DNC Winter Meeting: Chris Dodd On The Stump

Who: Sen. Chris Dodd

Standing ovations: 1

Used notes: yes

Introduced by: MI Dem chair Mark Brewer

Subtle Theme: GIve me, Chris Dodd, a chance before you make up your mind. I'm a Democrat's Democrat.

Overt Theme: Let's ignite the passion of the American people. We need to pay attention their dreams and aspirations. "I'm am an optimist."

Bragging: Reminds the crowd that he was general chairman of the DNC, and mentions SC Dem / ex chair Don Fowler.. "I'm a strong Democrat."

Playing to the crowd: "We're finally going to have a debate over the war in Iraq." "It's time for a change in Iraq, and we're going to insist upon it, and I ask your support for that effort." "We're not going to take fear as an answer any longer in America." Promises to introduce a bill overturning "the horrible torture bill" that Pres. Bush signed into law. Also promises to "bring our troops out of Iraq." Bashes the "meaningless" Warner resolution that Sen. Hillary Clinton and other Dems have said they'll support.

Discordant note: "Let me tell you how important it is to be bipartisan in this country."

Uses of the word "affordable"

Uses of the word "middle class" 1

Howard Dean suck up: Recalls how Dean's speech 4 years ago "ignited the Democratic Party" and praised the 50 State Strategy

Self-deprecation: Recalls that he was once introduced as a "great leader of the Western world," and his sister teased him. "I'm the only candidate who gets mail from the AARP and from diaper services."

Blooper: Said America will elect its 43rd president in '08.

Staffed by: Jim Jordan, Maura Keefe, Nancy DiNardo, and ex-Hotliner Reid WIlson.