Tuesday, July 1, 2003

The Sound of Democracy Isn't Ch-Ching, but it sounded like that yesterday. The participants in the Dean Campaign's one-day fundraising record of $800,000 were donating money, yes, but that was incidental to their conversation. Wisely, the campaign posted the comments of the donors as they described the incredible power of making a difference. This campaign seems trained in Clues. They've set up the playing field so that people can talk about governance–money's just the punch line. As the day rolled on, you could see that the campaign people were not driving the contribution process, they were hosting it. Every half hour, they posted updates that functioned as a scoreboard–symbolic, not financial. It was performance art. At 1 am, the Burlington crew was wrapping up but their fans, the donors, were urging them to play a few more, at least until the donations came in from California: 12:30 AM Ok, we've seen the comments asking us to stay up until 3 AM ("can you guys in HQ please, please keep the posts going until 3 a.m. ET? I'm staying up with you, if that makes you feel any better. :)" but we've still got a thank you email to send out -- so much to thank for -- it's just me, Nicco, and Joe left here, and there are still bags of letters to open. I really wish we could, but believe me, we're doing everything we can! After 1 AM we're going to have to check out for the night on the updates. We'll get you a full report as quickly as we can in the morning. That's the sound of democracy. Human voices, doing hard work, sleepwalking in that pleasant way after an exhausting day that made a difference. Here's the sound of democracy unfolding, Campaign workers and volunteers and voters becoming first-time donors:

1 Nicco, Dean For America  06-30-2003 07:47 PM ET (US)   Edited by author 06-30-2003 07:53 PM Apologies for the slow-down; MT was having trouble with our 600+ comment field. You can read those comments here. We'll use this QuickTopic space for the rest of this Open Thread: post away! Special thanks to PMK for his help. Blog is here, Contribute is here, and then there's always home sweet home. Thanks for your patience; now I'm off to update the Bat.

2 Mark N.  06-30-2003 08:03 PM ET (US)   This blog entry was a little buried, so I'm not surprised no one's found it yet. But this QuickTopic place is pretty cool! As it's slogan at the top says, it's "preposterously easy." 4 Mark N.  06-30-2003 08:06 PM ET (US)   Edited by author 06-30-2003 08:07 PM The "buried" issue is fixed. $6.9 million!! Four hours to go! We'd only need $12,500 per half hour update, and this last update was $28,000!

5 Jamie Zirkle  06-30-2003 08:09 PM ET (US)   I miss the old blog, but this will have to do. People have asked this before. Does this number include internet only for today or does it include phone and fax as well?

6 Jason  06-30-2003 08:10 PM ET (US)   Allrighty, the spreadsheet numbers for the 8pm update (I'm still at it! :) Q2 Total So Far: $6,900,644.00 Minutes So Far: 600 Average per minute since 10am: $875.26 per min. Theoretical Midnight Total: $7,110,705.60 Projected Time to Hit $7 Million: 9:54PM Avg. needed to hit $7 Mil. by 12am EST: $413.98 per min.

7 Mike DePolo  06-30-2003 08:11 PM ET (US)   Deleted by author 06-30-2003 08:11 PM

8 Tony in Dallas  06-30-2003 08:12 PM ET (US)   Dean is being covered on Fox News right now. 7:12 PM Central

9 Brian in WA  06-30-2003 08:12 PM ET (US)   nice to see the flexibility of the campaign team -- way to stay on the ball to keep up with the momentum of the masses on the net! best, brian

10 Cynthia in MA  06-30-2003 08:13 PM ET (US)   I'm thinking we're looking at $7.3 million by close tonight? Any wagers out there?

12 El Payo  06-30-2003 08:15 PM ET (US)   In football, this is what announcers refer to as 'the momentum shifting.' Man am I excited. Right on Dean!

13 Laura, Ca  06-30-2003 08:16 PM ET (US)   The suspense is killing me.... I love all this excitement. I hope it continues!

14 Mark N.  06-30-2003 08:16 PM ET (US)   I hope the little $100,000 marker is put back on the bat -- I like how it showed our humble beginnings, and how it highlighted our growth and strength.

15 Julie  06-30-2003 08:16 PM ET (US)   We're gonna make it!! WE'RE GONNA MAKE IT! My God, this is the most awesome thing I've ever seen online. I just hope Dr. Dean has a very thick skin...the pundits and Big Media will be after him, big time.

16 Becca in CA  06-30-2003 08:16 PM ET (US)   Cynthia - 7.0, 7.3... It's really going to depend on whether snail mail and phone contributions (not to mention the fundrasiser in NY tonight) are added to the total yet. If not? 7.3 seems completely reasonable! Either way, way to go DEAN TEAM!!!! This is an amazing day... :)

17 Pete  06-30-2003 08:19 PM ET (US)   Jason - thanks for your spreadsheet updates. What about if you factored in the time difference here on the West Coast? I know we can't tell how much of the $50-$60 thousand per hour is coming from the west cost, but let's assume half. How high would the Bat go with the 12am closing time in LA?

18 KimG  06-30-2003 08:20 PM ET (US)   Bush is Liar, Dean is on Fire! Give your donation now and then help get Dean on Oprah!!! Please take a minute and send a message to Oprah requesting a show with Howard Dean. Here is the direct link: http://www.oprah.com/email/reach/email_showideas.jhtml

19 Beau  06-30-2003 08:20 PM ET (US)   They were just discussing Dean on The Factor on Fox. VERY positive interview with Mary Ann Walsh about him. She defended him as "not being able to be put in a box." They talked a TON about the Internet fundraising. At the end, the host (a substitute for O'Reailly) said, "With the Internet, I think we might be able to say an insurgent candidate can become president." I couldn't believe my ears! You got Fox on your side now, Howie! Go for it! Beau 20 Shawn Linderman  06-30-2003 08:20 PM ET (US)   Nice work, Nicco, Zephyr, et. al. As a volunteer, I've noticed the awesome "get it done" attitude that pervades entire Dean campaign. You folks at home are no exception. Go DEAN!!!

21 Jamie Zirkle  06-30-2003 08:20 PM ET (US)   BWA HA HA. The former Republican Congressman just insinuated that he was a neutral analyst. You gotta love Faux. Who are the other candidates again? You wouldn't know b/c the only person they're attacking is Dean.

22 phil  06-30-2003 08:21 PM ET (US)   Have they only counted online donations for today? Are they holding back on giving us the offline numbers?

23 Julie O.  06-30-2003 08:21 PM ET (US)   I WANT TO HIT $7.4! WE CAN DO IT!!!!

24 Meg  06-30-2003 08:22 PM ET (US)   One thing I forgot to mention in my last post (before the server shut down, presumably unable to handle so much traffic) is how great it is to see people showing GWB just what he can do with his tax cuts by donating them to Dean! I remember giving $300 to Oxfam during the first round of tax cuts last year, but this is even better. Also kudos to whoever suggested going to CNN.com and voting on whether or not Bush will be re-[sic]elected in 2004. Of course this makes it even more unscientific than those silly things usually are, but it sure is fun... right now a casual visitor to CNN will be told that 88% of us don't think W stands a chance!

25 Ben from Boston  06-30-2003 08:23 PM ET (US)   THIRD TIME FOR ME! If this is federal matching fund time, let's make 1Million today -- we can do it!!! p.s. wolf blitzer always shows the polls the next day on that show -- but stay tuned tomorrow!

26 Jacquie  06-30-2003 08:23 PM ET (US)   This..is amazing.....I have not been able to keep away from my computer today...checking every half hour to see what the new total is. Every DOLLAR sent to Dean goes a LONG way....One thing to point out..that the "liberal" media..won't report. Yes, Bush is raising a great deal of money....however....he will also SPEND a HUGE for "staff" and more ground support. If you saw Inside Politics today, the GOPER on there stated they had been busy "hiring" staff. Dean has a HUGE volunteer base, working hard, on our OWN time....Bush will end up having to spend far more money to do what WE are doing for Dean now. I am proud to be a Democrat, PROUD to be an American, and PROUD to be part of this wonderful and exciting part of history.

27 Mike in Michigan  06-30-2003 08:23 PM ET (US)   Every day the campaign has a message and a need. Today, the need and the message is the same: money. It's a sad reality, but this campaign will not get far out of the gate without money. So, whatever you can give, please contribute it now: Here's the link. 28 Jason  06-30-2003 08:25 PM ET (US)   I thoguth about trying to extend it to include Midnight PST, but I haven't heard any official word on whether the deadline is Midnight for the DONOR, or midnight for the CANDIDATE. So I'm playing it safe and goign by EST only. Now if I hear soemthign different, I'll gladly change things to go to 12am PST. :)

29 Robert Deeble  06-30-2003 08:26 PM ET (US)   It's gonna happen folks!!! $7,000,000 plus!!! People Powered Howard to be sure but also People Powered by Howard!!!

30 Lavoisier1794  06-30-2003 08:27 PM ET (US)   We can rebuild this party. We have the technology.

31 GEORGE & BILLYE GREER  06-30-2003 08:29 PM ET (US)   LETS WIN WITH DEAN AND TAKE BACK OUR DEMOCRATIC PARTY

32 Mardee  06-30-2003 08:30 PM ET (US)   I just donated tonight, and am sitting in my law school class unable to concentrate on Criminal Law. Instead I keep checking the Blog for the latest update. I am very excited by what's happening, and I feel such a sense of invigoration for the Democrat party!

33 Scouter  06-30-2003 08:30 PM ET (US)   Everyone.....just give a bit....every bit helps. If Dean is going to win, it's going to be because of individuals - not big politicos (sp?). Hey, Dr Dean was IMHO pretty bad on Meet the Press...but awfully refreshing! Go figure....

34 Leslie in CA  06-30-2003 08:30 PM ET (US)   The bat is only the online contributions, so if--excuse me, *when*--we hit the $7 mil on the bat, we'll still have all the phone and snail-mail contributions to count up! 36 Katherine  06-30-2003 08:32 PM ET (US)   I wrote a message at 6:30 asking for some help, but have not found a reply.... I voted for Dean in MoveOn's Primary. I am 56. I have donated twice in the past two days (and have never donated before)because like all of you I want to "take back our country" to educate our children, provide affordable health care etc. My business has been destroyed and I am having to sell my home and shut down my 25 year old consulting business because of the economy and war - BUT, I am on line still trying to help take our country back. I have been setting up meetings for MoveOn and the Round the World Peace Vigil and Depart of Peace - and want to do that here HELP please: MY question is: I live in Summit County 3+ hours from the other sites in Colorado. We want to hold a Dean Meet Up meeting here in Summit Wednesday at 7 p.m., but cannot get Dean's office or Meet Up to OK this. The MoveOn software allowed us to simply ADD SITES so that we could have our own vigil and meetings up here and not have to spend time driving to Boulder or Denver or Colorado Springs. Please someone let me know how to get this set up. I have promised people here I will do this, but did not get space as I could not find a way to be added to the list of meeting sites and did not know if I would be sent what I needed for the meeting. Katherine Summit County Colorado my e-mail is thriving@colorado.net

37 NumberJon  06-30-2003 08:33 PM ET (US)   I just made another contribution. I was going to save my money and make a contribution later in the year.... but $7 million is such a huge number.... If you're this close, you just have to go for it....

38 Ike Gilbert  06-30-2003 08:33 PM ET (US)   Actually Jason, you're forgetting about Alaska and Hawaii... in which case you should use HST... which is 5 hours difference from EST

39 LG in VT  06-30-2003 08:34 PM ET (US)   We miss our old gov -- in the spirit of people powered democracy, Gov Dean had his home phone number listed in the phone book, and took calls anytime! I'm so glad our VT-style, open, approachable democracy is catching on!

40 Karl in NC  06-30-2003 08:34 PM ET (US)   This is absolutely unreal. The excitement of today has been nothing short of infectious. . . and just think, this is only 2nd quarter fundraising we're all getting excited about. The primaries are going to be insane. I've been checking in on the half-hour all day. For most of the day contributions were coming in at a rate of about $24K-$26K per half hour. At that rate I figured Dean would end up a bit short of hitting 7Mil (just this morning 6.5 seemed like a dream!). But this evening, rather than taper off, as I thought they would, the pace of contributions are actually increasing! At this rate, we'll be past 7 Mil EASILY! I can hear the other candidates' knees rattling even now. Dean kicks butt and so do all of you who contributed today!

41 Mike in Michigan  06-30-2003 08:35 PM ET (US)   <img src=http://www.deanforamerica.com/images/homerun2.gif It's YOUR turn at bat!

42 Jason  06-30-2003 08:35 PM ET (US)   Spreadsheet action for the 8:30 update Q2 Total So Far: $6,926,046.00 Minutes So Far: 630 Average per minute since 10am: $873.90 per min. Theoretical Midnight Total: $7,109,564.67 Projected Time to Hit $7 Million: 9:55PM Avg. needed to hit $7 Mil. by 12am EST: $352.16 per min. And I REALLY like the idea someone posted in the other comments for a campaign slogan or something we can put on bumper stickers - "Howard Dean: His only special interest is the American people!"

43 Julie O.  06-30-2003 08:38 PM ET (US)   I thought Dean was GREAT on Meet the Press. I actually applauded when the interview was over, and I've never done THAT before. 44 Jenny of Oregon  06-30-2003 08:41 PM ET (US)   Just made my fifth donation, for a total of $150. Not much money I'm afraid, but not bad for someone who has been unemployed for 7 months. The more I read and think about current events and the Bush agenda, the more I realize what is at stake with the 2004 election. Both of my parents come from European immigrant families and lived through WWII, so I grew up seeing America through their eyes - a land of freedom, that welcomes the refugees, the poor and downtrodden, and lifts them up. I believe in a social contract that gives us a secure feeling that anything is possible if we work together, that hard work pays off, and that someone will be there to help me if I fall down. Since Bush was appointed President, I've seen the meager social safety net we do have unravelling before my eyes. Of all the presidential candidates, Howard Dean strikes me as the one who best understands the value of the social contract, and who has the most impressive record of concrete actions to back up his words. So here I am, doing what I've never done before - donating money and volunteering my heart out for a presidential campaign. It's a lot of fun, and whatever happens, I'll be proud to have been a part of this incredible grassroots movement.

45 Carolyn in Seattle  06-30-2003 08:42 PM ET (US)   Nice piece on NPR this afternoon: Dean Campaign Raises Millions Online" http://discover.npr.org/features/feature.jhtml?wfId=1315709"

46 Ellen in Port Ludlow  06-30-2003 08:42 PM ET (US)   My Excel chart (I got the idea in this thread) indicates that we'll hit $7M around 10:10. I've donated twice, my first two times ever, and I know I'll be doing it again. It's just too much fun to quit. People-powered Howard, you and your campaign staff are brilliant, truly brilliant! We all wanted to be involved in our government, and you've actually given us that chance. Thank you!!!!

47 Jesse B  06-30-2003 08:43 PM ET (US)   This is my first time contributing to a political campaign, and I got my sister to contribute today as well. I hope to get my dad to contribute as well. If my mom could contribute, I'd get her to contribute today as well. Oh, well. 3 out of 4 isn't bad :)

48 Nancy Richardson  06-30-2003 08:43 PM ET (US)   I wanna see fireworks coming out of that bat. With a special "thank you to Tim Russert" in one of the "cascades." Can you do that for us, huh?

49 Kelly  06-30-2003 08:43 PM ET (US)   I'm getting so excited! Like lots of other people here, this is my first involvement politically, my first donation to ANY campaign, and my first volunteer work as a host for the Dean Meetup in my area. I'm also a college student, and I think that Dean has the chance to really capture this untapped and disillusioned demographic. I'm with this campaign 100%, and my hopes are too! Kelly, in Indiana

50 Mike in Michigan  06-30-2003 08:44 PM ET (US)   Edited by author 06-30-2003 08:47 PM Sorry for the dead link, but it's still YOUR turn at bat!

51 Liz Schmidt in Madison  06-30-2003 08:45 PM ET (US)   I spent about a half hour trying to word a last minute, last ditch fundraising appeal to my local group in Madison, WI. Finally I just said the h*ll with it, broke down and posted this... >>>Hello All,   The heat is on to push Dean's 2nd quarter numbers as close to 7 m..mah...Million! as possible.   The campaign has asked the local coordinators to put out a last minute fundraising appeal...no time for subtlety...so here it goes...   Puh-leeze GIVE MONEY NOW!!!   www.deanforamerica.com/2ndQuarterSupporter<<< People thought it was hysterical...and it was, on multiple levels, but I guess it helped...ROTFLMAO!!! Great job everyone!!! 52 Robert  06-30-2003 08:47 PM ET (US)   I am on an INCREDIBLY tight budget. I can't help myself though. I had to make one small contribution tonight. It will literally mean that I'll have to watch how much food I purchase at the grocery store next week. I don't care though. I am infuriated... OUTRAGED with how the Bush cartel has systematically waged war on this country, the principles it once stood for, and the collective spirit of its citizens. I'm pissed off and not going to take it anymore! Give 'em Hell Howard!!! Tonight you have received a mandate from the American People. Go forth, speak loudly, and carry an even *bigger* stick.

53 Ingrid  06-30-2003 08:47 PM ET (US)   I join the first time contributors. Never, remotely, thought of becoming somewhat of an activist .. well, here I am .. I have arrived. My sister, who resides in Austria, has joined the ranks of Dean supporters and, hopefully, her donation has arrived as well. Go Howard!

54 DFA Finance Staff  06-30-2003 08:50 PM ET (US)   Hey to all the bloggers! Thank you SO much for all your hard work and enthusiasm - YOU HAVE MADE THIS SUCCESS POSSIBLE! We still have a ways to go - we are working the phones constantly to get there, and we hope to raise a glass at midnight tonight to celebrate our $7 million! We are TAKING OUR COUNTRY BACK - keep giving, keep blogging and we will keep working hard! DFA Finance - Stephanie, Linnea, Larry, Patrick, Alex, TK, Jen, Alex M., Bryce, Addy, Jenna, Kat, AJ, Ashley, Jenny, Emily, Gio, David, Andrew, Jay, Julie, Colleen, Carolyn, David and Donna!

55 Greg in Rochester  06-30-2003 08:50 PM ET (US)   I have to agree with Julie who liked Dean's appearance on Meet The Press. I thought it was great that he dismissed Russert's drilling on military details as irrelevant. Who in their right mind would claim to know how many troops would be necessary in a reasonable (non-imperialistic) administration? Its too soon to say at this point and largely dependent on world events over the next two years. I thought it was Russert that came off looking foolish and Dean showed that he has the wisdom not to commit to something just for the sake of seeming knowledgable. Dean also impressed me with his firm grasp on history and the relevant lessons learned (somehting sorely lacking in the Bush Admin.).

56 Robb OH  06-30-2003 08:50 PM ET (US)   This is America. Large numbers of individuals are making their voices heard like never before. This is America. This isn[base ']t large corporations making down payments on future policy (if not cabinet positions). This is America. For all of us who have been sneered for questioning an unjustified war -- been called unpatriotic for questioning a [OE]war time president[base ']. Hold your heads high on the 4th. We have been and are now doing what true patriots do. We are Americans! Go Dr. Dean

57 Amy in NH  06-30-2003 08:50 PM ET (US)   What I want to know is how many actual human beings have donated to Dean for America? I also love the post by a Vermonter about Dean's "community values" - this is such a refreshing contrast to the nearsighted "family values" of the republican platform! (Cue the music) You may say I'm a (Dean) Dreamer... but I'm not the only one. I hope some day you'll join us!

58 vince  06-30-2003 08:52 PM ET (US)   I contributed another $75 today to bring my total up to $500. I have a feeling I will hit the personal limit well before the end of the year, but it's ok, I consider it at investment in this country. A little off topic, but I came across this editorial in the Army Times, which I think is a must read for anyone here: http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=0-ARMYPAPER-1954515.php We have to get these guys out of Washington in 2004!

59 Gary in New Mexico  06-30-2003 08:52 PM ET (US)   Born in 1942 , I grew up with a sense that Harry Truman was a hero- and my President. Remember this folks, the Pundits - (Puny Dimwits} -insert Tim Russert- have told us in the past that: Harry Truman "couldn't win " JFK "couldn't win"; that Jimmy Carter "couldn't win"; Bill Cinton "couldn't win",and before them, FDR "can"t win". Let's forget the Puny Dimwits and elect a President who will work with us to take our country back!!! 60 Ingrid  06-30-2003 08:52 PM ET (US)   I forgot .. I even got my husband to donate .. yeaaahhhh!!! People power and Howard power go along way!

61 Scouter  06-30-2003 08:52 PM ET (US)   Good NPR Report...see link in earlier message. If hearing Bush claim victory in 2004 (in the report) isn't enough to donate =again=, I don't know what is! Per Meet the Press...don't get me wrong. I think Dean was right to say "I don't know" and "I don't need to know it now". Just not sure it won over any converts. Not a biggie!

62 Lisa in Tallahassee  06-30-2003 08:53 PM ET (US)   Rock on Gov. Dean!

63 Audrey Straight  06-30-2003 08:55 PM ET (US)   I was so incensed by the smug and unsupportable conclusions in the 6/28 editorial in the Washington Post that I had to contribute--quick!

64 John  06-30-2003 08:55 PM ET (US)   Here (in part) is what I wrote when I asked all my friends to donate .... "If you've never made a political donation consider this: You can do more the environment or civil rights or the economy or world peace by getting the right person elected than you ever can by donating to the Sierra Club, ACLU or Amnesty International. The donations are not tax deductible but the 100% federal match of the first $250 means your money goes further that a charitable donation would."   Give early, give often! John

65 Tony in Dallas  06-30-2003 08:56 PM ET (US)   * * SPAM ALERT * * Earlier today, someone posted in the open thread something about boycotting Eckerd's and CVS because of something or other. Then, a few hours later, I get a spam email with the same text from some guy I never heard of. Coincidence? I think not. I reported it to SpamCop and the email sender's address was not obfuscated so it was an individual sending the spam, not a robo-spammer. I hope Verizon (their ISP) has a field day with the sender. FYI

66 Cynthia in Massachusetts  06-30-2003 08:56 PM ET (US)   Even though George Bush may rake in millions and millions of dollars in large donations, it is important to remember that still, in this nation, we are one person, one vote. We must never lose sight of that despite Bush's--I can't believe I'm going to say this--war chest. One person, one vote.

67 Michael in Denver  06-30-2003 08:57 PM ET (US)   I too have stretched my budget and have donated $800 in the last week. I've never donated before, been involved in politics before, and now I'm the MeetUp host in Denver and we expect over 120 people at our MeetUp. Dean is the man, no doubt about it. 68 Laura, Ca  06-30-2003 08:58 PM ET (US)   So.... what are we all going to do tomorrow????

69 Kathy in northern VA  06-30-2003 08:58 PM ET (US)   Hey, I LOVED the "Let's thank Tim Russert" comment!!!! The Washington pundits really blew this one, and AIN'T it FUN TO WATCH!!!!!!!GO DEAN TEAM!!!!!!!

70 twhid BKLYN  06-30-2003 08:58 PM ET (US)   Robb OH, right on. The revolution begins HERE. I'm also a first time contributor to a prez candidate at 34. Our country has been hijacked by right-wing radicals posing as moderates. AND I WANT IT BACK! Go, Dean, Go.

71 Sherri In Tx  06-30-2003 08:58 PM ET (US)   Katherine I don't think you can add a new meetup to the meetup site until after the July Meeting. Meetup is not run by Dean, so he has no control over that. If you and some friends want to get together for this meetup, I suggest you download the leader/ host kit from the home page. There is a box that says "hosts" on the right hand side a little ways down from the bat. You can still participate, it just won't be advertised on the meetup site this time.They voted for sites about week ago, so that part is closed for July. Then Thursday you can setup with meetup for August. They have all the instructions for setting up on the meetup site. I think you will be fine to start small. Bring some Dean signs and maybe some passersby will stop by. Good luck!!

72 Shawn Linderman  06-30-2003 08:59 PM ET (US)   My girlfriend's Mom just donated for Dean in response to my call for help. What a cool lady!

73 Scott in Madison, WI  06-30-2003 08:59 PM ET (US)   This is an incredible journey! Let's continue to take action, and keep this energy going throughout the next 18 months!

74 Jim in Ohio  06-30-2003 09:01 PM ET (US)   I am 35 and have never given money to any presidential campaign (I don't even check that little box on your federal tax return to give a portion of my tax to the election)! But I'm so disgusted by this administration currently in office! I heard the NPR report today on Dean's online donations. The striking point for me was when they said Bush was on a fund raising drive in Forida and was expected to add another $3million to his coffers from $2,000/plate lunches/dinners! Typical American voters, eh? The average Dean contributor gives $61. Well, Howard, I don't have $2,000 to pony up, but I just donated $500 (and you don't even have to feed me -- Just get that SOB out of the White House!) 76 Becca in CA  06-30-2003 09:01 PM ET (US)   RE: What are we going to do tomorrow? Geez... I guess get back to work? (NOOOO!!!!!) ::sniff:: ::sniff:: I'm going to miss that darn little bat...

77 Mark in Austin  06-30-2003 09:02 PM ET (US)   I'm another person whose first political contribution was made to the Dean campaign within the last week. (I donated $25 after voting in the MoveOn.org primary.) I'm not in love with all of Dean's stances (I stand to the left of him in a lot of things) but I'm standing by him because I'm hoping he'll show the mainstream democratic establishment that voters respond positively when the people who are supposed to be representing them decide to grow a spine. That, and with his gubernatorial record, it's clear that he's more than competent to assume the office of chief executive, something that nobody could truthfully say about Dubya, regardless of how they feel about his policies.

78 Joann C. Davis  06-30-2003 09:02 PM ET (US)   Dr. Dean, I saw you on Meet the Press this weekend. I thought your responses to Tim Russert's badgering questions were excellent. I like a straight talker. Howard Dean makes me pround to be a Vermonter. George Bush makes me embarassed to be an American. I want a person in the White House who will make me proud to be an American again. Howard Dean is that person.

79 Linda in Sacramento  06-30-2003 09:03 PM ET (US)   Howard Dean must be scaring the Beltway media and the entrenched political power brokers silly. After dismissing Dr. Dean as irrelevant thus far, all of a sudden they can't just ignore him anymore. But they can try to trivialize him and that is just what they are trying to do. Have you ever seen news coverage change so quickly? The FOX news channel all afternoon has been grousing about this groundswell of support...painting Howard as from the extreme liberal wing of the party, comparing him to George McGovern, saying his power base is primarily gay people and intoning that this has to be bad for the democratic party (to field such an extremist candidate to paraphrase them.)    The right-wing media must truly be terrified of this populist groundswell if they feel the need to marginalize and smear Dr. Dean as an extremist this early in the campaign. So to the FOX news channel, I say - No I'm not a radical liberal (though I respect and support their views)and I'm not homosexual (though I respect their rights.)In fact, I am very middle of the road - just sickened by the amoral turn our country has taken under this manipulative regime and duplicitious president. I wanted to support the most honest, forthright candidate I could find, who would stand up against the unholy war in Iraq and the lies that were told to get us there and who would care about the common people instead of the rich. Who wouldn't try to dismantle this great nation's safety net programs. Who wouldn't try to buy people's votes by destructive tax cuts that will so harm our country later this decade.   That's right, FAUX News, Hate Radio and all you other news outlets. I am very middle of the road, having voted for both Reagan AND Clinton. I am a fiscal conservative who believes in a balanced budget as BOTH these men did and by the way, that Howard Dean believes in as well, proven by the budget in his own home state. I am middle of the road. I have never donated to a candidate before. I was looking for a return to American Values... And I found Dr. Howard Dean.

80 Carolyn in Baltimore  06-30-2003 09:03 PM ET (US)   When I started looking at my July bills and thought about how much we spend on our kids (daycare, school, camp, medical, etc etc) I realized it won't do any good in a country run by thugs. So I gave again! Let's get our country back - the repugs get a big bang for their political contributions - so can we!

81 Ben from Boston  06-30-2003 09:05 PM ET (US)   Answering someone's question -- I think by now that nearly 30,000 AMERICANS have donated to Dean in the past 8 days.

82 syzygy in NY  06-30-2003 09:05 PM ET (US)   There seems to be some confusion about the phone call raffle... the webpage states, "You will receive a thank you email through which you will be able to supply your phone number" wait for your email message, then enter your phone number. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead ... inagine what our large group of outraged citizens can do 84 Karl in NC  06-30-2003 09:07 PM ET (US)   Dear Gov. Dean, Happy 4th of July! Here's $7 Million as a token of our gratitude. Go get y'self sumthin' nice. Hehehehe! Sincerely, Another 1st time activist and second time contributor in the last two days.

85 Dianna Smith (yes, Smith)  06-30-2003 09:10 PM ET (US)   Thanks to all of you at Dean Headquarters, to mention a few:   DFA Finance - Stephanie, Linnea, Larry, Patrick, Alex, TK, Jen, Alex M., Bryce, Addy, Jenna, Kat, AJ, Ashley, Jenny, Emily, Gio, David, Andrew, Jay, Julie, Colleen, Carolyn, David and Donna! You have earned your place in history. Thank you for helping to give us the hope that we can still participate in the theory of "of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE, for the PEOPLE". For so long it seems like it's been "of the CORPORATION....etc. Thanks for making me feel like a "PEOPLE" again!

86 David Davis  06-30-2003 09:11 PM ET (US)   We just contributed our first $100 to the Dean campaign. We also plan on contributing any tax refund checks we get from the Bush Administration. We encourage everyone else to do the same. This could be the most useful way to invest this money - in the future of our country.

87 Tim K. from Woodruff, WI  06-30-2003 09:11 PM ET (US)   I just read through every one of Howard Dean's position statements on his web site. I agreed with him on everything except his position on the death penalty (I'm against it, period). Here's my $25 with more to come later. What a concept, a politician I can be excited about...

88 Ben from Boston  06-30-2003 09:11 PM ET (US)   How many of you remember the media quagmire after the Gore/Bush debates last year -- I remember thinking "Gore is pulling his punches some, but people must see what a complete ignoramus Bush is"... then ABC/CBS/CNN reveal their "representative American audiences" who somehow couldn't see what was so clear.... Well we've learned, we've learned we can't rely on media, or candidates who hedge every statement -- I wouldn't be giving to this campaign if I hadn't heard about the meetups and the letter writing campaign. THIS is what people want, they want to get involved and noone's ever found a way to have real personal impact beyond your home state. Hooray for the Dean Team!

89 Carolyn in Seattle  06-30-2003 09:12 PM ET (US)   Vince: Thanks for your link to the Army Times editorial: http://www.armytimes.com/story.php?f=0-ARMYPAPER-1954515.php The hypocrisy is appalling.

90 Larry in OK  06-30-2003 09:12 PM ET (US)   This all continues to astonish me. Am I dreaming all of this? I keep expecting the money to slow down, but it only seems to be intensifying. We are all making some history, and I love hearing about FOX News squirming! 92 Maryanne_in_PA  06-30-2003 09:14 PM ET (US)   CNN also covered this historic event on the Paula Zahn show, but it was basically a re-run from Inside Politics. This is so exciting. Do any of you remember Hubert Humphrey's telethon in '68? I think that was the last time I got so excited about giving money to a candidate! LOL! Go Howard Go!

93 First timer  06-30-2003 09:16 PM ET (US)   Well, I made my 4th contribution today. Dean is the first politician I've ever given money. And he'll be the first one I vote for in a presidential election! Heck, I didn't even care about politics until Bush start systematically destroying my country... We need a real leader to undo all that damage!

94 Dave Cullen  06-30-2003 09:17 PM ET (US)   I put together a spreadsheet analyzing the progress, and things were looking great, but starting to slip. At the current rate of deterioration, he'll make it at 11:09 p.m., but there are several other factors to consider. I've got a fuller analysis, and a running commentary here: http://blogs.salon.com/0001137/2003/06/30.html p.s. Can't wait to read the Army Times edit. Thanks for the link.

95 One more "first timer"  06-30-2003 09:17 PM ET (US)   Yup, the chance to get those matching funds was just too much to pass up. First time ever donating to a politician. Add my 250 to the bat-pile. My only hope is that the Dean campaign can keep all of us as energised as we are today through the next 17 months. Maintaining the enthusiam will be key. If we stay excited, so will everyone else we bring in. If we get lazy, we are doomed to an other 4 years of shrubbery. Like others here, I'd love to see figures on many *people* donated in addition to the total donation dollars.

96 Chris Olson  06-30-2003 09:17 PM ET (US)   This is absolutely amazing! I got chills when I checked the numbers after a long day at work. Go Dr. Dean! I've contributed what I can, and what an amazing way to show the pundits how absolutely wrong they are to write off "People Powered Howard!" Yesterday I marched with a contingent of 80+ Dean supporters in the Seattle Pride Parade. The response was from the 100,000 people lining the route was amazing... we were cheered the entire way, and ran out of stickers and fliers about 3/4 of the way through the route. People are hungry to know more about Gov. Dean. People, unsolicited were asking how to donate to the campaign. Before the start of the parade, Rep Jim McDermott (Baghdad Jim as we proudly refer to him in Seattle - reappropriating rightwing slurs) spotted us, and came over and addressed our contingent saying how impressed he was with Dean, his organization and his ability to use the internet to connect to people. I'm not sure if it was an endorsement, but it was inspiring. All in all a GREAT reaffirming day. I keep thinking about how we got the crowd chanting ... "Change Regime, Vote for Dean!" People really do have the power.

97 Jason  06-30-2003 09:17 PM ET (US)   Alright, running late but here are the 9pm spreadsheet numbers Q2 Total So Far: $6,952,573.00 Minutes So Far: 660 Average per minute since 10am: $874.37 per min. Theoretical Midnight Total: $7,109,959.27 Projected Time to Hit $7 Million: 9:54PM Avg. needed to hit $7 Mil. by 12am EST: $263.48 per min. -jason http://www.xtra-rant.com

98 Kate in SC  06-30-2003 09:18 PM ET (US)   The bat is GREAT! Whoever thought of it is a genius. GO DEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish that I were filthy rich and had a zillion dollars to donate to Dean's campaign. Dean is the man--I hope that he can capture the vote of ALL those who voted Green last election--he's got mine.

99 Ed Velasquez  06-30-2003 09:19 PM ET (US)   I work in the political arena, and RARELY give money to candidates, unless they are personal friends. Seeing Governor Dean speak a few years ago at a dinner locally made everyone at my table say "Wow, that guy could be President someday." Today I truly feel like something historic - changing the way campaigns are funded and run in this country. I've forwarded the link to some friends who are open to a Dean message, and we are all keeping our Dean update window open, checking every few minutes for the update, calling, emailing, cajoling others to contribute online TODAY. Thanks, Governor Dean, for inspiring us and giving us someone to believe in once again. Congratulations to all the staff and volunteers in Burlington and finance offices around the country. Your hard work is bearing a bounty of fruit! 100 Melissa from NY  06-30-2003 09:20 PM ET (US)   This is the first time I have ever donated any money to any politician. I've no doubt Dean can win back America, Bush practices the politics of EXCLUSION, which is doomed to fail in the America I know and love. Go Mr. Dean, Go, bring that America back to us!

101 Rachel in CT  06-30-2003 09:20 PM ET (US)   Been checking the website every half hour and reading all the blog comments all day long. Finally had to post... Like many people here, I have never contributed to a political campaign until now. I was something of an activist in high school (the reign of Bush number 1), but I guess I must have gotten a little complacent during the Clinton years. Never really thought we would have to fight this hard for the White House again. Never thought the son of George Bush would be there! But, yes, it happened, and it has been a million times worse than even I would have thought possible. I can't express the relief I felt when I first started reading about Dean. I didn't think I could get really fired up about anyone in politics, but it has HAPPENED! The amazing events of this week and the solidarity of the Dean support community have made me proud to be an American again, after feeling ashamed for the last year and a half. We all deserve a president who can inspire us to turn this country around. I think we can win this election as long as we keep this momentum going! Heck, I even got my Republican mother to promise to vote for Dean if (when) he wins the nomination. If I can do that, then anything is possible. LET'S TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK!

102 Karl in NC  06-30-2003 09:23 PM ET (US)   Hey Jim in Ohio. . . great observation, and damn glad to have you aboard. And taking what you said to the next level, look at it this way. . . For Gov. Dean to get $7 Million from an average of $61 per contributor takes almost 115,000 people. For Dumbya to get $7 Million from his $2000/plate fundraisers takes 3500 people. Some say that gives Bush an advatage, but I say at the end of the day, that's 115,000 votes to 3500. I like the sound of THAT math.

103 Panhu  06-30-2003 09:23 PM ET (US)   Here is a strange thought that just crossed my mind: The Dean phenomenon can be likened to that of Harry Potter. Just as millions of readers worldwide--children, parents of children, and those without children--were responsible for Harry's success, so too have ordinary Americans--extraordinary in their numbers--CHOSEN Gov. Dean as their candidate. A multitude is mobilizing around the figure of the Doctor, supporting him in his quest to Take Back America. It is our quest. The future is ours!

104 Dave Cullen  06-30-2003 09:24 PM ET (US)   Crap. As I was working on the numbers, new data was posted. But the numbers are better, which is good. Jason, I think your numbers are high. You're going off a full-day average, and you really need a moving average or a recent average, because web traffic drops dramatically at the end of work hours. That's my take anyway. I could be wrong, other factors may prove more significant. He might hit it by 10:30, though it's really hard to predict how the bedtime falloff will affect things (and not just bed, but relaxing before bed, putting this stuff away for the night). My new prediction is around 10:30, though it's also hard to know how much they're holding back on calling fat cats and when they'll make the last big push. I'll go with that, though. More analysis here all night: http://blogs.salon.com/0001137/2003/06/30.html

105 Ellen in Port Ludlow  06-30-2003 09:24 PM ET (US)   Linda in Sacramento. Exactly!! Me, too.

106 Curt  06-30-2003 09:27 PM ET (US)   Congratulations to Dean. You know what they say: with great power comes great responsibility. Here's something I wrote on my own weblog (http://www.museworld.com/), about how much I despise the obstructionists currently in power, and their ability to confuse and cloud today's reality with their lies, and how to oppose it. The only way to oppose it successfully is with truth. To battle them you must be skilled with recognizing false choices. You must have the ability to articulate subtleties clearly. You must be able to starkly illustrate grey areas. You must be able to hit back without losing your footing. You must be guiltless, shameless. You must beat them not at their own game, but instead by forcing them out of their game, by refusing to even accept their rules. And when you start to learn how to expose them, it starts to become easier. When they attack you in front of others, you realize you don't have to be embarrassed, or cover yourself in defense. Instead, you can turn to the audience and explain to them exactly what they are trying to do. You can expose their tricks, their lies, their games, their lack of advocacy. I would love to see a day when we have a leader that can expose these stunts. A leader that realizes that the way to fight these people is not to appease them, nor to humor them, nor to engage them, nor to ignore them, but to simply banish them into their own sphere, their own right place, separate from those of us who choose to live in peace, constructive intent, motion, emotion, and freedom.

107 Jamie Zirkle  06-30-2003 09:27 PM ET (US)   wow. I know we're focused on the dollars, as we should be, but Meetup is 6 people away from 47000!!!!! 108 Kathy from Seattle  06-30-2003 09:28 PM ET (US)   Just heard another news story about the Bush money machine. So I reached for my credit card, went to deanforamerica.com, and give some more. Thank you Governor Dean for reminding us that we have the power!

109 Jason  06-30-2003 09:29 PM ET (US)   Dave, I thought the same thing at first, but looking at the numbers it still hasn't fallen off. The 9pm update showed an increase of $26,527 - the 10th highest half hour since 10am. At least for now, I haven't seen TOO much of a drop. Now if the next half hour is much lower, I'll consider redoign the spreadsheet. and my theoretical midnight number I'm sure is high. I just whipped up my spreadsheet in some off time at work. Didn't have time to do a moving average thing. Mayeb for the end of Q3. ;)

110 Kevin  06-30-2003 09:31 PM ET (US)   I would like to see Howard Dean tap someone like Andrew Young or Bill Richardson. They have national and international draw and experience. How can you put down two former U.N. ambassadors? I am just amazed how how this campaign is going!! Sends shivers down my spine!! Let's keep this up through November 2004!!!

111 Cynthia in Massachusetts  06-30-2003 09:31 PM ET (US)   It's important to maintain momentum and energy coming off of today, I think. Every single person who donated to Howard Dean should have a bumper sticker on their car. People have to see the name over and over and over again, even when it's in a venue as mundane as traffic at a red light. We understand, but there are so many out there, still, who say, "Who?" There is something to the notion of subliminal messaging--let them get the, "Oh, yeah, I've heard of him--what's he all about?" from the bumper of your car.

112 Adam in MA  06-30-2003 09:32 PM ET (US)   WOO HOO! It looks like we are going to surpass $7 million at 9:46 just like the spreadsheet jocks have been saying! Congratulations to everyone. I am proud to be a part of this. Absolutely incredible.

113 Heather Palazzo  06-30-2003 09:35 PM ET (US)   Just made our third contribution! New glasses can wait! In fact, I don't think I've ever had clearer vision. ;) Now, what else can I give up so I can squeeze in another wee bit before midnight? President Howard Dean President Howard Dean President Howard Dean President Howard Dean President Howard Dean President Howard Dean President Howard Dean Sounds good to me!!!

114 Pete  06-30-2003 09:35 PM ET (US)   I'm not so sure - Dean has been posting about $25k every half hour. No sign of slowing down even in the last few hours. We'll hit $7M by 10pm EDT.

115 Lavoisier1794  06-30-2003 09:35 PM ET (US)   Carolyn, I trust that I'll see you at the Baltimore Dean meetup on Wednesday. We've picked up a handful more of Central committee members (no longer just Prescott and I, the young guys) and "in Montgomery Co., the entire 15th District Democratic Club voted unanimously to endorse Dean!" Lavoisier (a.k.a. Brian David Jennings) 116 Laura, Ca  06-30-2003 09:37 PM ET (US)   Woo. Bill Richardson, Wesley Clark. That would be great... SOOOO CLOSE!!!!!! ....and so far yet to go to '04. Howard Dean, ONP!

117 Renee  06-30-2003 09:38 PM ET (US)   This is so awesome! I shouted when I saw the baseball diamond on the Dean home page, we're almost there!

118 Kathleen Meyer  06-30-2003 09:39 PM ET (US)   We desperately need a Democrat with the courage and charisma to get democratic values on front page. Quick, somebody, think of something wonderful and dramatic for Dean to get the attention and sustained interest of the whole country! Another four years of this administration will be very bad for all living things!

119 Karl in NC  06-30-2003 09:39 PM ET (US)   Over $29,000 in the last half hour (9-9:30) and only $18,370 to go till the "BIG 7." There's no stopping Dean now!

120 Dana Blankenhorn  06-30-2003 09:39 PM ET (US)   I was just at a GeorgiaforDean coordination meeting. There were 20 people gathered around the table, planning the next step -- taking over the party. They're canvassing Atlanta and its suburbs, they're going to party meetings, and by August they will be ready to roll. When are we going to get some Dean-logoed lab coats?

121 Ellen in Port Ludlow  06-30-2003 09:40 PM ET (US)   I think we need a pool. Everyone post a guess about the time we pass $7Mil and the winner gets a call from Howard. What do you think, Trippi? My guess is 10:10.

122 Ken Foster  06-30-2003 09:41 PM ET (US)   I was just over at johnkerry.com. It's awfully quiet there. It's like sitting in a dentist's waiting room. At night.

123 Jason  06-30-2003 09:41 PM ET (US)   Q2 Total So Far: $6,981,630.00 Minutes So Far: 690 Average per minute since 10am: $878.46 per min. Theoretical Midnight Total: $7,113,399.57 Projected Time to Hit $7 Million: 9:51PM Avg. needed to hit $7 Mil. by 12am EST: $122.47 per min.     Per Minute Average of past 2 hours: $829.93 per min. Revised Theoretical Midnight Total: $7,106,120.00 Revised Projected Time for $7 Mil: 9:52 PM Revised numbers are based on the average over the past two hours. And good news: no tapering off yet! Last half hour increased by over $29,000!!! -jason http://www.xtra-rant.com 124 Julie O.  06-30-2003 09:43 PM ET (US)   Or maybe we could go ahead and start a pool for the 3rd quarter. What do you say guys? $15 Million? $20?

125 Michelle in California  06-30-2003 09:44 PM ET (US)   It is helpful to give information regarding the federal match. I suggest that you give it on the Dean contribution website. Once I heard that my money would be matched to $250, I went back and increased my donation. I doubles the impact. INCREASE YOUR DONATION NOW. And, put this information on the website.

126 Cynthia in Massachusetts  06-30-2003 09:44 PM ET (US)   Jason, thank you so much for crunching the numbers all day today. In a short period of time, we're developing our own community, and you seem to be the "numbers guy." Thanks so much for the updates and analysis!

127 Dave Cullen  06-30-2003 09:44 PM ET (US)   Jason, I may have panicked slightly with the 7:30 numbers. That was the second-worst half hour of the entire day: right after California went home from work, and the east coast started to drift toward the end of the evening (for many). But it did perk back up at 8 and 8:30, though trending downward, as expected. I think the 9:46 I hear elsewhere is unrealistic, but let me redo some numbers and come back with another guess.

128 Adam in MA  06-30-2003 09:45 PM ET (US)   It's almost like New Years Eve! Ok, my guess is 9:46PM. Please, any of you campaign folks around? Make sure you register the exact time we hit 7 million.

129 Cynthia in Massachusetts  06-30-2003 09:47 PM ET (US)   And thanks to Dave Cullen on Quality Control......

130 Dan Slater  06-30-2003 09:47 PM ET (US)   As the Secretary of the Colorado Democratic Party, I have been reluctant to endorse any candidates, at least this early. I don't mind saying that I have gone back and forth in my mind between Dean and Edwards several times in the past few months, and will likely do so several more in the following months. ... That being said, I am SO EXCITED by this raw outpouring of support for one of our Presidential candidates. It truly gives me hope in the future of our Party -- indeed, our Nation -- that Howard Dean can trigger such an emotional reaction among people who had previously been jaded or silent. Regardless of candidate preference, every Democrat and progressive-minded person has to feel bolstered by what is going on here today. This is America. This is what our forefathers died for. This is Democracy. And this is why we're going to beat Dubya next November. 132 Kevin  06-30-2003 09:48 PM ET (US)   Just saw this on cbsnews.com "Now, while Bush[base ']s figure will certainly top any of the Democratic presidential wannabes [^] or, quite possibly, all nine of them combined [^] Howard Dean is once again creating a buzz. His aides say the campaign raised at least $6.4 million in the three-month reporting period that ends at midnight Monday. That second-quarter take brings his year-to-date total to $9 million and places Dean, once considered a long shot candidate, smack dab in the top tier of Democratic presidential contenders." "The quarterly fundraising reports spawn a dizzying amount of spinning, underestimates and overestimates from the campaigns. As a result, some of the [base "]estimates[per thou] need to be taken with a grain of journalistic salt. Last week, for example, Dean campaign manager Joe Trippi said the $6 million figure would be reached only [base "]in my dreams.[per thou]" Don't worry Joe it is NOT a dream it is a DEAN team! PS What you do you think we'll be talking about on Wed. at our meetups?

133 Karen Felthauser  06-30-2003 09:50 PM ET (US)   I to0 went back and donated more money when I heard about the $250 federal matching funds. I heard about Dean at a teacher's union meeting. I heard you on the conference call and went home and watched your announcement video. You are tremendous. You are the first political candidate I have ever given money to! I have signed up for the July 2 meetup and have called everyone I can think of to tell them about Dean For America!

134 Dianna Smith (yes, Smith)  06-30-2003 09:50 PM ET (US)   OK - Ellen, I say 10:05 What a great idea. Waiting to hear from Howard Dean!!! GO HOWARD!

135 Jim in Ohio  06-30-2003 09:50 PM ET (US)   Karl in NC, That's a good point. Let's show the Dubya what a 'grassroots' movement CAN DO! Regime Change starts at HOME!

136 Greg in Rochester  06-30-2003 09:50 PM ET (US)   Guessing we will hit the $7M mark at the exact moment I post this message. I should get a prize for that(but come next November we all win)! Go People-Powered Howard, Go!

137 Dave Cullen  06-30-2003 09:52 PM ET (US)   Well they made a liar out of me but quick. Two new sets of numbers posted, all the way to 9:30 and only $18K to go. They're actually picking up steam as we approach the goal, so they'll probably hit BEFORE 9:45. (At the current rate it would be about 9:48, but I have a feeling things will speed up drastically as the big moment approaches.) Looks like you were right on target Jason. Nice work.

138 Cynthia in Massachusetts  06-30-2003 09:52 PM ET (US)   Edited by author 06-30-2003 09:54 PM Mr. Slater, pay close attention to what has happened here and talk to your higher-ups at the national level. Something is truly rumbling out there.... As Charlie Pierce, a reporter for The Boston Globe Magazine, one wrote: You can hear the great river of the country[base ']s counter-narrative echoing like something deep in the rocks.

139 Karl in NC  06-30-2003 09:53 PM ET (US)   In the words of Chick Hearn, the lights are out, the door is shut and the jello's jiggling. It's Grand Slam Time! (doing a Victory Dance) 140 FAN  06-30-2003 09:53 PM ET (US)   Call the movers. We are moving into the white house!

141 Julie  06-30-2003 09:54 PM ET (US)   Today, just for the heck of it, I approached a friend...really an acquaintence at work, about contributing to Dean. I expected nothing; this guy is apolitical to the point of sonambulance. Guess what? He took a look at the site and contributed $100! He was a bit embarrassed ::grin:: He mumbled he was "sick of Bush." Here's the challenge: Talk to someone whom you'd never, ever expect to be interested, let alone contribute. What can you lose? At worst, they'll say no; at best...a new contributor.

142 Robb OH  06-30-2003 09:55 PM ET (US)   Along the line of what Curt said. http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20030630&s=brooks Here is some of the article. George W. Bush is generally regarded as a mangler of the English language. What is overlooked is his mastery of emotional language--especially negatively charged emotional language--as a political tool. Take a closer look at his speeches and public utterances, and his political success turns out to be no surprise. It is the predictable result of the intentional use of language to dominate others. Dr. Dean's June 23 speech is the antithesis of this kind of Roveian (as in Karl) psychological games.

143 Jason  06-30-2003 09:55 PM ET (US)   I got lucky Dave. It could have easily tapered off in the evening like you thought. I don't think anyone realistically expected this kindof day. It's certainly been fun doing the numbers game throughout! :)

144 cn  06-3