Hello from Austin where folks are just now gathering for what promises to be one heck of a 3 day event dedicated to Taking our Country Back.
Day 3: The last day of the conference started with the Blogger's Breakfast and focused on an all day campaign training by some of the best in the business, including Kerry's Iowa campaign strategist.
There are 74 pics from Demfest in the image gallery.
Day 2 1/2: Just came from Stubbs with BBQ in my beard and Gov Dean's inspiring words in my heart!
What an evening! Over 2200 in attendance, wild rock and roll, soulful tejano, hip hop poetry, and incredible speeches. We are indeed taking this country back.
Know what? Gov Dean is transforming the Democratic Party..."We do not need two Republican Parties!"
Rep Jesse Jackson Jr closed the speeches. He has proposed a series of Constitutional ammendments, including one guaranteeing the right to vote and another, the right to universal health care. The Democrats have the true Moral values of caring for one another and demonstrate this in practical ways.
Tomorrow...nitty gritty training on how to run for office, help with campaigns and Get Out the Vote.
Day 2: Had a great preconference day of sessions on MeetUp hosting and organizing led by DFA's Tom Hughs and Chris Warshaw. The caucus on rural campaigning proved the universality of issues affecting rural communities across the country. Good ideas and "best practices" were shared and the day capped off with down home entertainment at Threadgills... an outdoor setting near the "bat Bridge". Lots of networking and at last I got to meet the faces behind the names of folks I have "known" for over a year on line. Tonight: Gov Dean, Jim Hightower, Molly Inivs...
Day 1: We arrived in good order averaging 50.1 MPG on the Prius. Austin is bright, hot and hip. I type this from a cyber cafe in Downtown while digesting a wonderful Latte Milkshake at the Cafe Halcyion
I will add updates to this entry as events unfold.
Bill