« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
Live from New York, Austin, Taipei, Seattle, and San Francisco... It's US!
Welcome to your official live party blogging thread.
Congrats, TPM-aholics! We've made it. It's not Saturday, July 19th, and the fun is about to begin.
(And if you don't know what I'm talking about, then where have you been for the last month? Er, I mean, read Genghis' latest post.)
An hour from now, we'll begin our conversation with Don Bivens, DNC chair from Arizona.
So let's get ready to rock, roll, and GOBAMA!
And yes, in case you wondering, even if you won't be able to attend on of the parties, you can support this fine effort -- and the Obama campaign -- by contributing through the TPM-aholics fundraiser page.
This event is neither sponsored nor supported by Talking Points Memo.
Advertisement
Comments (29)
The band is setting up in New York. The internet is working. The beer is cold. The vegetable dip is aesthetically arranged (thank you AM).
All we need are some guests. And a shower. It's friggin' hot in here.
July 19, 2008 8:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
You better show, live & kicking & in-the-flesh, collar-boy. Me & my fellow fictional peeps back here, we're taking bets on whether you're "real" or not. Here's the Board:
1-5 says "It's real(ish.)"
1-2 on "Real... but narrow persona."
3-1 on "Anybody-But-Genghis.
17-1 on "Betcha CalPaige built him outta spare parts."
I'd be gettin' yer friends to splash some cash down fer ya, bud.
(Note: Party On Dudes & Dudettes, Adults & Adultresses!)
July 19, 2008 8:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't worry, Genghis. Some fictional "peeps" know you're real. Not even the most creative writer could make that shirt up.
July 19, 2008 9:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
To clarify, Orlando.... I should put your $20 down on "real(ish)" or "real but narrow persona"?
July 19, 2008 9:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Put it on "Paige-spare parts." It might be a long shot but if it pays off, I can retire.
July 19, 2008 9:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bivens was lively, engaging and informative. Paige was a _great_ moderator.
This was a really nice event, and the thoughtfulness of everyone's questions, and the enthusiasm of DUMBO and SF and Seattle and Austin was great.
Chino, your question was the best -- "Your whole superdelegate experience: any anecdotes, the whole lifestyle."
Cheers to everybody. I'm kicking back during and after the call with salmon quesadillas and two handmade salsas (habanero peach cranberry, and cherry/new mexico red) and 2005 JJ Prum Wehlen Spatlese. GoBama!
July 19, 2008 11:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yay! Must go entertain guests and eat BBQ chicken now. But I just wanted to say, YAY!
July 19, 2008 11:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
With y'all in spirit. Obama '08!
July 19, 2008 11:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whoever found Don, and whoever set up the conference call, pats on the back all 'round. He came in over the Skype connection here clear as a bell.
I'm glad my question was OK. As tech savvy as I consider myself, there's this stubborn part of my brain that refuses to believe the invisible mic on my laptop is actually picking up my voice. Come to think of it, maybe that's why I'm always getting stared at for being the loud guy on his mobile phone.
I digress. And regret that I'm not enjoyin' some of the tasty vittles y'all are munchin' on.
July 20, 2008 12:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Good for you all in all those cities. GoBama! Congrats on your success!!
TPM-aholics are not the only fundraiser parties, you know. Just saying. We all do what we can.
July 20, 2008 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's right! We all do what we can. TPM-aholics parties are just special becuase, well, it's US. But everything else matters, too.
July 20, 2008 12:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Dear Paige;
What is the brunch that Mike is inquiring about?
I am a soon to be Obama organizer and always interested in geting together with fellow supporters.
Thanks,
David
drwilbur@gmail.com
July 22, 2008 2:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Seattle's winding down. It was a great evening of enthusiasm for a change in our government (and dry sunny weather in general). Hats of to Articleman for arrainging Don Bivens, it was a really great conversation - lots of good questions. I took particular interest in Mr. Bivens discussion of how the Latino community in AZ has really taken pause with McCain's stance on immigration and that they are registering democrat in larger numbers. Glad to hear it!
I didn't have skype set up in time so just called in. It wasn't loud enough so we used a few cell phones to call in, those who wanted to listen gathered out on the deck with scattered cell phones like little speakers. The conference call prompted a sort of in-depth group discussion on how far off track we've become and how scary it would be to keep going in this same direction.
Anyway good times were had by all, I'll post some pictures soon.
July 20, 2008 2:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
But what we all really want to know is, who won pin-the-flip-flop-on-mccain?
July 20, 2008 3:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
That is really interesting about the cell phones.I actually bought a old fashioned (in the sense of not being cell) cheap phone but I will return it we didn't need to use it because we got the internet going. Also, turns out, they probably didn't actually have a phone line there. Didn't think of the multiple cell phone option.
I just looked at your pictures and realized that you actually did a pin the flip flop on McCain. That is just the greatest thing ever.
July 21, 2008 2:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
There were only three that got it close to the center of the horses mouth. The winner had to forfeit the grand prize which was a bottle of wine due to not being 21 (I think he peeked) so it went to the runner up. But really in the end we can only hope that we all win when McCain looses.
July 20, 2008 4:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'll add that the sheer volume of flip-flops became tangible when looking at them represented as individual little sandals stacked up in a basket, and later spread all over the poster of their author. It's pretty amazing really, way too many to keep track of...
July 20, 2008 4:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Hey Calpaige:
Thanks to you and to Genghis and to all those who organized last evening's events. I was joined by Ms. Bslev, my son, and one of my daughters and her boyfriend, and we all were pleased to hang with the very eclectic Brooklyn contingent. Met some folks from the TPM crowd and that was a real treat, even though I was ridiculed mercilessly by the clan for going to a party to meet friends I had never met!
We got a double bonus because as a prelude we waited on line for an hour (patiently) to eat the best pizza in NYC at Grimaldi's, which was right down the street from the party. They don't do slices btw, so don't even think of it.
Nice work to all of you, and a great show of unity, as former Edwards' junkie workerbee and her charming daughter were there, as were dijamo and yours truly from the loyal TPM Hillary contingent. We work together now, notwithstanding my every intention to throw a coupla pokes now and then just to keep the conversation flowing, and of course to defend my favorite p-o-l-i-t-c-i-a-n (can you say that?), the junior senator from the Empire State, Hillary Rodham Clinton!
Nice work all.
Bruce
July 20, 2008 9:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bruce;
I am trying to get in touch with you.
Please send me a note: drwilbur@gmail.com.
I am the attorney from Mike's Saturday Night TPM
meeting.
Take Care,
David
July 22, 2008 2:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks everyone for coming. The Brooklyn party was a blast. It was great to meet all of you who came. The call with Bivens went great, the band--Pacific Theater--was fabulous, workerbee's cheesecake was delicious, and the room was really, really hot (in the fahrenheitish sense). We also got kicked off the roof by security, which I suppose is the sign of a good party.
Haven't totaled up the proceeds yet, but I'll get on that just as soon as I get rid of this hangover.
Profound thanks and appreciation to the national organizers CalPaige and Articleman and the Brooklyn organizers, AM and benjoya.
PS If workerbee, lisb, or marquis-de-s2s read this soon, please send me an email. I would like to join your brunch, but the number that I have for marquis only has eight digits. I suspect that it's missing one. (Perhaps it was intentional. It wouldn't be the first time that I've fallen for the old eight-digit number trick.)
July 20, 2008 10:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Austin party was great. No appearance from Gore or Pelosi, but it was a lovely group, and I think we raised about $1700 for Obama. Thanks everybody for arranging this.
July 20, 2008 12:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Did you get the swag?
July 20, 2008 1:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes I did and thanks! It was a big hit. (I will be making a donation to your obama page soon).
July 20, 2008 3:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I took one of the buttons, just says "Yes We Can" and I love it. I will wear it for inspiration in all I do. Thank you!
July 21, 2008 2:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Was a good time! And in defiance of any alleged reality, I will swear Genghis' shirt is actually pink.
July 20, 2008 1:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
It was a great meeting TPMers and nonTPMers alike at the NY party, although I was sorely disappointed that Genghis' flashing short was out of order. The rooftop view of the bridge was amazing and getting bounced off the roof by security was a highlight - thanks for helping me relive my early 20s :) In short, totally worth the hours spent in make-up to disguise the fact I am really a 40 year old white republican troll.
All kidding aside - thanks to AM, benjoya and genghis for arranging the get-together. And the national organizers CA-Paige and Articleman. Now onto to planning the election night victory bash!
July 20, 2008 2:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
*stretches*
*looks at clock*
Oh, I guess it must be time to get up now.
Good morning, party people! And virtual party people! And people who wish they were party people! And -- what the hell -- people who hate party people!
The San Francisco party was great. Only, almost nobody from TPM made it -- just my friends 'n family and a friend of a TPMer.
Bivens was great on the phone -- I thought he had a great tone -- lively, engaging -- and was also able to share some very interesting perspectives and information. My group particular enjoyed the descriptions of McCain's temper. (Maybe we're just a little vindictive on the left coast. Or something.)
HUGE shout-out to articleman and Genghis. WAHOO! I wish I could take the two of you out for a non-virtual drink some day. And to the party planners -- you guys were great! Thanks! Over the phone, it certainly sounded like you had loads of enthusiastic party people. And to the silent callers-in, and to all the party goers -- THANK YOU, TOO!
P.S. If you wanted to donate but somehow were unable, you still can. Here. Just sayin'. Ignore this bit if you want.
July 20, 2008 3:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's some photos from Seattle
http://picasaweb.google.com/Bademus.Bites/TPMAholicsParty
July 20, 2008 4:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know I am late checking in but still recovering from last night. I slept til 3pm and spent what was left of the day eating/drinking the leftovers.
I'm so pleased everyone appreciated those actors we hired to play security guards to liven things up a bit. The one was really great the way he pretended not to speak English, and the other one yelled at a passerby on the street that he looked like a McCain supporter.
Thank you to Genghis for crawling into the rafters to discover the internet, Dave for providing a "hot" location and so so much beer, the CT ladies for cheesecake and fresh teenage perspective, and everybody who helped "man" the door, remember the secret code, give money, enjoy the band, participate in their own photo shoot, and represent (though not officially) TPM. I already heard from one of the other guests who said she just visited TPM for the first time because of the event. Everybody I talked to, even people who showed up later and heard about it, thought the conference call idea was very cool.
I have pictures but not sure if I should post them here. Mostly I just have the group picture, and a few others of what our group looked like during the call. Does anybody object to me posting a link to them?
July 21, 2008 1:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
Post a Comment