In a hastily-called conference call with DNC members, Gov. Dean said that a time of national tragedy is not the right time to have a political meeting. He cancelled the DNC meeting set for Sept. 8-9 in Phoenix as well as all DNC fundraisers.
Dean mentioned that at least two DNC members had missing family members and that one employee’s family had finally been rescued from their rooftop by the Coast Guard.
He said that several DNC staffers wanted to go to the Gulf Coast to help and that the DNC would continue to pay their salaries so they could. Saying that relief workers (and money) are the most important needs, he urged those that could to go help out. He encouraged the rest of us to send money.
“These are our people,” Dean said. “New Orleans is a Democratic city; many of the worst hit are poor and African American.”
He mentioned that Ben Jeffers, who had served on his transition team, was busy driving a bus evacuating people.
Dean did say that the Democrats would not be taking time off, however. “We will continue to defend ourselves.”
The meeting will be rescheduled in the coming months.
Crossposted at American Street.
