Text 7699, 88 rader
Skriven 2005-01-19 19:27:00 av Jeff Binkley (1:226/600)
Ärende: Dems
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The Dems can sit out the next 4 years...

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http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,144883,00.html

Democrats Sit Out Inauguration 
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
 
 
WASHINGTON — If they aren't leaving the capital, they might be going to 
the movies or spending a quiet afternoon at home. Some even boarded a 
cruise ship, hoping moonlight and mai tais will take the sting out of 
President Bush's second inauguration. 

These Democrats are in denial, not quite ready to hail the chief they 
fought so hard to unseat.

"We all know the inauguration is taking place," said Debra DeShong, once 
a spokeswoman for Bush challenger Sen. John Kerry (search). "But 
watching it is like adding salt to a wound."

Democrats in Washington have plenty of company, according to a recent AP-
Ipsos poll. Three-fourths of party members say they're worried about a 
second Bush term.

Ignoring the pomp and ceremony surrounding the inauguration is one way 
to avoid facing the hard truth. Terry McAuliffe (search), the outgoing 
chairman of the Democratic National Committee (search), says he will be 
at home watching the movie "Titanic."

"To get me in the mood for the second Bush administration," McAuliffe 
says.

Many Democrats in office, including Kerry, attend the inauguration as 
members of the government first and the loyal opposition second. Not so 
the rank-and-file faithful.


About two dozen Kerry workers, supporters and friends took off Monday 
for the Caribbean on a Carnival cruise (search) offering a European spa, 
casino gambling, art auctions, dance classes and their choice of up to 
eight meals a day.

"It was basically just a chance to get out of town and be together on a 
cruise instead of watching this inaugural ceremony," said Greg Hale, 
Kerry's deputy communications director. Hale himself chose to stay out 
of town, working at his cattle farm in Arkansas.

Others just didn't want to be here. Kerry spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter 
is headed to Florida for a getaway. Kerry pollster Mark Mellman plans to 
be at Northwestern University talking to students about why the 
Democratic campaign came up short.

Those remaining in Washington include Kerry senior strategist Tad 
Devine, who said he may spend the afternoon at work or at home playing 
with his children. DeShong plans to take in a movie and put together a 
package of supplies for a friend going to serve in Iraq.

Veteran Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, who fled to Hawaii after 
managing an unsuccessful campaign for Al Gore in 2000, is staying put 
this time. She likely will talk to young people in town for the ceremony 
and then watch science-fiction movies while Republicans celebrate.

"It didn't make sense to run away," Brazile said. "Life goes on, but I'm 
still in a mild depression over the election."

Some Democrats, however, can't stay away from the politics of the 
moment. Aides say John Edwards (search), the former North Carolina 
senator and Kerry's running mate in 2004, will be home in Georgetown 
with his family but plans to watch the inaugural on television.

Those seeking to lead the party as its new chairman are staying busy. 
Howard Dean, the former presidential candidate, plans a series of house 
parties his aides are calling the "Un-nauguration." Activists Simon 
Rosenberg (search) and former Rep. Martin Frost will be traveling the 
country campaigning for the post and raising money.

Back home, Democratic Party activist Jim Jordan plans to watch Bush take 
the oath of office -- on television.

"However you feel about this administration, the inauguration is an 
important civic ritual every four years," Jordan said. "I won't feel any 
better by boycotting it."


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