My Meeting with a Real Live DNC Member

So I went to last nights DFA meetup in West LA, and we did an exercise on framing debates with conservatives, aided by a video from George Lakoff. But after that, I was shocked by an unexpected guest, one of the 444 members of the DNC, a member of the California delegation named Garry Shay. The notion that a DNC member would go to a grassroots meetup was very encouraging in and of itself. But his reason for appearing was even more impressive.

He invited everyone there to a public meeting for grassroots Democrats to provide input to DNC delegates from California. At least 15 DNC members are confirmed for the meeting, and it could reach 18. This is the real power brokers of the Democratic Party opening up the process and actually listening to its constituents, which is mind-blowing (this is even sponsored by the DFALA group). I'll give the info for that meeting in a bit. But first, here's the inside dish on the meeting:

1) This guy was in front of a hostile audience. The DFA audience, composed mainly of ex-Deaniacs, has a bit of a hate-hate relationship with the national party. Mr. Shay, seemingly a big Dean supporter, also remarked that he gets a lot of letters from committed Democrats wanting him to help reform the party, but that the end of the letter is usually "and if you don't do this, I'll never support the Party again." He said that he doesn't respond well to threats of that type. So tact might go a long way to getting a Reform Democrat in the DNC chair.

2) At the same time, when asked what he feels will be the outcome to the DNC Chair fight, he said that "While we've decided not to make a final decision until we interview candidates later this month, I can tell you that the people I'm talking to seem to be leaning in the direction of the man I'm guessing all of you want." So the Dean for DNC movement should take a lot of solace in that comment.

3) Shay took a lot of rants from the audience, but he seemed firmly in the Dean camp. He mentioned that we cannot be Republican-lite, that he's against the rightward shift in the Party since 1972, and, in answer to my comment about Tim Roemer, he said, "Let me assure you of one thing. I will not vote for Tim Roemer." Looks like that's yet another establishment figure headed down in flames. And rightly so; while he has the 9/11 Commission on his resume, anyone that voted against Clinton's 1993 budget bill and FOR Bush's 2001 tax cuts should not be heading the party.

4) The whole time, I was completely heartened by the fact that a DNC member was standing in front of the room of Deaniacs, asking to hear their passion, looking for ideas on how to better reach America with a progressive message. I know this is the CA delegation and not necessarily indicative of the DNC as a whole, but it's really incredible if you think about it. I thanked Mr. Shay for his presence, and the whole crowd clapped.

So, last thing: anyone in LA that wants to talk about where the Democrats should go from here, in a room full of people that can actually implement your ideas, should go to this public meeting next week. You'll get two minutes to address the delegation.

Saturday, January 15
12-4pm
Patriotic Hall
1816 S. Figeuroa St.
Los Angeles, CA

Or, you can forward your input via email to dnclisteninghear@aol.com.