I want to thank Chris Dodd and the entire Dodd campaign tonight. The final showing in the caucuses was disappointing to say the least, but there hasn't been a candidate in the race who has shown stronger leadership, more spine, and more actual opposition to Republican and Cheney Administration legislation during the course of this campaign.
The Dodd campaign has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of tonight. The Dodd campaign was perhaps the closest campaign to espousing the values and tactics we ask for here on DailyKos: Senator Dodd hired Tim Tagaris, a longtime netroots star. He pulled out all the stops to prevent Harry Reid from capitulating on FISA and on telecom amnesty. And he campaigned courageously and tirelessly to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, ignoring the pabulum and platitudes--even the populist ones--that were the hallmarks of the top three Democrats in the field.
I can't quite figure out why the traditional media never gave Dodd the respect and attention he deserved. Maybe it's precisely because he stood up so strongly on behalf of the American People and their Constitution. Maybe it's just because Dodd's been around in the Senate for so long, that he seemed to have been "passed over for promotion", as it were.
Whatever the reason, shame on the traditional for ignoring your campaign, Senator Dodd. Of so many things the media has to be ashamed of during this race, focusing so much attention on Fred Thompson at your expense should really be at the top of the list.
Even though your Presidential run fell short, you have become my favorite Senator--and I hope that, if you want it, the next Democratic Administration will give you a role to play in the Executive Branch. If you wish to remain a Senator longterm after this, I fervently hope that you become the new Senate Majority Leader worthy of the American People.
All the best to you, Senator Dodd: your efforts will not be forgotten, and your race for the Presidency was not for naught. The Constitution is back on the table as an electoral issue; the FISA bill and telecom amnesty have been stopped in their tracks; and hopefully we'll have a new Democratic Majority Leader in the Senate who is worthy of the position.