My Gmail just told me I had a new message, and on this particularly boring workday, I was excited to see that the Ragin' Cajun himself had e-mailed me.
But alas, it was from that most annoying of e-mail addresses at democrats.org. I knew then that, once again, the only e-mail I have received from the party was not about a bill to take action on, or anything substantive at all, but instead was just asking me for more cash.
This bugs me now, and really bugged me during the campaign - so here's what I want from the next DNC chair:
I want information from my party. I want talking points and action alerts and all kinds of fun toys to make me a better advocate for my party and my beliefs.
All throughout the campaign, it became more and more obvious that the DNC was not interested in my vote or my ability to convince my friends and neighbors why John Kerry and the Democratic ticket were the best choice. They were interested only in my sweet, sweet money. How many undecideds had signed up for more information only to be bombarded with begging for cash at every turn?
The Republicans are, once again, doing this better than us. Will the grassroots give donations? Hell yes. But, we can also be the best advocates the party has. When there's a time to talk about issues, the GOP uses their muscle to get their people active - it makes a difference. You can even look at Dean/DFA as an example with more balance.
So, Howard, Simon, Donnie (who?), Terry (God forbid), Tim (God REALLY forbid): listen up. There's more in the grassroots than money - there are votes. How bout giving us the info and letting us pros go and find them?