This past Friday, I had the opportunity to vlog a rally in Concord, NC where Senator John Edwards campaigned for Larry Kissell.
Larry Kissell is a candidate who started off with very little money and name recognition and owes much of his rise to success in the polls to the netroots, particularly, BlueNC bloggers. Both Kissell and Edwards obviously see the value in reaching out to the progressive online community.
More on the Larry Kissell and John Edwards rally below the fold...
Senator Edwards held a private Meet & Greet for bloggers prior to the event. Both Kissell and Edwards have been exceptionally supportive to the netroots and make a point to give face time to citizen journalists.
Senator Edwards posted his first blog post here, "Hello DailyKos," last week which very well received and seems to be incorporating blogger conferences at most major rallies around the country, as he campaigns for midterm Democratic candidates.
Bloggers Iddybud and AnonyMoses with Senator Edwards
Larry Kissell frequently blogs here on DailyKos. In his most recent post, he discussed the Concord rally:
Mr. President, We Christians Aren't "Nuts"
You know, I was with John Edwards this weekend, and just so inspired by his passion for the humanitarian crises in the world. As John talked about his trip to Uganda, I thought about my church's work with AIDS orphans in Africa, and how honored I feel to be just a very small part of that of that critically important work.
Help Larry
Larry Kissell is referred to by his supporters as the "Real Deal." He's a down home populist who comes from humble roots. After 27 years of working in a mill, Larry became a school teacher. He's one of us.
Kissell's positions on issues reinforce his progressive beliefs. He's for a a "wrap up on Iraq", less taxes, and strong national security. In his message, "The Road Ahead," he sums up it:
From establishing Administration accountability for a trail of enormous mistakes that have created the mess in Iraq, to the lack of preparation for a future without oil, to a surging national deficit financed by foreign interests, to the growth of government and bureaucratic inefficiency, to rising medical insurance costs, to government corruption, deceit and cronyism, to more Americans in poverty, to a Congress that cuts benefits for average workers only to give tax breaks targeting the wealthiest like our own congressional incumbent.
Back in June, Larry Kissell was added to the ActBlue Netroots page. At that time, Kissell was basically an unknown candidate who faced an uphill battle against. Today, he is the frontrunner, polling ahead
at 51-47 against his opponent Robin Hayes.
Kos wrote a diary on Kissell at that time and said it best with, "what comes through with Kissell is how sincere he is in his progressive beliefs."
NC-08: Larry Kissell
by kos
Kissell is something special, the kind of candidate that inspires idealism in even cynical political operatives.
As a dedicated progressive running in North Carolina's eighth district, he's captured the hearts of the local blogs and local progressive activists. Just go to BlueNC, or read the last netroots nomination thread, and you'll get a sense of how beloved Kissell is. Before he was a social studies teacher, he worked for 27 years in the textile industry, and what comes through with Kissell is how sincere he is in his progressive beliefs.
Kissell not only has won the hearts of local bloggers but locals in general. He knows the people he will be representing and understands their concerns. Watching the reactions of his supporters and listening to them enthusiastically speak with him, it was evident that this is a man they feel at home with and trust.
Now for the videos of the speeches...
WATCH THE VIDEO OF KISSELL'S SPEECH
Kissell spoke about the threats to America and noted that perhaps the biggest threat to America was our national deficit. He discussed securing our borders and ports and emphasized that we need to end our dependence on foreign oil.
The most pertinent point Larry Kissell made during this speech was that, "There is nothing so wrong with America that cannot be fixed by what is right with America."
WATCH THE VIDEO OF JOHN EDWARDS' SPEECH
Senator Edwards described Larry Kissell as the type of leader who will "stand up for the people of his Congressional District." Kissell is as "grassroots as grassroots gets." He's not the "son of mill worker, he is a mill worker!"
Edwards and Kissell have a kinship not only due to the fact that they grew up 10 miles apart but that they understand that America must not only show strength, economic and military strength, but also "moral authority" to lead. "The rest of the world has to respect you. They have to believe in what you're doing."
Edwards drove home the point that America must regain her respect around the world and step up in places like Uganda. He discussed his recent trip to Uganda and the attrocities that are occurring there.
Senator Edwards encouraged the crowd to vote for Larry Kissell by saying he's better suited not only by background and life experience (27 years as a mill worker and a school teacher) but by his positions on issues. He understands what's going on his district. He will stand up for the people of his Congressional district rather than be a part of the problem like his opponent.
Support Larry Kissell!
Both Edwards and Kissell not only talk about what's wrong in America, but offer a plan to take back our country. They offer us hope.
Please vote in the upcoming midterms and help get other voters to the polls. There is too much at stake.
*Photo Credits
Photo 1: Carolina Girl
Photo 2 & 4: Iddybud