The Tide Turns to Dean

"Leaders Back Dean to Head Democrats Nationally," is the way Mr. Nagourney of the New York Times adjusts to the new reality. The Hill calls a spade a spade: "Dean looks like a sure thing."

''Dean Wins Backing of State Democratic Chairs'' (UPDATED)

"Rival Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver, dropped out of the chairman's race after the endorsement and also backed Dean. Webb's aide Cindy Brovski said, "Mathematically, it looks like Dean is going to win on the first ballot."- from the AP story in the Washington Post, so it must be true. Update: Ron Brownstein in the LA Times accounts for Dean's success begrudingly: "Some senior Democratic operatives say unease about a Dean chairmanship is widespread among congressional leaders and many governors. But almost none of those grumbling privately have expressed their concerns publicly — in part, some believe, because they fear crossing the ardent grass-roots, Internet-activist community still backing Dean." They don't want him but are afraid of his disciples. See, they are still the wusses we have been saying they are. The story was written before Dean won the party chair endorsement later in the day.

''Dean at DNC would cost Dems''

When Bob Novack takes you on, you must be doing something right!

''There They Go Again''

As noted below, the Executive Committee of the Association of State Democratic Chairs endorsed Donnie Fowler by a vote of 8 to 6. The TIME story (posted below) pitched this as a "snag" in Dean's campaign for the DNC Chair. The AP story calls it a "detour." Mr. Adam Nagourney, who is employed by the New York Times, elevates this vote to "Dean Rival Gains Strength in Bid for Chairman." They have a nice photo of Donnie, as well. This post on MyDD drills deeper into this vote and turns up this factoid: Paul Berendt is a Vice-President of this group and "publically endorsed Howard Dean 2 weeks ago, just before the State Chair election in Washington. Berendt was able to overcome Greg Rodriquez precisely because he backed Dean. I just made a few calls to Washington St., and talked with someone close to Berendt, whom told me that "yes, he's sticking to Dean". There are lots of comments and more blogger blather with these posts as well.

''If Democratic Party lurches left, it may fare worse''

Joel Connelly, the P-I columnist writes some good stuff, but when I asked him if it was fair to say he wasn't a "liberal/progressive," he agreed with my description. His Monday column predicts failure for Democrats if they follow the path of Howard Dean. He quotes Congressman Adam Smith at length. "Lurch: to lean or pitch suddenly to one side." I've tried in the past to convince Connelly that this description did not fit Howard Dean, but he has resisted my persuasion, preferring to accept the mainstream media mantra about him.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

The New York Times used to be a good newspaper. If you need more evidence that it isn't, here's "Seven Candidates Scramble to Lead the Party That Lost." The P-I has "Howard Dean rallies supporters in N.Y." courtesy of AP. TIME magazine says "Fowler 1, Dean 0: The former Vermont governor's candidacy to lead the DNC hits a snag."

''If Democratic Party lurches left, it may fare worse''

Joel Connelly, the P-I columnist writes some good stuff, but when I asked him if it was fair to say he wasn't a "liberal/progressive," he agreed it was. His Monday column predicts failure for Democrats if they follow the path of Howard Dean. He quotes Congressman Adam Smith at length. "Lurch: to lean or pitch suddenly to one side." I've tried in the past to convince Connelly that this description did not fit Howard Dean, but he has resisted my persuasion, preferring to accept the mainstream media mantra about him.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

The New York Times used to be a good newspaper. If you need more evidence that it isn't, here's "Seven Candidates Scramble to Lead the Party That Lost." The P-I has "Howard Dean rallies supporters in N.Y." courtesy of AP. TIME magazine says "Fowler 1, Dean 0: The former Vermont governor's candidacy to lead the DNC hits a snag."

Two More Views: Eastern Regional DNC

Thank God we have the Boston Globe to remind us that when things seem to be going well, there is always somebody willing bring us down to their view of reality: "A 'stop-Dean' effort arises at DNC forum: A replay of the 2004 Iowa caucuses unfolded in New York this weekend at a meeting to preview candidates to lead the Democratic Party; six men appealed to voters in an attempt to bend or to bypass the seemingly unstoppable juggernaut of support behind a Green Mountain doctor named Howard Dean." On the other hand, a fresh-faced blogger named "sneemteam" has this on MyDD: "Which brings me to Dean. I've seen him several times in person, and today for the first time I got to meet him in person. He looked wonderful, relaxed and cheerful. His speech was by far the best today. The past two years have matured him, and he really brings it all; charm, humor, charisma as well as intelligence and a real understanding of what needs to be done. He was the only one who I felt gave real details of what he would do as chair." sneemteam said many nice things about the other candidates as well.

''The DNC Eastern Regional Caucus''

From Kos: "Howard Dean, in the five minutes he had to speak, made me fall in love all over again. I have no doubt that he, too, gets it. I don't think anyone here needs me to tell them more about Dean." Lots of comments, a photo and a poll, too. Sunday's Washington Post casts a glance from the Beltway in "Dean's Past as Prologue to DNC Future": "As Howard Dean campaigns here for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, his supporters feel an eerie echo of his campaign a year ago for the Democratic presidential nomination. There are some parallels," Jimmy Dean, the candidate's brother, says of the comparison to Dean's 2004 campaign. "It has crossed people's minds." But there are reasons for Dean to be hopeful that history will not repeat itself. So far, party insiders see little sign that the anti-Dean forces are uniting behind an alternative candidate...This year's contest particularly suits Dean. In the past, party leaders were tapped by sitting presidents, or ran discreet campaigns among party elders. This time, the seven candidates are vying for votes on a nationwide dog-and-pony show, a series of public debates climaxing in Saturday's session in New York. It has showcased the ideological rifts in the party and opened the way for the type of retail politics in which Dean specializes." This AP story offers a wrap-up of the day's events: "Dean, Others 'Audition' for DNC Chairman."

''Sen. Barbara Boxer Steps Into Spotlight''

"Sen. Barbara Boxer has always spoken up, but the California Democrat seems to have gotten a lot louder lately. Her opposition to Condoleezza Rice's secretary of state nomination was so combative that it was parodied on Saturday Night Live. That came on the heels of her decision to sign onto a House member's complaint about Ohio voting problems, forcing Congress to debate them before certifying President Bush's re-election victory."- from the AP story, currently #1 Most Viewed on Yahoo news.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

"Harold Ickes, a leading Democratic activist and former aide to President Clinton, said Friday he is backing Howard Dean to be chairman of the Democratic National Committee -- giving a powerful boost to the front-runner.-from the CNN story, "Former Clinton aide backs Dean for party chair." Salon has "Howard Dean or anybody but?" tonight: "The two leading candidates to head the Democratic National Committee are a former congressman who cozied up to George W. Bush in his last run for reelection -- and still lost -- and a failed presidential candidate who so frightens some conservative Democrats that they may go Republican if he is elected chairman."

''PLEASE BE NICE TO DOCTOR RICE''

"Until last week, I thought the party's official spokesmen were Al Franken and Jon Stewart. (It was nice to see that John Kerry was still alive and back from wherever he was while the man he almost defeated was busy declaring war on the New Deal and the rest of the world.) This is not the old days, when there was a draft and war was more personal than reality television, and when wars were paid for by supplemental taxes rather than deferred debt. Should we not talk about those things? Torture, for instance. Would that be unpatriotic? Or, dare I say it, impolite? That's really the charge against Boxer, representing a military-heavy state providing more than a quarter of the war's cannon fodder: that she was not nice to the impressive Doctor Rice, our Condi of the many degrees, to say nothing of piano-playing, ice-skating and speaking Russian. "Bad form," as Karl Rove, the president's political sidekick, said the other day to a network reporter who had the temerity to ask about battle casualties. Bad manners.-"from Richard Reeves' op-ed Friday night.

''Alberto Gonzales is Not Fit to be Attorney General''

454 Weblogs can't be wrong: "Daily Kos Statement Opposing the Confirmation of Alberto Gonzales."

Dean the Uniter: The Sequel

"Democrats competing to lead their national party are battling for the role of "the anti-Dean," the alternative candidate to front-runner Howard Dean. Few disagree that Dean, the former Vermont governor who was presidential front-runner for the Democrats throughout 2003, has surged into the early lead with about three-dozen endorsements from Democratic National Committee members."-from the AP story, "Dems Vying to Lead National Party Battle."

''Don't miss your chance to see Howard Dean at the Paramount!''

"Foolproof presents former Governor Howard Dean in "Now What?"--The first annual benefit for American Voices, Sunday March 6 - 7:30 PM, Paramount Theatre. Dr. Howard Dean will headline the first annual benefit for Foolproof's American Voices. Dr. Dean and special guests Sherman Alexie, Rep. Jim McDermott and more to be announced will answer the question, Now What? On the Future of America. Purchase your tickets online today."
Orchestra seating $75
1st&2nd Mezzanine $45
3rd Mezzanine $25

''From the Office of Senator Cantwell'' (UPDATED)

"Thank you for previously contacting me regarding the nomination of Justice Alberto Gonzales to the position of Attorney General of the United States. After carefully listening to Judge Gonzales during his Senate confirmation hearings and reading his responses to questions, I have decided to oppose his confirmation."-from the email I received this morning and here's the official announcement Update: Maria's announcement is attracting national media attention. Ed Schultz just said she will be a live guest on his show today, sometime before 3PM, Pacific Time. It's on AM 1090, the local Air America outlet, now. You can listen online here. Update: The only notice of Cantwell's vote that Google finds for me is in The Olympian,"Cantwell to vote against Gonzales nomination." I don't know why there isn't more buzz on this in the local press. Do you? Update: Once again, a faithful reader shows me the error of my ways. Here's a Cantwell Gonzales story, in the P-I, online: "Cantwell to vote against confirmation of Gonzales."

''A Call To Action''

"Join Congressman McDermott and other experts in discussing 3 urgent and strategic issues needing action: Social Security, Elections and Taxes."-from Progressive Democratic Caucuses of Washington. Here's a flyer: "Sunday, January 30, 1:00-3:00 PM-(Doors open 12:45)-Seattle Labor Temple,2800 1st Ave - 1st & Clay- $5 donation suggested for room rental."

''MoveOn steps into DNC Chair contest''

From the LA Times, via The Smirking Chimp: "The move is expected to help chairman candidate Howard Dean, who finished first in a 2003 straw poll of MoveOn members during his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Since the election, MoveOn has come under fire from some Democratic centrists, who accuse it of pushing the party too far to the left, especially on foreign policy and national security issues. But several Democratic leaders contacted Tuesday welcomed its involvement in the DNC race as an opportunity to strengthen links between the party structure and local activists."

''The Wrong Attorney General''

Even the New York Times has now spoken out on this issue. Will our Senators do the same?

Condi Vote: 13 Say "NO" (UPDATED)

Barbara Boxer, Ted Kennedy, Carl Levin, Robert Byrd, John Kerry, Jim Jeffords, Jack Reed, Dick Durbin, Mark Dayton, Daniel Akaka, Evan Bayh, Frank Lautenberg, Tom Harkin. This is the most "no" votes since Henry Kissinger. He received 7. Update: John Nichols does his usual good job in, "Boxer Rebellion Spreads," from The Online Beat, on TheNation.com: "Give Barbara Boxer credit for sparking the most engaged debate that the Senate has yet seen over the Bush Administration lies that led the United States into the quagmire that is Iraq." Update: "the highest number of votes against a secretary of state nominee since Henry Clay took the office in 1825, under President John Quincy Adams."-from this story in the P-I, via wire services.

''DNC Chair vote map & related amendment''

"Here's a state-by-state map (made by the NDN staff) of the votes for DNC Chair, according to the DNC members residence: Notice that DC/Maryland (39) has as much voting power combined as does the Florida/Texas/Ohio (39) block of DNC members, and more combined than California."-from MyDD.

Kos: ''Boxer the new Wellstone''

Maybe. She might also be the new Clinton, or Howard Dean, for that matter. Read it all here.

''JIM CROW RETURNS TO THE VOTING BOOTH''

That was the headline Greg Palast and Jesse Jackson gave this commentary in the email I received today from Palast. The P-I gave it, "Black voters in United States disproportionally disenfranchised." But, hey, at least they published it.

Condi Debate: The Video

Here are some highlights of Tuesday's US Senate blather: Barbara Boxer and Mark Dayton.

''Making Dean's List''

Dan Balz, one of the top Beltway pundits, writes about the horse race in Wednesday's Washington Post: "Dean is using endorsements strategically to convey breadth of support. Last week he announced that he has support from state party leaders in almost every region, including the South and Southwest. Still, several prominent DNC members said they believe the race for party chairman remains an open battle. Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer said in an interview Monday that he believes talk of Dean's momentum is overstated, and Donna Brazile, campaign manager for Al Gore in 2000, left a voice-mail message saying, "This . . . thing ain't over." Party officials and strategists said former representative Martin Frost of Texas appears to be Dean's principal competition but cautioned that the field is fluid." I think the Beltway crowd is still nervous about Dean, don't you? Meanwhile, "MoveOn.org Joining DNC Chair Battle," is from MyDD. The Hill has, "Big labor weighs in on DNC." The article says they haven't made any decision yet, so the headline is puzzling.

''DNC Chair CattleCall''

Good roundup with an emphasis on the ABD movement. Lots of comments, too, from MyDD. Don't overlook this link at the bottom about what happened in the Iowa primary and how the media played a part. Unbelievably, it's from the Washington Times. Update: The AP has this one out tonight and it's getting a lot of distribution: "Dean wins endorsement of key blacks."

Voting Stories

"Revote? If Florida and Ohio go first," from Seattle author Paul Loeb and "Vote machine maker settles over her whistle-blower suit," about Bev Harris are in today's P-I.

Condi, Part 2 (UPDATED)

C-Span is covering the Senate debate today, starting at 6:45 AM, here. Scroll down on the Crooks and Liars site and watch "Boxer/Condi SNL skit!" from "Saturday Night Live." The P-I has this from today's New York Times: "'Honeymoon over,' Senate Democrats say." They just pushed the Condi debate until 7:45. Update: If you need any motivation to oppose the Gonzales nomination, Lisa Rein's site has plenty, in various media formats. It's 8:48 and Teddy Kennedy is ripping Condi a new one on C-SPAN. Go down to the "Live Feeds" button and pick your player for C-SPAN 2. 8:52, Mark Dayton (D-MN) is up now: "The lying must stop now." 9:02, it's Carl Levin's turn. Updated: 9:22, noted MODERATE Democrat Evan Bayh is up, announcing his opposition to Condi. Patty and Maria, can you hear him now?? 9:54, they are re-running Condi's testimony last week, while the Senate is in recess until 11:30 Pacific time. 12:11, Senator Byrd is having at it. Update: Senator Byrd is having at it. From Moveon.org: "Senate Democrats have signaled their willingness to hold her accountable for these mistakes -- they've delayed her confirmation by a week for more intense questioning. And senators Barbara Boxer and John Kerry have already announced that they're voting against her confirmation. Please call your senators, listed below, and urge them to join Boxer and Kerry in opposing Dr. Rice's confirmation.
Senator Patty Murray: 202-224-2621 and Senator Maria Cantwell: 202-224-3441.
After you make your call, please click here, to let us know you called." Update: 12:51 PM, Barbara Boxer is up now. 3:07 PM, Jack Reed of Rhode Island just wrapped up his comments in opposition to Condi.

''Agitation Time''

The good people at the Columbus Free Press provide the only media account of the Progressive Democrats National Conference last weekend.

''From the Ground Up''

Truthout is sending out Dean's syndicated column this week.

''DNC update''

"I was at the Sacramento meeting of the DNC candidates this past weekend, and the sentiment of the DNC members at the meeting (western states) was fairly strong Dean, with a lot of secondary consideration for Frost and Rosenberg.-Kos on his blog this afternoon. And Salon has this today, "Why Dean should take charge." by Mark Hertsgaard.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

More blogging and extensive comments from the Sacramento DNC meeting over the weekend, from MyDD: here and here and here.

''Gregoire: Bush Shortchanging the States'' (UPDATED)

"OLYMPIA, Wash. -- America's newest governor, Democrat Christine Gregoire of Washington, chided President Bush on Saturday for shortchanging the states and urged the former Texas governor to remember their financial needs. The Democratic Governors' Association picked Gregoire to respond to President Bush's weekly radio address to the nation. She took office on Jan. 12 after winning by just 129 votes out of 2.9 million cast. Her Republican rival wants the courts to overturn the election and order a revote."-from the AP story. I didn't see it in our Sunday paper, did you? Update: Full disclosure: Bob Shields let me know that this story was in both of our dailies on Saturday. This is what happens when you get a new day job.

''Watch Keynotes of PDA Summit on C-SPAN-2!''

That would be Progressive Democrats of America, Monday morning, Jan. 24, at 5:36 a.m. Pacific Time on C-SPAN-2. If you happen to watch, you and I may be the only people in Seattle tuning in.

''Who Will Be the Next Alpha Democrat?''

As the show leaves California and moves to New York, the press takes notes: "As former presidential hopeful Howard Dean delivered his pitch in Sacramento on Saturday in his bid for Democratic National Committee chairman, the lights unexpectedly dimmed. "Karl Rove evidently controls the lighting board in here," Dean said."-from "Democrats audition 7 to lead party," in the Sacramento Bee. "Handicapping the race is nearly impossible, given the small electorate and the one-on-one nature of the campaign, conducted mostly over the telephone and in private meetings. But most observers agree that Dean is the front-runner by dint of his considerable name recognition and his wide grass-roots support, with others vying to emerge as the most viable alternative."-from the LA Times story.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

"Ever since the early days of the 2004 presidential campaign, the country doctor from the State of Ben & Jerry has been the agitating principal of a confused, fratricidal and essentially leaderless party. Then, as now, Dean inspired an outside-the-Beltway, Net-based crusade whose shock troops adored his social progressivism and his fearless opposition to war in Iraq. Then, as now, a party establishment—based in Congress, governors' mansions and Georgetown salons—viewed him as a loudmouthed lefty whose visibility would ruin the Democratic brand in Red States."-from Howard Fineman's "Now Playing: 'Anybody But Dean, Part 2'," in Newsweek. From "Dean blasts GOP in bid to chair Democratic Party," in the San Francisco Chronicle: "Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, aggressively seeking to become the next chairman of the Democratic National Committee, urged his fellow Democrats on Saturday to appeal to voters not as "mini-Republicans,'' but as "the party of centrists" dedicated to bringing "America back to a reasonable central moral position in the world. "We balance budgets; they don't. We stand up for job opportunities,'' said Dean, who received standing ovations from many of the 600 Democrats gathered at the Radisson hotel. He urged Democrats to "speak with conviction'' and give the party base reasons to vote for their candidates "other than that we don't like the president.'' conchis also gives us some extended blogging from Sacramento's festivities today, on MyDD. Extensive comments, are there, as well.

''Tim Eyman and Dino Rossi: Friends and Allies''

You may be thinking, "duh", but here it is in black and white. Actually, it's red and blue with a buff background, from this Special Report from Permanent Defense.

''Barbara Boxer takes center stage''

This article, in today's Sacramento Bee, tells us some more about our new best friend in the US Senate.

DNC Candidates Meet in Sacramento Today (UPDATED)

"If Democrats could clone (Bush presidential adviser) Karl Rove, they would jump at the opportunity -- as long as they could give him an ideology transplant,'' said political analyst Sherry Bebitch Jeffe. "The question is: Do you want someone to raise a ton of money under the new campaign finance laws, or do you want a great communicator?''-from the column in today's San Francisco Chronicle. Update: Kos goes after Roemer for his association with a right-wing think tank. The comments below the post continue the bashing. The AP wire has this new post from Sacramento from the DNC Regional meeting today: "My attitude is that they are going to run those ads anyway, so why not go down and stand up for what you believe in?" Dean said. "How are we going to convince people in Mississippi that their economic interests are the same as ours if we don't show up? It is incredibly insulting to people." JollyBuddah is blogging "Live from Sacramento" for MyDD. Also on MyDD, Chris Bowers takes issue with those who want to look at Democratic party issues as a right-left question: "Trying to create an ideological battle among Democrats makes perfect sense, actually. For the Noise Machine to succeed, and to continue to push the nation to the right, people need to believe that there is no Noise Machine. As long as people are told the race for chair is about ideology, and not reform, the Noise Machine remains invisible, and conservatism triumphs."-from the post, "Noise Machine Pushing Ideology Into Race For Chair."

''Dean bounces back in race to lead Democrats''

"The former Vermont governor failed to resuscitate his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. But now he is waging a new campaign, to become chairman of the Democratic party. To the surprise of many, he has emerged as frontrunner in a crowded field."-from the story in the Financial Times (UK).

Inauguration Day 2005-Seattle Rally Photos

Many thanks to Dina Lydia for these photos as well as my sign and props.

Progressive Democrats of America Meeting this Weekend in DC

The Seattle P-I says the PDA is "an offshoot of Howard Dean's presidential campaign." In any case, they are "Blog'in live from the PDA."

''Senator Boxer, 1 hour; Senator Kerry, 20 minutes''

The Democratic leadership in the Senate has drawn up an agreement with the Republican leadership for the speaking time of Democratic senators on Condi's confirmation...As follows: "Ordered, That on Tuesday, January 25, 2005, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Democratic Leader, the Senate proceed to executive session for consideration of the nomination of Condoleezza Rice, of California, to be Secretary of State; provided further, that there be 9 hours of debate equally divided between the Majority Leader and the Democratic Leader or their designees; provided further, that the debate time under the control of the Democratic Leader be divided as follows: Senator Byrd, 1 hour; Senator Boxer, 1 hour; Senator Reed, 30 minutes; Senator Durbin, 30 minutes; Senator Kerry, 20 minutes; Senator Levin, 15 minutes; Senator Kennedy, 15 minutes; Senator Lieberman, 10 minutes; Senator Corzine, 10 minutes; Senator Salazar, 10 minutes; Senator Feinstein, 10 minutes; and Senator Biden, 20 minutes (from the time of Senator Lugar). Ordered further, That on Wednesday, January 26, 2005, when the Senate resumes consideration of the nomination, there be 4 minutes of debate equally divided between the Majority Leader and the Democratic Leader or their designees; provided further, that following debate the Senate proceed to a vote on the confirmation on the nomination with no intervening action or debate and that following the vote the President be immediately notified of the Senate’s action."-from the RAW STORY article.

From Olympia: ''Broken Promises''

From John Gideon of Voters Unite: "This bill (HB 1025)is totally unsatisfactory and, in fact, removes the promises of a voter verified paper ballot before 1 Jan. 2006. We had promises from the Secretary of State and both houses of the legislature last year and those promises are about to be broken. Now, a few "techie" representatives from both parties have written HB-1025 which moves the date for a possible paper ballot back to 1 Jan. 2007. However, the bill also gives the option of using more software to take the place of the promised paper ballot. So we will now be asked to accept touch-screen voting machines with more software on them. More software; less transparency; more "smoke and mirrors". HB-1025 also has a restricted audit requirement that nearly makes the possible paper ballot worthless. This legislation is not acceptable. There will, hopefully, be better legislation written in the Senate. I have been talking to members of the Senate about this. We must get the House bill killed or changed and we need your help: Ask them to tell their representative that only a voter verified
paper ballot required on or before 1 Jan. 2006 is acceptable. Ask them to tell their representative that more software is not an acceptable replacement for a voter verified paper ballot. And, ask them to insist on more stringent audit requirements using the paper ballot. Please ask people to call the committee chairwoman, Kathy Haigh and tell her. Ask them to call their representatives. Ask them to call
the writers of the bill, Rep. Morris and Nixon. If they know people in Rep. Morris or Nixon's districts (San Juans and Western Whatcom County for Rep. Morris and Carnation/Duval area for Nixon) contact those voters and ask them to contact those representatives. Also, anyone who can go to Olympia next Wed. should attend this
meeting. It is at 1:30PM in House Hearing Room D."
Haigh, Kathy (360) 786-7966 Committee Chair
Morris, Jeff (360) 786-7970 Bill co-sponsor
Nixon, Toby (360) 786-7878 Bill co-sponsor
Shabro, Jan (360) 786-7866 Committee member
Sump, Bob (360) 786-7908 Committee member
Miloscia, Mark (360) 786-7898 Committee member
McDermott, Joe (360) 786-7952 Committee member
Hunt, Sam (360) 786-7992 Committee member
Green, Tami (360) 786-7958 Committee member
Clements, Jim (360) 786-7856 Committee member

''Do You Suffer News Fatigue?''

"Sick of dour headlines? Too much Bush and war and death and homophobia and Bush? You are not alone."-from today's column in the San Francisco Chronicle by Mark Morford. I have noticed a decline in my page hits for the last couple of days and have been searching for an explanation. Non-excutive summary: "Much to the GOP's delight, liberals and progressives across the land seem to be off their game right now, not reading as much and not following the media as closely and not really questioning the snide BushCo agenda that aggressively, barely able to tolerate even the slightest glimpse of Bush without a spiritual and physical gag, a karmic acid reflux, a sucker punch in the intellectual gut." The link is to The Smirking Chimp, where I found this, because the first comment is also very much worth reading.

''Dean appears at un-auguration to counter Bush inauguration''

"BURLINGTON, Vt. Former Governor Howard Dean addressed about 250 supporters last night at a Burlington event his political organization billed an "Un-auguration" to counter the inauguration of President George Bush."-from the AP story. The Washington Post discovers some old news: "Dean leading endorsements for DNC chair." From the Wall Street Journal: Howard Dean is fighting "a tarnished image in bid for Democratic chairmanship. Just 27% of party backers view the Vermont ex-governor positively, down from 48% a year ago. But he's less of a lightning rod for Republicans than during his presidential bid; 37% view him negatively, down from 58% in January 2004." They are making you pay to read the whole story, so I don't know what "party backers" means to the WSJ. I picked up the quote from Political Wire. His headline: "Dean Battles Image Problem."

''Dean a Frontrunner for DNC Chairman''

From NPR yesterday. The reporter is Mara Liasson. This combination makes me nervous.

''Nightline blew it on Voting Issues''

The poster, "Lisa in Los Angeles," was a database manager in Burlington for the Dean campaign; formerly lived in Seattle and now lives in L.A.

''Inaugural Protest'' Live on C-SPAN-2 NOW (UPDATED)

Online here. Update: Don't call me a conspiracy theorist, yet, but "there is a problem" with the C-SPAN 2 online feed.

Air America's Rob Glaser: ''Nov. 2...Good for Air America''

Full disclosure quote: "What happened on Nov. 2 may have been bad for America but it sure was good for Air America," says Rob Glaser, chairman of Air America.-from today's article in the Wall Street Journal, "Radio's Bush-Bashing Air America Is Back in Fighting Form." Hurry up and read it before they make you pay for the priviledge. As you probably know, Glaser's day job is as the big cheese at our own tech-biz, Real Networks

''Rallies planned to protest inauguration''

We're talkin' today in Seattle, people. The P-I puts it on page one of the Local News section. I can't find anything in the Seattle Times.

It's Called Leadership

The New York Times, usually tepid, timid and gutless, acknowledges Barbara Boxer's outspoken questioning of Condi Rice "may have helped persuade the Democrats to demand on Wednesday a debate on the nomination on the Senate floor as well, which would delay the confirmation vote until next week."-from the story, "Boxer Is Loudest Voice of Opposition to Rice Nomination." It's called fighting back, too!

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

"More Dean DNC endorsements:" more commentary from Kos. The LA Weekly gives us "Is the Doctor In? Howard Dean and the fight for the DNC’s soul."

''THUNDER Democracy FESTIVAL''

"Saturday, January 22nd 1-8:30 PM---- What to do when you're blue! Come join Seattle THUNDER'S Democracy Festival for workshops, music and great food and find ways to determine the progressive agenda. Learn how to reach across political boundaries. Understand how the the other half thinks. Come to this ground breaking event and become part of the progressive reinvention! "-all the poop and the program here.

''Dean gaining early momentum in DNC race''

"Howard Dean's hard-charging race to head the Democratic National Committee is gaining early momentum that recalls the streaking start of his 2004 presidential campaign."-from the AP story in the P-I and elsewhere. I get it: "Dean Flame-Out, The Sequel."

Secretary of State Confirmation Hearing (UPDATED)

It's on C-SPAN online, right now, if you have the stomach for it. Update: Highlight reel of the Condi-Barbara encounter (video). The Senator kicks ass. USA Today covers it, newpaper style. Update: Free Speech Zone uses the same words to describe Boxer's performance, but presents a greater body of evidence. Update: Boxer and Kerry (gasp) are the only "no" votes.

''DNC to choose whether Dean is past or future'' (UPDATED)

"While George and Laura Bush are rushing from parade to parties to balls on Thursday, with most of official Washington joining them in the traditional bipartisan display of unity, Howard Dean will be cohosting ''un-inauguration" house parties of disgusted Democrats across the country, collecting money to oppose Bush's policies."-from today's Boston Globe. Update: "Florida Dems Back Dean," from MyDD. The news came from the New York Times article, of the same name. Update: Kos seems to have a real big problem with Frost's "trying to hide the fact he's a Democrat." He also doesn't care for Frost's recent campaign ad and his message that seems to "trumpet the Bush endorsement to Dallas voters." The AP has this story out tonight covering the DNC candidates as they visit our nation's mayors in DC. More endorsements: "Oklahoma, Mississippi and Utah Endorse Dean."-from MyDD.

Inauguration Day 2005

Seattle's Capitol Hill will have it's own activities that involve Seattle Central Community College and Seattle University, as well as the surrounding community. Then the focus will turn to the events downtown. From an earlier post: From Dina Lydia: "I am making original signs, some with props and costumes, for two major political rallies in Seattle next week, Martin Luther King Day and Inauguration Day (see details below). I think rallies should be fun as well as serious--that will encourage people to participate. The type of signs I make can be seen here. I obviously can't carry all of these signs myself! I need volunteers to help make statements at the rallies. The signs/costumes get a lot of attention, and some good photo-ops for the media. One idea I had was to have someone dressed as Lady Liberty (ideally not a guy) to represent the 34Dems or West Seattle, since we have the statue at Alki Beach. I can also help anyone make a sign with the name of their neighborhood, or the group they wish to represent, for the I-Day Rally "call-out" event onstage. For those who cannot attend the rallies, but wish to make a statement, I have some bright red posters from NION to put in your window on I-Day. They read: "Not my President! NO!" Those wishing to participate with me, please call Dina 206-517-8033 or dinalydia@yahoo.com. INAUGURAL DAY PROTEST RALLY--sponsored by "Not in Our Name" Project and A.N.S.W.E.R (Act Now Stop War End Racism, seattle@internationalanswer.org- (206) 568-1661)-- Thursday, Jan. 20, 2 PM- Westlake Park, 4th and Pine in downtown Seattle. The rally will converge at the Federal Building for the A.N.S.W.E.R event by 5 PM.

''Such differences demand an explanation.'' (UPDATED)

"I am a statistician. When I testified about electoral tampering in Martin County, Florida, in November 2000, I focused exclusively on the fact that the number of disputed ballots would have changed the outcome. That was shortsighted. As U.S. newspapers have written about the Ukraine, an election's outcome may be less important than how it was conducted. Democratic elections must be verifiably fair. Snohomish County, Washington, also used non-verifiable touch screen voting in all precincts (polling locations) on election day 2004. Among about 100,000 touch screen votes in the famously close governor's race, Republican candidate Rossi had an 8,000 vote advantage; while among about 200,000 paper (absentee) ballots, Democrat Gregoire had 2,000 more votes. Some voters spoke of the touch screen machine changing their vote. Countywide, there were 19 formally reported instances of machine switching; every one favored the Republican. Could these be random errors, equally likely to go either way, like tosses of a fair coin? Well, fair coins just don't come up the same 19 times in a row! However, Rossi did not have a "touch screen advantage" everywhere. Among 90 precincts with no reported machine problems (vote switching, machine freeze-ups, or repairs within two weeks of the election), 44 had touch screen vote counts more favorable to Rossi than paper ballots, while 46 had a touch screen advantage for Gregoire. However, among the precincts with reported voting machine problems, Rossi had a touch screen advantage in 56 out of 58 (96.6%)."-from the article by Arlene S. Ash, Ph.D. on truthout.org. Yesterday, a certain Senator from Massachussetts boldly revealed the following: "Thousands of people were suppressed in their efforts to vote. Voting machines were distributed in uneven ways...In Democratic districts, it took people four, five, 11 hours to vote, while Republicans [went] through in 10 minutes. Same voting machines, same process, our America..." Update: "Reed, who said 20 of the state's 39 counties had problems, cautioned lawmakers not to expect perfection in a state with 3 million voters and the inevitability of a small error rate by "human beings working their hearts out. This is a very, very human process."-from Tuesday's P-I story, "Senate panel hears of vote woes" covering yesterday's Senate committee hearing in Olympia. I'm hearing a prediction of modest reform, at best, in this report.

Daily Kos: ''Frost's strong support for President Bush''

He's got the goods here: "Former Texas Rep. Martin Frost is shaping up to be Howard Dean's toughest competition for the DNC chair, garnering the second largest number of voters in a recent unscientific poll of DNC members by the National Journal. But a Democrat who ran his race by demonizing Ted Kennedy and sucking up to Republicans has no place anywhere near the DNC chairmanship."

from www.seattlefordean.com and www.howieinseattle.com

''Howard Dean: He Still Has The Power''

From Tuesday's Washington Post story: "The audience is rapt whenever Dean speaks. Slimmer and more rested-looking than you remember him, Dean is the former rock star in a field of "American Idol" contestants. His rhetoric follows closely on the "You have the power" theme that marked his presidential campaign. "I'm not much of a Zen person," Dean says, "but I've learned that the best way to gain power is to give it away. People ask me, 'Why are you doing this?' " Dean says Friday night at a rally of 400 supporters at another airport hotel here. "They say, 'You ran for president, and now you want to do this?' "It's about reform," Dean says, answering his question. He mentions the successes of his grass-roots organization -- Democracy for America. He mentions the money its members raised, the winning candidates they supported and how he can apply this energy to the central party apparatus." Consumer Warning: This is another Beltway hatchet job on Dean, but it's high profile tells me they think he has a chance to win the DNC Chair job.

''We won't be silent''---Tuesday, January 28, 2005

"I'd like to begin by welcoming Dr. Rice to this committee hearing. It is my hope that today, we will have a candid discussion, Dr. Rice, because I believe it is crucial that a Secretary of State speak openly and honestly with the American people and with Congress. Frankly, this issue of candor is where my concern lies."-from "Opening Statement of Senator Barbara Boxer--Confirmation Hearing of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.: Why did the United States go to war in Iraq based on misleading -- if not false and fraudulent -- evidence? Why did we divert valuable resources and intelligence personnel to Iraq, taking them away from Afghanistan and the pursuit of Osama bin Laden? Why did Dr. Rice mislead the American people into thinking there was a connection between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaida before September 11th?" If you agree that we must hold Condoleezza Rice accountable for her decisions, I urge you to stand with Senator Boxer, myself, and millions of Americans. Sign Senator Boxer's petition here, so she can take your voice with her to the committee room and the floor of the Senate in the pursuit of the truth from Condoleezza Rice.

''We won't be silent''---Tuesday, January 28, 2005

"I'd like to begin by welcoming Dr. Rice to this committee hearing. It is my hope that today, we will have a candid discussion, Dr. Rice, because I believe it is crucial that a Secretary of State speak openly and honestly with the American people and with Congress. Frankly, this issue of candor is where my concern lies."-from "Opening Statement of Senator Barbara Boxer--Confirmation Hearing of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.: Why did the United States go to war in Iraq based on misleading -- if not false and fraudulent -- evidence? Why did we divert valuable resources and intelligence personnel to Iraq, taking them away from Afghanistan and the pursuit of Osama bin Laden? Why did Dr. Rice mislead the American people into thinking there was a connection between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaida before September 11th?" If you agree that we must hold Condoleezza Rice accountable for her decisions, I urge you to stand with Senator Boxer, myself, and millions of Americans. Sign Senator Boxer's petition here, so she can take your voice with her to the committee room and the floor of the Senate in the pursuit of the truth from Condoleezza Rice.

''We won't be silent''---Tuesday, January 28, 2005

"I'd like to begin by welcoming Dr. Rice to this committee hearing. It is my hope that today, we will have a candid discussion, Dr. Rice, because I believe it is crucial that a Secretary of State speak openly and honestly with the American people and with Congress. Frankly, this issue of candor is where my concern lies."-from "Opening Statement of Senator Barbara Boxer--Confirmation Hearing of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.: Why did the United States go to war in Iraq based on misleading -- if not false and fraudulent -- evidence? Why did we divert valuable resources and intelligence personnel to Iraq, taking them away from Afghanistan and the pursuit of Osama bin Laden? Why did Dr. Rice mislead the American people into thinking there was a connection between Saddam Hussein and Al Qaida before September 11th?" If you agree that we must hold Condoleezza Rice accountable for her decisions, I urge you to stand with Senator Boxer, myself, and millions of Americans. Sign Senator Boxer's petition here, so she can take your voice with her to the committee room and the floor of the Senate in the pursuit of the truth from Condoleezza Rice.

Dean, the Democratic Party and the DNC (Continued)

"The fact is, this giddy circle of pseudojournalists are worried that Dean is going to put the focus of the party outside of the District of Columbia, leveraging the lessons of 21st century grassroots organizing, the Western strategy (Colorado and Wyoming may have voted "red" at the federal level, but they vote "blue" at the state level), and the need to out-Röve Röve when you have a candidate who's as big a disaster for the nation and a failure in everything he has done as is the Chimperor."-from "This Week" on Pundit Pap from the American Politics Journal site, (scroll down) on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" Sunday show.

''We still have much to overcome.''

On MLK Day, Joel Connelly in today's P-I does what he does so well: a lesson in local political history. And then he brings it up to date with a dog's eye look at one Seattle neighborhood. The P-I has this list of MLK related events today and later this week. So does the Seattle Times, as well as this special section. Update: "It is 37 years since the legendary civil rights activist was shot. But in Ohio, New Mexico and around the US, the battle for the ability of all Americans to vote, and to have those vote fairly counted, has never been hotter."-from the Columbus (OH) Free Press: "In the Shadow of Dr. King, counting the vote remains a civil rights issue."

''As an Ethics Expert, Zephyr Blows''

I have resisted, until now, the temptation to wade into the putrid waters of this overflowing cesspool, but I have to agree with Political Wire that this post from Workbench "makes the most sense." Here's an appetizer: "Zephyr Teachout's recklessly false claim to have paid them "explicitly to buy their airtime," subsequently acknowledged to be untrue, was manna from heaven for the politics-is-war crowd."

''Midwest DNC meeting''

Two views, compare and contrast: the AP story online tonight in the P-I or the blogsphere version, from MyDD.

''While the GOP rants, Gregoire gets to work''

A very sensible fellow and no self-identified liberal, let alone progressive, Joel Connelly in the P-I puts our local Rovian blowhards right where they belong on the political spectrum: in the dumpster of Evergreen state political history.

Presidential Inauguration 2005 (UPDATED)

I am in the information gathering mode for ideas and events locally and nationally for January 20, 2005. Got any? thanks: howardfordean@yahoo. com. Update: From Dina Lydia: "I am making original signs, some with props and costumes, for two major political rallies in Seattle next week, Martin Luther King Day and Inauguration Day (see details below). I think rallies should be fun as well as serious--that will encourage people to participate. The type of signs I make can be seen here. I obviously can't carry all of these signs myself! I need volunteers to help make statements at the rallies. The signs/costumes get a lot of attention, and some good photo-ops for the media. One idea I had was to have someone dressed as Lady Liberty (ideally not a guy) to represent the 34Dems or West Seattle, since we have the statue at Alki Beach. I can also help anyone make a sign with the name of their neighborhood, or the group they wish to represent, for the I-Day Rally "call-out" event onstage. For those who cannot attend the rallies, but wish to make a statement, I have some bright red posters from NION to put in your window on I-Day. They read: "Not my President! NO!" Those wishing to participate with me, please call Dina 206-517-8033 or dinalydia@yahoo.com. Martin Luther King Annual March and Rally (I'm told this is the biggest in the nation): Monday, Jan 17-Workshops 9:30-10:45 Rally 11-Noon-Garfield Teen Life Center and Garfield High School, 23rd & Jefferson More Info: Call Central Area Motivation Program 206-812-4940. INAUGURAL DAY PROTEST RALLY--sponsored by "Not in Our Name" Project and A.N.S.W.E.R (Act Now Stop War End Racism, seattle@internationalanswer.org- (206) 568-1661)-- Thursday, Jan. 20, 2 PM- Westlake Park, 4th and Pine in downtown Seattle. The rally will converge at the Federal Building for the A.N.S.W.E.R event by 5 PM.

''Dean is Leading Choice for Democrats''

From Political Wire: "To guage the leaders in the race for Democratic Party chairman, The Hotline surveyed the entire DNC membership this week and received responses from 187 members, a 42% response rate. Every member was contacted at least three times in what was termed as "about as scientific of a survey that can be conducted of the DNC."

''Conyers to Justice Department: Investigate Ohio"

They should, but they won't.

''Why Trippi is Dead Wrong about Dean''

Zackpunk puts a few more nails in Trippi's coffin, on Kos.

Howard Dean blogPAC Conference Call: audio

I had a chance to hear the audio of Wednesday's Dean conference call, from AMERICAblog and it's defnitely worth a listen.

''Dean Bloggers Under Fire''

This post on "Political Wire" sums it up, though it's on MyDD and Kos, if you want to get all lathered up. Another case of the left eating their young. Somebody who re-branded herself with the name Zephyr Teachout is now crapping all over Howard Dean's name. And I thought she endorsed him for DNC Chair. She and Trippi should get married and embarass themselves together forever.

''RIGHT MESSAGE''

"By Driving Media Coverage, Republicans Increase Possibility of Revote"-from Sandeep Kaushik's article today in The Stranger. He's nailed it this time. Through effective wordsmithing and convincing lies and distortions, abetted by a lazy and gullible media, Evergreen state Rovians are winning the message battle as they lose the war. That is not to say the Democrats and Gregoire are without some blame in this game. Dean's new emphasis on "framing" is, I think, a recognition of this state of affairs nationally.

''Attend the DNC Regional Caucuses, blog about them right here.''

The headline is from MyDD, but I made the same offer myself yesterday. He says he'll give you an "official" press pass. Me too. Someone should tell him, however, that a lot of folks think bloggers aren't the press. By the way, the Sacramento meeting is the only one open to the public, according to the well informed gossip class. I really agree with him on one thing in his post: the last sentence.

Adam Smith Sees the Light (KINDA)

"We told you yesterday afternoon that The New Republic's Ryan Lizza had something in the works and here it is. In Lizza's new piece about the Dems' get-tough stance on opposing President Bush's Social Security phase-out bill, he sat down with Fainthearted Faction member Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, who told him ... "Social Security is a safety net. That's what it's there for. It's there to be the safest portion of your portfolio. It's a guaranteed benefit for a reason, and, for that reason, I don't support private accounts ... I think there is broad consensus among New Democrats that you must not privatize the system." Make that, ex-Fainthearted Faction member Rep. Adam Smith of Washington."-from Talking Points Memo. Update: I have been reminded that Adam has only seen some of the light, not all of it. He is not supporting Dean for DNC Chair.

''Follow the Money''

Today's P-I traces the money trail supporting the "revote" effort and it leads back to one of the Supreme Court Justices who will hear the case in court. The Seattle Times story, "Gregoire sworn in; GOP holds applause," focuses on the GOP reaction to the innauguration and what Gregoire and her friends are saying.

In the Rear View Mirror: Ohio Vote Challenge

"So, how do we make sense of it all? What does the final tally of 31 house Democrats and 1 courageous Democratic Senator mean?"-from "Zack is Back" posting on on Free Speech Zone, one of the sites hosting the startling video footage of voter suppression in Ohio on November 2. Executive Summary: "By the very, very least, election reform is going to happen, the Democrats are situated to benefit from and lead that effort (lots of info on that, for another time), and the likelihoods of the Republicans stealing a 3rd election has been reduced (but not eliminated). And, if the Republicans fight reform, they will be hurt and further exposed, and it will only strengthen the case we'll be making against them in 06' and 08'. Further, a burgeoning coalition of progressives, civil rights leaders, labor unions, and more is emerging, and certainly has been heartened by the impact just a small number of us can have. Networks are forming, and people are slowly becoming more aware of what happened on Election Day and who was responsible. If knowledge is power, then by definition, we must be getting more powerful." Too bad Congressman Jim didn't feel this was a coalition important enough to show up and support with his vote.

''blogPAC call liveblog w/Dean'' (UPDATED)

Dean chats with the Big Bloggers, on MyDD. Update: AMERICAblog has "Audio of our conference call with Howard Dean on Wednesday." Another voice in the conversation about the direction of the Dems: "Currently, Democrats like Pelosi and Emanuel sound confused, not reasonable. Indeed, adrift is a word that comes to mind. Confusion and drift are ways to kill, not grow, a political party. But it appears to be the path of spooked Democrats after the Nov. 2 election loss."-from Thursday's commentary in The Boston Globe. Update: I had a chance to hear the audio of the Dean conference call and it's worth a listen.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"I keep getting asked, 'What's the mandate?' Well, what was the mandate for President Bush?" she said. "We have to move on. We cannot allow the closeness of the election to prohibit us from being bold. That is what George Bush did."-from the story in Thursday's Washington Post, "In Wash. State, Democrat Takes Office Despite Suit.'

Be a Stand Up Democrat, Continued (UPDATED)

There's this post on Kos, "WA ST Dem Party Chair Candidates Speak!" from a meeting of the Dems in Port Angeles. It seems "fair and balanced." From Mainstreet Moms Operation Blue comes "Help support Howard Dean as the next Chairman of the National Democratic Committee" with tips and information. The LA Times has, "Dean Seeking Democratic Chairmanship." Not so "fair and balanced." On that subject, this one from mediachannel.org is about building up alternative media, rather than enriching the existing outlets: "Covering Elections There, Miscovering Them Here." The Hill has, "Kerry weighs in on DNC pick, putting down marker for '08." Sounds like what my dog does at the off-leash park. Update: If you want to know what misinformation the Rovians are spreading regarding the absentee ballots in King County, check out this post on Kos, "Righty blog spreads bad info on WA Gov election," that counters the "tossing about of serious wrongdoing coupled with dubious sourcing and fact checking." Update: The DNC is holding its Western Regional Caucus Chair Candidate Forum on January 22 in Sacramento. Info: Radison Hotel 500 Leisure Lane, Off of Highway 160 Sacramento, California-- Contact: Bob Mulholland, CA Democratic Party, 916-442-5707 or bob@cadems.org. We have been invited by Sonoma4Dean to showup and be part of the proceedings. If you can go, please let me know and let's arrange for some California bloggin'! "Torture in the Senate," from truthout.org has this: "U.S. senators now face a clear-cut choice: Will they go along with President Bush and confirm Alberto Gonzales as his new Attorney General. Or will they take a strong, principled stand against America's use of torture." You know what to do. Ted Kennedy says, "Democrats Need Progressive Agenda."

''Dean for DNC Chair'' (UPDATED)

"Howard Dean is the only candidate running for DNC chair who is a progressive reformer, opposed the war in Iraq, raised millions and millions of dollars from small donors, has both held executive office and practiced internet-based "netroots" activism in his campaign, and who believes in change from the grassroots/netroots up. Howard Dean is not afraid to fight back when the GOP cheats, slanders, and distorts. Howard Dean can handle the TV disinformers, the talk radio thugs, the Freeper punks, and whatever Swift Boat-type liars the RNC drags out for their next round of dirty tricks."-from the statement today by the Progressive Democrats of America. Update: Trippi's for Simon, Zephyr is for Dean, blah, blah, blah.-from MyDD. For the record, this guy is for Dean. More blather on Kos.

'The last man to concede...'Can you guess who?

"On November 3, just hours after Democratic vice-presidential hopeful John Edwards made a national announcement that he and John Kerry were not going to concede until all the votes were counted, Kerry grabbed the spotlight and conceded -- before all the votes were counted. It would be another two months before Kerry got around to emailing his millions of stunned, exhausted, and much poorer supporters to let them know that, although he was committed to "ensuring that every vote in this election is counted," alas, he wouldn't be joining the protest of the Ohio Electors."-from the article on "The Smirking Chimp" today.

Wednesday: Make That ''GOVERNOR GREGOIRE'' (UPDATED)

"OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Democrat Christine Gregoire was certified as the governor of Washington state on Tuesday, while outside the Capitol her supporters traded jeers with protesters across a line of state troopers."-from P-I story tonight, "Gregoire certified as governor of Washington." Update: Wednesday morning's P-I has this story by their Olympia crew, "Lawmakers approve election." The Seattle Times has, "Two sides rally on eve of inaugural."

''How Bush Really Won''

"A really thoughtful piece, " is how they described this article in the current New York Review of Books this morning, on Air America's "The Al Franken Show." It's also kinda long, as befits the publication it appears in. The author, Mark Danner will be their guest today in hour three, after 11am Seattle time on 1090 AM, or online here.

Dean to announce bid for DNC chair (UPDATED)

Today's the day, from CNN. Update: MyDD continues its coverage of the "Race to February 12" with "DNC Chair Cattle Call: Atlanta Southern Caucus Edition." Lots of details there on Dean's agenda from Georgia's Blog for Democracy site. Update: For the other side's agenda, see "The DLC’s Plan for Destroying the Democratic Party," from Dissident Voice. Compare and contrast, and then talk among yourselves. Update: For the other side's agenda, see "The DLC’s Plan for Destroying the Democratic Party," from Dissident Voice. Compare and contrast, and then talk among yourselves. Here's the official announcement, "I'm Running."

''Disenfranchised Soldiers and Palace Pachyderms'' (UPDATED)

Susan Hu, our resident Kossack, posted this commentary last night on the latest turn of events in the "ruckus" over Gregoire's imminent inauguration and the Rovian's attempts to drag our soldiers overseas into the fracas. Susan covers all the bases, even this one, using the word "wryly" to describe one of our posts. Wryly-"combining, or expressing a mixture of, mild amusement and irony." Update: The Tacoma News Tribune and The Olympian fill in some details. The Olympian story has quotes from Gregoire: "A Look Ahead in Her Own Words."

''Democrats fight back GOP effort to delay Gregoire certification''

This AP headline is the story line bouncing around Seattle tv news, describing how the Dems in the state Senate narrowly beat back an attempt by the Repubs to postpone for two weeks the certification of the governor's race. The House, which has a larger Democratic contingent, is expected finish the job on Tuesday. It's good to see the words "Democrats fight back," isn't it? What happens after the legislature confirms a Gregoire victory is the only unanswered question, as of tonight. A court in Chelan County will hear the GOP challenge and "Some Republicans are talking about a walkout or boycott of the inauguration," according to another story in tonight's online Seattle Times story, "New beginning" as lawmakers ring in new session."

Pay Five Bucks, Talk with Congressman Jim (UPDATED)

"A Call To Action: Forum with Congressman Jim McDermott and the Progressive Community. Sunday, January 30, 1:00-3:00 PM (Doors open 12:45). Seattle Labor Temple, 2800 1st Ave - 1st & Clay ($5 donation suggested for room rental).Let's get SET for action! Join Congressman McDermott and other experts in discussing 3 urgent and strategic issues needing action: Social Security, Elections, Taxes. Sponsored by: Progressive Democratic Caucuses of WA - 46th LD"- Update: I am told by the 34th District Dems that our Congressman will be appearing Wednesday, January 12, at the Hall at Fauntleroy at 7 PM. "Our 7th Congressional District Representative, Jim McDermott will speak to us on the status of the Bush Administration's plan to weaken, and eventually eliminate, Social Security." No charge. The Hall at Fauntleroy is located at 9131 California Ave SW, in West Seattle. I am assuming this meeting open to all good Dems, but I have been unable to confirm this, despite my best efforts today. The number at the Hall is 206-932-1059. Update: Bill Schrier, Webmaster of the 34th District Democrats flashes the green light for visitors: "All 34th District Democratic organization meetings are public. Gee, even republicans and independents are welcome as long as they don’t cause a ruckus!" Ruckus--"a noisy and unpleasant disturbance." Show up, but no ruckus here please!

Change the Party, Take Our Country Back (UPDATED)

This report on the Atlanta meeting is from Tom Baxter who writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: "We need to talk to white voters in the South in their own language, but we don't need to change our values," Dean answered. Dean hasn't formally declared his candidacy but asked DNC members for their votes Saturday, and said he'll announce in the coming week." If you've ten minutes and 50 seconds to spare, you can take a look at Tim Roemer, on this video clip from "This Week with George Stephanopoulos", via the Crooks and Liars site (scroll down). It's a long ten minutes and 50 seconds. George uses the blog community to throw his past votes against the Clinton economic plan in 1993, and for the Bush economic plan in 2001, back in his face. By way of a defense, Roemer drops the name of Nancy Pelosi and takes a slap at "those bloggers," for "misinterpreting votes." That is sure to make him popular around here. Washington Monthly has this article, "Fire the Consultants," that asks "Why do Democrats promote campaign advisors who lose races?" The partial answer, if you spent all your time watching Roemer: they tell "... them what they so desperately want to hear: Their policies are sound, Americans really agree with them more than with Republicans, and if they just repeat their mantras loud enough, voters will eventually embrace the party." Some other explanations: "The party has no truly brilliant strategists in positions of power. The electoral system takes care of dead weight when it comes to politicians. The proof is in the political wreckage evident after yet another year of Democratic defeats at the polls. The consultants, however, live on. After pocketing a $5-million paycheck following the election, Shrum is back from a vacation in Tuscany and now advising Sen. Jon Corzine's (D-N.J.) gubernatorial race. Mellman, whose advice helped sink Democrats for two consecutive campaign cycles, continues to line up clients. As for Hansen, his connection to Daschle may not help him now that the South Dakotan has vacated the Democratic leader's office. But don't cry for Joe Hansen—he's the consultant for incoming Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid." Update: If you're curious about the process of how the DNC is organized and how the Chair is chosen, Simon Rosenburg's site will eagerly assist you. The AP wire has "Mass. Dem opposes anti-abortion chairman" which shows up on the P-I site and everywhere else. Oh yeah, they are talking about Roemer, if you are wondering. More on the process here, from Swing State Project. What kind of information on the process, you ask? "The election will be open to the public and votes shall not be taken by secret ballot Charter, Article 9, Sect.12. Roberts Rules of Order is used Charter, Article 9, Sect. 14. Terry McAliffe will preside over the election Charter, Article 5, Sect. 3. Of the five Vice-Chairs, three shall be of the opposite sex of the Chair Charter, Article 3, Sect 1(e). A roll call may be requested by 25% of the voting members present Bylaws, Article II, Sect B, (d)(ii)." That kind of thing, as well as other links and facts.

Another Casualty of Iraq War: WA Absentee Ballots

"As far as I know, I would be willing to bet a large amount of money that 95% of the people in my platoon, company and battalion did not receive a ballot," Marine Cpl. Ted Lester of Snohomish County e-mailed from Fallujah. "The other 5% did, but they received them burned beyond recognition and about 4-5 weeks too late." Lester said that the mail system in Iraq "is a joke" under the best circumstances, that one mail truck was blown up a week before the election and that it was difficult to get information about where to send write-in ballots."-from today's Seattle Times story, "Feds threatened suit over military ballots." The Olympian reports, "Rossi's fight could enter federal realm--Lawyer cites equal protection elements of Bush-Gore case." It's always heartening to see Republicans asking the federal government to protect their civil rights, when they fear they may be denied at the state level. Update: "Republicans, left with minorities in both chambers, may have heartfelt concerns about the validity of Democrat Christine Gregoire's electoral victory but should be careful to confine their activities to perfecting the polling process, and not political gamesmanship. Undermining the governor's credibility will serve only to undermine credibility in government in general, including the Legislature."-from an editorial Monday in the P-I, "Democrats must lead."

ReDefeatBush--David Lytel Just Won't Quit

Lytel is a former White House aide to Bill Clinton who has left the Beltway mindset. Tonight, his site has "The CounterInaugural January 20th," and "Vote with Your Mouse: When Kerry Comes Calling Unsubscribe in Droves," as well as "Me and Mrs. Jones, We Got a Thing Going On."

''Votes that count, a promise to keep''

Sunday's P-I Editorial Board "Commentary" reviews the problems in vote counting that have been apparent since 2000 on the state and federal level and the various proposals, unfilled promises and missed opportunities that have occurred since then. They make a series of new proposals and make this observation: "Barely a week before the November election, Reed declared, "We're ready ... We guarantee your vote next Tuesday will be counted correctly." We weren't ready, but we'd better be ready for the next election. And we'll remember who made promises and who delivered." The Oregonian has this editorial Sunday: "Voting postmortem in Washington: Dino Rossi and his supporters have a right to go to court, but it's hard to see the governor's election being voided." They conclude: "And at this point there's no way of knowing which candidate was more seriously harmed by the irregularities alleged by the GOP. It may be a stretch to think the state Supreme Court will void the election. In fact, the judges will wait until Jan. 22, the deadline for filing challenges, before deciding what to do with them. By then, Christine Gregoire will already have been sworn in as governor. Yes, it's a mess, and it doesn't favor Dino Rossi. Perhaps he can take comfort, though, in something the Seattle papers reported. Both quoted an elderly gentleman who admitted following his dying wife's wishes. She died on Sept. 29, and the faithful husband cast her vote for . . . Rossi. Gregoire's winning margin just jumped from 129 to 130." There's a "RALLY AT THE CAPITOL TUESDAY MORNING--LET THE LEGISLATURE HEAR YOUR VOICE. Tell the Republicans it's time for Rossi to concede, and let the legislature know it's time to start moving Washington forward. Here's how you can help: Come to the Tuesday rally in Olympia. Here are the details: Tuesday, January 11th 10:30 AM State Capitol, Olympia Washington Story Pole on the north side of the Capitol Campus. To RSVP or for questions contact Chris Hayler (chrish@wa-democrats.org) or (206) 328-2969."-from the Washingotn State Democratic party.

''The DNC Chairmanship: You can effect the outcome!''

DogFight.04 has this post with a list of DNC members and links to some comments on Kos: "Most of us know that the DNC has a major election in a few weeks. Most of us know that Howard Dean and Simon Rosenberg, even little ineffectual Donnie Fowler, has their hat in the ring. There are many more that I won't pretend to talk about as I'm not versed in their pro's and con's. So how do YOU, an individual Democrat, have a chance to effect the outcome? Simple. Call a DNC Committee member! Call several...get crazy and call them all. Call, write, send a smoke signal...do something! Do your research and make your choice. My current thoughts revolve around Simon Rosenberg and Howard Dean. Little spoiled Donnie doesn't even belong in the game. He is attracting some support because he's a helluva salesman when interviewing for a job...but an empty shirt who is unable to actually do that job. Yeah I'm that against the guy." Update: From "Ex-Rep. Roemer Joins Race for DNC Chairman: Former Rep. Tim Roemer said Sunday that he's joining the race to lead the Democratic National Committee — a move certain to spark a heated debate about the abortion issue." Democratic Voices has "Dean Should Be The National Democratic Party Leader." They say that "While every declared candidate for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee would do a good job, Howard Dean clearly offers some unique qualities and insights that would help advance both the Democratic Party agenda and future electoral prospects. Dean created in 2004 an energy in the grassroots activist base of the Democratic Party that was unmatched by any of the other Primary contenders. He would be a great public face and manager for the national Democratic Party. More than any other contender, Dean has a unique ability to take often fairly moderate positions on issues, in order to help Democratic candidates win elections based on local conditions, without alienating more liberal activists within our broad Democratic Party coalition." The AP has this story tonight, "Silicon Valley sensibilities at play in race for Dem. Party chair: Love him or hate him, former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean's upstart presidential campaign left the Democratic Party two important and lasting legacies: the empowerment of younger activists and the pioneering use of the Internet for fund-raising and organizing." The Beltway spin is puzzling. While acknowledging that their strategy and tactics have not been successful, the Knight Ridder "news" story, "Democrats divided over direction of troubled party." claims that "Few of the party's luminaries even want the job, and the sole high-profile guy currently voicing interest - Howard Dean, the `03 phenomenon and `04 flameout - is strongly opposed by those Democrats who believe that red-state America would never warm to the party if it had an antiwar New Englander at the helm." What the hell is a "luminary?" And name one for me, please. MyDD has "DNC Southern Caucus Impressions" tonight. Post-game color commentary highlight: "To me the two who stood out greatly were Howard Dean and Simon Rosenburg. Each had great answers and looked the part of a national party spokesman. I'd give Dean the edge due to his ability to reframe the questions and come up with points not made by any of the others on the panel. Rosenburg's answers were good, but they were expected, like telegraphic a punch. He was also very intellectual and lacked some human warmth."

Speak Out; Get Arrested

"Freedom Winter" Bus Rider Arrested in Congress." Her crime was "her alleged spontaneous outcry upon hearing the testimony of Ohio Senator George Voinovich. When Voinovich stated on the Senate floor that Ohio had elected Bush as President, Prof. Wallach allegedly cried out, “No, Ohio didn’t, you lied.”-from the post on the Ohio Election Fraud site.

''Dean, DNC chair candidates stump in South'' (UPDATED)

This is all over the place. "You want to know my Southern strategy, show up," said Howard Dean, the former Vermont governor who dropped out of the presidential race during last year's Democratic primaries."-from the AP story. Update: More chit chat from the blogging class: "Investing "Party Capital" and a Poll," from Kos. MyDD has this report from ground zero at this weekend's DNC meeting, "Fowler, Rosenberg, Roemer and Dean most visible, Fowler addresses African-Americans." From the commentary: "First, Dean is electric and on fire and I think he knows it. He received applause repeatedly from the crowd for his remarks which were, I must admit, quick-witted, intelligent, and crafted perfectly for his audience. I'm still not a supporter of Dean for Chair, but his ideas are at LEAST among the best in the field. Every time I see him, I feel better about him playing a role in our party."

Another ''Kenny Boy'' Friend of Bush Has a Problem with The Law

"Ohio Letter Seeks Illegal Contributions," a story from the ABC affiliate in Columbus, details the inability of the Ohio Secretary of State, Mr. Blackwell, to obey the law, again: "The state's chief elections officer, accused of mishandling the presidential vote in Ohio, sent a fund-raising letter for his own 2006 gubernatorial campaign that was accompanied by a request for illegal contributions. Corporate donations are illegal in Ohio. His spokesman, Carlo LoParo, said Saturday that any corporate donations would be returned."

''DNC Chatter ''

New from MyDD: "Two of the newest DNC candidates will be making their debut's this weekend at the Southern Regional DNC meeting in Atlanta. Ex-OH Dem chair David Leland and ex-TX Dem chair Molly Beth Malcolm both are on the official list of candidates set to attend the 1/8 meeting. Nearly four hours has been set aside for the DNC candidate forum. C-SPAN will air the forum on 1/9 at 6:30pm and again at 9:30pm.Reps. Ben Chandler (D-Ky.), Artur Davis (D-Ala.), Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.) and Adam Smith (D-Wash.) have all endorsed New Democrat Network president Simon Rosenberg to be chairman of the Democratic National Committee. They believe that Rosenberg knows how to win in "red" America, and embrace his 50-state strategy. Former Gov. Tony Knowles (D-Alaska) also backs Rosenberg.In DC, Roemer is out and Frost is in, as the favored status quo candidate gaining traction on the Hill.Just when you thought the list of candidates couldn't get any longer, in comes word that women's groups (including NARAL and NOW) are urging Kate Michelman to enter the DNC chair race. This renewed effort to draft Michelman stems from the "outrage" (according to one source) some of these women's groups have at the idea of the pro-life Roemer being considered a top-tier candidate. Michelman is purportedly thinking about it and may have more to say next week. Maybe Howard Dean (who gets backing from an old foe, John Murtha) can be the compromise candidate for the two groups (btw, next week is the announcement from Dean, after the Southern regional caucus trial run). Full post, with links and comments, here.

''GOP Hypocrite of the Week: Dino Rossi''

"When they say every vote should be counted, they mean only the votes for their candidates. Those OTHER votes don't matter and are probably cast by ineligible, poor minority heathens. As a columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer observed, "Republican leaders have to know their shifting positions for a new election plays like a klutzy ballerina with vertigo on a newly waxed floor."-from "A BUZZFLASH EDITORIAL." The P-I story, "Rossi files suit for a new vote," has this quote: "Paul Berendt, the state Democratic Party chairman, said the Republicans had presented a weak case that falls far short of demonstrating the widespread allegations of fraud that have been flying for weeks. Republicans are now "sheepishly admitting that there was no evidence of fraud," Berendt said. "It's obvious that the Republicans went judge shopping," Berendt said. "They were looking for a partisan judge and Chelan County is one of the most Republican counties in the state." The Seattle Times story this morning, "GOP suit doesn't ask to prevent swearing-in," puts it like this: "The GOP suit sets up the likelihood that Gregoire will move into the governor's mansion, while across the mountains a small-town judge considers whether she should be tossed from the post." PETER CALLAGHAN, writing in the Tacoma New Tribune, is the sober voice of reason in his column, "Governor’s mess stump ya? Check the constitution." Curious what he says? You'll have to read it yourself, I'm going to bed!

"Democrats Rethinking Election Strategies" (UPDATED)

This report from Utah follows Howard Dean's visit there last week: "The dust has settled on the 2004 election, but Democrats are still thinking about it. On a national level some leaders are going so far as to re-evaluate its emphasis on abortion rights as an issue. But will Utah Democrats get pulled into the fray, just to get votes? Howard Dean helped Utah Democrats raise money this week. The goal: to win upcoming elections. But Dean also has another idea: as a possible party leader next year, he is among those urging the party to embrace pro-life Democrats, a movement toward unity.
Howard Dean, Democatic Party Leader: "We are a party that wants to include people, and I hope we never see an election that the other guys do all the time which is based on dividing us."-from the story on Channel 5, Salt Lake City. Update: From the grassroots activists in Ohio comes this comment from a new article in the Columbus Free Press: "Together, grassroots/Internet activists have just moved three major American mountains."

"Rossi Contesting Washington Governor Vote" (UPDATED)

Republican Dino Rossi and the state GOP announced Friday they will contest the gubernatorial election that gave his Democratic foe, Christine Gregoire, a 129-vote victory. Gregoire, whose inauguration is scheduled for Wednesday, has called the idea of a revote "absolutely ludicrous."
GOP observers say hundreds, perhaps thousands, of King County provisional ballots were fed directly into vote-counting machines on Election Day, when staffers should have verified that they belonged to registered voters."-from the AP story tonight.
Update: "Voting by dead people isn't always a scam," is the story in, surprisingly, tonight's Seattle Times. KING5 TV reports that "The outcome will be challenged in court in Chelan County, although there's no specific indication of a dispute in that county. Gregoire is scheduled to be inaugurated next Wednesday. She has called the idea of a re-vote "absolutely ludicrous." On Friday she pledged to tour the state to begin a healing process after the election that deeply divided voters and the political parties. "It's my job to help the state of Washington heal," she told a Capitol news conference called primarily to introduce an initial round of key appointees.-from the story, "Rossi will challenge election in court." KOMO News quotes the P-I account, saying "our newspaper partner the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Friday that at least eight people who were credited with voting in King County had died before absentee ballots were mailed." The KOMO story, "Seattle P-I: 8 Dead People Voted In Governor Election" focuses on two Washington state citizens who have filed challenges to the governor's election with the state Supreme Court, separate from the challenge Rossi announced today. KIRO TV has this quote from Gregoire, from their story "Gregoire: 'Healing To Be done'": "Gregoire said she understands the angst and anger, but believes the election was properly conducted and valid.
She said a tiny amount of human error is inevitable in conducting an election with so many votes, but that the state's election system fared remarkably well. "Every day, it's a new issue that has been raised," she said. "I have yet to see any proof of any illegality on behalf of election officials. They have operated in a consummately professional way. I see no intent on their part to defraud the voters of the state of Washington." She said some "honest potential mistakes" have been made, but added: "They are not fraudulent. They are not illegal." Gregoire repeated her mantra that, "The election is over, so we need to move forward." She said the continuing angry reaction is "highly unfortunate," and that she intends to try to defuse it, both by traveling around the state and by finding effective solutions to people's most pressing concerns, such as schools, health coverage and the economy. She didn't have a definite schedule or format, but said she'll start her travels early in her term, including during the legislative session that begins Monday."

Be a Stand Up Democrat

This weekend the Washington State Progressive Majority and the state Democrats are organizing to fight back against Republican scare tactics and oppose the re-vote in Washington state. The Dems need volunteer help this weekend to phone bank in support of Governor-Elect Gregoire.If you can dedicate some time from 10am-5pm on Saturday or 11am-9pm on Sunday, please email chrish@wa-democrats.org or call (206) 328-2969. The Progressive Majority folks have his message for you: "The state legislature ratifies election results and they're getting a lot of pressure from the Right to delay this ratification. The Republican Party has spent thousands of dollars on radio ads and they're claiming that they have 10,000 petition signatures for this so-called "Re-vote". We fought for a Progressive Majority in the Legislature for a reason - to ensure that our values will be reflected in the laws that govern our state. I challenge the progressive community to match their 10,000 signatures and beat it. Please take action immediately and send a message to the Leadership of the Washington State Legislature: Click here to oppose the Washington Re-Vote."

''Power Play'' (UPDATED)

"The battle for the “soul of the Democratic Party” has begun, with the opening skirmishes over Howard Dean and reproductive rights."-from the commentary on AlerNet. Chew on this: "If you are a progressive, a populist Democrat, someone who thinks moving the party to the center is a dead end in this political debate, then it may be time to step up and make yourself heard. Not doing so may very well leave the fate of the party in the hands of the “Democratic Establishment” – the consultants, lobbyists, and corporate-funded talking heads and spinners. As the debate for the “soul of the party” heats up, we may yet see a very different Democratic Party emerging from the ashes of 2004." Update: "BlogPAC call w/Rosenberg tomorrow: what would you ask?" From MyDD. The call happened on Thursday, but questions that are asked in the comments section are worth reading. Also, the next time you hear what great a fundraiser McAuliffe was, ask them if they have heard about Dean's success in this arena. Update: The Columbus Free Press has this: Progressive Democrats lead historic voting rights protest: "A handful of progressive Democrats in the House and a lone Senator, Barbara Boxer of California, forced the Republican-dominated Congress to hear two hours of protest Thursday about how the 2004 presidential vote was replete with efforts to disenfranchise Democratic voters and suppress turnout in a strong torrent of tactics reminiscent of the Jim Crow era." Update: Newsweek/MSNBC has "In Defeat, a Victory? The Dems' latest challenge of the 2004 election result may have seemed futile. But those involved see it as a win for morality."