1) Success on the GOP Debate Volunteering Project: I'll be doing some work at press credentialing. (Someone emailed me back, finally. thanks, Media Relations!)
2) I've been invited to an Edwards supporter meeting in Dover on Saturday. Elizabeth Edwards is scheduled to be there.
Have a good long weekend, everyone!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Carter on Edwards
The big news on the street (or maybe just the blogs) is that former President Jimmy Carter all but formally endorsed John Edwards yesterday:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2007/08/30/carter_likes_edwards.html
Some are arguing whether this is a good thing or not. To me, it's confirmation that JRE's policies are strong and viable.
I've always liked Jimmy Carter and felt that he was under appreciated as president, and has set a very high bar as to what should be done in the post-Whitehouse years. But I read his book, Peace Not Apartheid, this summer, and was ready to quit my job to work for the Carter Center after that (well not really, but close). I know it's a very controversial book, but I felt like it finally told the full story of the middle east...from both sides. It took courage to write it, and I admire that kind of courage.
What's most interesting to me about this almost-endorsement is that there is a New Hampshire connection. Did you catch that in my last post? Who got Carter on the map from being a nobody to winning in NH? And who is running Hillary's campaign now?
Al Gore has made similar, almost but not quite endorsing John Edwards. Now I know I picked the right candidate. Another man I greatly admire who was misunderstood and undervalued while he was in office, rising out of political defeat to continue to fight the good fight. Gosh, I'm a sucker for that!
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2007/08/30/carter_likes_edwards.html
Some are arguing whether this is a good thing or not. To me, it's confirmation that JRE's policies are strong and viable.
I've always liked Jimmy Carter and felt that he was under appreciated as president, and has set a very high bar as to what should be done in the post-Whitehouse years. But I read his book, Peace Not Apartheid, this summer, and was ready to quit my job to work for the Carter Center after that (well not really, but close). I know it's a very controversial book, but I felt like it finally told the full story of the middle east...from both sides. It took courage to write it, and I admire that kind of courage.
What's most interesting to me about this almost-endorsement is that there is a New Hampshire connection. Did you catch that in my last post? Who got Carter on the map from being a nobody to winning in NH? And who is running Hillary's campaign now?
Al Gore has made similar, almost but not quite endorsing John Edwards. Now I know I picked the right candidate. Another man I greatly admire who was misunderstood and undervalued while he was in office, rising out of political defeat to continue to fight the good fight. Gosh, I'm a sucker for that!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Back to Caller ID!!
Ah, I think I just keep going in circles...
Last night the phone rang around 8pm or so. Stacey picked up the phone, "It's from Shaheen & Gordon" and handed it to me to answer. In case you are from out of state, let me give you the background. Shaheen is Bill Shaheen, husband of our former Governor Jeanne Shaheen, and legendary NH Primary consultant. He brought success (if not victory) to Carter, Hart, B. Clinton, and Gore. Now he's running HRC's campaign in NH & co-chair nationally. His law office is in downtown Dover, a block or 2 past the Edwards' regional office. And daily I drive by him, too (and sometimes there are Hillary signs on the door, sometimes not). So it was with curiosity that I answered the phone.
The woman asked for me by name rather than Stacey. This surprised me because I've talked with their phone bankers before and identified myself as supporting AND volunteering for Edwards. They must not use the same voter tracking software the Edwards Team uses, because I know that the Edwards team would know who was working for whom and wouldn't call back. The woman identified herself and asked me if I would like to come down to the office and help out. So I politely declined (I'm a whole lot nicer now that I've done phone banking myself), and told her I was volunteering for JRE. She thanked me for letting me know and didn't ask for Stacey; just hung up.
What's weird to me is that I was recently just listed on a public list of Edwards supporters. That was on a press release AND posted at NH Prez Watch (along with a lovely link to this blog, thanks to Cosmo). Plus I'm often on Blue Hampshire, singing my candidates praises. I'm not a suspicious person by nature (too trusting, Stacey would say), but I have a little feeling that she was checking up on the list. This is because I read on the JRE blog that a bunch of caucus goers in Iowa, who were similarly publicly listed as supporting Edwards, received calls from HRC's campaign, confirming that the Edwards campaign is listing them with their permission. Several Iowans posted this as their personal experience a few months ago. Hmm, so I'm back to mulling over caller ID again, and why, if I am registered as Undeclared, only HRC's camp calls me. (However, Rudy sent me mail last week, touting his credentials as fiscally conservative.)
Back at UNH, I'm desperately trying to volunteer for the RNC debates next week. For the first time, I was told thanks but no thanks! WHAT? Are there so many young republicans at UNH that they are all set? Impossible, I say, given that students aren't even on campus yet (classes begin TUESDAY and the debate is WEDNESDAY!). I drove around the Whitt yesterday, poking around for signs of imported AC or other life. Nothing. This seems a bit odd to me. But I'm not giving up on getting into the media center or somewhere. Maybe not a Front Row Seat this time, but that's ok. I just like watching the feeding frenzy that is our political process. I do feel bad for political junkies who don't live in this state. I could never do it.
Last night the phone rang around 8pm or so. Stacey picked up the phone, "It's from Shaheen & Gordon" and handed it to me to answer. In case you are from out of state, let me give you the background. Shaheen is Bill Shaheen, husband of our former Governor Jeanne Shaheen, and legendary NH Primary consultant. He brought success (if not victory) to Carter, Hart, B. Clinton, and Gore. Now he's running HRC's campaign in NH & co-chair nationally. His law office is in downtown Dover, a block or 2 past the Edwards' regional office. And daily I drive by him, too (and sometimes there are Hillary signs on the door, sometimes not). So it was with curiosity that I answered the phone.
The woman asked for me by name rather than Stacey. This surprised me because I've talked with their phone bankers before and identified myself as supporting AND volunteering for Edwards. They must not use the same voter tracking software the Edwards Team uses, because I know that the Edwards team would know who was working for whom and wouldn't call back. The woman identified herself and asked me if I would like to come down to the office and help out. So I politely declined (I'm a whole lot nicer now that I've done phone banking myself), and told her I was volunteering for JRE. She thanked me for letting me know and didn't ask for Stacey; just hung up.
What's weird to me is that I was recently just listed on a public list of Edwards supporters. That was on a press release AND posted at NH Prez Watch (along with a lovely link to this blog, thanks to Cosmo). Plus I'm often on Blue Hampshire, singing my candidates praises. I'm not a suspicious person by nature (too trusting, Stacey would say), but I have a little feeling that she was checking up on the list. This is because I read on the JRE blog that a bunch of caucus goers in Iowa, who were similarly publicly listed as supporting Edwards, received calls from HRC's campaign, confirming that the Edwards campaign is listing them with their permission. Several Iowans posted this as their personal experience a few months ago. Hmm, so I'm back to mulling over caller ID again, and why, if I am registered as Undeclared, only HRC's camp calls me. (However, Rudy sent me mail last week, touting his credentials as fiscally conservative.)
Back at UNH, I'm desperately trying to volunteer for the RNC debates next week. For the first time, I was told thanks but no thanks! WHAT? Are there so many young republicans at UNH that they are all set? Impossible, I say, given that students aren't even on campus yet (classes begin TUESDAY and the debate is WEDNESDAY!). I drove around the Whitt yesterday, poking around for signs of imported AC or other life. Nothing. This seems a bit odd to me. But I'm not giving up on getting into the media center or somewhere. Maybe not a Front Row Seat this time, but that's ok. I just like watching the feeding frenzy that is our political process. I do feel bad for political junkies who don't live in this state. I could never do it.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Bus Tour, Grand Finale
The John Edwards Bus Tour finally made its way to the Seacoast this weekend, and I decided to catch up with it at the final stop, in Portsmouth.First let me say I expected the staffers to look like hell, honestly. Or at least to look like they have hardly slept because I know they haven't. But they didn't. Not in the least. They were as bright eyed as always, friendly too. Cheerful, helpful with the kids, eager to sign folks up.
I confess I didn't hear too much of the actual event because I had the kids again. So if you need the real rundown, visit Blue Hampshire or the JRE NH site. Lately, my twins seem to be able to sit still and entertain themselves for about 4 minutes (I think it's these outdoor events that give the illusion that this is a garden party). Anyway, I hung in the back with them & their pal, and the staffers, mostly to allow the other parents the chance to really listen without their daughter interrupting them, too. That's how I got this shot of the 3 kids alone in front of the bus.
What I did catch was great, of course. John Edwards was wearing his signature faded blue jeans and white button down shirt. (No blazer, too hot!) Excellent questions, thorough answers. Great sized crowd, beautiful location. Lots of families on blankets or in lawn chairs; Elizabeth noted in her introduction how many Voters In Training were there as her own bolted off stage. I still contend that this is really the most kid-friendly candidate, and campaign!
The funniest moment of the event for me was when a sailboat in the harbor was passing right behind Senator Edwards. It was going under the Memorial Bridge. I wish I had gotten a picture: the flag on the boat was a black skull & crossbones. Was it not fitting that a pirate ship was in the background as JRE's talking about taking back the government, how the constitution has been hi-jacked during the Bush years?? Aye, maties!
Anyway, Elizabeth stole the show for me. She looked terrific in a green sweater that was one of those greens that almost no one can pull off (well, certainly not me!). She did look better than the last two times I've seen her up close--sporting a new haircut which is very flattering. She looks so comfortable in her own skin, well rested & unhurried; impressive 
for someone finishing up a bus tour, never mind someone with cancer too! I mananged to pass off the kiddos to get my book autographed by Elizabeth at the end. Staffers urged me not to be shy & nudged me in. She was chit-chatting in such a relaxed manner as she signed posters and posed for photos. Everyone was complimenting her penmanship (great, consistent slant, lovely lines & curves). She makes her capital E just like my 8th grade English teacher did, and I've been trying to emulate them since 1978! She remarked that she often gets asked if she attended catholic schools (no, military schools mostly overseas). I also used the opportunity to tell her what a terrific group of young people they have on staff in the state, and how they are such a good refleciton of the values and heart of the candidate. Of course, she agreed. Then she was gently shuttled back to the tour bus.
for someone finishing up a bus tour, never mind someone with cancer too! I mananged to pass off the kiddos to get my book autographed by Elizabeth at the end. Staffers urged me not to be shy & nudged me in. She was chit-chatting in such a relaxed manner as she signed posters and posed for photos. Everyone was complimenting her penmanship (great, consistent slant, lovely lines & curves). She makes her capital E just like my 8th grade English teacher did, and I've been trying to emulate them since 1978! She remarked that she often gets asked if she attended catholic schools (no, military schools mostly overseas). I also used the opportunity to tell her what a terrific group of young people they have on staff in the state, and how they are such a good refleciton of the values and heart of the candidate. Of course, she agreed. Then she was gently shuttled back to the tour bus. And we got back into our wagon and headed back to Dover. A few folks took pictures of our Wagon Tour For One America wagon on the way out. If you caught that, send me the picture.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Back To School, NH Style
I am back at work now, pretty much for good. I spent a few hours going through mail & email, but the best part of being back was catching up on gossip. Some unexpected departures, some new arrivals including another new President. I had the chance to meet him Thursday and was pleasantly surprised.
Best gossip of the day was that there was a meeting taking place regarding the upcoming GOP debate to be held at the UNH Whittemore Center, Sept 5th. My sources were telling me that the RNC & Fox et al weren't happy that the Whitt is not air conditioned. Silly UNH; this is a practically brand new facility and they build it without central air. No wonder it hasn't turned a profit yet! (And no wonder Saint Anselm's holds more debates!) But who needs AC for ice hockey? How short sighted. Anyway, the scoop is that UNH is bringing in big, portable and temporary AC for the debates (and the prep days before). At whose cost, I do not know. All I know is that with all that hot air in the room, they are sure going to need it! (Sorry, DJS, I stole your line but it's oh so true.)
In other campus news, the MUB is going thru it's annual start up spruce up. And, this year that means the displaying of their "First In The Nation" photos. This time around there are some new additions (it's been up before, most recently last winter). It's located just in the main entrance, near the info desk. I was happy to see photos from Edwards' visit to UNH this winter, and Obama's, right along side the oldies but goodies: Clintons, Bushes, Gore, Kerry, Reagan, JFK, RFK, Jessie Jackson and a few others. For me, this display was the best back-to-school gift I could get. Well, that and the news that the UNH Dairy Bar is opening up an outpost in the MUB. The view out my office window gets better every year!
Best gossip of the day was that there was a meeting taking place regarding the upcoming GOP debate to be held at the UNH Whittemore Center, Sept 5th. My sources were telling me that the RNC & Fox et al weren't happy that the Whitt is not air conditioned. Silly UNH; this is a practically brand new facility and they build it without central air. No wonder it hasn't turned a profit yet! (And no wonder Saint Anselm's holds more debates!) But who needs AC for ice hockey? How short sighted. Anyway, the scoop is that UNH is bringing in big, portable and temporary AC for the debates (and the prep days before). At whose cost, I do not know. All I know is that with all that hot air in the room, they are sure going to need it! (Sorry, DJS, I stole your line but it's oh so true.)
In other campus news, the MUB is going thru it's annual start up spruce up. And, this year that means the displaying of their "First In The Nation" photos. This time around there are some new additions (it's been up before, most recently last winter). It's located just in the main entrance, near the info desk. I was happy to see photos from Edwards' visit to UNH this winter, and Obama's, right along side the oldies but goodies: Clintons, Bushes, Gore, Kerry, Reagan, JFK, RFK, Jessie Jackson and a few others. For me, this display was the best back-to-school gift I could get. Well, that and the news that the UNH Dairy Bar is opening up an outpost in the MUB. The view out my office window gets better every year!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Primary Obsessions
First, let me welcome to any new readers that have found their way to me via NH PrezWatch. I invite you to read my initial posts to get a feel for who I am & why I'm blogging. I intended to be neutral (I'm always slow to decide on the primary) but a handshake from John Edwards changed all that back in January. Anyway...back to my primary obsessions.
I'm letting go of my obsession over two things: out-of-staters working in in NH for the primary, and caller ID. As my cousin in Rome says, "Lemme 'splain":
I have to admit that I had a little bit of an attitude back in the spring regarding all the out-of-staters bombarding our turf, phone banking and canvassing, showing up at local meetings, trying too hard and being too friendly, with their accents and their obvious lack of knowledge of the granite state. I now humbly admit I was a little harsh, and can see their value. Truth be told, they are here to do a job that locals can't do because we're too busy with life and work! All campaign staffers work unbelievable hours and they can because they aren't distracted by family & friends, beaches and concerts, kids and school. They don't have time to have fun or put down roots. They've got people to meet, events to plan, emails to return, calls to make. So, a salute to the newest granite staters. I hope some of you like it enough to stick around or enroll in UNH, or at least stay in touch.
Now, on to caller ID. Is having a candidate's name on the caller ID a good thing or bad? Would the UNH survey center be well served by getting a UNH ID or not? I decided not to worry any more. I worked a phone bank last night. Unlike my last attempt, this time we didn't use staffers cell phones (with "John Edwards for President" on the ID). We used landlines...is it a coincidence that more people actually picked up, and I had a less disastrous experience? Or was it just easier to call when I had a great event to plug (JRE at Prescott Park, Sunday at 5:30pm!)? Oh well, I guess I just got tired of worrying about it.
So, what's my new obsession--because I couldn't just drop these without something new to chew on? Lists. These public lists of registered voters that any campaign can get. They provide name, address, phone, sex, age (though NOT reliable given how many people over the age of 100 I chatted with last night), party affliation (D, R, or U--undeclared). Are these really the only folks who vote? Or the only ones who campaigns call? Everyone is over the age of 50 it seems. Where are the young professionals, the recent graduates, the 30 somethings?? Are they too transient to show up on the roll? Are they not registered (yet)? And, therefore, are all the campaigns all calling the same cohort or retirees, and missing a huge chunck of likely voters?
At about 8pm last night I decided not to call anyone over the age of 40 and guess what? I couldn't find anyone in my pile to call! This is my shout to you readers, age 18-40: Get out there and REGISTER TO VOTE! I don't care what party (I highly recommend U!). I don't even care if you screen your calls or hang up on me (well, I hope not but I'm learning not to take it personally). Just please tell me that this next election matters to you!!
I'm letting go of my obsession over two things: out-of-staters working in in NH for the primary, and caller ID. As my cousin in Rome says, "Lemme 'splain":
I have to admit that I had a little bit of an attitude back in the spring regarding all the out-of-staters bombarding our turf, phone banking and canvassing, showing up at local meetings, trying too hard and being too friendly, with their accents and their obvious lack of knowledge of the granite state. I now humbly admit I was a little harsh, and can see their value. Truth be told, they are here to do a job that locals can't do because we're too busy with life and work! All campaign staffers work unbelievable hours and they can because they aren't distracted by family & friends, beaches and concerts, kids and school. They don't have time to have fun or put down roots. They've got people to meet, events to plan, emails to return, calls to make. So, a salute to the newest granite staters. I hope some of you like it enough to stick around or enroll in UNH, or at least stay in touch.
Now, on to caller ID. Is having a candidate's name on the caller ID a good thing or bad? Would the UNH survey center be well served by getting a UNH ID or not? I decided not to worry any more. I worked a phone bank last night. Unlike my last attempt, this time we didn't use staffers cell phones (with "John Edwards for President" on the ID). We used landlines...is it a coincidence that more people actually picked up, and I had a less disastrous experience? Or was it just easier to call when I had a great event to plug (JRE at Prescott Park, Sunday at 5:30pm!)? Oh well, I guess I just got tired of worrying about it.
So, what's my new obsession--because I couldn't just drop these without something new to chew on? Lists. These public lists of registered voters that any campaign can get. They provide name, address, phone, sex, age (though NOT reliable given how many people over the age of 100 I chatted with last night), party affliation (D, R, or U--undeclared). Are these really the only folks who vote? Or the only ones who campaigns call? Everyone is over the age of 50 it seems. Where are the young professionals, the recent graduates, the 30 somethings?? Are they too transient to show up on the roll? Are they not registered (yet)? And, therefore, are all the campaigns all calling the same cohort or retirees, and missing a huge chunck of likely voters?
At about 8pm last night I decided not to call anyone over the age of 40 and guess what? I couldn't find anyone in my pile to call! This is my shout to you readers, age 18-40: Get out there and REGISTER TO VOTE! I don't care what party (I highly recommend U!). I don't even care if you screen your calls or hang up on me (well, I hope not but I'm learning not to take it personally). Just please tell me that this next election matters to you!!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
My Obsession with Signage
I know it's silly, but I do have an obsession with political signs & bumper stickers. I love them, I collect them. Many have a place of honor in my office, and some in my home, underneath drywall & insulation, for posterity. And, of course, my only autographed sign is right next to me as I type.
This entry is about office signage, particularly with the Hillary office in Dover. It's making me crazy!!
I drive down Chestnut Street in Dover four or five times a day. This road is home to both the Hillary & the Edwards campaign offices for the region. They are about a half mile apart. Since Hillary moved into town, I've noticed something odd with her signs. Sometimes they are up, sometimes not. Sometimes they are on the chain link fence around the building, sometimes they are on the wooden railing on the steps or ramp, or on the door. Yesterday, one was in the road. Today, there were 4 of one type (basic Hillary sign) and one of another ("Clinton Country"). Sometimes there are 5 of them, sometimes fewer. Most days they are one way when I leave town and another way when I come back through an hour or so later. Never are they in the windows hung from inside; always out in the elements. Always regular cardboard campaign signs. Nothing signifying the building as the HQ, so you could easily think it's just the home of an extreme supporter (like the humungous Ron Paul sign on Silver Street). Make up your mind, before I lose mine!!
What else is new in the Granite State? Lots of traffic, but I'm sorta in low gear until school starts up. Then I can see everyone in the MUB at UNH without having to fight traffic or drag the kids along.
But, in the meantime, there is this from the Edwards camp: Save the Date - "Fighting for One America" Bus Tour thru the Granite State, Aug 23-26, 2007 .
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