We progressives are the life blood of the Democratic Party. They think we have no place else to go. Let us inform the party poobahs in no uncertain terms that we are not to be taken for granted. If the powers that be decide to install a moderate/ quasi conservative as DNC Chair we should leave the party en-masse. Make a really big deal out of it. We could create a coalition of the willing to battle the status quo.
As Ronald Reagan said years ago, "I didn't leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me". It would be the same for us. The party's ideology or lack thereof no longer reflects our world view. I've been a party activist for 25 years and I'm afraid that the Democratic Party may be broken. The "New Deal" Coalition no longer exists, the solid South is Red State territory, and from sea to shining sea liberal means pussy. If this dog won't hunt, even brand new camo gear won't change that. We need hearts and minds. We need core beliefs that distinguish us as Democrats. Appeasement is simply defeat in bite size chunks. Dean is the man for our times, a progressive voice in the neo-con wilderness. We already have enough representation from anti choice, militaristic, status quo leaders - they are called Republicans. If the Dems turn right they can continue down the path to extinction, I just won't be a part of it.
Dean to the DNC, or else.