When you hear that Governor Dean is coming to visit your state, you do not let the media play you. This has happened in every "red" state Governor Dean has visited. These articles are easy to find. Just do a search of state newspapers when he is about to make an appearance. It is so obvious, and often the Democrats fall right in line.
From Joe Erwin, the SC state chair comes these words:
Dean's visit a mixed bag for Democrats
"Erwin said that many in the party were offended and noted that he, too, is a white Christian.
Even a suggestion that there's something not good about white Christians, if that's the interpretation that's left with some people, can hurt because I'm trying to recruit white Christians, African-American Christians, Jews, people of all faiths. We don't need to ostracize anybody. I told him that," Erwin said.
(Mr. Erwin sounds like he is really believing that Governor Dean ostracized Christians.)
Mr. Erwin, you also said that you did not think it would "hurt" your state for Howard Dean to visit there.
Why didn't you just say "Governor Dean is welcome in our state, and we look forward to his visit." Did you not know the press would have a field day with these remarks?
Also you do not let the media have an opening to say these things....you just don't. Don't play their games.
"Don't look for the party's two candidates for governor to be anywhere near Dean.
Sen. Tommy Moore of Clearwater said he's sorry, but cited a "long-standing commitment."
Florence Mayor Frank Willis, ahem, has a series of Pee Dee regional meetings to attend: "Business comes first."
Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum, the party's 2004 Senate candidate, said Dean "will be warmly received, but, I however, have a previously scheduled trip out of the state."
Howard Dean is the duly elected chair of the party. You should not equivocate when you are talking to the media, not when you know how they will spin. Be firm and stand with him.
Here is what you do. A perfect example. Call them out on why they are diverting attention from their own outrages. Call them out.
How to point out hypocrisy
Why Do SC Republicans Scream about the Dean Scream? Well, they:
"Prefer their sighs of relief for not being drafted into the war they supposedly support."
"Enjoy the party sounds of the Bush twins during War-Time."
"Rather not hear the daily recitation of more Americans being killed each day in Iraq."
"Prefer the muffled sound of disappointment in not finding WMDs in Iraq."
"Rather play deaf to the sound of no health-care for the working poor while they pocket their tax cuts."
Governor Dean has been working for the state parties, and it is your job to stand in unity with him. You don't have to "like" him, you just have to stand your ground with the media.
When state parties refuse to take a firm stand, then the GOP and media will hold sway.