Excerpt from Howard Dean Chat
4-22-04

Moderator: From jjem! – Name one thing the average person (with a job, family, etc.) can do to take our country back (other than vote for Kerry)?

Howard Dean: Volunteer in any campaign, other local or federal (Congress, Senate, or President). Even 3 hours a week is a big help.

Moderator: From Listener – What do you consider the top three concerns that bloggers need to be attentive to?

Howard Dean: Bloggers who can should consider running for local offices. We'll help train you and you'll learn a lot even if you don't win the first time. And so will your constituents. This helps spread progressive values in districts where districts may not speak of them much. Secondly, if your circumstances don't allow you to take the time to run, help someone else run.

Michael H: Just wanted to say thank you for invigorating the Dems.

Howard Dean: No, thank you for invigorating the Dems. It's not me they're paying attention to, it's you. Keep pushing. Democracy takes a long time to fix.

GMJ4Dean: What is next for you and DFA?

Howard Dean: DFA 2.0 now has a full-time Executive Director, Tom McMahon. He was with DFA 1.0. Lindsay Lewis is our new Finance Director who did our fundraising in New York State for DFA 1.0.  We are planning on doing candidate training in conjunction with 21st Century Democrats in Washington State and more around the country. And I'm looking forward to campaigning for candidates across the country, especially in the South, where national Democrats have a low profile.

PatnCincy: In what way will you be personally involved in DFA 2.0?

Howard Dean: I will travel on behalf of candidates and help them raise money and help get out the vote efforts and, of course, continue speaking out about the outrageous policies of the Bush administration. And as I travel, I plan to hold meetings with the grassroots community to hear what's on your minds. So far I have met with or talked to by conference call grassroots folks in California, New Hampshire, Louisiana, Colorado, and many other places.

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