Reply #20: Technically the DNC members vote on the chair

[Hippo_Tron]

And such elections are of significant consequence when the party is out of power (as it was in 2005 when Howard Dean was elected). However, the President of the United States is the leader of his political party and as such elections for the chairmen are merely symbolic when the party controls the White House. The President designates whomever he wants to be party chair and the DNC members always vote for that person.

Furthermore, the DNC Chair is almost always a figurehead while the party is in power. Strategy is determined by the White House political team. Additionally he's not even a substantial figurehead because he's overshadowed by the President and often by congressional leaders as well.