The future of the Democratic Party

Loyal Opposition is a loyal (natch) Democrat. But Loyal does not check its intellect at the altar of loyalty.

Therefore, Loyal cannot greet the coronation of Howard Dean as DNC Chairman with the joy that has been ringing through the blogosphere.

Loyal Opposition did not think that Howard Dean could ever be DNC Chairman. L.O. did not think it likely Dean would pass muster with the powers that be. However, Dean's chairmanship makes sense for a variety of reasons:

It is yet another example of the power of personality. That is to say, the Democrats have been searching for that elusive figure, that Moses they feel will come to deliver them to the promised land. The irony being that Dean himself has stated, quite rightly, in L.O.'s opinion, that the Democrats need to stop thinking about progress in terms of personality---a Bill Clinton coming along every so often---and start building organizations and organizational themes.

Just as perceptions of Kerry's electability set in motion a process by which people in the party came to support him regardless of their affinity with or affection for him, due to their expectations of his ability to gain results (based on the "fact" that others had the same expectations), perceptions of Dean's "vision" and "organizational ability" created a groundswell.

At the same time, it reflects the power of the increased popularization of the intra-party process. The "candidates" for DNC chairman actually campaigned through speeches, tv ads, and blog advocacy. Dean had the most name recognition out of all of them. And though it was not a position that he could be "elected" to per se by the national Democrats, the party officials recognized the will of the people and acted as their representatives. One could say that this was a good thing---a step away from the smoke-filled room, but L.O. doubts the cigar smoke is going anywhere. Furthermore, not to sound elitist, but what the hell do people know anyway?

In all seriousness, though, the position of DNC chairman may not be as influential as it sounds. Their duties are organizational and fundraising. It is up to the elected politicians to stand for the Democratic party ideals. The RNC chairman does not create policy. He takes the policy of the Republican party and creates an organizational/financial support system. His power is visibility.

For all of McAulliffe's problems, he was a masterful fundraiser and organizer. He was not as adept at adapting to technology as Dean has shown himself to be--a strength, most definitely. But McAuliffe was a player within the system---he drew his strength and exerted his influence amongst the powers that be in the party. The donors, the politicians, and the think tanks. The establishment is already there.

Where McAuliffe was ineffectual was as a party frontman. He was not the most graceful presence. He was not the most articulate presence. He left much to be desired in that regard. Whatever muddled values there were to reflect, however, he reflected them. He gave them spin. Dean is a problem. As public figures go, he is not the most sympathetic. He is abrasive. He is, frankly, a bit of a hard-ass. And Dean has a penchant for saying things stupidly as well as for saying stupid things. It will be awkward if Dean decides to reflect his values as the values Democrats have, when they are just the values he thinks the Dems should have. Furthermore, Dean's organizational skills leave much to be desired. Though he, with the help of Joe Trippi, revolutionized internet fundraising, his on the ground operations in Iowa and New Hampshire were jokes. Dean is not a beloved figure by the establishment. His hardcore base are bloggers and young internet consultants. Those Bob Shrums of tomorrow are counting on Dean---it will lead them to riches. But it will lead the Dems to the same stupid cycles.

Dean needs to work on his "playing well with others" skills if he is going to be a successful Chairman rather than a messianic figure positioning himself for a stake in the party. He has had a lot of great ideas, primarily breaking the taboo against reforming the party and shaking it to get some life back in it. However, parties need to be run well, not just inspired. The direction of ideological reform and positioning needs to come from the politicians, supported by the think tanks and research groups. We need to ban the consultants and the media hacks from the door. Hillary Clinton's masterful speech on abortion is a step in the right direction. Howard Dean needs to create an organization that gives these initelligent pols the air cover and the ground troops they need to wage war against the radicals bent on destroying this country. He needs to be the realist and the idealist he was in Vermont. L.O. wishes him luck.