler is the best out of DNC Chair choices

  Clark Former campaign manager Young Donnie Fowler is just what is needed.  A true fresh face with energy and youth.

  by wdmosely on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 09:56:54 AM PDT

•  On now

  by Jugwine on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 09:58:23 AM PDT

•  Speaking of the grassroots..

  Hmm.. crossover of trad. grassroots w/netroots is?.. I wonder.

  Kos says he could support Dean, Rosenburg, or even Fowler.

  Also, OT: Kevin Drum put up a post about "Washington Monthly Bling" and this is currently disturbing the hell out of me.

  by daria g on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 10:05:36 AM PDT

  •  Thanks for the heads up

    n/t

    by lapin on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 10:10:23 AM PDT

•  uh

  did Kos just attribute Kirk's Orlando statement to Webb? or did I have them backwards in the first place?

  by gabbneb on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 10:06:08 AM PDT

•  Umm, there's another POV

  Don't buy into conventional wisdom, there is another take on Dean's 04 rise and fall. Dean's message in Iowa was overshadowed by the horse race. Consultants were brought in from all sides to derail his candidacy. Establishment Dems didn't want Dean. (remember those "Dated Dean, Married Kerry" bumperstickers?)Someone paid for 'em. Follow the money, kids. We need Dean because the man can articulate the Democratic message, a no-name for the sake of a fresh face is not a cohesive strategy.. Dean can organize and inspire. We need victories in 2006, Howard can make it happen.

  by smartinez on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 10:07:30 AM PDT

  •  Agreed

    Dean can organize and inspire. We need victories in 2006, Howard can make it happen.

    Dean has recognized that we need a national party, not a blue state v. red state party.  The Dean Dozens were a relative success, given that the concept was introduced in April, just 7 months before the election.

    by mini mum on Fri Dec 17, 2004 at 10:18:53 AM PDT