DNC 2014 Winter Meeting: Mobilizing for 2014 and Beyond
Feb. 27-Mar. 1, 2014 - At the annual winter meeting of the Democratic National Committee, Democrats announced four initiatives to help them better compete in this year's mid-term elections and build the party into the future.  The Voter Expansion Project aims to "ensure that every eligible voter can register, that every registered voter can vote, and that every vote is accurately counted."  Project Ivy is "the fourth (IV) iteration of the Democratic Party’s investment in digital and technology."  Factivists is "a new way of thinking about rapid response" and "will engage our grassroots supporters with an aggressive digital and social media presence, offering shareable online materials from videos to tweets and Facebook-ready content."  Finally, the DNC will continue its support of the state parties and the grassroots; DNC leaders also announced that they are making OFA volunteer data usable for all Democratic campaigns in 2014.  DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and CEO Amy Dacey relentlessly pushed these initiatives throughout the three days of the meeting.  However, some of the initiatives do seem a bit like re-worked or amplified DNC programs of the past, and it must be noted that the DNC faces limitations imposed by a debt of about $15.9 million. 

DNC members also heard from Vice President Joe Biden and President Barack Obama.  Another highlight of the meeting, held at the Capitol Hilton, was a reception hosted by Columbus 2016, which is seeking to attract the 2016 Democratic National Convention.  In addition, Democrats Abroad celebrated their 50th anniversary. 

2014 will be a challenging year for Democrats.  Republicans need to pick up only six seats to gain control of the U.S. Senate, and virtually no observers believe Democrats can win a majority in the U.S. House. 

Summarizing after the meeting, DNC press secretary Michael Czin stated, "With less than 250 days until Election Day 2014 the choice for voters is increasingly clear - between the Democrats who are campaigning on opportunity for all and Republicans who are endlessly mired in controversy and are fighting day-in and day-out for policies that provide opportunity for few."

 


Highlights [schedule]
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014
Saturday, Mar. 1, 2014
Vice President Joe Biden at ASDC
Columbus 2016 Reception

Friday, Feb. 28, 2014
Regional Caucuses
Women's Caucus
General Session and President Barack Obama

Labor Council
Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus
Black Caucus
Hispanic Caucus
Credentials Committee
LGBT Caucus
More Councils