"'Til The Last Dog Dies"

Just got back from seeing Hillary at Dover High, with twins in tow. Not ideal but we managed. The event was in the cafeteria area, theater-in-the-round again, not the gym (like Bill in 2001). She started with by invoking the best local legend: While B Clinton came to Dover NH in 1992, he said he's "in it until the last dog dies." Well, then she flattered us all by saying that when the vote was announced that would require her to cancel or change the time, she said "I can't miss Dover unless the last dog has died!"

I was skeptic going in but left surprisingly impressed. She was informal, casual, personable. Handled challenging questions with grace & what seemed like honesty.

Crowd reveiw: older, which was to be expected given Saturday, not on campus. More later...

Next Up: Hillary 2/17/07

Apparently, Stacey & I were the only ones who were underwhelmed by Obama last week. I fear that democrats have lowered their expectations after 6 years of Bush. We're so easily impressed by anyone willing to disgree respectfully.

Oh well, we'll just move right along. Currently on deck: Hillary Clinton is coming to Dover High. What really excites me is that it's the same venue my friend Becky Shost & I saw Bill Clinton at, in 2001. Cool. Very cool.

From Seacoast Online this morning: "2/17/07 Hillary Clinton will hold a public town hall-style event at 2:30 p.m. at Dover High School. Doors will open to the public at 2 p.m. The Clinton campaign encourages those wishing to attend the Dover event to RSVP at www.hillaryclinton.com."

I signed up of course, and have no ticket or confirmation. That makes me a bit nervous, but I'm there.

When oh when is John Edwards coming back, and HOW does one get invited to one of these "house parties?"

Obama Wasn't Impressive

Maybe my expectations were too high, or maybe it was that I got there late & had to stand in the back. Or perhaps he was tired from his big announcement tour over the weekend. But whatever the reason, I wasn't all that impressed with Obama last night.

He was a very casual & comfortable speaker, at ease and very personable. (Suitcoat, no tie...man is he skinny!) He spoke slowly and at times carefully, like a good lawyer should. He made some funny remarks, conveyed a few cute kid stories. I expected more passion, more "fire in the belly." Certainly there was no anger (is that good or bad?). In response, the crowd certainly cheered certain remarks but they didn't seemed fired up either. So, which came first??

I guess what I learned is that he's a policy wonk--not a bad thing necessarily in my opinion, but I expected more a uplifting, motivating message. I have to admit I got a little bored with some of the long winded answers. Intellegent, well-reasoned arguments, which is refreshing when compared to current leaders, but just not what I was expecting.

Since you can probably read or watch the speech on line, I'll add my random other observations. I thought it was charming to see the young leaders of the College Democrats take the stage for the introduction, and others acting all self-important working their first big event of the Primary. Crowd was a good mix of ages, races (for NH), and not all from the UNH Community. I saw more dreadlocks in that gym than I've ever seen in one place in NH. Low security, good amount of press that didn't take up too much seating space. Nice signs. Unlike the other candidates I've seen so far, he did have lots of campaign stuff for the taking--stickers, buttons, brochures--and students gobbled them up.

Gearing up for Obama

Babysitting has been procurred, and UNH & I are gearing up for Barack Obama's visit tonight. I am still in shock at the venue he's chosing for his first time here. I believe it's a 4000 seat gym! Other public figures who used this venue have been Presidents (already elected), and Hillary Clinton as first lady. I can't think of another Primary Candidate who's come to that Field House (going back now 12 years, maybe more?). Leibermann came to UNH on the eve of the general election in 2000, and was in a MUB room that held a few hundred. I also saw John Kerry in a similar room. So, I'm in a bit of shock that for his first time here he can go so large (it's conventional wisdom: having a packed room, even if too small, is better than having empty seats!). Of course, the press area will be huge I'm sure; this trip seems to be getting lots of national attention.

And, if he begins his campaign in NH needing such a large space, will he ever be able to do a smaller venue? Where can he go from here?

See you tonight...

Manchester is NOT the only place in NH!

I need someplace to go with my rant this morning. So much for yesterday's high...

I just read on the WMUR website that four more debates have been set (2 in October 2007, 2 for January 2008), and ALL will be held in Manchester. Add to that the two debates this April at Saint Anselm College, and that brings the total to six debates all in the same general place.
I think this is an outrage, and I am fit to be tied!

Of course it hits me personally because I've volunteered at every debate at UNH in the past 3 primaries. But also because it keeps the candidates, the staffers, the press all in one place. It taps the same resources for volunteers, catering, etc. It cuts off other communities from access, and sharing the spotlight (and income from housing, feeding, and hosting these guests). It keeps the University out of it, which means our students miss a great opportunity to see this close up. And Keene, Plymouth students as well? Colby Sawyer in the Lakes region?

I would think that the small, local clubs like Strafford County Democrats and all their sister organizations, would want a chance to host as well. Surely there are other locations that can support the event?

Anyway, not sure where I'm going with this. I need to dig a bit & find out if UNH was even offered this time (we were offered both in April, but declined both). But I am hoping to raise a few voices in protest, and let folks know there's more to NH than just Manch-Vegas.

Oh Mama, Obama!!

What a great way to start my workday:
Barak Obama is coming to UNH and I have 2 tickets!!

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2007
DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE: Town Hall Meeting
Location: University of New Hampshire
Doors open to Public: 5:30 PM
Tickets: Beginning Wednesday, the general public can obtain tickets to the Town Hall Meeting at the University of New Hampshire on the UNH campus in the Memorial Union Building (The MUB) at the ticket office or the information booth between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily, or by calling the Democratic Party at (603) 225-6899, or by going to the Democratic Party Headquarters at 2 ½ Beacon Street, Concord, NH.

Hillary also announced her rescheduled visit, which will include Berlin (which is way up north and well below zero this time of year) Concord and other non-seacoast locations. And: New Mexico Gov. and presidential candidate Bill Richardson is also scheduled to appear in New Hampshire next week. Richardson will sign copies of his book "Between Worlds" at the RiverRun Bookstore in Portsmouth on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 12:30 p.m.

Two No-Shows, One Great Speaker

Well, Hillary Clinton & Joe Biden both cancelled their trips to NH for this past weekend, leaving just Dennis Kucinich to soak up all my attention. Which is probably good since I came down with the ailment my kids had all last week, and could barely make it out for one candidate.

Kucinich: Interesting guy, great speaker. He's intense. Not as short or as freakish as the media seems to portray him. Man, his eye contact beams right into you. He started off a bit esoteric and lofty, but really turned on the charm during Q&A, sharing that he'd been homeless and even in an orphanage for part of his childhood. He seemed to really connect with the audience, which was mostly white, mostly gray-haired.

When I shook his hand after the speech he first commented on my watch--a funky Swatch which is rather cool--then said I have "amazing healing energy" in my touch. My reply was, "I think I just have a fever." Eloquent, huh? When I told him I am a lesbian mom of twins and am looking for a President who will protect all families, he held my hand tighter and said "we will; won't you help us?"

But the biggest news was the new wife, Elizabeth. Holy Cow! She's at least 8" taller and 20 years younger than him. She seemed pleasant, and poised enough to ignore the stage-whisperer who said, "talk about a child bride!" when she was introduced.

I still don't think he has a chance at the nomination, but I admire his pluckiness to stay in the race on his own terms. He'll keep picking at the front runners and force them to be more honest. I hope the media doesn't right him off too quickly...remember New Hampshire loves an underdog.