by Pa Rock
Citizen Journalist
A couple of mornings ago Howard Dean, the former Governor of Vermont, was interviewed by Rachel Martin on National Public Radio (NPR). Martin began the interview by quoting a line that Dean had used on Morning Joe a few days prior. She said that Dean had stated that his generation (of Democratic leadership) needs to "Get the hell out of the way." She then asked Dean, who is also the former Chair of the Democratic National Committee, to expand on that remark.
Dean took the ball and charged full-throttle into his passionate belief in the importance of fully utilizing the vigor and vision of young Democrats in running the political party. He declared, in part:
Amen, Brother Dean!
After Dean's impassioned plea for for fully utilizing the young elements of the party, Martin then took the conversation in a more specific direction and asked about replacing Nancy Pelosi (age 77) as the House Minority Leader. Martin sought to learn if Dean felt Pelosi should resign her leadership post. Instead of charging forward in his righteous campaign for youth leadership, the good doctor prevaricated and refused lob a shot at the still powerful Pelosi. Instead he slathered praise on the former House Speaker while avoiding the opportunity to strengthen his argument about the need to oust the old timers and bring in "the kids."
Man up, Howard, because you are basically right. Your generation (and mine) does need to get the hell out of the way and let the young people take up the reins of Democratic leadership. There will still be plenty of organizing work and other more mundane chores to keep us old farts feeling useful.
If Nancy Pelosi's California constituents want to keep sending her to Congress, that's their prerogative, but maintaining her party leadership post is a national concern which impacts us all.
It's time to tune-up the jalopy and get it back on the road - and it's definitely time to let "the kids" drive!
Citizen Journalist
A couple of mornings ago Howard Dean, the former Governor of Vermont, was interviewed by Rachel Martin on National Public Radio (NPR). Martin began the interview by quoting a line that Dean had used on Morning Joe a few days prior. She said that Dean had stated that his generation (of Democratic leadership) needs to "Get the hell out of the way." She then asked Dean, who is also the former Chair of the Democratic National Committee, to expand on that remark.
Dean took the ball and charged full-throttle into his passionate belief in the importance of fully utilizing the vigor and vision of young Democrats in running the political party. He declared, in part:
"The most important age group for us is people under thirty-five. They elected Barack Obama in 2008. But now it's time to let them take over, and they're going to have to take over on their own terms. We have tons of talent in our party. We do not need to rely on my generation anymore. And these kids think differently. They're more respectful of each other. They're willing to listen to each other's ideas and work things out. They're entrepreneurial. They're more conservative than we are economically, than the left-wing of the Democratic Party. They're mostly libertarian.
"I just think this is the future of America. They are diverse. They value immigration. They value different kinds of people. They believe that gay rights is the civil rights issue of their time. They care deeply about the environment. We need a real change in this country and the only way to do it is for us to get out."
Amen, Brother Dean!
After Dean's impassioned plea for for fully utilizing the young elements of the party, Martin then took the conversation in a more specific direction and asked about replacing Nancy Pelosi (age 77) as the House Minority Leader. Martin sought to learn if Dean felt Pelosi should resign her leadership post. Instead of charging forward in his righteous campaign for youth leadership, the good doctor prevaricated and refused lob a shot at the still powerful Pelosi. Instead he slathered praise on the former House Speaker while avoiding the opportunity to strengthen his argument about the need to oust the old timers and bring in "the kids."
Man up, Howard, because you are basically right. Your generation (and mine) does need to get the hell out of the way and let the young people take up the reins of Democratic leadership. There will still be plenty of organizing work and other more mundane chores to keep us old farts feeling useful.
If Nancy Pelosi's California constituents want to keep sending her to Congress, that's their prerogative, but maintaining her party leadership post is a national concern which impacts us all.
It's time to tune-up the jalopy and get it back on the road - and it's definitely time to let "the kids" drive!
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