The Democratic Party is like a grieving widow right now. We are in a very vulnerable emotional state following Hillary’s shock loss to Trump. People are looking for an out… something to help relieve the pain. Some Democrats have decided that pushing for Keith Ellison to become chairman of the DNC is just what the doctor ordered. It has all the feel good components to it.
However, while I respect Congressman Ellison and have nothing against him, I think pushing for him to be DNC chair is a bad move on the part of Democrats because it is been made out almost entirely out of emotion. I really don’t see the rationale behind Ellison’s candidacy besides it been something to make Democrats feel a little better. Plus he’s a sitting congressman. We definitely can’t afford a part-time DNC chair with someone like Trump in the White House.
Howard Dean has proven himself already as the most successful DNC chair in recent memory. It would be wise for Democrats to turn to him again in these troubling times. I have full confidence in Dean’s abilities and I think his leadership at the DNC is just what we need to recover as a party. Howard Dean pioneered the 50 state strategy which paved the way for huge Democratic victories in 2006 and 2008.
I know people are looking for bold moves and Ellison as DNC chair would no doubt grab the headlines, but Democrats should think carefully about how they proceed as they pick up the pieces. If you think through this carefully, you’ll see that Dean is the best choice.