And they probably will, unless the Republicans get off their duffs.

Redand black.com, Univ of GA paper

McAuliffe says it's time to 'take back the South'

By LEAH NEWMAN Published , November 16, 2001, 12:00:01 PM EDT

The only way to the White House is through the South, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee said while on campus Thursday.

More than 60 people gathered in the upper chamber of Phi Kappa Hall to hear Terry McAuliffe speak at a rally sponsored by the UGA Young Democrats.

His speech was titled "Taking Back the South," a sentiment Young Democrats officers said was McAuliffe's goal when he accepted the chairman position.

"His objective when he became chairman was to regain Southern seats, and while doing that, to try and highlight what Democrats have accomplished in the South," said Mara Gassman, Young Democrats president.

McAuliffe said, "Last Tuesday (election day), we had, percentage-wise, the greatest night in Democratic history. I'm having the time of my life."

But Thursday, McAuliffe was quick to say no votes could be taken for granted in the 2004 presidential election.

McAuliffe said he has been focusing on Hispanic and women's issues. He also said the Democratic Party must return to home-grown political strategies.

"We've got to take this party back to the grassroots, get people energized," he said.

Before his speech, McAuliffe met outside Phi Kappa with several College Republicans who peacefully protested the rally.

"I had them take their picture with me," he said.

One of them, Jared Thomas, a senior from Alpharetta, said the College Republicans welcomed the chairman to campus.

"We just want to let him know the values of the Democratic party are out of touch with the values of the South," he said.

The rally ended with a battle cry from McAuliffe.

"In 2004 we show ol' George Bush the door, and then I get to retire," he said.

-- Anonymous, November 16, 2001

Answers

Nothing wrong with a conservative "Blue Dog" type of Democrat, say I. That's if the Dems are smart enough to nominate them.

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2001

Not in Durham, sorry.

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2001

How can the Dems. win? Weeelllll, here's a few suggestions:

1. Banish McAuliffe and EVERYONE who has EVER been associated with Bill or Hillary Clinton - including Al Gore.

2. Recognize that the 2nd Amendment DOES guarantee that the public DOES have a right to bear arms. Banish extremist gun control.

3. Recognize the validity of religion in life and personal choice. Stop the persecution of Christianity. If Muslims can pray in public schools, Christians should be allowed the same.

4. Nix the extremist PC'edness. It is OK to love America - too many Dems. seem fixed on hating ourselves and WANTING to see America destroyed. May be in vogue on the coasts, but not a very popular opinion in Middle America...

The Dems. will need FUNDAMENTAL changes in their structure in order to regain the trust of Middle America. The current Dem. value system is one of corruption, and no "window dressing" by a group of suits will change that reality...

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2001

I believe McAuliffe has learned his lesson. The DNC worked actively in the recent elections. As a result, of the 34 mayoral races 32 went Democrat.

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2001

3. Recognize the validity of religion in life and personal choice. Stop the persecution of Christianity. If Muslims can pray in public schools, Christians should be allowed the same.

Prayer in [public] schools is allowed. [Public] Schools initiating prayers is not.

Big difference.

If the kid wants to pray, then stop and pray. Pray to whatever deity the kid wants. Do not get down on your knees in the hallway at noon facing east and bend over to pray. someone is likely to come along and trip over you.

Yes, it really is that simple.

-- Anonymous, November 17, 2001