The toxic atmosphere in Florida Democratic circles is shown in this article.

The attitudes here are what I see and hear everyday. There is never any truth spoken about the fact that Florida broke the rules on purpose, even though they knew they only had to show good faith by voting no.

This article is typical in Florida, even the Florida bloggers never spoke out on the issue. The media spouts the same old rhetoric, that the DNC "disenfranchised" Florida. It is hard to work with the people who sent emails saying to crash the fundraising of the party, which has hurt the 50 state plan which benefits all states. It is hard to see an end to the accusations unless ALL of the delegates are seated.

It is why we are no longer active in the party here locally. It is almost impossible to make a dent and get any truth out. There is a mindset that Florida is being punished, and the Dean is the culprit.
I am not sure that can be overcome, and I hope Obama's trip here next week will help with some healing. I fear even if his nomination is secured, that unless he seats all of them there will be no peace.

Polk Democratic Delegates in Limbo



Everyone needs to STOP saying that Florida Democrats will hurt the party. At this point most only care about hurting and punishing Howard Dean, not the party. The propaganda was targeted well, done well. Very effective.

First off, that is the spin being put out by the Hillary campaign. It is dangerous to our party. Even though I think the anger toward Dean will not go away....I don't think it is actually against the party. They have succeeded in personalizing it against him.

So she is wrong to even bring that up.



Did you notice not a word about rules or following them or waiting your turn? People here do not think that way.

That is how people talk here...no wiggle room is given.

This person really stunned me. He is one of the first to make a breakthrough and get on a city commission. They are in FL mostly filled with developers.



Note the placement of the blame.

Simmons also said that the "national party, after creating the problem, has shown no intention of cleaning it up for future primaries."

Dean won't be around after this primary for them to pick on, I guess, but he has often spoken of primary change that should be done by 2012.

It was nice in 2003 and 2004 to feel enthusiasm for the local party, because it has been a long dry spell here for Democrats. We worked our butts off. When the vote was taken on the primary and the propaganda started the next day toward Dean....it took all the heart out of so many of us.

I am angry this is being allowed to go on. I believe the campaign that is demanding these votes, the campaign that is saying that things would be different if the vote had gone the other way...I believe that campaign could be very influential in stopping the harmful tension here.

Meanwhile other states are making progress under the 50 state plan, even if Florida Democrats are trying to marginalize it.

So that's a good thing.

I don't expect or care about responses. Just want to show what it is like here. What a change from the enthusiasm from 2003. I guess when you don't want change, you must hurt the one who is trying for change.