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my.barackobama.com group for TPM users (plus NYC Penn primary party)
Disclaimer: Serious post for TPM regulars
Hi all. Over the past few months, a number of us have developed something of a community at TPM. There has been occasional chatter about coordinating volunteer activity and more than occasional chatter about copious alcohol consumption. So I've been thinking that it would be a good thing to coordinate our collective political enthusiasm to help the Democrats in November and also that it might be entertaining to share a few beers with those of you who are local. Since TPM doesn't have proper social networking tools, I figured that an excellent alternative would be my.barackobama.com (a.k.a. mybo), and I've created a mybo group called TPM-aholicsSupportGroup for that purpose. If you're a member of mybo, you can join the group at http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/TPM-aholicsSupportGroup. Mybo allows you to send private messages and plan events, but you can still use an anonymous screen name, so you don't have to worry about being stalked off-line by angry trolls. I don't mean to exclude Clinton supporters, and I encourage anyone to join, regardless of candidate affiliation. It's my assumption that Obama will be the nominee soon enough, and then we can all be happy mybo members (except for the 28% who are too angry to come behind him).
To kick things off, I'm planning a Manhattan get together to watch the PA results come in. Anyone within shouting distance is welcome to join me at Revival at 129 E. 15th St. (between Irving and 3rd Ave.) any time after 8 pm for conversation and drinks to ease our tense anticipation. All our welcome, but as this is an off-line event, please be polite. That is to say, no name-calling or capital letters. TPM staff are of course especially welcome and will be treated as VIP's. We'll be drinking Yuengling, of course.
Finally, please recommend this post until it makes the recommended list so that everyone gets a chance to see it.
Genghis (aka Mike)
Comments (115)
If it doesn't get recommended, you should just post it within other threads on the recommend list.
April 21, 2008 7:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. I'm thinking that it's unlikely to make it tonight due to the crowded list, but I couldn't really wait if anyone is going to show up for beers tomorrow. I'll repost later in the evening so people at least see it in the recent posts. The beers aren't a big deal, so if it doesn't hit the recommended list, I can always repost at a quieter time.
April 21, 2008 7:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Correction: the beers ARE a big deal.
:)
Do they have good beers? Like, maybe Newcastle? Or I guess the brew of the evening should be Yuengling, right?
April 21, 2008 7:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Allsburg has corrected the link downthread. Those damn periods. Here it is:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/TPM-aholicsSupportGroup
And workerbee, you are the biggest lush at TPM. They've got an OK selection. I think that they have Newscastle (but drinking it might lead Clinton and McCain to question your patriotism). And of course CT on-the-fencers are welcome, but if you fall off the fence in a moment of drunken weakness, don't expect us to let you off the hook in the morning.
April 21, 2008 7:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I seriously question the sanity of anyone that isn't a lush after the last 6 weeks. Especially YOURS.
I'd like to meet you, but it is spring break time.
Not sure i get get the evening off, but I'll try.
:)
I just need the addy.
April 21, 2008 8:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Genghis,
Let me know if you are ever in the Seattle area. I have been running a support group for frustrated friends in my home ever since Super Tuesday. They find that I am able to keep things in persepective a little better, and go home after a primary a little less upset.
I'll also arrange a concert for you. At my gig after the WA primary I got quite a few of the Obama volunteers and delegates to attend and we were able to rejoice with some fine Jazz. Also, got a few people in the audience to re-consider their affiliation. We are rather convincing en-masse.
April 22, 2008 3:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you so much, CTP. I have a friend who would like me to come out there for a visit. I've no plans but will let you know if that changes.
I'm starting to feel like the guy from Fight Club, flying around the country to expand Operation Chaos.
April 22, 2008 4:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Won't be able to join you in Manhattan, but have fun!
April 21, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, CT. Hope you join some other time.
April 21, 2008 8:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Rats. I have Modern American Poetry at Millersville University from 6 to 9.
Someone has to stay in PA to vote, after all...
I will be there in spirit, tho...
April 21, 2008 7:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
You need to find yourself a PA party. But no worries about this thing. We've got a long time to go before November; I'm sure there will be more events.
April 21, 2008 7:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
hum tomorrow night?
Wot about on the fencers in Connecticut?
April 21, 2008 7:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mike? MIKE??? You're devastating my conception of you!!
I wish I still lived in the City--I would definitely be there. But I'm a little far away these days.
Also, I hope your mybo group doesn't make Billy Glad and Desidero feel unwelcome. But at the same time, don't stand too close to Desidero, unless you're wearing a rubber suit.
But you'll always be Genghis to me, Mike.
April 21, 2008 7:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Also, it doesn't look like your link works.
April 21, 2008 7:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Try this one:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/TPM-aholicsSupportGroup
April 21, 2008 7:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
And you'll always be a fat, precocious, smartass baby to me, Allsburg. Thanks for correcting the link. Sorry that you can't make it.
April 21, 2008 7:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can adapt - I feel myself becoming the warm and fuzzy creature you've always expected out of me. So please don't be so stand-offish - I actually make a wonderful cocktail party guest, thoroughly possessing.
April 22, 2008 8:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
If only I was on the east coast. It sounds like fun. I will be with you in spirit. In fact, if you concentrate on the Force you may be able to see me in the form of an azure-shaded apparition. Then again, maybe that will just be the Yuengling.
April 21, 2008 7:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are cheapo flights to Kennedy from SFO. Standby you know....
:)
April 21, 2008 7:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, I can't get away right now, but I would seriously do it later in the year. Flying to New York to drink and wax political is right up my alley.
April 21, 2008 8:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let me know. We'll plan a welcome party for you. Are you in the Bay Area? I might be out there in early June.
April 21, 2008 8:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Really? That's cool. Yeah, I'm in that neck of the woods. Let me know what it looks like. It would be fun to get a couple of rounds in you and hear your take on philosophy.
April 21, 2008 9:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lush
:D
April 21, 2008 9:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, give me a break! I just joined a support group.
April 21, 2008 9:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh no.
:(
Well, it appears I'll have a passel of 16 year olds here tomorrow night (it's enough to make ANYONE drink, a little). so I'll just wait for you and Lis to show.
:)
That will be quite fun.
April 21, 2008 9:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's cool. I have a fake.
April 21, 2008 11:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hum, just for that, I put my real pic up at your fake virtual group.
See my grin? I laugh at the superior avatar.
Heh.
Heh, heh,
ha.
April 22, 2008 9:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Do tell....? ;)
April 22, 2008 1:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Calm yourself. You might be disappointed by my worldly incarnation.
April 22, 2008 5:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
We can meet up later on THE OTHER SIDE.
And btw, I don't want to be the only facilitator here. Someone should organized the west coasters. There must be a bunch of TPMers in the bay area.
April 21, 2008 8:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is an excellent idea. Unfortunately I have some pressing matters that I must address at the moment (don't you hate it when agenda items take precedence over the consumption of beer?), but I will be pleased to make such attempts in the near future. In the meantime, I have joined your group in a showing of solidarity.
April 21, 2008 9:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
I might be motivated to head to the Bay area for a beer night, so long is it's on a weekend. Reno is a bit far for a school night trip to SF. I'll stay tuned to see if something materializes. Maybe a Ding Dong The Witch party in June? ;-)
April 21, 2008 11:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm inspired. I think I'll set up a DC group later today. After all, we're where the Muck is!
April 22, 2008 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Make sure you announce the DC group! I'm in Virginia but I'm certainly interested in the group.
April 22, 2008 10:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, Buddy, that's my side of the street.
April 22, 2008 4:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Cool Genghis. Maybe someone else on here is from South Carolina or Charlotte.
Recommended.
April 21, 2008 7:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
*burp*
I'd be there, Mikey, but I reached my beer quota for the week on Saturday night/morning.
;-)
However, I did join your group on mybo.
Next NYC to Greenwich area meeting, I'm there.
April 21, 2008 7:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't believe in quotas. Not for beer anyway. But we've got plenty of debates, rallies, et cetera before November, so save up some beer credit.
April 21, 2008 8:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Can we have a satellite smoke-out? I'll hoist a George Dickel to accompany the herbal assist (thanks, Barney Frank).
April 21, 2008 8:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry, no smoking in NY bars.
April 21, 2008 8:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
I ain't in NY, I won't be at a commercial establishment, and I'm talking about a different substance from the one NY banned in bars.
April 22, 2008 9:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Let me make a few calls...
;)
April 21, 2008 8:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sign me up for the smoke-out. Would go well with a cookout.
April 22, 2008 2:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wait, this is performance art/snark, you really live in Alberta.
April 21, 2008 8:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
On a similar vein, I'm wondering how many of us are in Charlottesville. Obviously, CvilleDem (Jan Knaus) is, but are there others?
After all, we are a bastion of Prius-driving, latte-sipping, birkenstock-wearing elitism! (For the record, I drive a Civic Hybrid—when I'm not commuting by foot or public transit, gulp my lattes, my sandals are not birkenstocks, and I'm not rich enough to be anything close to elite.)
April 21, 2008 8:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just had visitors from Charlottesville (where I used to live) last week. They were all fervent Obamites -- including the sixth-grader. You shouldn't have any trouble finding plenty there!
April 22, 2008 11:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, by "us", I meant TPMers, not Obama supporters. Of my friends in Charlottesville, all of the Democratic voters (which is all of my friends but one), are pro-Obama. One of them does have a wife who is pro-Clinton, though.
Of course, Virginia went very heavy towards Obama. As others have pointed out, it's a historically red state that might actually go blue this year with Obama as our candidate.
April 22, 2008 3:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Genghis -
Thanks for organizing! Priorities - beer yes, now to mybo.
See ya at Revival - appropriate bar name for the occasion btw.
Courtney
April 21, 2008 8:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Genghis, Thanks for setting this up!
April 21, 2008 8:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, all, for the recommendations! It's on the recommended list now, so no need to keep recommending. Sign up on mybo. I hope to see some of you tomorrow night. And I hope that others manage to link up in other places.
April 21, 2008 8:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
I will drink virtually with you guys :) I am in the heart of Obamacity. Anybody interested in a virtual pub?
April 21, 2008 8:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obamacity is like, an adjectival form of Obama. Like, you have achieved total Obamacity. I think this should be a post.
April 21, 2008 9:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was going to say Obama's hometown, but that may be a bit confusing since I realized he didn't actually make Chi-town his home base until after college. But hey..Obamacity has a nice ring to it and he is more "ours" than any other city imo. :)
April 21, 2008 9:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely.
I'll be hiding from teenagers.
Ye gods!!!!!!!!!
April 21, 2008 9:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Any place like this for Denver, anyone?
April 21, 2008 8:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am in Denver. I just sent out a group email.
Do we really need a separate group for each area? Or is it that only one organizer is possible. I am not a huge fan of the obama site. It loads slow for me and seems a bit chunky.
April 22, 2008 2:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Allsburg's link worked for me.
Tx - Allsburg
C
April 21, 2008 8:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've been hooked on election news, and this site in particular, for the last couple months... and I just realized that since I haven't been much motivated to write anything, I feel as though I know many of you... when you don't know me! So, um, maybe I should say something...
Hello! Gengis, great idea. And I'd like to vote for SF-based activities -- virtual drinking, too.
April 21, 2008 8:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's always a little funny when people post for the first time and say that they've been reading along for a while. It makes me feel like I'm under some kind of microscope, just chillin' in the petri dish. Anyway, welcome. I hope that someone in SF organizes something. As I mentioned upthread, I may be out there myself in early June.
April 21, 2008 9:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, in my own head, I've replied to thousands of messages -- does that count? It just took a while to break through the laziness cobwebs to actually set up an account. I can't play tomorrow, but if no one else grabs the Bay Area baton soon, I'll happily take one the role of organizer.
April 21, 2008 9:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ha. That takes virtual to a whole new meta level. I'm glad you've broken free from your solipsistic tower, Rapunzel.
April 21, 2008 10:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm in S.F. Looks like we have at least three elitists in the S.F. area, which is just about right. Any more and we wouldn't be elite, would we?
April 22, 2008 3:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow. I had no idea I was surrounded by Obama supporters of every race and shape in this republican enclave I live in.
Thanks for that link to my.obama I never signed up for anything on therre before besides donations.
April 21, 2008 9:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great idea Ghengis. I am in the DC Metro area and won't be able to make it but I will be there in spirit - cheers!
April 21, 2008 9:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
The site seems to be down (for "maintenance"? Tonight??). Bummer.
April 21, 2008 10:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's back up
April 21, 2008 11:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
The social club tries to substantiate itself in the real world! Clintonistas are welcome to join? Give up my Revolution for your cheap, sordid affair? Not this time.
April 21, 2008 10:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's OK. I can wait until your revolution has been officially abandoned (though it's already been reduced to a thuggish drug cartel).
April 21, 2008 11:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I will be watching here in Pittsburgh but I sent the link to my son in Manhattan. Can I join the mybo group even though I don't drink??
April 21, 2008 11:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, but only because you're from Pittsburgh. (I lived in Squirrel Hill for a couple of years.)
April 21, 2008 11:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
And I voted in a Presidential election for the first time in Oakland at Rodef Shalom. I sure hope the Burg goes for our guy.
April 22, 2008 11:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'll be watching the returns in the Squirrel Hill Obama office tonight!
April 22, 2008 12:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Darn, can't make it to the Other Side for this one. And god forbid we'll still be watching primary returns in the first week of June. But if we are, and you gather in NYC then, I'll try to join ...
April 21, 2008 11:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well you can't have all the fun in NY. LA is in on the gig! Great idea BTW!
April 21, 2008 11:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
...Mike?
April 22, 2008 12:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
When you come to San Francisco be sure.........
April 22, 2008 12:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
I wish I could make it.
I'm so envious.
April 22, 2008 1:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
Such a seemingly innocuous way to draw HRC supporters into the inner sanctum. "I'm asking you to believe . . ." he whispers.
I'm in for the mybo group, though my NYC days are behind me. Not sure whose coverage you'll be watching, but be careful about mixing alcohol and Chris Matthews.
April 22, 2008 1:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
In NC, but joined the group
April 22, 2008 4:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yeungling? It has Pennsylvania roots, yes, but of late it's tried to market itself as some sort of elite microbrew. If they have it in cans, hoist a virtual beer for me. But I wouldn't touch the bottles, unless you're an effete, Prius-driving.... oh wait. Maybe the Yeungling's fine after all!
April 22, 2008 6:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
On draft.
I count myself a pre-microbrewification yuengling drinker, and frankly, I'm just glad that they started selling it out of state after I left PA.
And at least it's still brewed in PA. Unlike Rolling Rock. Tastes better too.
April 22, 2008 1:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Genghis:
Great idea and I wish I could be there representing the Clinton contingent, but work beckons me across the river tonight in Joisey for a meeting. Hope you do this again. Of course, I would have enjoyed being with y'all this evening in particular, because it just might (emphasis on might) be one of the last times a Clintonista can gloat in this primary season. Enjoy, and don't forget to toast Hillary and her loyal insurgents.
Nice work.
Bruce
April 22, 2008 8:25 AM | Reply | Permalink
You would have been a most excellent representative. This Yuengling's for you.
PS May you next opportunity to gloat will be when Obama creams McCain.
April 22, 2008 8:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'll drink to that!
April 22, 2008 2:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great idea! I just joined the group and represent the northern Virginia / Washington DC area.
Obama/Webb 08 has a nice flow to it but that's just a Virginia guy talking.
April 22, 2008 10:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
Genghis, thanks so much for organizing this-- great idea.
I'm in Boston now (Go Sox), visiting family, and unfortunately won't be able to make it tonight. Two quick notes that I hope will make everyone smile a bit:
1) I'm home to celebrate the 100th (!) Birthday of a much beloved cousin (1st cousin, twice removed... she's been a de facto grandmother to me). She's doing great, still very sharp, and she's... Pro-Obama!
2) Waiting for my plane to Boston, wearing my Obama pin, a guy struck up a conversation with me. It turns out that he's a recent immigrant from India, quite enamored with Barack, sees him as representing the good he sees in America; as embodying many of the reasons he chose to come here: opportunity, hope, compassion and tolerance. He said, I've given Barack money, but haven't been able to get one of those pins! Do you know where I can find one? I said, You can have mine, as long as you promise to wear it. And he did. ...These types of interactions between strangers have been taking place everyday since this campaign began, and it's one of the reasons I believe Obama is different.
April 22, 2008 11:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
See you tonight, Genghis!
(Will IDIOTIC be there?)
April 22, 2008 11:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
That would be EXCELLENT NEWS...FOR HILLARY!!!!
If the inscrutable idiotic makes an appearance, I demand the privilege of buying him or her the first beer. Of course, he/she would have to prove that he/she is the real idiotic.
April 22, 2008 12:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess that there wasn't much risk of not making the recommended list. I'm glad that so many people are enthusiastic about this (though I note that there are many more recommendations than there are group members), and I look forward to meeting any of you who can make it tonight.
One request, if you plan to come, would you please rsvp at mybo: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4z7y
I don't think that there will too many people, but just in case there are a flood of you who plan to show and haven't said. As a side benefit, I get 3 Barack points for everyone who RSVPs. At this rate, I'll earn enough for a free exacto knife in no time. (Too bad you don't get Barack points for recommendations.)
April 22, 2008 12:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm going to rsvp 100 times. Be sure to reserve a big enough table and to order enough food.
April 22, 2008 12:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'll be there in spirit haunting the punch bowl and making sordid reflections in the bathroom mirror. When you least expect it...
April 22, 2008 4:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
This talk of beer is all very well, but does Revival stock Crown Royal?
And do they have a place where we can check the guns that our daddies taught us to shoot?
April 22, 2008 12:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
In a show of solidarity I will be drinking even more heavily than usual. This might involve organ failure: yes we can chip in and buy Ric a cheap Chinese kidney.
April 22, 2008 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Liver, Ric, liver. If you're going to drink yourself to the point of organ failure you should at least know which organ it is. Maybe we can get Obama to earmark you a new liver in his healthcare plan.
April 22, 2008 1:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Trust me-- it's a kidney that I need.
April 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why can't you just apologize to the American people and admit that you made a mistake?
April 22, 2008 2:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is the funniest dialogue I've ever read on TPM.
April 22, 2008 3:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
I denounce and reject your ignorance of lupus nephritis.
April 23, 2008 11:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
No problem, I can trade you 2 kidneys for 1 soul.
April 22, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ric, it's your call, but I don't think that you want those kidneys.
April 22, 2008 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sure you do. Want your friends to think you're a wimp? And who uses their soul these days anyway? Think of it like your appendix, just one more unneeded vestigial organ.
April 22, 2008 8:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe you were right all along... I consulted with my nephrologist, and he was, predictably, leaning toward "kidney." But then I consulted with my priest. The priest said: "take Genghis's liver offer." He also said "denounce and reject Desidero's kidney offer." Liver it is.
April 23, 2008 10:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
Are they gonna have Kool Aid?....Personally, I prefer Hawaiian Punch.
April 22, 2008 2:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!
April 22, 2008 2:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
How 2004! Will miss your gather but gave you the 3 points anyway.
April 22, 2008 4:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hawaiian Punch goes well with vodka... as far as I can tell.
April 22, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
A primary election is very nice, but it's not what we need right now. We need another debate! I didn't get a chance to ask Obama how we can be sure he isn't really a Muslim. I also didn't get a chance to ask him who he thinks would be more likely to burn an American flag: his wife or his pastor.
-- George Stephanopolous
April 22, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
But you've already excluded Hillary supporters, except perhaps those who enjoy abuse.
April 22, 2008 3:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're either on the bus, or off the bus, Otto.