Bobby's Blue State

My Audience with the Dr.

I attended a reception for Dr. Dean this weekend during the DNC's Winter Meetings in DC. It was the third time that I had the privilege to listen to Howard Dean speak. The first time was at a fundraiser in DC in 2003 and the second time was at a Kerry fundraiser last year at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC. The Dr. likes to speak from the heart; it is something I very much admire. I hope this style doesn't get muted because of his new position as Chairman of the DNC. And regarding his new position, enough already with all the naysayers in the Democratic Party and elsewhere stating that it's not a good thing that the DNC Chair is from Northeastern US and that the position should go to someone from the Red States. I'm so tired of folks disregarding Democrats from the Northeast, like it's such a bad thing. The Northeastern US is the lifeblood of these United States and our politicians personify this. And when I hear people from other areas of the US talk about the Northeast with such disregard, I note the irony of this smug and condescending talk, because it's not emanating from the mouth of a Northeasterner. But I digress.

Anyway, the reception was hosted by the Stonewall Democrats and many luminaries were in attendance, including Congressman Barney Frank, Virginia State Delegate Adam Ebbin, Chrissy Gephardt, to name a few. Congressman Frank gave a reliable, thought-provoking speech; he is always a joy to listen to.

I also spotted the Reverend Al Sharpton, and Donna Brazil in the halls of the DNC Winter Meetings. It was a veritable cornucopia of Democratic movers and shakers.

So Dr. Dean, I wish you the best in your new position and I hope you are never made to feel bad or defensive about being a Northeasterner. I never do, there is no better place to hail from (said smugly, I mean proudly).

posted by BBS @ 12:12 PM