We went to what we thought was a small celebration, ended up standing in front of Elizabeth Warren

[DFW]

My wife, my brother and I were invited by Katrina van den Heuvel to a celebration of 150 years of The Nation. I'm usually never around for these things, but this one was in Washington, and this is my last night here, so I said sure. Katrina is always fascinating and John Nichols was bound to be there, too.

He was. So was Elizabeth Warren, Jerry Nadler, Eleanor Clift, John Conyers, Dennis Kucinich, E. J. Dionne, Stephanie Schriock, Cecile Richards, Raúl Grijalva, William Barber, the preacher from North Carolina, and dozens of others I didn't know or remember. This turned out to be just a few levels higher than I was expecting, and the company didn't disappoint. Katrina, Jerry and Eleanor are old friends, but I had never met Cecile Richards, Raúl Grijalva, Rev. Barber or any of the others. Sen. Warren had to leave right after she spoke, so I didn't get to talk to her, but her brief speech was inspirational as usual. Why I was determined to be worthy of being invited to a small gathering with this caliber of guests, I'll never know, but I'll be eternally grateful for Katrina for the invite. Talk about some inspirational company!

With Rep. Grijalva:
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With Katrina, Cecile Richards and Jerry Nadler:
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[abbeyco]

1. Awesome for you! Great pics!

I hope you enjoyed every minute of your evening.

[DFW]

3. We did, thanks!

Every SINGLE minute!

[elleng]

2. May WE have your autograph???!!!

[DFW]

4. You're welcome to it, but you wouldn't want it

Mine is actually legible

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. You certainly hobnob with the best, my dear DFW!

Great photos, of course!

[DFW]

6. The photos were taken by my wife

I only got one of her, outside on the street before the celebration:
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She may be no celebrity, but she'll always be one to me.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. She looks great, as do you!

[DFW]

12. She looks greater

I'm not ashamed to admit it!

One guy from The Nation asked me what inspired me to move to Germany. I pointed to my wife, and said, "say no more. I understand."

[herding cats]

7. I love your tie!

Lovely photos and I'm thrilled for you for such an evening! Be safe in your upcoming travels.

[DFW]

10. I'm so boring otherwise

My tie often saves me.

Just a few travels left--Boston tomorrow, western Mass. Friday, back to Boston Sunday and back to Germany Monday evening. After 2 months on the road, I'm ready to toss the suitcases in a corner, let me tell you!

[steve2470]

8. glad you had a great time

You always have the best pics and stories.

[DFW]

15. This tme, I just went along for the ride

I had no earthly idea the others were going to be there!

[onecaliberal]

9. Fantastic. Thanks for sharing with us.

[DFW]

18. My pleasure

It's always inspiring to see and hear THAT many good people in one place. It's good to know they are still out there. I even met one woman from an organization I had never heard of ("Progressive Congress&quot . She meets with Bernie Sanders once a week. Interesting conversations!

[onecaliberal]

19. It is wonderful to hear there are still people fighting

For Main Street. I'm sure the speeches and conversations were interesting to say the least. Thanks again, for sharing. Love the photos.

[progressoid]

13. That's some good company!

[DFW]

17. I was floored

Katrina had given me NO indication whatsoever who was going to be there.

[NBachers]

14. Lotta brains in that room. Thanks for taking Democratic Underground along with you, as you often do.

You often treat us to front seats at events & places that are fascinating.

[DFW]

16. These people are our soulmates and our champions

Always glad to bring them an inch or two closer!