In Part I, we went along to the latest in a string of "Coffee with Christine" events, where ordinary Americans became engaged again in their democracy.
You can read Part 1.
In Part 2, we went to the Brat House, and enjoyed a campaign event reminiscent of the pre-television age when candidates actually interacted directly with the voters. You can read Part 2 here.
Today, we get to meet the Blogfather himself, then travel to a candidate forum with all three candidates at a local synagogue.
The first stop of the day was an event sponsored by Naperville Township Dems featuring Markos Moulitsas, the founder of Daily Kos. We got there early and Christine immediately started saying hello to everyone. I swear this woman knows everyone locally. I got to meet and speak briefly with John Laesch (candidate for IL-14). Christine already knew him. Marcos arrived after us, and by then it was just about time to leave for the candidate forum back in the district. Christine and Marcos only spoke briefly, and I introduced myself - it was nice to see his realization of who I was after I gave my blog handle.
Next was a candidate forum for all the IL-06 candidates sponsored by Etz Chaim, a synagogue in Lombard. This was the first time I've seen all three candidates in person, so I was interested in how my perceptions based on reading media and blogs would play out in real life. As with the other events, Christine walked in and started saying hello to half the people there. Hugs. Handshakes. I don't know how she remembers all the names.
Each candidate stuck to their opening theme. Each had questions they did better with than others. There was one question that asked the candidates where their campaign funding was coming from which was obviously directed at Duckworth. To me she answered defensively and some frustration at the question seemed to come through. I can't remember if it was this answer or not, but at one point she described herself as "a tough chick." This seemed genuine yet awkward, but did draw a laugh.
Overall impressions for me were kind of surprising. I had gone into the event thinking I'd find Duckworth likable but soft on the issues. But instead left not liking her brashness, bravado, and "tough chick" persona. It really turned me off to a surprising level. Maybe it was her nerves or my bias. I don't know. Although she did a better job on the Q&A than I had expected, in my opinion she flubbed one question on NCLB and didn't answer another directly on children's health care issues.
I entered the event expecting Scott to be dry and intellectual. He was intellectual, but hardly dry. He is obviously used to speaking to groups with his background as a professor, and his answers were well thought out and well expressed. I liked him, but not enough to vote for him. I don't know why I was left with this impression other than he seems like a professor who's class I'd like to be in, but not like a Congressman. Lindy supporters, I mean that as a genuine complement.
Obviously I entered the event biased toward Cegelis. She came across to me as she always does: a genuine person who who has an honest desire to change government. She knew the issues, and seemed the least fixed to a scripted answer. She also looked the most like a Congressperson sporting a new haircut and sharp outfit. Stupid impression I'm sorry to have noticed, but that she looked the part stood out to me.
After the event, a member of the audience came up to Christine and said:
I thought you were the best fit for the district of the three. Duckworth seemed really aggressive, Scott really thoughtful, but you seemed to be the best blend of the two with your practical solutions and background."
He then gave Christine his card and offered to volunteer in the office whatever they needed him to do.
This is the only way we are going to change our government - people getting involved in their Democracy one volunteer at a time. Volunteer or donate to the Cegelis campaign today.
Tomorrow I hope to have my final post in this series in which I'll focus on the conversations we had in the car going to and from events. This may be more personal than political, as I got to know her on a personal level, further deepening my respect for her not only as a candidate but as a person.