Monthly Archives: August 2008

(Community Matters) I’m back in Austin. Had planned to fly into Houston & meet Steven, but instead to Austin and we’ll take off from here.

Steven’s home; we’ll unpack, repack and get on the road for Houston where we’ve planned a Big Chill weekend at the home of Drs. Cindy & George Santos, to be joined by Charles Santos, Rickie Bond and I’m assuming John Phillip and Francis. Cameron Lockely has agreed to cook big for us this weekend and no doubt we’ll enjoy Houston public fine dining too – definitely Benji’s for brunch! Can’t wait to dig into George’s wines; I even had Sherry-Lehman send down a few to add to his collection.

The last four days just a whirlwind and further exciting my commitment to doing everything Steven and I can. I can’t thank my fellow Democrats who supported Hillary enough for their extraordinary graciousness over the last four days and almost unanimous commitment to helping elect Obama & Biden. Much is expected of Obama by assuming the responsibility and loyalty of this group, including being the best president ever on woman’s issues.

(Community Matters)
how to describe last night? Well, I heard Pat Buchanan has called it best acceptance speech ever and that another pundit said GOP ought to save money and just stay home. Those comments are in the genre. BO’s chief economic advisor, Austan Goolsbee sat right behind me. Terrific Meredith hosted dinner after. And, of course traveling with Kirk Rudy, no surprise a beautiful woman is giving us a ride home on her jet. (Kirk never notices all the attention he attracts. He doesn’t realize that the overly nice guy in the bar was hitting on him earlier ) More when land. Posted from my blackberry. Oh yeah, Sarah Palin?

(Community Matters)
It’s been great fun so far. Outstanding speakers and bands. New Mexico Gov Bill Richardson talked about the only change McCain stands for is changing his mind: immigration, torture, tax cuts, tax deficits, far right fundamentalism. In between sessions, I read Maureen Dowd’s column from yesterday; I usually enjoy her, can even see the shock and sensationalism she went for, but Maureen must have searched hard for her examples of lingering resentment and hate. The real example is the Texas Delegation. The loyal Hillary delegate who reached out to Ian Davis and offered to help anyway she can after Hillary’s great Tues speech. Perhaps the pundits need to stir up what’s not there to sell their ink. But they do so misleadingly. Feelings are of unity and reclaiming this country to stand for good, compasion, opportunity and strength. posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters)
2:16 MDT We’re here early. Thought what the heck, lounge, read, drink and eat and hopefully avoid the worst of lines. Only took 45 mins thru security. The line behind us stretching 5 times as long before we were through. We’re in club level with good food and drink. Though, looking around, this is a relatively intimate football stadium and I think all guests will be well care and feed. We’re especially appreciating shade. And, appropriately the delegates are afforded the highest honors and seating. They’re the proxy for all us voters in America. Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters)
Last day of the convention. Just left the NFC meeting where we heard directly from Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, David Pfouffe and Penny Pritzker. This is absolutely doable. Intensity of Obama supporters so much higher than McCain supporters and that’ll translate into turnout. Don’t mean to suggest that it won’t be tight and that we don’t need to raise as much money in the next 68 days as have raised in the previous 19 months. I’m in a cab to hotel. Will change, grab a power bar, then head to Invesco stadium. Security will be hours and they are asking us to arrive early. There’s even a special party with Barack after it all tonight. Posted from my blackberry.

(Community Matters) It’s official. Obama-Biden Democratic nominees for President/Vice President.

NYT pic

It was a magical night. Senator Hillary Clinton stopped the roll call and moved for acclimation nomination of Obama as the Democratic nominee for President. President Bill Clinton provided an awesome speech and case for the Democratic ticket. He was at his best. Senator John Kerry also a strong voice for the ticket. Delaware Attorney General John Biden introduced his father. Gotta imagine John will be the next Senator, giving a moving & forceful introduction. John Biden knocked it outta the park and Barack Obama surprised everyone by stepping on stage – well nearly everyone, text messages 15 minutes before Biden finished his speech announced Barack’s arrival to the Pepsi.

The after party, aka Celebration of Joe Biden, at the convention center a rocking bash. Bo & I stopped in for only 30 minutes as the party got underway. Caught up with Congressman Lloyd & Libby Doggett. Saying hello to Marc Winkelman as he was entering, we were leaving.

(Community Matters) Congratulations to our dear friend, long time Austin American Statesman restaurant critic, Dale Rice.

Dale is retiring from the AAS and moving to College Station where his partner, Antonio LaPastina teaches, and he’ll teach journalism at Texas A&M. One of the greatest meals we ever enjoyed was a special anniversary dinner Dale & Antonio cooked for Kip Keller & Michael Barnes and that Steven and I were the two lucky extra guests. Plus we’ve enjoyed Dale’s delicacies at the boy’s annual reading weekend.

besos,

(Community Matters) so, the trading gets underway. . . .

Each morning you’re presented with credentials for the day. Today’s package for me & Bo included tickets to a 10am campaign briefing, the 9 to noon celebration of the Biden nomination, access to to Pepsi Sky Grill Lounge and special guest Pepsi Hall passes. Hey, definitely not looking a gift horse in the mouth. Thrilled to have entry, especially to include Bo as a guest. Now, the fun is to trade up access and seating, so start making calls finding who has what extra, securing this and that from some parties, trading for even better seating and lounge access tonight. Have three guardian angles who have gone to work looking for us 🙂

Attending a 2pm DNC LGBT reception. Then, a dear friend is including us in an intimate coffee with New York Governor Patterson this afternoon. This should be cool. Promised no direct fundraising asks. Though, of course, there’s that ambition more long term. Wouldn’t attend if wasn’t a supporter and if I didn’t plan to contribute to his campaign in the future.

Who knows what’ll pop up after and before tonight’s convention. But, there’s no lack of opportunity for the willing.

(Community Matters) Realizing did a better job of updating yesterday at AAS site, so reposting here too. Pardon repeat:

I made it to Pepsi yesterday in time to catch Cecile Richards – such a rock star. Of course, this isn’t news to anyone. I’ve know first hand since serving on her TFN board before she moved to DC. Currently the national president of Planned Parenthood, she combines the powerful, memorable presence of her mama (Gov. Ann) with Vogue-striking good looks.

Despite my best intentions to take it easy early in the day, Brownsville trial attorney Tony Martinez found me in the hotel lobby at breakfast and propelled me with him and Carol through his whirlwind of Tuesday activities. We joined a luncheon honoring former Denver mayor and Secretary Frederico Pena. Then, a reception honoring NLC fundraisers. Bunch of us from Tx texting all day and agreeing to meet at the Pepsi Center and after, especially at Mark Strama’s party. My friend, Bo Smith, arrived from Arkansas. Steve Adler & Diane Land must have arrived at Pepsi as early as I did; they caught Cecile too. Kirk Rudy was making the rounds sporting that nearly all access credential, a floor pass (Amy’s arriving tonight – can’t wait). Lynn & Tommie Meredith and Sarah perched in one of the private boxes. I think Mark Winkelman and his son Chuck were there too. Though, we didn’t catch up at the end of the night as expected. Suspect they dashed off with Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer to celebrate Brian’s out-of-the-ballpark speech on national television. The Governor is a close friend of the Meredith’s who I’ve met over dinner at their house. Greeted Senator Watson on Bertha Means among the Texas delegates.

Hillary Clinton also scored a gold medal for her gracious, exciting and on-point speech. Kudos to Obama campaign for appropriately celebrating her primary and career accomplishments. Felt as if unity in the making. Watched from a super suite/lounge with Alexa & Blaine Wesner. No Julie & John Thornton yet; they’re arriving today.

After, a bunch of us to celebrate Rep. Mark Strama who was being celebrated as a Rising Star at Club 5 Degrees. Completely sold out and packed with Austin buddies including me, Bo, Diane & Steve, Nona Niland, Ann Kitchen, Kirk Rudy, Jan Soifer, Patrick O’Connell, Rick Cofer and evidently Ian Davis, Amy Everhart and some of their crew. They texted me during the event but I couldn’t find ’em

Good gosh, was that really only my first 24 hours?

(Community Matters) pics from last night

members of our Texas delegation on the floor – holding sign: Rick Cofer, Amy Everhart & Ian Davis. Seated just below: Mario Champion, KT Musselman & Matt Glazer

from Tuaca Lounge watching Hillary

Grandmama, Texas delegate Bertha Means

at the Rising Star party honoring State Rep Mark Strama, with Mark & Nona Niland

(Community Matters)
Such a long, fun night I can’t describe it. But, I’ll try with pics tomorrow

(Community Matters)
I made it to Pepsi in time to catch Cecile. She’s such a rock star. Of course, I’ve known this since serving on her board at the Texas Freedom Network, before she moved to DC. And, now she’s the national president of Planned Parenthood. She combines the powerful presence of Ann with her Vogue striking presence. She was well received. + + forget taking it easy earlier. Brownsville’s Tony Martinez found me earlier and propelled me with him and Carol through his whirlwind of Tuesday activities. We joined a luncheon honoring former Denver mayor and Secretary Frederico Pena. Even solved an immediate Austin campaign funding need while at the table (thx Rudy Green). Then, a reception honoring NLC fundraisers. Found myself agreeing to help host a $1mm+ Texas fundraiser. I knew that margarita was dangerous. Bunch of us from Tx texting all day and agreeing to meet here at Pepsi and after, especially at Mark Strama’s party. Bo’s just arrived. Lynn & Tommy on their way up. Think Sarah with them too. Steve Adler and Diane Land as well. Connected by phone with Ian Davis. The Texas delegation having 7am gatherings – good gosh. Looks as if about half of them already seated. Lots of cowboy hats. I just saw Rick Cofer walk up too. + + + hearing that some Hillary delegates attended a McCain rally this sfternoon. Hoping Hillary’s speech tonight brings them back into the fold. More to come. Posted from my blackberry.