This can only be filed under “what were you thinking?” The New York Newsday reported this comment from new DNC Chairman just the other day:

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.”

His style ever will be blunt: “We have to never be afraid to say what we believe,” he insists.

So, does Howard Dean believe that members of the Black Community are disproportionately represented as hotel staff in this country?

It’s demeaning, it’s belittling, and I’m completely floored that he would level such an insulting remark upon this community. If ever members of the African American community in this country wanted evidence of how much they are taken for granted by the Democratic Party, this is a perfect example.

One last comment before I go get some antacid to help me deal with my roiling stomach…

Why can’t Democratic leaders expect the very best in the way of professionalism and behaviour from their new Chair? Dean made this ignorant statement ONE DAY before he officially took his new post; but, obviously, he was already in the role when speaking to the Democratic Black Caucus.

The man is the new Chairman of the DNC! He is the one who sets the tone for Democrats. Well, if this is the kind of tone he wants to set for his party, 2006 will be another banner year for Republicans.

Hat tip to the Opinionjournal.com’s “Best of The Web Today.”

David Flanagan
Viewpointjournal.com