[...] These days, Brazile has recommitted herself to political activism, with a special interest in getting young people to "stop making excuses" for staying out of the process. She is the chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee's Voting Rights Institute, an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and writes a column for Roll Call, an influential bi-weekly insider political publication based in D.C.
"I'm an independent Democrat, meaning I reserve the right to speak with my own voice,'' she said. "They can speak for me, they can stand up for me, but they can't tell me what to believe in. The Democratic Party is a vehicle, but they are not my God." [...]
[...] As she sat in the hotel lobby, guests argued with her about this election year. "We could not have wished for a better president in uniting the (Democratic) Party," Brazile said, noting that she believed Bush "squandered his moment" to guarantee re-election in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001. "That's when I realized I was an American. On that day, we had no one to run to but each other."
Brazile says that she continues to be involved in politics because she is passionate about people and the Democratic Party. But she also loves to talk about her faith -- particularly because she thinks the lack of discussion about the values of Democrats have landed the party at a cultural crossroads.
"The American people think we (Democrats) are godless -- we don't stand for something higher than ourselves -- and gutless; we won't defend the country," Brazile said. "I know my time is limited as a Democratic Party activist because I may not continue to suit their needs. I see the party as a vehicle. When they move, I go out and march -- I'm a movement person. When they make me sick, I go out and march." [...]
| Go back for the rest of "Stirring it up: Brazile keeps faith in politics," Joshunda Saunders' San Francisco Chronicle profile of Donna Brazile
posted in articles on July 5, 2004 6:47 AM | t (0)
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