WASHINGTON, March 24 (UPI) -- Thousands of Democrats gathered Wednesday for Unity Meetups in more than 350 locations around the United States, the Democratic National Committee said.
The events mark the first wave of a major DNC campaign push Thursday, which features the grand opening of the party's headquarters in Washington and a dinner and after-hours event with such Democratic luminaries as former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.
The dinner also comes on the last day of a 10-day fundraising initiative by front-runner Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., to raise $10 million.
Former presidential candidate Michael Dukakis was among the participants in Wednesday's Meetup, the DNC said.
"Americans are frustrated by Bush's failing record and want to do something to make a difference; Meetup is a great first step to getting involved," DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe said in a statement announcing the event.
All Meetups are held at local cafes, or similar venues and began at 7 p.m. local time. Meetup events are scheduled through a Web site, Meetup.com, that has emerged as a major gathering point for grass-roots campaign supporters.
