Democratic Leadership Council CEO Al From this morning dismissed as "crazy" an accusation from White House hopeful Mike Gravel that his organization "sold out" the Democratic Party.

From, speaking about politics with reporters at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast, was asked about Gravel's comment during Monday's Democratic debate. The former senator from Alaska said: "The Democratic Party used to stand for the ordinary working man. But the Clintons and the DLC sold out the Democratic Party to Wall Street."

"It probably doesn't even need a response," From said, noting the Clinton administration's achievements, including creating new jobs and reducing poverty and crime.

"The record is very clear," he said. "I don't understand this revisionist history that somehow takes the best decade that America has had probably in the 20th century and tries to make it some sort of an abandonment of Democratic principles. It's crazy, it's wrong."

DLC President Bruce Reed predicted Democrats will do well in 2008 elections and gain more Congressional seats, brushing aside questions about low approval ratings for Capitol Hill Democrats.

Voters understand President Bush sets the agenda and Congress "does its best" to "limit the damage," he said.

"George Bush is handing us our Hoover moment but we'll only build a lasting majority if we put in place and carry out an agenda that works," Reed said.

From, instrumental in helping Bill Clinton win the presidency in 1992, had kind words for current Democratic frontrunner Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) as well.

Without naming names, From said he's heard privately from Southern governors who believe the New York Democrat and former first lady would be the strongest candidate who could win a general election in Southern states.

Across the country she has "strong support," he said, adding it is the type of support that leads him to think "she's going to end up winning the White House."

-- Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times