I've written often about the lack of partisan rhetoric among the presidential candidates this campaign season and I was reminded of just how rare it is to hear Democrats speak in terms of "what it means to be a Democrat" last night as I listened to Deval Patrick, governor of Massachusetts, introduce the candidates at the Howard University presidential forum.

Patrick gave the candidates a lesson in how to project partisan pride and brand the Democratic Party in positive terms while still advancing a unity message. He demonstrated eloquently what I've thought for a while, that expressing enthusiasm for the Democratic Party and bridging the partisan divide are not mutually exclusive propositions.

It's a heady time for Democrats in Massachusetts and all across the country. The majority of governors are Democrats, we have Democratic majorities in both houses of the congress and the national Republican Party seems philosophically adrift. But beware. because discontent with Republicans is not enough to elect a Democratic presdent nor should it be. We have to offer a more positive and hopeful vision for a united America to run on what we are for not just what we are against.

In Massachusetts and all across America, people are less interested in the differences between the right and the left and want a serious debate about right and wrong. The field of candidates you are about to meet represents a depth of experience and breadth of vision that would make any American proud. Each one offers leadership committed to changing the course of our nation, both here at home and abroad. Their ideas, creativity and dedication to the common good reflects what it means to be a Democrat.

In this short introduction, Deval Patrick used a form of the word "Democrat" no fewer than five times. Anyone want to bet that's more than all of the other candidates throughout the entire duration of the forum combined? Anyone want to re-watch the debate and give us a count?