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March 17, 2005
JJ afterthoughts
It was nice to meet a lot of bloggers and online activists at the JJ dinner and the state committee meeting that occured beforehand. Two years ago, when Governor Dean spoke at the dinner, his supporters could practically be counted on one hand. They had a nice little booth outside of the dining hall. This year there were probably at least 100 people who've been brought into the Democratic Party through the Dean campaign present at the dinner, and Tim Cairl, the former head of Georgia for Dean, even sat at a table in the front with the bigshots. Congratulations to everyone, you've arrived.
As far as the entertainment was concerned, I thought Virginia Governor Mark Warner gave a speech that's content can't be argued with, and is something that I've long argued -- the path to victory for the Democratic party is to go after moderate Republicans and convince them that the Republican Party they once knew is gone. As Warner said, they are upset that the party of Lincoln and Eisenhower has become the party of Ralph Reed and Tom DeLay. Couldn't have said it better myself!
Warner's words may have been Presidential, but his delivery and charisma are still in the governor range. 3 years stumping for candidates and touring the country giving speeches can do a lot to change that, of course.
On the Georgia front, former Senator Max Cleland presented Agricultural Commissioner Tommy Irvin with the Hope Award, and Irvin amazingly commented that this was his 49th JJ dinner in a row that he'd attended. If you think about where the party has come from in half a century (hint: segregation) to where it is now and keep in mind that Tommy Irvin, having been through all of that, is still at home as one of the most loyal party guys in Georgia, it really is quite amazing. It reminds you that in years past, Georgia voters joined up with the Democratic Party at a young age and it was a beneficial two way relationship -- vote Democrat and the Democratic Party will look after you, and there's always room for anyone that wants to be a Democrat in our party (another theme of Warner's speech). That's a good model. I know the modern Republican party doesn't offer anywhere near that sort of security and good of a deal to voters nowadays, we've got to get back to a time when we do.
As far as our statewide officers, Lt. Gov Mark Taylor was recognized for raising well over 50% of the money for this year's dinner and had a nice joke about getting used to the idea of "Governor Mark" (when introducing Mark Warner). Cathy Cox had a soar throat and presided over a spunky segment where other Democrats spoke "for her" since she could not. All in all a great JJ Dinner.
Posted by Chris at March 17, 2005 11:54 AM
Comments
Chris,
I couldn't disagree with you more regarding the message of Mark Warner. His DLC fiscal responsibilty speech was the least inspiring I've heard. This from a man who made millions in telcom and left early for a very dubious reason. I'd have bought his story had I not also read how he was stumping for his hand picked successer for Gov. the very next day.
If this man wants to be President, he surely wouldn't get my support. The whole thing could easily be lumped into 2 words "sell out". I'm sick an tired of lame middle of the road messages. By way of correction, Mark Taylor isn't the only one in the room who raised money. I sat a table of ladies who raised a pile of money, only to have the guest speacker marginalize them with his so called "litmus" test.
You know some times it's hard to be a Democrat, or the minority opinion. Why on earth would I want to be "republican lite". Apparently you are too young to remember real struggle and having the strength of your convictions.
Also, I thought the fact that over 50% of the attendees bolted after his speech was rude. It was incredible to me that they all had to be home by 9:00. Sen Cleland and Comm. Irvin deserived better.
Posted by: Jules ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.chrisishardcore.com//nav-commenters.gif)
at March 21, 2005 11:32 AM
I didn't say Mark was the only one who raised money, just pointed out that he raised over 50% of the money, as he has also done in 2003 and 2004 when he raised over 65% of the money in each year. Of course others have raised money -- everyone at the dinner paid for either a ticket or a table so by definition is a fundraiser.
As far as an abortion litmus test, Warner was not calling for a litmus test, in fact he was asking that there not be a litmus test. I agree with this. I want pro-choice people to call the Democratic Party home, but I don't want the Democratic Party to be known as the pro-choice or pro-life party, generally. I refer you to the (at least) 150 out of 159 counties where a majority of the citizens think of themselves as pro-life (or at least pro-life in most circumstances).
There is one area we are in complete agreement on -- people leaving early. Obviously I am touched by the personal story and history of Tommy Irvin, and I thought receiving the award was a great part of the evening. Shame on everyone who cut out.
Posted by: chris at March 21, 2005 06:43 PM
Thanks for the kind words Chris. I keep meaning to come up and introduce myself at one of these Dem events, but you keep slipping away. Sorry I missed you again. I wanted to thank you in person for helping sort out the FCDP link.
Posted by: MelGX at March 21, 2005 11:39 PM
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