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Sunday, October 14, 2007
"Impressed by Iowa" I've never been to Iowa before today. Why do I love Iowa? Dale, the gentleman who drove us from Des Moines to Mt. Pleasant, handed me the resume of a brilliant astronaut from Beaconsfield Iowa, Peggy A. Whitson (PH.D.), and suggested that we might want to incorporate her in our political blog. This embodies everything I have come to know about Iowa - gracious hospitality and politically informed citizens who are NOT complacent. Dale's actions are indicative of the independent spirit of the Iowans. He is not jaded, as many citizens have come to be, into believing his government is out of his reach. We attended six health care reform events, a few town hall meetings, visited some excellent coffee shops, and attended an environmental summit over the past few days. From the Mt. Pleasant coffee hot-spot "Spanky's" to Crawfordsville's "Shirley's", we observed diversity in age range and substantive policy inquiries spoken with clarity and conviction. At Shirley's, a gentleman in overalls shook my hand and promptly found his way to the front of the crowd to ask a question. The rhythm and force with which he spoke conveyed his understanding that his input was not in vain. It's refreshing that so many Iowans remain committed to their political convictions.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
There are certain unalienable rights, like the right for a lady to bear the proper accessories. With that in mind, we're going to start keeping track of our "must haves," what we REALLY can't live without on the campaign trail. Today's list comes from Jennifer Steinhauer, a reporter with the New York Times. We first met her on the "No Surrender" tour. Jennifer is no stranger to life on the road and gave us her list of the following essential items she can't live without (she too would like to avoid cardiac arrest).
Here's an assortment of pics of us leaving Iowa and heading to New Hampshire.
Friday, October 12, 2007
The citizens of Iowa take their voting responsibility seriously. Today, a woman asked my dad in a town hall meeting about an issue he worked on in 1993. Another woman said that she had seen four other candidates running for president... this week alone! I feel fortunate that I've had the chance to meet a few of the other presidential candidates in person; I can't even imagine having the opportunity to ask each of them whatever question is on my mind. It sheds a whole new light on how different the election process can be, depending on which state you live in. I love it that people see my dad as the solution to so many problems that plague our country. My favorite stop of the day was at a local coffee house/soda fountain/music hall in Oskaloosa, Iowa called "Smokey Row" (check it out at www.smokeyrow.com). An energetic crowd welcomed my dad and the place had a great vibe. It was a classic campaign scene complete with a bandstand in front of the building. Much too soon, it was time to hit the road again. After spending the rest of the day on the bus, passing through the heartland of America, I've officially declared that "Elizabeth and James" is my new favorite clothing line. It has been absolutely perfect for long days spent campaigning from town to town, as I attempt to sustain some semblance of style. It's chic, comfortable, and timeless. Girls, trust me - check it out asap. After coming back to the hotel, the girls and I stocked up on our most essential supplies at the WalMart across the street. We just can't keep enough "Luna Bars" and "Redbull" on the bus. It was the most memorable way that we've ended a day on the road so far. Stay tuned, New Hampshire's next.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Des Moines Hello everyone, were currently on the trail in Des Moines. Here are some highlights from yesterday...
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Hi everyone! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be a part of this blog. I realize this is a unique opportunity to share with the nation a look behind the scenes of a campaign I believe in and fully support. Last night I attended my first presidential debate and it was absolutely amazing. I was so proud of Senator McCain’s performance. I know I’m not just speaking for myself when I say he always manages to give substantive, inspirational answers while maintaining a relentless positive spirit. Although I have experienced live debates before, the magnitude of attending one on the presidential level exceeded my expectations. The tension and energy in the room was electric. However, after two hours of observing nine relatively different proposed agendas for economic reform, I was left with more questions than answers. My reaction is a necessary one; after all, to question is to search for answers. In this time of financial turmoil, our country needs strength and courage more than ever before, not only in our Commander in Chief, but in all of our government leaders as well. I so am excited to be a part of this presidential journey. I will do my best to relay all of my experiences to you in an informative yet entertaining manner. By the way, wasn’t Mrs. McCain’s suit stunning?!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
The sound of cameras going off was deafening as the photographers waited to pounce on any mistakes made by the candidates. Fortunately, Senator McCain didn't look too worried. It was fascinating to watch all of the advisers, lined up against the sides of the theater, hold their breath as each candidate gave answers that would be recorded by news organizations around the world. One of the many things that amazed me was the concentration and intensity of the audience. It was as if black suits and sensible shoes automatically made everyone behave. Even the 11-year old sitting next to me remained remarkably still. He wouldn't have moved a muscle to save his life. It was as if he was seeing himself on that stage as a future presidential candidate. I was impressed. Oops, someone just made a mistake, click, click, click. The other candidates smile in delight. The journalists are thankful for something juicy to write about, while the other candidates are grateful that it wasn't them. Next stop Iowa
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Tuesday Night Debate In the course of my life, I've been to more debates than I can remember. From my dad's Senate campaign debates, the 2000 presidential debates, and the debates of this election cycle, I've been witness to what seems like a countless assortment of venues and themes. While at first I might not have appreciated the significance of them, I now feel very fortunate to have a front seat to such an integral part of our country's political process. Upon leaving the hotel to go to today's debate, there was a rally of supporters cheering my parents as they walked through the lobby. It continues to amaze me that people are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to rev up my dad before a debate. I just want to say thanks to these people and let them know that their energy was contagious and definitely set the tone for my parents' enthusiasm throughout the entire evening. When I arrived at the debate hall, I accompanied my dad to the make-up room for TV. I always like to make sure that make-up artists don't make him look too tan. Absolutely nothing looks worse on TV - it's distracting! Also, you might have noticed that my dad's cheeks are somewhat full; he has, as it has been coined, "walnut cheeks" (a facial feature I'm proud to share with him) and know firsthand how to minimize their appearance. As you can imagine he is "thrilled" with my expertise. For the debate tonight I decided on a black Elie Tahari shift dress and my favorite shoe designer, Barbara Bui for shoes (when I say favorite, this woman can do no wrong when it comes to shoes). The last debate in New Hampshire was a larger stadium arena filled to capacity with spectators. Tonight's debate was a smaller, theater-style setting at the University of Michigan, complete with red plush chairs (I was told only around 900 people). There's a special energy felt in a live crowd watching a presidential debate. The only way I can explain it is that this crowd seems like they're aware that they are literally watching history being made. When the debate started, it was heavy on questions about the economy and fed into issues such as fair trade, national security, and climate change, which are all issues pertinent to my generation. Climate change is a very important issue to me; in fact, there are few issues other than the war in Iraq I find as relevant. I try to do my part by driving a Prius, recycling, using eco-friendly light bulbs, etc. but I know that I can always do more and so does my dad. It may not be one of his most highly publicized issues but anyone who watched the debate or who has followed his efforts in the Senate, would recognize his commitment and passion for the issue of climate change and the environment. I never cease being proud of how my dad effortlessly and eloquently answers every question in front of millions of people. It makes me nervous just watching as a bystander! After the debate, we went to an amazing fundraiser at the absolutely magnificent Detroit Athletic Club. It was such a heartwarming experience to finish off a day like this with people who are diehard supporters of my dad and his campaign.
Photos ©2007 Heather Brand Photography
Monday, October 8, 2007
We’re very excited to announce that Mary Anne Huntsman, daughter of Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, will be joining us on the road as the final member of our Blogette team. A long-time family friend, Mary Anne recently decided to join us on the campaign trail and will add her perspective as a 20-something woman, who is also no stranger to the political world, to our blog. Stay tuned!
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"Must Haves"
Iowa Part Deux
My First Presidential Debate
Republican Debate, University of Michigan
New Blogette Addition