Here's the story of how the Dean supporters stopped the Young Republicans' assault today. I'm writing from the Dean Storm Center in Des Moines where I've talked to a few people who were there when this all went down. There was a Young Republican gathering taking place upstairs from the Dean Rally at Drake University. The Repubs came onto the stage and physically threatened Joan Jett and Jeanine Garafalo. A marine (a Democrat) who was at the Dean rally asked Joan to start singing the Star Spangled Banner to quiet the Republican attackers. The Dean supporters in the audience all joined in the song and SANG LOUDLY. It silenced the Young Repubs; they appeared confused and perhaps shamed. They went back upstairs to their convention.
The Dean supporters demonstrated the power of conviction for their candidate through song and then carried on with the celebration as Joan Jett rocked in defiance.
The Dean supporters demonstrated the power of conviction for their candidate through song and then carried on with the celebration as Joan Jett rocked in defiance.
I'm sure you'll hear a lot more about this in the future...