So often I write about things I find troubling, I thought I'd take a moment and say hooray for the DNC and Howard Dean. Believe me, I did NOT expect to be saying those words about the DNC; I was girding myself for a mealy-mouthed loser, and preparing to affiliate myself with the Grangers, despite the fact that they don't exist anymore.

As others have noted, the chorus of Republicans who claim the Dems are dooming themselves with Dean is particularly telling. Sorry, but I don't trust the "friendly advice" of David Brooks any more than I trust the mercury in the tuna supply.

One lesson the regressives have learned well, and the Dems have not (until recently), is that you have to respect your base. Dean is, at long last, a step in the right direction. Not because Dean is particularly liberal; as Paul Krugman correctly notes in today's column, Dean is a moderate -- but he's a fighter. Oh sure, the Fox freaks will relentlessly tar him as "radical" because he opposed invading Iraq. It's our job to make clear in the coming months that opposing a DUMBASS war does not mean opposing ALL war. I have to say, the inability of Bush supporters to get this point clear really annoys me.

The job of the party chair is to rally the troops, raise money, and articulate a clear message. I think Dean will do all of these things well.