This diary is dedicated to my pal, NWTerriD, and all the Kossacks who supported the Obama campaign during the difficult times of the Indiana primary (and the "second coming of Rev. Wright.) It doesn't have a lot of content, it's just musings which I was originally writing as a reply to a comment.
Don't forget that we have a DFA Campaign Academy in Lafayette: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/... :)
Just to give credit where it's due ... Terri (and fellow Kossacks), you've inspired me, with your blogs, and your dedication.
I won't go into the whole speech about the Indiana primary and the "Second Coming" of Rev. Wright, because you've heard it before. But it was a trial by fire. (I never told you this, but it seems my report of impending disaster was apparently considered as one source of input by the campaign - c.f. a Newsweek article in which Axelrod feared doom in IN ... I don't have the cite handy, but I'm sure you can locate it :) (I've never reported this before, but even back then, I had a direct line into the hierarchy.)
> As for issues, I think people really didn't believe that it was going to take hard work to succeed on the issues once Obama got into the WH.
IMHO, we face two key prob.s at the moment, when it comes to advancing the Agenda. One is to maintain the level of enthusiasm, and to move folks forward, when it comes to influencing the voters.
Now that the election is over, the "voters" are - of course - the Senate. (Given that a maj. in the House can do whatever it pleases, right?)
MoveOn has done some excellent work (did I tell you, that I'm the council coordinator for Tippecanoe co.?), and OFA (Organizing For America) is following behind. (Somewhat further behind, if I may say so.)
But, here in Indiana - because Progressives are so united - we must recognize not only the severity of the obstacles (single-issue pro-lifers, older voters, etc.), but also the importance of revitalizing our local Democratic parties. That's why we're so proud that we've brought a http://democracyforamerica.com campaign academy to Lafayette: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/...
In case anyone's missed it ... let me say this loudly and clearly. Because of his role in advancing the 50-state strategy ... Howard Dean is God (in the political sense LOL).
"No State Left Behind"
(Oh yeah, let me repeat: 1936 was the last time that Indiana delivered its electoral votes to a Democrat, who hailed from north of the Mason-Dixon line.)
We also face a third problem, in the future.
Endless amounts of work remain to be done in this state. Indiana will certainly not look like the coastal states, anytime soon. Our winters are hell ... they destroy our cars, houses, and livelihoods (but not our spirits).
And yes, our voters aren't much to write home about, but we are changing them. (We can't affect the weather :)
At the risk of repeating myself, let me say agin that Howard Dean is "God" - and you, my Dear (and all your fellow Kossacks who didn't give up on us) are GodHead because you believe in us. You have bought into our claim that we can win. That we can turn Indiana ... county-by-county, into a blue state.
Now that Barack has been elected, he faces a much more daunting series of challenges.
And so do we, here in Indiana. But if he could win, and if we could win here, then there is much cause for hope and optimism.
the Mad Canvasser asks:
Are we working hard enough??
Are we organizing effectively enough??
When you think of Indiana, think of elbow grease.
To Progressives in states like Oklahoma (I really need to go out there and work!), Texas, Wyoming, North Dakota, Alaska, and so forth ... all I can say is ... We love you here in Indiana, because we know what you have to deal with. I know you're not giving up, because Howard (and Terri, and Kossacks) are there!
BTW, if you come to our DFA Training Academy ( http://www.democracyforamerica.com/... ) ... you can meet Jim Dean! :D
"No State Left Behind"