NH Jefferson Jackson Dinner: It went well

[TayTay]

The dinner last night went very well. I thought the NH folks were very warm and open and responded well to the points that Sen. Kerry made in his speech. I thought he got a great reaction in the room, front the standing O to start off to the end. People were paying attention to what was being said and were talking about the issues and points being made. (Excellent.)

I saw Marvin in the hallway before the event and talked to him about the bloggers. Marvin called Ted from the JohnKerry.com blog and we talked about how things are going and so forth. (Great guy, I gave him a lapel pin to wear that I had picked up at the MassDems Convention in June. He has to wear something from Massachusetts when he is going around the country with Sen. Kerry!)

You good folks saw the speech, so I can get into that later. We met Ted after and he asked us if we wanted to meet with the Sen. for a quick second. (Ah, yeah, that would nice. OMG!) So we hung around with Ted for a bit, then when the Senator finished talking with some of the NH folks, he talked to us and took a picture for the JohnKerry.com site. (It will be up later.) Then we just talked for a bit. As we were talking, Teresa came over and we talked with her for about 15 minutes or so. (Marvin and Ted were trying to drag them off, these good people need to get some sleep. They have killer schedules. Teresa told us that she had been spending time in Iowa recently and had a chance to reconnect with people there. She told us about some friends of hers who were running for local office and THK had gone there to show support.) It was a great night.

Wisteria got to see her first, in-person, speech by Sen. Kerry, cimplete with many, many 'idears.' (That was so cool. Every time Kerry said 'idear,' Wisteria had a little 'squee' moment. I loved that.) It is like seeing some anew when you see it with people who haven't been there before. It's a real treat. Thanks Wisteria.

BTW, Marvin gives great hugs. Highly recommnded. And THK has a great sense of humor. We had a great time with that wonderful lady. Ahm, 'the bloggers' are much loved and appreciated. I was also asked to convey the deeepest thanks to everyone here who posts across the blogs and forums. Every single person we met specifically asked that we tell people how much their efforts mean. (That hug from Marvin wasn't just for me, it really was for everyone here.) It is really something to have every single person tell you how grateful they are for your efforts. I but humbly convey that to all of you here who deserve it. It is known, and so appreciated. (So, consider yourself thanked already.)

[ProSense]

1. Awesome! Thanks Tay!

Senator Kerry's speech was simply amazing!

Another topic: check GD for previous interview Woodward did with Kerry, reprinted in Sunday's WP.

[Island Blue]

2. Thanks for the report Tay.

I loved the "idears". He just seemed to be on a roll with that word last night which made me :) . That's so cool that y'all got the chance to meet and greet with JK and Mama T afterward!

[fedupinBushcountry]

3. Thanks Tay

I'm dying to hear europegirl4jfk's reaction from meeting JK and Teresa.

[blm]

4. Thanks to all of you for repping the rest of us. You help make every day

on the internet even more worthwhile.

Loving you all alot -today and for many years to come.

*smooch*

[fedupinBushcountry]

5. TayTay the report is up

at the Kerry blog. Great pic, still reading the report. http://blog.johnkerry.com/2006/10/rockin_the_house_at_the_jj_din.html#more

[beachmom]

6. Thank you for the report, Tay!

Wow -- that sounded like a great event in every way possible. I'm also thrilled you were able to talk to THK and JK -- it seemed like he was mobbed on TV, and I was concerned you guys wouldn't get a chance.

I'm really excited to meet all of you in December -- great pic with the Senator on the Kerry blog!

[beachmom]

7. One request -- will you or one of the others consider putting

together a diary of your experience on dKos? Pics, the BG article, links to the Kerry blog. Your personal experience.

No, the mob Kossaks don't like Kerry but a lot of readers LOVE Kerry on that site -- 500,000 hits a day, you can bet there is support. And people will plough through the diaries to hear about him, even if it doesn't make the Rec list.

Remember there are more people who read dKos who don't have a login than people who do, so this will be for the lurkers. Thanks (and I understand if you don't have time with some of the annoying aspects of putting together a diary there).

[cadmium]

8. Surpise I did get my wife to go

We had a great time. New Hampshire races are a concern to my wife who works in Nashua.

I was interviewed by a young Newsweek reporter who wanted to know if I supported Kerry for 08 and if he had a chance. The reporter impressed us right off the bat because she acknowledged all of us equally, including Gil and his girlfriend, both of whom have obvious developmental disabilities. I tried to talk more about a few issues rather than the politics although it was a direct question about Kerry. I kind wish I could do it over because I didn't say anything about the New Hampshire Democrats and afterall, that was the purpose of the dinner. I don't know if they will use my interview because I am from Mass. She promised to cut out my stammering.

I wanted to introduce my wife to you but she was really preoccupied (with Gil and his girlfriend) and did not want to leave the table. At least I got her to go. Hopefully she will go to another event so I can introduce her.

[beachmom]

9. So what was your answer to the Kerry question? n/t

[cadmium]

11. 100%

When she asked if I liked anyone else for 2008 I said I like Al Gore but I prefer Kerry to any of them.

[_dynamicdems]

14. That's great that your wife got to attend and that you got interviewed.

Great about the interview. Let us know if it gets used so we can read it.

I'm glad you got your wife to go and hope she attends another one so we can all meet her. Did she enjoy the speech?

[Island Blue]

10. Oh wow! How freakin' cool is that photo

on JohnKerry.com! You all look great! Has anyone else ever noticed how damn happy everyone always looks in photos with JK?

[sandnsea]

12. More more more!!

You talked to Teresa for 15 minutes and that's ALL you've got to report????? I want every detail - and then she said, and then she raised her eyebrow, then she laughed, and then she said... lol.

Thanks Tay, the pics are great, the speech was great, looks like it was an outsanding event. You guys keep getting out there and one of these days the press will start writing about Kerry connecting to the base!

[_dynamicdems]

18. Okay, here's a tidbit.

She talked about campaigning she's been doing for friends running in the midterms. You don't hear as much about her travels as about Senator Kerry's but she's been working very hard.

[_dynamicdems]

13. An important lesson from NH!

This event was packed! And the crowd was enthusiastic. We were enthusiastic. Teresa teased us about the "Woos" that were coming from our general direction. :blush: And I must admit, I'm guilty of contributing more than my fair share. My hands were also red from enthusiastic applause, a small sacrifice when you think about it. ;)

Being the local who lives about ten minutes away from where this was held, I arrived early and happened upon another Democrat as I was leaving my car in the parking garage (my car is covered with Dem and Kerry stickers), a young man who works for Paul Hodes. We chatted on the way in and discussed what a good candidate Hodes is. Hodes really has a good shot against Rep. Charlie Bass. The interesting thing about NH, which is illustrated by the Hodes '06 candidacy is that NH Dems are willing to consider what others might call a "failed attempt" as "one step closer." Paul Hodes ran unsuccessfully in 2004. Doesn't that sound familiar? The difference is: nobody is saying Hodes had his chance and should give up. NH Democrats have lined up behind him to support his candidacy (his primary was pretty much uncontested) because Hodes came close and they think this time will be the charm. So pay attention America and take a lesson from NH!

It was nice to meet Ted, the "On the Road" Kerry blogger. He did a number of good reports from NH including some nice write-ups of Paul Hodes and Carol Shea-Porter. I'm very proud to be a NH resident today and so thankful to the Senator and Mrs. Kerry for turning the state blue in '04 and also for their dedication to keeping it blue in 2006.

And what a speech Senator Kerry gave! He was pretty fierce. I don't know how it played on C-Span, but in person it was fiery. We were right next to speaker as tall as the senator and he came through loud and clear. The part were he said, "Lies, lies, lies! House of Lies!" literally rocked the house! Talk about your Dems being afraid to use the "L" word. Well not this Dem! What a tough speech it was. He was giving no quarter. He came out swinging and maintained the same pace. He took a softer tone mid-speech where he spoke about fear and intimidation using a personal story to illustrate an example of courage. In person, it came across as a nice textual contrast between the intense opening and closing parts of the speech. The delivery was perfect. His voice was perfect: the senator used the right pitch in the right places. He's become very, very good at this since '04 and he was IMO pretty damn good then. It's like he's getting better and better exponentially.

And Teresa is wonderful. She's so down-to-earth and has a great sense of humor. She also looks terrific. I couldn't help but make the comparison between her and Laura Bush. Teresa is real, warm, happy and even glowing. She connects with people because she is real. With most of the attention centered around the senator, I was standing on the outskirts of the group with Tay when I heard a soft "hello" and turned around to see THK a mere inches away. It took a moment for recognition to dawn. My mouth must have hung open as wide as an airplane hanger when I gasped, "Teresa!" It bothered me later to have used her first name like that. I'm usually more respectful, but I was so pleasantly surprised that I forgot myself. Tay was less taken aback to see her and a little less star-struck than yours truly.

What an evening! Wooooo! Wooooooo! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[ProSense]

15. I love it!

You all are so lucky! Great report DD! Teresa knows about the "woos"? All innocent mind you (I :loveya: them both!), but still: :blush:

[_dynamicdems]

20. Oh goodness no...these were certainly not that kind of woos.

:blush: :blush: :blush:

These were your cheering for the home team kind of woos and I'm sure Teresa knew that. I hope she knew that!

Teresa was funny about the woos. She thought they were hilarious. I mentioned that we were trying to make as much noise as possible because of C-Span. Cheer on our team. At least none of us painted our faces blue. :rofl:

[sandnsea]

21. rotflmao, blue painted faces

Well that would definitely get you on C-Span!!!

:rofl:

[ProSense]

22. LOL! n/t

[TayTay]

25. My apologies for being in and out today

I was in NH for a bit, and we were visiting. I tried to get on-line last night, but it's really, really hard to write and talk with people about the event at the same time. (And then my internet connection up and died. Sigh!) I am home now, but am going back to the Hotel later to watch the Iraq movie later and participate in the call-in on it. (We now constitute our own House Party. Wow!)

I am still very jazzed about meeting people. I was just unbelievably busy this week and had no time to have nerves or butterflies about meeting people. (It's better that way anyway.) And I have not shy at all moments. I also have shy moments. (Geez DD we had a shy moment last year at the Mayor's event in Manchester. Now, not so much. And I just love THK. She is so sweet and warm and friendly.)

Let's see, I talked to Marvin and told him that, in a nut shell, my part as a blogger was to be a 'helper elf' for the blogs and forums. He laughed and said, "That's my job too! I'm a helper elf." Hahahahahahaha! Damn tall for an elf, if you ask me. I loved Marvin. I was early at the event and I was the first one there. It's hard not to recognize Marvin because, Ahm, he's 6'8". He is a real sweetheart and we chatted for a few minutes. He called Ted to come down and then we chatted with Ted. (NH people kept coming over to Marvin to chat. He is known among these good folks in the state from all the visits in the last cycle.)

Ahm, about that woo hoo-ing: THK wanted to know if that was coming from us cuz she could hear it during the speech. "Do you make that woo-hoo news during the speech?" Well, yes ma'am we made some of it. Teresa then said that she really liked that and next time we should get behind the Senator and do even more woo-hoos! We like the loud woo-hoos! We want more woo-hoos. Yes ma'am, sounds like a plan to me. So, more woo-hoos during speeches please. They are appreciated.

(We have to resolve the "what do I call THK in person" dilemma for next time. We were, at all times, respectful to this lady who so deserves respect. But we did call her Teresa, which doesn't seem right. (She didn't mind at all. This is about us, not her.) We talked about her visits to Iowa; she has had 3 of them at least in the last week. Friendships were made there during the last cycle, good human friendships in which you care about the people you meet and how their lives are going. This is what Teresa was talking about. She told us about a visit to someone who had an organic farm up and running and, I hope, profitable. She talked about 3 friends running for city councilor races all over Iowa and how she was making appearances to help them out with these very local events. I think she really likes connecting with people in these informal ways and keeping in touch with people she has met. There was a real sense that she was rooting for the people to win their race and that she was rooting for them because they had touched her heart and she wanted them to succeed and go on to do good things.

We told her about some people here. I conveyed our best and belated birthday wishes and told her that people from all over the country had written to wish her the best on her Birthday. (Side note: Why no flowers for her this year from us? Because the lady was a moving target and not home long enough to ensure that she would get them at any given address. Something else will be worked out later.) Again, with emphasis, thanks to all from MRs. Heinz-Kerry. (What a lovely and gracious woman. She did just chat with us for 15 or so minutes. We had Ted and Marvin waiting to whisk her away to where she could get a decent amount of sleep overnight. But she wanted to chat with us a bit more. At one point I made the 'checking your watch' movement to Marvin and he sort of shrugged his shoulders and laughed. He wasn't about to 'pull rank' and hustle the lady out of there. She was enjoying herself. It was truly wonderful.)

BTW, just so you know, Teresa would love to see you in December. So would a whole lot of other people. I know, I asked. We are going to have some fun people.

Personally, as a TayTay comment, this was the easiest and nicest setup ever. You good folks have been a proven quantity in going on-line and making posts, talking to people, not letting things fall to the side. In a way, the ease with which we met people at this event and the ease with which we could talk with Sen. Kerry and with Mrs. Heinz-Kerry are testament to that. We reaped what a lot of people have sowed. That was massively conveyed by me. I can't say it enough, we never go as just ourselves, we go as a group. I truly believe we are received so well because of your efforts. You, in a way, did this for us. For that, I cannot thank you enough.

[TayTay]

26. It just read back what I wrote, Oh dear!

I am infecting people with TayTayisms. I can't believe I got Marvin to talk about being a 'helper elf.' I kept the rest of my loony TayTayisms to myself thankfully. I did often convey the other prime phrases of my life though: 'No worries' and 'Life is Good.'

That [lus not wear old jackets with those football padded shoulders. I got a pat on the shoulder from Sen. Kerry and a 'nice to see you again' note. He must of thought, with shoulder pads like that you must be ready to suit up for the Patriots next week. Sigh! No more 'back of the closet' jacket pulls for me. Must remember to be awake when dressing next time. Sigh!

[Island Blue]

32. Tay, reading your account just now,

I was wondering if it still feels surreal to you when you get the opportunity to see and talk to JK and /or THK? (The beer event still seems surreal to me so that's why I ask.) This time last year, most of us here were simply content to admire these two people from a far. Now you guys are engaging in easy conversation with the couple who will hopefully be the next President and First Lady of the United States. That's way beyond cool IMO. :)

[TayTay]

41. Well, when you put it THAT way, ahm,

Gee, Ahm, I still don't know why I am not nervous around these good folks. Maybe it's cuz they are good folks who have been unbelievably nice to us whenever we have had occasion to see them. I don't know how to stress that enough. Everyone that I have had contact with has been great, we have laughed, got some work done, laughed, listened, tried to learn something, etc. There just haven't been any moments that were there to make me nervous. (Make me proud yeah, make me think, yeah, make me angry with the current people in power, yeah. Nervous? Not so much. Maybe that what happens when you hang around with the good guys, they just don't tend to make you nervous.)

In this meeting with THK (Mrs. Heinz-Kerry seems too formal, Teresa doesn't seem respectful enough, hmmm, a work in progress) she was there before we knew it. We had no time to get nervous. She was her own warm, funny and inquisitive self. She told us some stories about the work she was doing in Iowa, she asked questions about the people there. It was a normal conversation and it just, ahm, happened. (Ahm, once again, I didn't know this would happen, it just did. I tend to take life as it comes anyway, so maybe I am just somehow suited to be somewhat calm I guess.)

It never, ever gets old. Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still get the chills when I hear those amazing speeches and it feels so good to have someone call the Bushies on the carpet for their lies and what they are doing to this great country. That never, ever gets old. Ever. I could hear that forever.

[WildEyedLiberal]

42. That is so awesome.

Wow. Really.

So it turns out I only have 2 finals. That is the good news. The bad news is that they both conflict with the birthday party. BUT I will do my best to lobby my professors to let me take them later in the week. I don't have others to work around... which gives me a glimmmer of hope.

I am dying to go to Boston in December, yes to see JK and THK, but certainly not least to see so many wonderful people I have come to call friends. I miss those of you I have already met and would dearly love to meet others for the first time. This is truly a special, amazing group of people.

[blm]

45. Tay, you bring tears to my eyes whenever you make that point

about these events. Your sincerity comes through every time and touches my heart.

[whometense]

16. how about europegirl and her friend?

Did they get to meet Senator Kerry? Did they have fun?

[europegirl4jfk]

17. Just some impressions

Here we go. My first thought: Very passionate people these Democrats! Political events in Europe are mostly boring. Here it's like a big party and I enjoyed it very much. Even sitting through all these local speakers wasn't bad, especially with the Kerrycrats and their comments. LOL Then - finally! - Kerry was up, and even my friend Vreni who isn't that interested in politics was impressed. He's the best! Even compared to European politicians, and we have a few who are not bad at all.

Then after the event when we got to meet John Kerry, I was just a little bit nervous, actually more curious. I didn't really talk much to him but got his autograph on the program (thanks, wisteria, for pushing me to ask for it;-)). Well, he is really tall - we all know that *g* - and really thin. Vreni's comment: "he needs to eat more fast food". LOL TayTay then introduced me to Teresa and we talked for a few minutes in French. I was very impressed! Her French is perfect and she is a very nice lady. I can't tell you who of them I liked more, John or Teresa. They are the perfect couple, aren't they?

We didn't actually manage to take great pictures (GV's are much better) but Vreni took a very short video clip that I'll put on youtube as soon as I figure out how to do that.

Well, the best of the evening or actually of the whole weekend for me wasn't/isn't even JK (sorry John!) but hanging out, laughing and partying with the other Kerrycrats. You are such a great bunch of people! And I'm totally tempted to come over again for the Birthday event in December, just for you guys. :loveya:

[ProSense]

19. Now I feel

lucky! These are great reports! I'm so glad you made it and had an opportunity to meet JK and Teresa (I envy you!). Sounds like a terrific get-together with other Kerrycrats.

Interesting point about JK compared to European politicians!

Fantastic stuff! Thanks!

[europegirl4jfk]

23. Link to the YouTube clip

It's just a very short clip. Only 40 seconds, sorry.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiLfYI5lWVg

[Blaukraut]

24. back home and ready for a nap

But I had to check in with you guys first. There really isn't much more to add; TayTay and dynamicdems did a pretty good recap.
All I can do is reiterate what TayTay already said; our work and efforts are deeply appreciated by the Senator, Teresa, and the staff.
On a personal note; I told Senator Kerry that if he decides to run in '08 and wins, I would get the US citizenship. 'Oh no', he said, 'you need to do it before then, because your vote is needed'. So I promised him I would start the process as soon as possible, so I could cast my very first vote for (hopefully) him.
We chatted a little while longer about Germany (he even knew the area where I grew up!), citizenship, and the worries of legal residents losing their rights under the new torture bill.
Afterwards, Teresa came over and chatted with us bloggers a while about the joy of campaigning for other people, and how different it was from region to region. She would have stayed longer, but they needed to get back home for some rest.
I believe a good time was had by all :-)

[beachmom]

27. You know that you can do dual citizenship, right?

My hubby just got his American citizenship last year, but he is still a citizen of Germany. I'm not sure if that makes you feel better -- you just need to talk to a German Embassy first.

Wow, we'll have lots to talk about in December -- I love all of these European connections.

Thanks so much for that story.

[Blaukraut]

46. thanks, beachmom

I knew that keeping my citizenship along with obtaining the US citizenship entails some paperwork and appeal to the consulate. Maybe we can talk about some of the specifics your husband had to go through when you come up here in December. It would be nice to get some advice on that from someone who has been through the process :-)

[kerrygoddess]

28. Sounds like everyone had a blast

From where I was sitting on the left coast watching on C-Span it was great! If any of you who attended want to write up a post for the Dem Daily about last night feel free to have at it. Not all of our loyal Kerry readers get over here to the DU Kerry forum. :)

[globalvillage]

29. Sorry

Have to resize pic

[ProSense]

31. The transcript

and video are up at JK's blog. Yay!

[jillan]

30. Awesome pic:

I definitely know which one is GV, and think I know which one is TayTay-
anyone care to identify themselves?

[politicasista]

33. Thanks for the report TayTay!

:yourock: :hi:

[StoryTeller]

34. Waaahhhh, I can't find the video!

I was on a date with my hubby last night and missed the CSPAN coverage of his speech. And now I'm reading all of your reports about how great it was, and I WANT TO SEE THE FREAKIN' VIDEO! I went to the JK site and can't find it, and YouTube only has a measely 40 seconds.

It's so not fair! *sniffle* I have stupid, useless senators here and you guys get all the fun with your ultra-cool, brilliant one, and I can't even find the damn video of him!

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Help me, please??? *StoryTeller gazes soulfully at fellow Kerrycrats, the tears pooling becomingly in her large blue eyes* (She looks irresistably forelorn. You can't help but want to ease her misery and make her smile...)

[fedupinBushcountry]

35. Here it is

http://www.johnkerry.com/podcast/video/johnkerryspeech.wmv

They will have it up on Quicktime soon, and it will also be on Road to the WH tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. est. on C-Span.

[StoryTeller]

36. Oh THANK YOU!!!!

Okay, so I didn't think to check the PodCast section! :blush:

But you have my profound gratitude and LOTS of smiles! FedUp=My Hero! :) :) :)

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[fedupinBushcountry]

37. Hey, anything

for a fellow Kerrycrat, just ask and you shall receive. :-)

[StoryTeller]

40. Well worth the wait!

Wow, what a great speech! I didn't know he could DO that! :wow: Wish I could speak like that.

Does anyone know--does he write these speeches himself? Does he have a speech writer? Do they collaborate? About all I know of that process is what I watched on the West Wing--probably not the best source of reliable information on how all that works. :D

[Firespirit]

38. That's great!

So, I take it that the ticket issue got worked out, because I didn't hear from you after that second call.

I'm so glad you had such a good experience! Wish I could've been there... but 'tis OK, there will be other events. Like, for example, a certain birthday party near the end of this year.

[ElizabethDC]

39. Thanks for the reports, everyone!

You guys always give excellent reports on events! I know I don't post around here much, but I'm always reading what you're saying in an attempt to live vicariourly through you :7. I'm a little jealous of those of you who get to be in such close contact with JK's staff and JK and THK themselves, but I'm so glad when you guys are there to represent those of us who can't be! I really wish that I could make it up there in December to be with you guys, but it's just before my finals start and my parents would never let me go! (Despite the fact that I'm 20 years old, lol). But thanks again to you guys (TayTay especially!) who are so dedicated to keeping the rest of us informed!

[cadmium]

43. Ace your finals!

You will have plenty of chance. Spread the good word about JK dems among your peers. This is extremely encouraging to hear young folks like you and Wild-Eyed Liberal so interested ---- It's really encouraging because so many of my 50-something peers cant see through the nonsense of right-wing media.

There were some very poised young New Hampshire Democrats at the Jefferson-Jackson dinner and one got an award.

Good luck on the finals.

[ElizabethDC]

44. Thanks

I can tell you that JK has a lot of fans among my friends. I go to school in DC, so everyone's very politically oriented, and several of us were fortunate enough to meet JK last year after he spoke here. It was a very brief meeting, but I can truly say that he was the kindest, most sincere politician that I've ever met (and I've met a lot!) and he was genuinely intersted in talking to us (I met Barack Obama here a few weeks ago, and he would barely give me and my friends the time of day, though he certainly didn't mind chatting with some adults who wanted his attention.)My friends and I were all very impressed by how genuine JK was, and all they could say afterwards was, "Why doesn't he seem this way on TV!?" It totally changed their perception of him