Howard Dean appears to have stepped in it again. CNN is getting everyone Black they can get their hands on (Congressman Clyburn and the deputy chief of staff of the Republican Senatorial Committee so far today) to comment on the following comment made by Dean on Feb. 11:
No one expects Dean, famously outspoken, to completely muzzle himself.
Dean jokes that the Washington insider's definition of a gaffe is "when you tell the truth and they think you shouldn't have." During a meeting Friday with the Democratic black caucus, Dean praised black Democrats for their work for the party, then questioned Republicans' ability to rally support from minorities. "You think the Republican National Committee could get this many people of color in a single room?," Dean asked to laughter. "Only if they had the hotel staff in here."
Not sure how bothersome that comment will prove to be, but to be honest, complaining about it is like buying a Benz and then complaining about the foreign parts ...
Are we all just a bit too sensitive? After all, NY Congressman Charlie Rangel reportedly called former President Clinton a "redneck" didn't he? And I love Charlie Rangel...
Meanwhile, CNN just reported that Dean is calling for some resignations of his own, blasting NY GOP chairman Stephen Minarik for linking Democrats to a civil rights lawyer recently convicted of aiding terrorists. Dean said Minarik should either apologize or resign. From Newsday today:
Dean's call for an apology or resignation came one day after Republican Gov. George Pataki scolded Minarik for the remarks. Minarik touched off a firestorm on Monday by saying that in electing Dean as national party chairman on Saturday "the Democrats simply have refused to learn the lessons of the past two election cycles, and now they can be accurately called the party of Barbara Boxer, Lynne Stewart and Howard Dean." Note the scolding from a very up-for-reelection George Pataki... here's a hint, it might not be going well...
In the "why aren't the Dems doing this" category, the GOP is sending out the following email from "Mindy and Kate":
We're Mindy & Katie, two members of the RNC web team. Today we're launching the first installment of Off the Record, a weekly series of candid interviews with Party leaders, activists, and rising stars in the GOP.
Recently, we went Off the Record with John Thune, the new Senator from South Dakota who defeated former Democrat Minority Leader Tom Daschle in the 2004 elections. Senator Thune, who had just returned from Iraq, speaks about the emotional trip, life as a Senator and some personal favorites - certainly more than you get from an average TV soundbite.
To watch the video now, visit www.gop.com! And join us in the following weeks as we sit down with several GOP Congressmen and Party leaders who are working hard to combat the Democrats' obstructionist tactics and pass meaningful reforms for the American people. Stay tuned! Sincerely,
Mindy, Katie, and the rest of the RNC eCampaign
P.S. Visit gop.com now and watch Off the Record with Senator John Thune. While you're there, sign up to be a GOP Team Leader for access to exclusive opportunities coming soon.
Throw in the "No" Internet ad making the rounds in Repub ranks, and you've got a definite creativity gap between the two parties. |
