I initially posted this as a comment in response to a diary entry made by Dr Frank. But it was lost in the ensuing food fight that then erupted.
Dr. Frank:
Relax, don't lets the bastard's see you sweat. The problem with folks like you and me is that we refuse to drink the kool aid being passed around by those who think Dean is some messianic figure. The one, who is the only ticket we have to regain the White House. We,who are not in the Cult of Dean, are the great unwashed. We know nothing of politics. We are dismissed and scorned.
Dr. Frank, you and I have been blogging here at Dkos for a long time. We need not waste energy on a some simian whose knees weaken, and whose breath get short at the mention of Howard Dean's very name.
No sir, here at the Dkos you must leanr to go along to get along. If you do not genuflect at the Altar of Dean, then you should just move along.
However, at the risk of further inciting the lemmings that lurk here on these boards, waiting to pounce and confront all who fail to show the proper modicum of respect to the Great Dean, who is all knowing and without fault, let me share with you an observation or two.
Dr. Frank, I do not think the Democratic Party( generalization) get's it. First, our elected officials still operate under the premise that rank partisanship is the exception not the rule. Party discipline to the GOP is paramount, wherein the Democrats think they can horse trade with the GOP and then later go out be friends with those who just picked thier pockets. Seldom, with exception, do they enjoin the battle or initiate the offense. So now the tough , unyielding Howard Dean appears on the scene and he is manna from heaven for those who need a visible instrument of thier anger personified in a candidate.
However, looking back at the last three successful GOP Presidential candidates, we see that they have used a formula vastly different. Reagan Bush I & II , were all happy warriors ( with all due respect to HHH).To Reagan it was "Morning in America." For Bush II it was a "Thousand Points of Lights." And all for the Bush II it was "Compassionate Conservatism." Which, although is an oxymoron, was bought by the electorate.
The problem is we spend way to much running against instead of running for these various offices. The GOP know and understands gimmicks, i.e. "Contract with America." So why GOP are running for something, the Dem's are left running against it.
It is time we change the playing field. We need to take the initiative, formulate a set of tactics, and coordinate with those who share are values, a campaign strategy that ignores the GOP and delivers by contrast, style, and message a positive vision of hope, opportunity, and above all fairness for all.
At this juncture of the campaign I do not feel Howard Dean is the best possible candidate to change the "field." However if over the ensuing weeks the good Governor changes my mind I will gladly mix the next batch of kool aid.