Democratic Politician Re-Education Manual: "What Would Howard Do?"

[IndyOp]

I have an idea about how to reform the Democratic Party elites - the ones who listen to strategists instead of the people; the ones who focus on "winning elections" instead of principles.

I think they just need a new playbook and a little practice working with it and they could become fine leaders. We provide each one with a "Democratic Politician Re-Education Manual: What Would Howard Do?" -- henceforth referred to as the "WWHD Manual" (my version of the cover is shown below). :-)

What Do Dems Stand For? Howard Dean's Answer in 30 seconds:

One: American jobs that will stay in America, using energy independence to generate those jobs.
Two: A strong national defense based on telling the truth to our citizens, our soldiers and our allies.
Three: Honesty and integrity to be restored to government.
Four: A health care system that works for everybody just like they have in 36 other countries.
Five: A strong public education system so we can bring optimism and opportunity back to America."

Next, we send the Dems to workshops at which they will practice applying the 5 principles to all sorts of issues:

Imagine Harry Reid sitting opposite Barack Obama and we ask them to apply WWHD to the issue of Russ Feingold's censure resolution. They are bright men, so we know they would do well. Here is the conversation:

Obama: Principle 2 says Dems will have a strong national defense based on telling the truth to our citizens -- What Would Howard Do? -- CENSURE BUSH!!!

Reid: Principle 3 says Dems will restore honesty and integrity to government -- What Would Howard Do? -- CENSURE BUSH!!!

Obama: So we should support Feingold's censure resolution?

Reid: Feels wrong, but if that is what the manual says we should do, then I guess so.

See? Easy. They just need a new playbook - the WWHD Manual.

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Here is my post on a similar topic earlier today


VIDEO: Daily Show transforms Paul Hackett into a Democrat devoid of principles, conviction, and emotion...

[TayTay]

1. Ahm, didn't he lose the race?

I think I would take this with a grain of salt. I think he's a good Chairman and I like the 50 state strategy, but I wouldn't find this all that inspirational.

[madfloridian]

2. Want to go there? We lost it all.

We played it careful, and we lost.

[brainshrub]

3. Amen, Amen AMEN! (eom)

[IndyOp]

4. He had help losing the race...

Two weeks before his campaign became 'shaky' he was interviewed on MSNBC.

He told the reporter that news reporting should be changed dramatically -- corporations and advertisers cause great damage to democracy when they spin and pick and choose the news they report. The reporter laughed and asked him if he was kidding - and he said 'No'.

Within a couple of weeks the media started reporting his campaign was 'shaky' even though all objective measures (money, volunteers, etcetera were going up). Then the nail in the coffin - the lie of the 'Dean Scream'. After the loss in the primary his supporters were elated at how well he did, even if he didn't win. He came out on stage and YELLED to be heard over them. He was not informed, nor had he practiced, using the special mic he had on that night - it was the same sort of high-tech mic used by professional performers that picks up only sounds within 6-inches - so it picked up his yell but none of the raucous cheering from the crowd.

Also: Kerry and others were contributing $$ to groups that were also working to undermine Dean.

I am not a Deaniac - I am a Kucinich woman, through and through.

I think Dean was screwed over by media and by other groups that wanted him out of the race.

Yes, tough politicians overcome -- but really, think a moment, are we benefitting from the type of politician that makes it through our current system? Or do we get people who have sold their souls?

[madfloridian]

5. And WWJDD....little brother Jim's comments.

(What would Jim Dean Do...and he speaks for DFA and for us.)

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/007626.html

We honor those who serve our country by praying for their safe and speedy return home. We also honor them by making sure that justice comes to those who have been so incompetent and dishonest in the prosecution of the War in Iraq, the war on terror, and so divided this country.

Let's finish the job. Let's bring the President to justice. Because the lessons of Vietnam have taught us that only justice will ensure that no President, member of Congress, or policy bureaucrat ever brings this kind of dishonor to our country and our Democratic institutions again.

Posted by Jim Dean at 09:43 AM

People are dying. I just read at Kos that 700 families dashed from their homes to run into the desert in our latest Swarmer. No telling how many dead.

I don't care if we censure or impeach or fire or whatever. What we are doing there is evil.

I think George Bush will be judged by God on this issue. Others may as well.

[IndyOp]

7. Go Jim! I am impressed by both Deans -

And the quote in your post is really appropriately gut-wrenching. :(

Thank you...

[Rose Siding]

6. They could do worse

and do, too frequently.

[PassingFair]

8. Thank you!

What Do Dems Stand For? Howard Dean's Answer in 30 seconds:

One: American jobs that will stay in America, using energy independence to generate those jobs.
Two: A strong national defense based on telling the truth to our citizens, our soldiers and our allies.
Three: Honesty and integrity to be restored to government.
Four: A health care system that works for everybody just like they have in 36 other countries.
Five: A strong public education system so we can bring optimism and opportunity back to America."

This is going on a poster at my next Democratic Meeting.

I MEAN IT!

[IndyOp]

9. Doesn't that just nail it? Each time I read it, I am more impressed. n/t

:hi:

[sandnsea]

10. All Hail Howard!

I will never understand what makes some brains tick. I suspect not even Howard would subscribe to the "What Would Howard Do" mantra.

[madfloridian]

11. Doubt he would like it. But an interesting post. God will judge.

After reading more about Swarmer....I firmly believe that if there is a God he will in the future bring retribution to those who still advocate for this war. We have sent innocent people scrambling into the desert this week, as we have before.

I will hold accountable those who still support these evil actions. And I will remember that many made fun of those who had the courage before hand and paid dearly.

The Dem party got their "progressive internationalism", the GOP got their PNAC, and the Iraqi people are suffering in untold ways.

[madfloridian]

12. I don't want you to understand what makes my "brain tick."

I have given up on some folks here who just keep on with the snide insults toward good men who are trying to change the party.

And insults toward people who are trying to bring change instead of the same old same old.

[Rose Siding]

13. We need fighters and we need candor

That's me ticking :) What's so hard to understand?

[sandnsea]

18. We have fighters We have candor

Funny, the brilliant principles in the OP sounded good the first time I heard them... last weekend.

1. Obey law, protect civil rights.
2. Tell the truth.
3. Fire the incompetents.
4. Chase the moneylenders and changers from temple of democracy.
5. Bring our troops home!
6. Find OBL and protect ports.
7. Stop stabilizing big oil and blaming people. Commit to alternatives.
8. Make access to healthcare affordable as America's right.
9. Reduce deficit (conservative!) Respect work over wealth.
10. Fight for American jobs.

When the "grassroots" recognizes Democrats are primarily on the same page and have an agenda and has been fighting, which is why Bush's numbers are in the tank, maybe this party can get somewhere.

[madfloridian]

19. The 30 second segment was on the Today show a month ago.

Howard listed them for Katie in 30 seconds.

[Rose Siding]

20. Yeah, but who needs brevity

If 5 points are good, 10 points must be better.

When the few Democrats who put scare quotes around the grassroots (most of whom are, um, also Democrats) recognize that the fighters dragged them onto the same page, this party may get somewhere.

[IndyOp]

14. In case anyone is wondering:

This is a JOKE!

I want our party to dedicate itself to PRINCIPLES not one man.

My point: We've got to stand for something or we'll fall for anything.

List the principles and live by them. Sometimes the world *is* that simple.

:hi:

[madfloridian]

15. Not about any man, it is about what Dems did in our name.

I think most of us know it was satire of sorts. However, the anger I feel today over the Swarmer going on in Samarra....made me realize what we do to those who do take chances...

I am angry today. My country should NOT in my name be driving Iraqi families into the desert to fend for themselves. I want my party leaders to yell and scream about it.

My view of the future is about this war, because some have blood on their hands that is not going to come off.

[Radical Activist]

16. Change it to Wellstone

and you've got a good idea.

[IndyOp]

17. I bow to your superior insight -> ;-)

Still, Howard was the one who most recently enunciated a nice set of principles that 90% of Democratic Party citizens could rally 'round.

And sadly - Howard is the one who is alive to fight with us now. :cry:

I recently heard an interview on AAR with one of the fighting Dems who was able to quickly describe who they were and get me on board - they said "I am a Wellstone Democrat." Saying that and describing principles and taking action that match - that will grab me...

:hi: