Happy Birthday to Me, or my blog anyway. Yesterday was the one year anniversary of its creation. It's been fun for me to go back & reread some of those early posts.
And it ain't over yet: the NH Recount is underway. This should be interesting...expensive, but interesting. Follow along with Blue Hampshire for day by day, ward by ward updates.
That amateur analysis I keep eluding to isn't really gelling in my head. I don't think Hillary won because of the last minute display of emotion (whether or not you believe it was sincere), and I don't think Obama lost because of racism. I believe the Clinton team was in a panic on the afternoon of the primary, and they pulled out every last known voter among their base because they had the resources to do it. They held on to the working class/establishment strong holds, the less-educated voters, and the "older" voters, all underestimated but very loyal voters.
Here's what I wrote to a friend on the morning after, embellished slightly for clarification: The Clinton/Shaheen Machine in New Hampshire just really brings me down. Maybe this is too much analysis, but what bums me about the machine is that they are the blue collar/establishment Dems--the older/elderly, the non-college educated, working class children of immigrants--The Memeres & Peperes of Manchester, Rochester, and Berlin. I should feel glad that the less educated, less well-off people like my parents have clout and feel empowered in our state. But of course, I don't. I feel like they are scared of loosing what symbolic power they have, so they aren't willing to take a risk on a non-establishment candidate.
I know Clinton has wider support than what I described above, but it was this base that made the difference in NH.
Seems like it always does...
...Now check out an actual professional analysis.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
What's Left Behind
Here's my little list of what I have to remember this NH Primary cycle, 2007-2008:
Bulletin Board: In my office, where I keep my button collection, I've added the "I'm In To Win" Hillary button, a huge Obama '08 one, and an assortment of Edwards', including one with a rainbow background, and one targeted at NH Educators.
Also above my desk I have the Bill Richardson 2008 All Star baseball card (on of my favorite pieces ever!), the Edwards Family Christmas Card, The GraniteRoots canvassing brochure (the two attached tree saplings are now growing in pots on my porch), and souvenir tickets to see Obama, Kucinich, and Dodd. There's also one postcard from the MTV/MySpace Presidential Dialogue with John Edwards. One press pass from the UNH GOP Fox Debates. AND, one original thank you note from Jack or Emma Claire Edwards.
On the bookshelf in my office, awaiting framing, is my large John Edwards sign, autographed.
On my bookshelf at home are two books: Stormy Weather by Dante Scala, not yet autographed, and Saving Graces, beautifully signed by the author, Elizabeth Edwards.
In my dresser: Two purple "I'm a Health Care Voter" t-shirts, one white John Edwards t-shirt, and one blue Carpenter's For Edwards long sleeved t-shirt.
In my cellar (we call them cellars here, not basements): Two Edwards lawn signs; the kids would not allow me to throw them away.
In the walls of my now remodeled kitchen: A variety of 2008 bumper stickers, including Hillary, Obama, Edwards, and a bunch of the purple Health Care Voter stickers.
In the Playroom: Four Priorities pie chart stickers, just tempting someone to stick them somewhere. And one Pie Chart flexible flying disk (I love collapsing it and popping it open).
On the back of my minivan: One traditional Edwards bumper sticker, one custom-made original "JRE=OMG" oval from Mike Alfoni, and one Priorities Pie Chart magnet.
And, lastly, my all-time favorite prize: On my wrist is my collectible Priorities Pie Chart Watch.
Of course, there are dozens of photos posted here and on Facebook that I will always treasure. Hell, it was Susie Whitlock who first demonstrated Facebook to me when she was on campus doing Advance work! But the best thing I can say I am walking away with is a greater understanding of and appreciation for the New Hampshire primary, and NH politics in general. A back-stage seat is better than the Front Row.
Thanks to everyone who has followed along with me, or physically tagged along (or were dragged along as the case may be). I had a blast. And to all the people I've met along the way, in person or virtually, thank you. Please, keep in touch!
Just three more years...
Bulletin Board: In my office, where I keep my button collection, I've added the "I'm In To Win" Hillary button, a huge Obama '08 one, and an assortment of Edwards', including one with a rainbow background, and one targeted at NH Educators.
Also above my desk I have the Bill Richardson 2008 All Star baseball card (on of my favorite pieces ever!), the Edwards Family Christmas Card, The GraniteRoots canvassing brochure (the two attached tree saplings are now growing in pots on my porch), and souvenir tickets to see Obama, Kucinich, and Dodd. There's also one postcard from the MTV/MySpace Presidential Dialogue with John Edwards. One press pass from the UNH GOP Fox Debates. AND, one original thank you note from Jack or Emma Claire Edwards.
On the bookshelf in my office, awaiting framing, is my large John Edwards sign, autographed.
On my bookshelf at home are two books: Stormy Weather by Dante Scala, not yet autographed, and Saving Graces, beautifully signed by the author, Elizabeth Edwards.
In my dresser: Two purple "I'm a Health Care Voter" t-shirts, one white John Edwards t-shirt, and one blue Carpenter's For Edwards long sleeved t-shirt.
In my cellar (we call them cellars here, not basements): Two Edwards lawn signs; the kids would not allow me to throw them away.
In the walls of my now remodeled kitchen: A variety of 2008 bumper stickers, including Hillary, Obama, Edwards, and a bunch of the purple Health Care Voter stickers.
In the Playroom: Four Priorities pie chart stickers, just tempting someone to stick them somewhere. And one Pie Chart flexible flying disk (I love collapsing it and popping it open).
On the back of my minivan: One traditional Edwards bumper sticker, one custom-made original "JRE=OMG" oval from Mike Alfoni, and one Priorities Pie Chart magnet.
And, lastly, my all-time favorite prize: On my wrist is my collectible Priorities Pie Chart Watch.
Of course, there are dozens of photos posted here and on Facebook that I will always treasure. Hell, it was Susie Whitlock who first demonstrated Facebook to me when she was on campus doing Advance work! But the best thing I can say I am walking away with is a greater understanding of and appreciation for the New Hampshire primary, and NH politics in general. A back-stage seat is better than the Front Row.
Thanks to everyone who has followed along with me, or physically tagged along (or were dragged along as the case may be). I had a blast. And to all the people I've met along the way, in person or virtually, thank you. Please, keep in touch!
Just three more years...
Thursday, January 10, 2008
PPD: Post Primary Depression
It feels a lot like the days after Christmas here now, when you take down the tree and decorations, and your house guests have all left. All the gifts are put away, and some of them you liked, some you didn't. You're stuck writing thank you notes anyway, smiling and saying "thank you." No more cards coming in the mail every day, no more holiday sales pitches on TV. Everyone goes back to work or school, and real life. The place seems empty and quiet. The quiet is good, but at first it takes some getting used to.
New Hampshire is cleaning up, and a whole bunch of people we've grown fond of are packing up and saying their good byes. I bet there are a lot of apartments for rent in Manchester now.
On Wednesday, I saw the former Deaniac and now-famous Edwards volunteer JJ driving around Dover, collecting Edwards signs from street corners and public places. He spotted my bumper sticker and started honking at me at the 5 way intersection, downtown. He's been an incredible and indefatigable motivator, volunteer, and supporter. He usually made appearances wearing is 2004 "I See Dean People" t-shirt; it's a great NH Primary souvenir. Now he can add some stand-up comedy to his resume. (I'm taking inventory of my own Primary Souvenirs and will list them later.)
The only signs left are those in front of private homes, like mine. Most in my neighborhood are still up. Last I checked, the big light-up Ron Paul sign was still up, too.
I drove by the Dover Edwards office and saw the cleaning up going on. The windows were cleaned off (we brought them window markers when they first moved it, and the kids and I loved driving by every day and seeing them in use). The sight broke my heart. But I didn't stop by to help. I'm sure the staff needs just to be alone with each other rather than having to smile & play nice for a supporter.
As far as my amateur analysis goes...that's still in the works. You might have to wait a bit for that.
New Hampshire is cleaning up, and a whole bunch of people we've grown fond of are packing up and saying their good byes. I bet there are a lot of apartments for rent in Manchester now.
On Wednesday, I saw the former Deaniac and now-famous Edwards volunteer JJ driving around Dover, collecting Edwards signs from street corners and public places. He spotted my bumper sticker and started honking at me at the 5 way intersection, downtown. He's been an incredible and indefatigable motivator, volunteer, and supporter. He usually made appearances wearing is 2004 "I See Dean People" t-shirt; it's a great NH Primary souvenir. Now he can add some stand-up comedy to his resume. (I'm taking inventory of my own Primary Souvenirs and will list them later.)
The only signs left are those in front of private homes, like mine. Most in my neighborhood are still up. Last I checked, the big light-up Ron Paul sign was still up, too.
I drove by the Dover Edwards office and saw the cleaning up going on. The windows were cleaned off (we brought them window markers when they first moved it, and the kids and I loved driving by every day and seeing them in use). The sight broke my heart. But I didn't stop by to help. I'm sure the staff needs just to be alone with each other rather than having to smile & play nice for a supporter.
As far as my amateur analysis goes...that's still in the works. You might have to wait a bit for that.
Now Serving!
Humble Pie: help yourself. There is plenty to go around.
First slice goes to me and my first real NH Primary campaign volunteering experience. I knew what we were up against from day one, and I'm sad that it didn't work out for Team Edwards in NH. No matter what's next, we can feel good about a respectful and respectable campaign. Edwards drove the agenda of this Democratic Primary, and put topics such as poverty, predatory lending, and NOLA into the campaign. I will be forever proud and grateful for that. But still humbled, I promise.
Next big serving goes to Clinton & Company. A 30 point lead can cause arrogance and untouchability, and some pretty annoying supporters. Iowa served up exactly what you all deserved. No matter what happens next, please remember that. Confidence is great, arrogance is unbecoming. You are still in the Primary, so quit acting like you've moved on to the general election already. A little humility might make your team a little more attractive. I expect you to set a better example for the youth voters; they won't be young forever!
Next slice: Team Obama. Ditto. NH can make you crazy; don't let it stop you, but by all means, play nice. It was wonderful to see youth so empowered but remember that you still need to respect your elders, respect your opponents, and if you are going to steal from others' stump speeches, please cite your sources. Also, please lay off anyone under the age of 30 who wasn't on your side. If we are all eventually going to come together after the convention, it will serve us well to show some empathy or at least, some class.
How you act in defeat shows just as much if not more about your character as how you act in victory.
First slice goes to me and my first real NH Primary campaign volunteering experience. I knew what we were up against from day one, and I'm sad that it didn't work out for Team Edwards in NH. No matter what's next, we can feel good about a respectful and respectable campaign. Edwards drove the agenda of this Democratic Primary, and put topics such as poverty, predatory lending, and NOLA into the campaign. I will be forever proud and grateful for that. But still humbled, I promise.
Next big serving goes to Clinton & Company. A 30 point lead can cause arrogance and untouchability, and some pretty annoying supporters. Iowa served up exactly what you all deserved. No matter what happens next, please remember that. Confidence is great, arrogance is unbecoming. You are still in the Primary, so quit acting like you've moved on to the general election already. A little humility might make your team a little more attractive. I expect you to set a better example for the youth voters; they won't be young forever!
Next slice: Team Obama. Ditto. NH can make you crazy; don't let it stop you, but by all means, play nice. It was wonderful to see youth so empowered but remember that you still need to respect your elders, respect your opponents, and if you are going to steal from others' stump speeches, please cite your sources. Also, please lay off anyone under the age of 30 who wasn't on your side. If we are all eventually going to come together after the convention, it will serve us well to show some empathy or at least, some class.
How you act in defeat shows just as much if not more about your character as how you act in victory.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
New Hamshire, I salute YOU!
To whine about being tired would be an insult to the candidates, staffers, volunteers, and press who worked way harder and way longer than I did over the last 12+ months. So first & foremost, I salute you all.
Oh, one final word. When I explained to the kids that John Edwards didn't win, Griffin said "he can try again tomorrow!" I love that optimism, he seems to be right on track with the campaign's strategy, too. Then I explained how it is time for other states to have their vote, then he asked "why can't every day be voting day?" My answer: "Because Justin needs to sleep." 
Well, my perfect streak continues! Since I moved to NH in 1988, I have never been on the winning team for a NH Primary. I guess my problem is that I'm too educated or "elitist"...pick your word. ;-)
My Primary Heroes this morning are of course John & Elizabeth Edwards. Their parents, children, and your dedicated staff. I also salute all the bloggers I met at Blue Hampshire and the John Edwards blog. The non-profit friends who track and record and gave us endless freebies and stickers to keep the kids occupied--Priorities, The Iraq Campaign, Health Care Voters--thanks for putting these issues front & center in NH. (I am still waiting for my ice cream prize: 42881).
Brian Lawson, you rock! Come to UNH for your Master's Degree!! Seriously, what you created was something that shows how important and accessible politics in New Hampshire Primary, and why we all love it. Tell me, did you do this all from your dorm room at Saint A's? And, how were your grades last semester (I do, after all, still work in academic affairs.)
Hats off to Dante Scala, as always. I sat in my car & listened to your town by town analysis before dragging myself into the mobbed and too loud Edwards party at 10:30pm. (I am too old for this!!) And, it's your fault I missed my exit going home & and ended up going south instead of east in the fog. After we both catch up on sleep and kids and work, lunch before students return. My treat.
I'm still gathering my thoughts on the outcome. Maybe after a few more diet cokes, I will be coherent enough to put them into print. For now, here are a few photos of the final hours with Team Edwards, Strafford County, and the 2008 New Hampshire Primary.
Oh, one final word. When I explained to the kids that John Edwards didn't win, Griffin said "he can try again tomorrow!" I love that optimism, he seems to be right on track with the campaign's strategy, too. Then I explained how it is time for other states to have their vote, then he asked "why can't every day be voting day?" My answer: "Because Justin needs to sleep."
Thanks again, everyone! Just three more year!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Check In: 4:00pm
What a gorgeous day in NH today! Great weather, overwhelming turn out, high energy, and loads of civic engagement.
I just finished up my afternoon of phone banking (at least until the general election, maybe). I had the list of supporters and leaners again, so it was a pretty good way to end my time as a Primary Activist. I thanked a lot of people for voting, no matter who they voted for. I met some fun people from out-of-state, and hung with some very loyal supporters I met this summer & fall.
The energy in the Dover Edwards office was excellent. I took a few pics which I will upload tomorrow. Folks are tired to be sure, but they never waivered. As I left they were gearing up for the visability for the evening commute (I need to go get my kids, feed them, etc.), and last minute GOTV for the working folks.
I've decided to drive to Manchester, which means I won't be on-line again until tomorrow.
So we shall see...New Hampshire: What Say You?
I just finished up my afternoon of phone banking (at least until the general election, maybe). I had the list of supporters and leaners again, so it was a pretty good way to end my time as a Primary Activist. I thanked a lot of people for voting, no matter who they voted for. I met some fun people from out-of-state, and hung with some very loyal supporters I met this summer & fall.
The energy in the Dover Edwards office was excellent. I took a few pics which I will upload tomorrow. Folks are tired to be sure, but they never waivered. As I left they were gearing up for the visability for the evening commute (I need to go get my kids, feed them, etc.), and last minute GOTV for the working folks.
I've decided to drive to Manchester, which means I won't be on-line again until tomorrow.
So we shall see...New Hampshire: What Say You?
Noonish check in from Team Edwards, Dover NH:
Turn out is unbelievable all over NH. And the first results are in off course. Dixville Notch, home of The Balsam's Resort (grand hotel) has a tradition of opening their polls at mid-night. They are a small town & everyone votes at that time. Well, the big news from my perspective is this: NO votes for Hillary on the Dem side. That's right, Obama 1st, EDWARDS 2nd!! This is by no means representative, but it sure is symbolic.
Back to Dover. I took the kids voting around 9am. As much as Annie likes Obama, she switched back to Edwards this morning. On the way to the polls we saw a sign for Duncan Hunter. Griffin said, "Who's that? I've never seen him!!" Listening to them today made me so proud. They understand that voting is important, that our leaders values matter, and that being in New Hampshire means you pay attention to what's going on in our country. I always get a little choked up when I take them voting. Then they start hiding in the curtains, and it's back to my regular mom-voice.
One of the many things I LOVE about voting in NH is that we do NOT use any electronic voting devices. Paper & a writing implement!! It used to be pencil, and was a big deal (to me anyway) when we went to felt-tip marker. At one point we drew a line to complete an arrow pointing at the chosen candidate. Now we fill in the oval, SAT style. What a feeling of satisfaction. I love handing it in, and marching over to the booth to change my status back to UNDECLARED immediately.
The Edwards office, BTW, was buzzing all morning with hoards of canvassers & callers. I had the good fortune of being assigned a call list of strong supporters and leaners. My calls were quick & upbeat: THANKS! My big news now is this: An NH group call "Draft Al Gore NH" decided to endorse EDWARDS.
At this rate, I am now, at 1:28pm, seriously considering driving to Manch-Vegas tonight to attend the Edwards Party. Hopefully, it will be a celebration!!
OK, back to my duties. See you tonight. Watch for us on TV.
Turn out is unbelievable all over NH. And the first results are in off course. Dixville Notch, home of The Balsam's Resort (grand hotel) has a tradition of opening their polls at mid-night. They are a small town & everyone votes at that time. Well, the big news from my perspective is this: NO votes for Hillary on the Dem side. That's right, Obama 1st, EDWARDS 2nd!! This is by no means representative, but it sure is symbolic.
Back to Dover. I took the kids voting around 9am. As much as Annie likes Obama, she switched back to Edwards this morning. On the way to the polls we saw a sign for Duncan Hunter. Griffin said, "Who's that? I've never seen him!!" Listening to them today made me so proud. They understand that voting is important, that our leaders values matter, and that being in New Hampshire means you pay attention to what's going on in our country. I always get a little choked up when I take them voting. Then they start hiding in the curtains, and it's back to my regular mom-voice.
One of the many things I LOVE about voting in NH is that we do NOT use any electronic voting devices. Paper & a writing implement!! It used to be pencil, and was a big deal (to me anyway) when we went to felt-tip marker. At one point we drew a line to complete an arrow pointing at the chosen candidate. Now we fill in the oval, SAT style. What a feeling of satisfaction. I love handing it in, and marching over to the booth to change my status back to UNDECLARED immediately.
The Edwards office, BTW, was buzzing all morning with hoards of canvassers & callers. I had the good fortune of being assigned a call list of strong supporters and leaners. My calls were quick & upbeat: THANKS! My big news now is this: An NH group call "Draft Al Gore NH" decided to endorse EDWARDS.
At this rate, I am now, at 1:28pm, seriously considering driving to Manch-Vegas tonight to attend the Edwards Party. Hopefully, it will be a celebration!!
OK, back to my duties. See you tonight. Watch for us on TV.
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