DNC holds 'Mission Not Accomplished' bash

[Khephra]

NEW YORK (CNN) -- As first lady Laura Bush and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger were commending President Bush to the nation for another four years Tuesday night, a merry band of Democrats across town was partying against another Bush term.

The "Mission Not Accomplished Masquerade Ball," sponsored by the Democratic National Committee and New York Democrats, was a small but energetic event designed to "unmask" the Republicans and "tell the truth" about the Bush administration, party organizers said.

"We're here to tell the truth about this administration," Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe said to a full house at the Social Club at East 27th Street and Madison Avenue. "George Bush for four years has misled America. It's a big masquerade ball, a big charade." (Special report: America Votes 2004, the Republican convention)

Other Democratic heavyweights at the bash included Gifford Miller, speaker of the New York City Council, who is positioning himself for a run against incumbent Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2005; and Rep. Gregory Meeks, a fourth-term Democrat from New York.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/09/01/dnc.party/

[amber dog democrat]

1. I'd call it Mission Imposible

This war will be the Chimp's undoing.

[apnu]

2. why are these things "small gatherings"

shouldn't they be huge?!?! Wouldn't it do well for the DNC to rent out a theater or some such and hold such a ball?

Dammit Terry show some agression for once!

[sleipnir]

3. Because they are for the lauded elite Dems, not the people

These parties are a joke if you ask me. It's all about Party elitism, inviting the rich and famous while ignoring the real people who make the Party effective.

It reminds me a bit of the usual fare we get from Republicans. $2000 a plate with an autograph.

While the people are taking back the streets and trying to make a difference, the Party leaders are holding a masquerade ball. Something isn't right here.....

I want Terry to rent out the Javits Center, have free invitations to all who want to attend, free food and a giant inclusive event. Of course that will never happen, it doesn't fit into his vision of the Party run by a few for the benefit of a few.

[apnu]

4. Hell yeah...

And, IMO, there are Dems who are either into the idea of inclusion, or are just warming up to it. I take it as a good sign. However, it hasn't reached to the top of the Dems current leadership. :(

[w4rma]

6. There are both. And as for free invatations to a fund raiser...

How does one raise funds that way?

You don't raise funds by spending them on parties to make a few local supporters temporarily happy.

[sleipnir]

7. No, but you raise hope and spirits which can be better than cash.

Would you rather have $1000 or four fired up volunteers ready to make a difference feeling that the Dem party is who they should support and try to persuade others?

Hey, why not have free invites and just pass a hat around at the end of the night. My guess is that they'd break even at worst, probably end up with a few extra dollars and a lot of enthusiastic supporters.

I see it as a variant on the old saying "Give a person a fish, they eat for one day, teach them how to fish and they eat for life." Fire up the people with a great party and it will pay greater dividends than a single, tired old fundraiser.

[Leilani]

5. Instead of partying,

they should get themselves onto all media outlets.

Things like this make me sick.

The DNC has raised enough money to counter some spin of the RNC.

But they are wining & dining, just like RNC.