East Bay Kerry

Now It Begins...

Yesterday, John Kerry accepted the Presidential nomination of the Democratic Party, with John Edwards as his running-mate. They can't, however, do this alone. We're all in the same boat. Now it's official. 3 months to the election. Volunteer. Get active. Now it begins.

Report from Boston - 7/29

Is this it? Really? Kerry accepts the nomination tonight, and here's Heather's latest (and last?) post from Boston?

Hi all:

This may be our final blog, but after tonight, hat more is there to say really?

Emily are so tired from lack of sleep and celebrity overload, we can't say for sure - but we THINK yesterday was the least energizing day in the hall. Al SHarpton was fantasitc and really got the crowd fired up. The Edwardses were way cute, but at our delegate breakfast this AM, Willie Brown said he felt that Edwards wasn't really his fiery self last night, and that the Dems need to let the candidates (and their wives!) be themselves. Da Mayor commended the sincerity of Teresa's speech, which really made us Teresa-lovers feel good.

Josh Richman, our Oakland Trib reporter, had a chance to talk to Gray Davis last night, and asked him what was the high point of the DNC for him. It wasn't Clinton or the fabulous parties. Davis said that he was most struck by Ilana, that he was so PROUD that she was a Californian. Way cool. In fact, Miss W had a little article in the New York Times today - check it out. She's speaking at a rally in half an hour. THen hopefully she gets to go home to prepare for 7th grade!

In the crowd last night: HBO's Cynthia Nixon and Larry David, Harry Shearer and ROb REiner. Also seen about (but not by me): John Cusack, Alec Baldwin, Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker.

After party at the Science Museum last night. Steve Wesley - little guy, big dancer.

WE have been instructed to go to the hall by 5 today. Seats are becoming more and more difficult to find and keep. If you leave, you're taking a risk. The noise/drone is deafeneing, even during big name speeches.

We are so excited that our guy - the guy they all said was dead - is accepting the nomination tonight and we are with you all in spirit. Wish you were here (for real). Have an awesome time tonight and see you back in Oakland!

H & E

Contra Costa Kerry Blogs the Convention

Nancy Painter, Charlie Bliss, and Sandy Ruliffson report from Boston. A few quotes:

James Wasser spoke eloqently of Kerry as a leader and ended by saying if Kerry called and said he had one more Swift boat mission and he was taking it to Hell, he would have a full crew.

The security is extraordinary, which allows me to feel safe, but also very weird. Is this my country, w/all the troops on the roof tops, the helicopters always hovering above, the police on horseback in long rows, and the airport-like checks at every entrance to anything? We cannot continue to do this as a nation or we will soon go broke.

Report from Boston - 7/28

And still more from our intrepid blogger at the Convention, Heather Pegas:

Hi Again:

I'm beginning to see how blogging turns into an obsessive habit! Right now, the CA and FL delegations are off seeing the Lion King (on stage here in Boston). After subsisting on about 4 hours of sleep per night, I decided to take the day off from the speeches, sturm and drang to nap and work out instead. Per Emily, this lifestyle is "not sustainable." Ah well, hakuna matata. (Nobody seems to find this funny but me!)

Also, I realized I forgot to share some CA news from yesterday's delegate breakfast. State Treasurer Phil Angelides (an early Kerry endorser) gave a substantive and passionate speech attacking the Govenator's various policies. In fact, he all but walked up to Arnold and punched him in the nose! So, we get the sense he'll be declaring his intention to run for governor soon....

I'm sure you all saw Ilana last night. She essentially slayed. What a darling child! The whole Fleet errupted at at least 3 points during her speech. I heard that she was interviewed by Biff Henderson (free-roaming stage hand) for Late Night with David Letterman, but I'm not clear whether that ran last night or will run tonight. She was interviewed on FNC's Fox and Friends this AM. Apprently, they treated her well. For this, at least, I give them credit.

The other big star of the evening was Barack Obama. It's easy to see why they can't find anyone to run against him. I've hear the latest potential candidate being floated is.... Ted Nugent? Not joking. Michael Lysobey turned to me during his speech and started counting on his fingers ... Then he said, "So what you want to bet in 20 years this is our first African American President?" I'd been thinking the very same thing.

Letter that evening Ki Ebersol from SF somehow scored tix to the Obama after party, so several of us attended that. It actually sounds more gratifying than it was. Loud, crowded... but with that unmistakable aura of victory.

Teresa's speech was also incredibly well-received. I thought she was just beautiful and teared up at several points during it. Unfortunately, the media persists in its pursuit of shallowness. Some nit reporter from ET stood in front of the CA section during the speech. His opening line? "John Kerrry supports his wife's use of the term 'shove it.' " David Bliss, Emily and I considered what we could throw at him. A comfortable walking shoe? A decorative CA paperweight? We restrained ourselves in the end. Dulcy's husband Tom called later to say that CNN had compared Teresa's speaking style unfavorably to Laura Bush's. WHich seems much like comparing apples to baclava. But that's our liberal media.

Kristin called to say that PBS was stuck on Emily and I during this speech, and that I needed to smile more! I do remember one point when this camera man seemed fixated on us. I think it was during a serious moment, and I also was not happy that he was there. A high school friend called to say that she had seen me lciking my teeth with my tongue. That's fantastic.

Also funny, Chris, a freind of Ben and Jess's, was volunteering outside the Fleet driving guests in a golf cart. He apparently drove Eunice Kennedy and we asked him what he said to her: "Quite some family you've got there."

And of course, the big news from our delegation was the engagement of Jess to Ben, covered by at least 4 papers and ABC radio. Half the CA delegation errupted in appause afterwards. Ben and Jess are REALLY happy, but when CNN called for an interview this AM, Jess said that it was a private moment and enough was enough. Very grounded girl.

OK, so on to tonight - The Edwardses. It seems like every night of the convention keeps surpassing the previous - incredible - so we just can't wait. DiFi gives the nominating speech at 5:45 EST.

More tomorrow everyone. Thanks so much for all your e-mail. This convention is a kick, but it's really special to be able to share my perspective on it with you!

Heather

Oakland Blog at the Convention

Heather isn't the only one blogging from the Convention. The Oakland Tribune's own Josh Richman has his own blog, which seems to be updated pretty darn regularly.

This is absolutely my favorite part so far:

At 7:08 p.m., alternate delegate Ben Kmetz of Oakland whispers into the ear of his girlfriend of six years, Jessica Hilgart, whom he met when both were volunteers on a political campaign in their native Minnesota. Then he sinks to one knee and produces a diamond ring; her hands go to her mouth in amazement, and an engagment begins. They're soon beset by a crowd of television and still cameras. (But those cameras arrive a bit late... you'll see the moment captured in this Sunday's editions of ANG Newspapers.)

"I've been waiting for a long time, but I'm very happy," Jess says, composure quickly regained. "I was hoping it would happen here."

Ben 'fesses up that he's planned this for about two months, but only just called Jess' dad in Minnesota moments before to ask his blessing, which he got. Jess nods, understanding completely: "My dad can't keep a secret for anything."

Congratulations to East Bay for Kerry-Edwards'ers, Ben and Jess!!!

Report from Boston - 7/27

Heather keeps us informed of all the secrets and inner-working of the Convention:

Hi again:

Found another OC delegate with a computer right down the hall! People are so lovely here.

OK, so you all saw Bill and Hill last night. What can I add to THAT? I guess i CAN say that the feeling in the hall after that was that this election is in the bag, there was that much enthusiasm and, well glee, really. But we do NOT want to get cocky.

The convention floor is a wacky place. You can sit in front of the CNN booth and pretend you are being interviewed by wolf Blitzer - cuz he's right there in front of you! Jim Lehrer was sighted, and Ilana was astounded when she saw Michael Moore (I missed him!).

OK, the girl is being interviewed every which way you turn. Emily was her handler yesterday. and it was a real kick watching the response she gets.

Emily, Toni West and Mark Nash were CA delegation "whips" which involved clearing space for VIPs, distributing signs, encouraging delegates to stand for CA speakers, etc. And also standing on your feet for 6 hours.

On the negative side, getting out of the Fleet is difficult in the extreme. The venue is small and it takes 15-20 minutes as the crowd slowly drifts outside. Then you have to get in an hour long bus line back to your hotel. If you look up, you'll see the snipers on the surrounding rooftops. Security is tight, but reasonable, both at the Fleet and at the hotel. But most of the workers have a sense of humor about it. Yesterday, I made the mistake of bringing the teeming microcosm that is my purse to the Fleet and the gal checking through it (it took 5 minutes or so) was incredibly lovely and said it wasn't event the worst she's seen!

We've learned that tonight we need to take the T instead because otherwise, you miss the best food at the after parties!

Today was the day of the women's caucus. Emily, Robin Torrelo and I got to see both Madeleine Allbright and a surprise speech from Hillary. It is impossible to underestimate the adoration she inspires. At the Emily's List luncheon, speakers included:

Barbara Milkowski from MD, Nancy Pelosi (who is being touted as the potential first female speaker of the house) - she was good, but couldn't compare to Gov. Ann Richards, who brought the house down with the following: "This president wants silence, abstinence and obedience, and we're not going to have it!" Teka's favorite, Jennifer Granholm, is not a generic political personality. You get a true sense of the sensitive and empathic person (Emily says maternal) that she is. Unfortunately, she has a bad habit of quoting Bette Midler songs (wind beneath my wings, lalalala...)

Again, the importance of grassroots organizing was a central theme, y'all!

Tonight's line up includes Ron Reagan Jr. (!), Ted Kennedy, Teresa, and of course the fabulous Ilana. RUMOR has it that she may even do the Letterman show on Wednesday - set VCRs in case.

OK, we must now prepare to hit the buses for the Fleet. We'll talk to you again tomorrow. We really wish you all could be here to share this experience - you all deserve it as much as we do. So we'll keep on representing and conveying.

Heather and Emily

Report from Boston - 7/26

Heather Pegas keeps us abreast of what's going on during her 2nd day in Boston:

Hello again:

Well the bad news is that our friend Michelle with the laptop has left Boston. The good news is that she left becuz she's been offered a job with the campaign and is headed to PA to do advance team work. She hopes to get on Elizabeth Edwards' team. So, now I'm writing from the copy place across from the Westin Copley!

The convention is crazy exciting and it hasn't even started yet. Last night, we attended the CA delegation party at the Boson Zoo. Emily, Karen Park (from SF) and I decided to dress up. We really stood out against the casual Californians in their crazy hats and capri pants. So much so that the fashion photographer from the Boston Globe took Karen's picture, and she is captured - in all her leggy glory - in today's fashion page!

Emily also got a blurb/delegate profile in today's Boston Herald (which I think is owned by Fox News?). Anyway. lots of dignitaries at the party last night - Gray and Sharon Davis, Art Torres, Cruz Bustamonte, and big crowd favorite, Michael Dukakis. I pled the Greek card to get a photo with him and he asked where my people were from. Nice guy. Short.

EB4K also has its own dignitary in the making. Ilana Wexler, 12, of Kids for Kerry is addressing the convention during prime time tomorrow at 10:15 PM. Her poise staggers me - I've got 25 years on her and I CAN speak in public, but C'MON! THe whole nation! She must have been interviewed half a dozen times already, and Emily took her to the Fleet Center today to practice her speech. I also grilled her on her outfit, which she thinks will be a lavendar twinset with khaki slacks - apparently, she has been instructed not to wear black, red, or white on camera. She is gonna be amazing. She IS amazing.

Dulcy Anderson of the SF office is also in town coordianting travel for the campaign finance team.

Just got back from the Disney luncheon honoring Sen. Feinstein - she's going to be giving the nominating speech Thursday! She stressed the need to carry the state for Kerry, given the likely lack of campaign presence here. So we just keep doing what we've been doing! There has also been a lot of public encouragement of swing state work, but of course, we're miles ahead of the curve on that thanks to Tina, Matt and Sandy.

Also in attendance at the luncheon: Jane Harmon, Gavin Newsom, VP Mondale, Joe Lieberman, Bill Lockyer (who we had an elevator ride with yesterday), and our own Mayor JB! I met him for like the 4th time, but he doesn't remember me. I must be doing something most seriously wrong!

Let's see, what else? Mark and Nancy from Sacramento are going to bowl with Ben Affleck tomorrow night, I believe it is. Karen got into the Jesse Jackson/Bill Cosby/Gladys Knight party last night, and we found out the delegate Tony West is Kamala Harris's brother in law. Got a glimpse of Ron Reagan Jr being interviewed
by Chris Matthews in front of Faneuil (SP?) hall during dinner last night.

The most common question you'll hear around town is "Can you take a picture with me?" And the convention hasn't even officially started yet!

Our great Oakland Trib reporters are here and have taken some cool photos. I just wish I could find somewhere to download my software and photos! I'll keep working on that.

I hope all is well in EB and hope to write more tomorrow after Day 1. Take care, everyone!

Heather

Report from Boston - 7/25

And speaking of which, Heather Pegas and Emily Weinstein send us this report from Boston:

Hello all:

Emily and Heather here in our hotel rool at the Westin Coppley Place. Our lovely roomie, Michelle Haggerty from Orange County has a lap top, so hopefully we can write often!

Emily is making us watch the Ashlee Simpson show. Sorry Emily. Make that CNN.

Speaking of which, the first celeb sightings of the day were Anderson Cooper (shorter & skinnier inn person) and Donna Brazile. Just quick glimpses - no interaction.

Emily got into the media party last night & saw Jesse Jackson and a performance by Little Richard. and she says one of the high points was the indoor ferrris wheel from which vantage point she screamed "Kerry 04!'

The press is all over the place. Yesterday while I was taking a nap in the hotel room and Emily brought the Chron photographers in for a photo shoot. I will be the lump in the bed in the background of that defining photo!

The good news of the day is that the firefighters union and the mayor have settled their contract dispute and will not be picketing at the convention welcome parties tonight. Yay! Settlement is good cuz there aren't going to be anywhere near enough parties.

We have already seen Ilana Wexler of east bay's Kids for Kerry on the local news. She'll be speaking on Tuesday night - just 12 years old. I think we'll all be campaigning for her one day!

Ben, Jess and I met up with several other delegates last night and hung out in a bar across from Fenway Park during the big Yankees/Red Sox game and witnessed the unbridled glee when the RS won. People are very serious about this around here.

Over & out. until our next blog, kerry on!

Heather and Emily

Kerry Delegates from East Bay for Kerry-Edwards

Congratulations to Heather Pegas, Emily Weinstein, Ben Kmetz, Jess Hilgart, David Bliss, and Joel Freid -- all delegates for Kerry heading to the Democratic National Convention in Boston, and profiled in today's Oakland Tribune.

For example, Heather Pegas, co-chair of our visibility/ GOTV committee says:

Pegas, 36, is a grant-writing consultant with early childhood memories of going door-to-door with her mom, canvassing their native San Diego for George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign. "I come from a staunch Democratic family in a very Republican area."

It made her hardy and steadfast: She also volunteered for Walter Mondale, Michael Dukakis and Bill Clinton, and now she's the visibility/get-out-the-vote co-chair of East Bay for Kerry.

A 9th District delegate, Pegas doesn't believe Kerry's campaign is bound for the same look-how-smart-I-am doldrums into which Al Gore cast himself four years ago. "We're not in 2000 anymore -- it's a whole new ballgame. We're in a crisis," she said, adding that America wants a strong, smart, diligent leader, not a feel-good buddy.

Congratulations you all. We'll look for you on TV...

Tom Daschle, Ted Kennedy, Dick Gephardt, Teresa Heinz Kerry, and Ilana Wexler

Ever heard of Ilana Wexler? Don't worry, you will.

Twelve-year old Ilana is the founder of Kids for Kerry, and a resident of Oakland. On Tues., July 27 she'll address the delegates at the Democratic Convention.

In December, her parents went to see Teresa Heinz Kerry speak in Oakland about her husband's then-struggling campaign; they came home and told Ilana how impressed they'd been. Then Ilana, who by then had taken the initiative to launch Kids for Kerry, met Heinz Kerry herself during a women's event in February in San Francisco; they hit it off well.

Days later, she met John Kerry, and the candidate told her his wife had spoken highly of her. Weeks later, Kids for Kerry had become a national phenomenon.

Her passion for the campaign is all-consuming; her birthday party in March became a door-to-door fund-raising effort in which she and her friends raised thousands of dollars for Kerry.

Read the entire article from The Oakland Tribune.

Congratulations, Ilana. We'll be cheering you on.