Hey everyone,

I attended the hearing yesterday. It was more or less a last minute decision (as I didn't find out I'd be coming in later that day until the day before-my internship hours are more or less flexible at this point at least). The Rayburn House building where the hearing took place is literally a block and a half from our offices, so I thought, why not?

Just getting into the hearing was quite an experience in and of itself! There was actually a line (not completely surprising I suppose given the very high profile nature of this Committee-though yesterday was more or less organizational in nature, aside of course from the very important opening statements), one that strecthed all the way down the hallway! So I was not completely sure until lierally minutes before it began whether or not I'd even get in. Glad I got there about an hour early!

When I got there, waiting first in line was the male counterpart of Code Pink, who not so politely informed me that "yes, this is the line, but you have to get to the back of it!" I get that they wanted to be front in center--as always--but still! They were going to get in anyway, no matter what..why the attitude? Unless they thought I was press (I had my ID "necklace" on for my internship as I was going in to work right after the hearing). But still--rude, IMO!

That was a precursor of sorts to what was to come towards the middle of the hearing. When the hearing commenced, the members of Code Pink (and everyone there) were informed that they had to put down their signs, per House rules. it seems at some point as the proceedings got under way, they slipped outside and a full protest formed, which, as those of you who have already watched or heard about the hearing know, was loud enough to temporary interrupt the entire thing. The look on JK's face (one that appeared, to me at least, to be one of mixed surprise and amusement ) as priceless! hehe It was also interesting how the clamor just happened to interrupt Republican Rep. Camp's statement, to the point where he conceeded to just issuing a print version of it onto his House website, rather than repeating it. But while I of course fully agree in regards to the need for "jobs now" and backlash to the GOP agenda, I'm not sure if the Code Pink approach is the way to go, but perhaps that's just my sour grapes from being snapped at (more or less) by one of its members beforehand, coupled with the fact that I heard one of them make not so nice jabs at JK before th hearing started (jibes about his 'yacht' and 'huge pension'..Freeper sounding much? HATE when fellow Progressives talk like them! *sigh*) Nevertheless, it was a moment!

All the Democrats on the panel gave great openings--most notably IMO Clyburn, Murray, Van Hollen) but the highlight for me of course was JK. Most of you have already seen his remarks I'm sure, but they were terrific--insightful, pragmatic, consistent, and on point, yet keeping true to our values as a party and the ones we need to reach for, as a nation. I especially appreciated the nod he gave to "the demands of history, the demands of the moment" and "bring the sick, the disabled, and the elderly" out of the shadows and adddressing education and the need not to "eat our seedcorn" (this, as I'm sure most of you have noticed, has been a theme of sorts for JK lately--he's referenced this line in all his recent MA townhalls. The girl next to me--a journalism student no less, from George Washington--smiled when he said it, so it must be getting through on some level! ). But my favorite was his line of "not downsizing the American Dream". Perfect, with all the talk of cuts, cuts, cuts the Republicans have been doing. It was also great how he referred to the "mission", the "charge" this panel is faced with. It is clear that JK (though it should be no surprise!) appreciates the magnitude of this moment. I am both thrilled and relieved that he was chosen and look forward to seeing what he does with this. I just hope it will be appreciated!

Here are some pictures I took, courtesy of "my trusty Blackberry". I apologize in advance for the not-so-stellar quality of them-the lighting in the chamber was far better suited for C-Span!:










Note JK's expression in last pic-taken during protest! lol


Also as an aside, check out the awesome photo in the hallway of the office I'm working out of! :

I had an AMAZING time!! JK was in top form--he really does seem to be in his element at and in Faneuil Hall, a place that of course holds so much history, both in general and for JK politically..and probably personally.

There was very good attendance at this town hall too and lots of people put in to ask questions! Not everyone got called this time (including me, but that's okay..I got my question in last time! ). There was quite a range of questions as MBS, Luftmensch, Democrafty, cadmium (sic? ) and others who were there can attest to, I am sure. Some of the questions from certain groups felt more like filibuster speeches than questions, lol, but JK handled them with class..and of course with an exception grasp on the issues at hand! I liked how he turned the tables on this one guy--who accused him of having an "Imperialist mindset" when it comes to Afghanistan and other foreign affairs --asking him what HE would do in his and Pres. Obama's situation, what his ideas, solutions would be. He did this in a respectful way, of course...but it made a point and was very effective, imo.

There were so many great statements made by the Senator this go around...this townhall only further confirmed to me (though I needed no convincing ) how much of a NATURAL the Senator is in this, the town hall setting! It has been filmed and I cannot wait to see it again, in its entireity! I also like how he called the 2000 election "the one that the Supreme Court decided" (or something to that effect) and again condemned the awful recent SC decision regarding corporate campaign donations. He was so on point, on a wide variety of issues..though Afghanistan and the economy were, not surprisingly, top bill during this town hall.










I also--thanks to a series of very fortunate, perhaps coincidental events and a very nice staff lady who I made a point to thank profusely afterwards (still not sure exactly what happened..I guess she saw the question I had written down..)! -I got to speak with JK right after the town hall wrapped up...and to give him a little thank you card of sorts I had brought with me, on the off chance of getting to pass it along to him, though I wasn't expecting to actually get to give it to him directly! It was just a little something to thank him for his leadership and for the inspiration he has given me and all of us. I also mentioned this site in the letter. That got me a hug..right after which this pic was taken:



I think I look awful in it, lol, but it's a terrific pic of the Senator...and such a special moment. I am still pinching myself! As I've said before..and as you all know..he is just so warm, so sincere..so REAL. I can't stress that enough, how many people just do NOT get it! At least more media were there this time. Maybe now this will get the recognition it deserves!

I also got my copy of his and Teresa's book, "This Moment on Earth" signed, thanks to a fellow supporter I went with to the event (whose s/n escapes me and I don't know offhand if they are comfortable with real names but they know who they are..thank you! ):




I just love that JK does so many events like this, even now, years out of another re-election campaign. He's the only Senator in this state, as far as I am concerned!

It was so great seeing those of you I saw while there and I so apologize if anyone else here was there and I missed you! But very glad more of us got to go this time. A real treat..and a privelidge!

I just got this petition in my e-mail. What do you all make of it?:

http://act.boldprogressives.org/survey/sur...

I signed because I feel strongly about the sentiment, though I have to admit that barring something else very extreme, Obama has my vote and support next year, no matter what. May sound desperate, but the alternative... But it is very disheartening that this sentiment is even out there in the first place, warranted or not. I personally think we all should wait and see what the President has to say first before jumping to conclusions, though it is worrisome that this is even being floated, IMO. I signed also because though I'm still willing to campaign for this President virtually no matter what--though the level of enthusiasm would admittedly be effected by something like this, if it's the way it's being made to sound--I believe it is vitally important that the White House hear from us on this, BEFORE any "damage is done". Though I do look forward to actually hearing what the President has to say about this. So much hype and speculation. A speech is absolutely necessary, IMO.

JK touched on this at the Waltham townhall, that Democrats need to be careful not to "get so caught up in the numbers that we forget the principals we were elected to fight for" (paraphrasing a bit offhand here, but that was the general sentiment of it). I absolutely agree!

But I'm curious to see what you all think of this?

I still really like and support this President, but I do wish he'd wake up to the reality that these people (the Tea Party types, etc) will NEVER be in his corner, no matter WHAT he does. What makes it all the more frustrating is that I really feel he has good intentions, I really do--but I hate that he is possibly risking his potential--which I feel is still really great--on a bunch of closeminded ideologues who will NEVER get it and not only that, have it out for him..PERSONALLY. I think that's sunken in to him much more than it did before the Health Care debate for example, but still I sense it in him. I just don't want him to lose the base over it..

Hey everyone ,

Yesterday's town hall event in Waltham was absolutely amazing! The forum was, like some of the articles done about the event in the press afterward pointed out, in a very intimate setting comparatively. They had a regular podium for JK set up on the stage--with the U.S Senate seal--but JK did not use it once! Instead he took to the seat set up right in the center of the room, alternating between that and walking around the front of the room as he was speaking. I was fortunate enough to get a really good aisle seat in the 3rd row so I was close enough to maintain eye contact pretty much the whole time (as a lot of you already know, JK has this really keen ability to personally connect with his audience in a way where he makes you feel he is talking to YOU--I don't get, again, the "aloof" meme at all!--and to get some really great pictures! I took a bunch,but here are my favorites:











There was a lottery for the question and answer portion of it and as luck would have it, I ended up having my number called, about mid way through! I had received many great ideas for questions from a lot of you on here and on Facebook and used them to come up with a more general question about the very recent budget "deal" (I wanted it to have flexibility/to be able to be added to in case someone asked it first!). But before doing so, I took the opportunity to compliment JK on the--I think I used these words, lol--"fantastic" floor speech he gave Friday, just before the shutdown was averted. I told him how much I and all who support him appreciate his service and that "Teddy would be proud". He beamed as he thanked me! I totally added in that part as I went along, lol, but it felt right, especially after JK had alluded to Teddy in his opening remarks. He gave a really thoughtful, detailed response to my question--about where the budget negotiations stood at this point, after the deal to prevent the shutdown--and what could and could not be negotiated. He had touched on that quite a bit before they got to my question--that, basically, he was not willing to balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens--but further emphasized that point in his response to me. He pointed out, however, that what was negotiated Friday was pretty much set, that this week and beyond starts a whole new set of battles. One being Paul Ryan's "Pathway to Prosperity", which JK so cleverly re-labeled, "The Pathway to Poverty"! You probably all already realized this long ago, but JK is absolutely PHENOMENAL in the townhall setting! He really shines in this format. VERY few of his remarks were prepared. Most were totally off the cuff as the questions came along and they varied greatly--though many were regarding the budget, a lot of other issues were covered--a lot of local issues pertaining to here in Massachusetts--health care, education, etc--everything from that to the current situation in Japan and of course, in Libya. And he was able to give a sharp, informed response to each and every single one. He's able to explain and expound on things so well, but in a way most anyone could understand and take in, even if they were not already previously following up on these issues. I really think that if he weren't already so awesomely fulfilling his role as Senator or in politics in general, he'd make for a terrific professor! No small wonder the Bush camp did not want to go against him in a town hall style debate in '04 (there wasn't one, was there?)...he absolutely excels in this format. Well in speeches and general debate too, but maybe here especially. Again I do NOT get this "cold", "aloof" meme. He is anything but! Yes of course it's rather intimidating getting up the nerve to ask a question in a forum like this--just because he is in the position he's in..and I admire him so much--but as most of you already know, he is such a friendly, warm, welcoming presence. There is NOTHING "arrogant" about him; he's very genuine. The people who buy into these memes just do not get it..because most of them have not seen it. I wish the media had let more people see him at these sort of events in '04!

He also made a lot of really great points about the Tea Party types, that they "do not connect the dots", that "facts just do not seem to matter to these people". But that we can beat them and groups like Citizens United with "people power". The only place I really differed with him was his position that they (the Tea Party) have "really legitimate concerns about the deficit", etc. He touched on this in the LKL interview he and Teresa did, about a year or so back. I really, really respect and admire him being so magnanimous towards them--and it's a great, gracious view for a leader to take especially--but I just can't find it within my heart or mind to give them that kind of credit. Where were they during the Bush years? But JK pointed that out, more or less, in his followup, pointing out that it's "just easier" to "blame the Government for everything" then it is to look into the facts, beyond the anger. He is absolutely correct on that count!

So I had an absolutely fantastic time! It was such a privilege to see him in this sort of setting! I'll never forget it!

I had the BEST time last night! The event was amazing! It ended up being in this nice little room at Whiskey park (which, as I ended up learning is not an actual park as I had been looking for when I first got off the subway, lol, but a restaurant inside the Park Plaza hotel...ah, I'm still a tourist, I guess! ) so we were really close up to JK, Vanessa, Christine Pelosi and everyone there! Vanessa didn't speak but JK and Christine did and both gave fantastic and very motivating speeches. JK was ON FIRE! He really came down hard on the Republican/Fox News/Tea party spin machine, the birthers, etc and emphaized the utter importance of us winning these elections and keeping the Senate and House. He was very frank and candid about the whole situation but also provided optimism and hope...and got us all fired up and ready to FIGHT!

Oh and I got to meet him on his way out!! It was kind of brief as I think he was flying back to DC right afterwards but it was amazing! He is so nice! Not that I didn't think he would be, lol, but he is just so down to earth and approachable and is very generous with his time and focus. He is really attentive when he is talking to you and gives you his full attention, eye contact, etc. I forget exactly what I said as I was so caught in the moment and surprised (as I really didn't expect to meet him the first time out), lol, but I said something like "Hello, Senator" and introduced myself and he said something like "Hi, Tara, it's nice to meet you" and shook my hand!! I said something about being new to the area and being so glad to have him for my senator now and he thanked me. Jennifer (Democrafty) was there with me--so great to have gotten to meet you and your husband!--and we were going to try to get a pic with him but it happened so fast! lol. Ah well..next time. But she's my witness! hehe

I also got a chance to meet a lot of local area young Dems, signed up for a phone bank the weekend before the election, etc. I definitely felt a sense of momentum, of "we can do this" at the event. I mean I think everyone recognizes the very critical moment and point we are at now, but I definitely feel a shift and think that if we do indeed GOTV, we can pull this off! *crosses fingers*

A truly unforgettable night. Feels great to be getting more involved here locally. Looking forward to attending more--including the Obama rally Saturday --and meeting more of you soon!

or at least that "Celebration" song (Though I have to admit, it is overplayed/used ), LOL. But on a serious note, the vid he refers to is right on (as he points out in his latest tweet):

Friend emailed this, speaks volumes, though spare me the music: http://bit.ly/a7vPzu
24 minutes ago via web

And proud to have this be my 1,000th post on DU and on this day, especially!

..I found this on Chuck Todd's Twitter (of all places, since I think he has been disgustingly obvious about his bias--seemingly for Brown--in this race and/or wanting to give the WH/Dems a hard time ). I count 6 for Coakley, 3 for Brown. This is really encouraging if Twitter is any kind of an indicator that is( and with how increasingly popular a medium it seems to be, I sense that it just might be). :

http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com /

I SERIOUSLY hope these folks (many in the so-called 'liberal media'..) shilling for Brown get egg on their face tonight....

How dare she attack a decorated war hero who literally risked his life for his country this way, WILLFULLY disregarding the full and actual context of the actual quote to make her little (and very worn...you could find this very same thing on most any Freeper thread about him) "point"? How unprofessional! And I'm sorry, but until she gives even half the service to this country (not only militarily , but in terms of public service...I'm sorry, but the man has served multiple terms and was very, very nearly elected President and is a very imporant statesman and essentially a diplomat; she quit in the middle of her first term), she's not even nearly in the same league as he is, not even fit to fill his baby shoes! She wants to talk about respect for military service? Well, Ms. Sarah, what about the fact that he was over there putting his life on the line for his country and the men on that boat while you were still in Kindergarten? Oh wait, I forgot..you only ever get credit for that if you are a Republican.

I have to say, though I always kinda got this vibe about her, I'm still rather taken aback at just how nasty and petty she's being with this book. I've never seen another political figure, Democrat, Republican, or otherwise personally attack other politicians, campaign workers, etc in their memoirs like she has. I'm sorry, but she does herself absolutely no favors with this and only serves to further prove her critics' points about her.

I mean, it's bad enough she called him an "elitist" (that's honestly so worn out of a label that it's like "whatever.."), but a "loon"? SO personally ugly, not to mention astonishingly unprofessional and direspectful. Plus she doesn't even include an index in her book. Seems like a cop out to me, considering all the name dropping she does within it..


The more she pulls stuff like this, the more she marginalizes herself. I frankly think she makes a lot of her own enemies...



That said, I look forward to seeing her being utterly trounced (again) in '12.

Excellent work by the Senator as always! I thought it was brilliant especially how he pointed out that even if we end up being "wrong" on this issue, the worst that would happen would be a cleaner environment and more jobs...but if the other side is wrong (as I think we all firmly believe they are), and that side wins out, it would mean the further destruction of the planet.

I also thought it was cute how he talked about "going from Kerry to Jonas". Personally, I prefer Kerry.

John Kerry is pretty damn cool in his own right. Maybe not in the way Presidents Obama or Clinton are, but hey.. :









I mean, how many Republicans do you catch doing all that? (Okay, maybe Huckabee with the guitar thing, lol, but c'mon!).

But seriously, the rest of your OP was right on. Although it is pretty entertaining to watch them try.

after watching Barack's speech in Philadelphia and then the event with the Bidens in Delaware. It just all seems to be sinking in for me, that all the endless hours of phonebanking, canvassing, rally and debate watching, poll tracking , etc, etc ( not to mention these past eight, long years..)have all led up to this, this incredibly beautiful moment for America and her history. I'm overwhelmed. I'm going to be a mess on Tuesday! LOL.

Of course, he should've been president (Hillary's freudian slip yesterday was right on..LOL), but he seems to naturally fit this position, too. And he totally deserves it. A natural born leader. I will always be so proud he was my first POTUS vote!

I just couldn't take it anymore. So I voted early today, at my campus! Now I usually don't do this, lol, but the campaign has really been pushing early voting and the on campus place is more convenient than my regular polling place (especially in the dry cold that is, believe it or not, Arizona in November in the early mornings..which is pretty much the best time to vote here in Tucson if you want to avoid the lines.. ) and it's not like I'm going to change my mind between now and November 4th, LOL, so I figured 'why the hell not'? It just feels so good to have already done it, makes this *knock on wood, but still...* great wave we are currently riding seem all the more real, you know? Plus you get this nifty little "I voted early" sticker, which I will place in the the little scrapbook I intend to make of this campaign after all is said and done.

But whenever you all decide to vote is up to you..and it's all important, just so long as you VOTE!