Democracy for America

I've never been a big fan of these types of organizations either. I want to see direct action. Planned Parenthood from all I've seen is very efficiently and effectively run. I've been impressed with Cecile Richards leadership (did you realize she's Ann Richards daughter?).

I agree completely on slick marketing. Whenever I see a slick attempt like the whole ribbon deal I get suspicious. I think good charities/NGOs make their case without the marketing. This was the same problem with some of the Haiti fundraising. Personality and politics over people. That's wrong. Yes there needs to be leadership, but it has to be responsive. Always been suspicious when someone puts their name on something or comes up with something so generic its meaningless.

I'd note Democracy for America really isn't all that slick, doesn't do hokey promotion, and doesn't have the Dean name on it. The one possible exception to this rule of thumb is the Carter Center.