You know what I found myself thinking about tonight?

[whometense]

It was that speech he gave in December of 2003 at the Manchester NH library. I think what brought this to mind was that article about Kerry's visit to Chatham, NJ last weekend. I'm convinced I was there the day his campaign turned around, and that fact was evident to anyone who was present.

This was when he was lagging behind Dean - and Gephardt - in the NH polls by 20-30 points, consistently.

They'd booked the speech into a small auditorium because you could tell the campaign was worried about having him speak to a half-empty hall. It was to be a major foreign policy speech. Cam was there, and both sisters, and Teresa.

By the time it was time to start, the place was packed. People were lined up outside on the lawn in the cold. People were standing in the aisles. The staffers they had ready to fill the seats couldn't even get inside. I still remember his expression when he came onstage and saw the crowd - he looked both shocked and grateful.

There's a reason why I'm dragging you all through this particular story tonight, and it's that I'm getting a similar feeling about him now. Obviously there's no campaign going on. But really, there is. It feels like he's turned another corner, and one no less important than that one in 2003.

And now I should probably go to bed, before you guys all start thinking I'm crazy...

[TayTay]

1. AHm, Whome we said this on line and

in this here group before Katrina started. You remember, the thread wherein I posted that I had this weird anxiety and was gong around checking locks and stuff even though I knew nothing was wrong. I sensed a change coming then. You replied that you did too! It's in writing in the archives and dated.

I think you are right. And, as I posted twice, I got a feeling about this upcoming speech on Monday. I think it's going to be way harsh and an interesting development. I feel the same way. I really do.

[jillan]

4. Are you going to go?

If you do, hand him a note that says
"I have your back."

[TayTay]

5. It's not set in stone yet

But I would like to go. (Providence is not that far. About 90 minutes. Great Dem city, btw.) And I would really like to see this 'major speech' and see what he has to say.

[whometense]

8. I'd really love to go too.

But I'd be SO disappointed if I went all the way doen there and couldn't get in to see him speak in person.

[TayTay]

11. Leave early.

Stand in line, discuss politics and Kerry with other like minded people. It's all good.

[whometense]

7. That's absolutely true.

And I'd sort of forgotten that exchange - but it has undoubtedly been sitting there in my subconscious. I remember it. What I continue to marvel at is his inner strength. How can anyone have so much self confidence?

And, btw, kudos to us!! We are the Kerry - um, what term should we use??? - intuiters??

[whometense]

2. Boston Globe, December 28, 2003

I feel after the effusiveness of that last post I need to back myself up with some hard evidence. Keep in mind, it was written by the Kerry-hating Snark King Patrick Healy.

MANCHESTER, N.H. - In his most direct appeal yet to New Hampshire voters, Senator John F. Kerry yesterday urged them to reject Howard Dean in this state's Jan. 27 presidential primary because of his "light" experience on national security and recent, eyebrow-raising comments on policy and leadership matters.

<snip>

With yesterday's speech, Kerry put in place a key piece in his strategy to win the Democratic nomination. He already has increased his attention to the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucuses, on Jan. 19, moving key aides to his Des Moines headquarters and making more visits.

In recent public opinion polls, Kerry is running third behind Representative Richard A. Gephardt and Dean; he is hoping for a "surprise" second-place showing, a Kerry adviser said.

In New Hampshire, Kerry and his campaign surrogates will reiterate the points in yesterday's speech in the coming weeks. The campaign also is launching a new television ad tomorrow featuring former New Hampshire governor Jeanne Shaheen, Kerry's national campaign chair, who will make a subtle jab at her old neighbor, Dean.

"I've worked with nearly all the Democratic candidates running for president," Shaheen states in the text of the ad. "John Kerry has the experience and judgment needed to keep our nation safe."

[jillan]

3. no - it's exciting to see the turn-around in GD

We have been sticking up for him since the election.
And he was getting bashed.
People are starting to get over the anger, and remembering why they voted for Kerry.

This has been a great week to be a Kerrycrat.
And it gives me hope of 2008.

[whometense]

6. That's exactly what I was getting at.

Kerry has been notorious for exceeding the expectations of pundits for his entire career. It's so totally gratifying to be able to witness it in person.

[sandnsea]

10. Some realizing for the first time

There's a difference between Bush's empty promises and Kerry delivering. What you do is not the same as what you say, or what's written down in a piece of legislation. Some people might be getting a little ashamed of themselves too, over how they acted last year as well as recently. They may feel that they have a little atoning to do and that can only be a very good thing.

Sure hope so!!

[sandnsea]

9. You're right

I think I'm feeling it too... especially tonight. Just a floating "knowingness" out there. Too many dead for no good reason.

Was that the Two Roads speech you're talking about? Definitely a turning point, no doubt about it.

[whometense]

12. Yes, it was

the Two Roads speech. And my daughter and I ended up there almost at random. A friend of hers was a Kerry intern, and they were trying to make sure there were enough people, so she invited us to come up.

It turned out to be a memorable experience. To say the least.