Some of you have read the posts I've been writing about my 82 year old mother changing her party registration from Republican to Democrat in order to caucus for Barack Obama. She has been more engaged in this election than at any other time in her life, having previously hated politics.
In prior threads I have greatly appreciated the support from Kossacks for my mom, and her ever expanding politization. The latest statements from her have even my optimistic ears buzzing. Things are changing, and I think my mother is becoming a Keithie. The details are below the jump.
My mom had a total knee replacement last week. I am nursing her back to health (as the therapeutic drill sergeant and pill dispenser) and she is stuck in a more reclined position than is comfortable for her normal go-get-em character. In order to keep her entertained I set her up on the couch in front of the 42" plasma hi-def screen, and let the politics fly. She is up on everything MSNBC, PBS and C-SPAN, with occasional readings from the internet of my favorite op-eds, Andrew Sullivan, DKos, and Huffpo. It has been a fun foray into all things political.
She likes Mika in the morning, and noticed that Joe has started to soften his approach. He now tells you that he is playing devil’s advocate instead of just being contrary for contrarian’s sake. My mom calls it being a "shit disturber". She has a very accurate shit disturber meter running on in her head. She mentioned that she thought the shift from "shit" had been since Tim Russert’s sad and untimely death. She even asked me if I thought he was trying to get Tim’s job, and was that the reason for the change. Needless to say I am not used to quite this level of observation. Things are changing.
She can only watch portions of Hardball, and likes Chris Matthews, but she asks me to turn the sound down when people start yelling. Her major assessment; "None of them are as even as Keith, unless he gets going on one of his Special Comments. I do understand why you think he is your generation's Edward R. Murrow." This is bordering on being a Keithie.
She watches Countdown from start to finish, and doesn’t want to take a pain pill beforehand as it clouds her mind. I asked her about this. She said, "Keith, well I believe he is probably brilliant, and a lot of what he has to say goes over my head, so I have to concentrate. I don’t pick it up as quickly as you do, but I know that I want to, so I’d rather take the pills later." I was cracking up. Pain and the truth are preferable to no pain and not understanding Keith. Wow, this is at least a Keithie wannabe.
We were watching Gwen Ifill’s coverage of the Supreme Court’s decision on the DC gun ban and Mom was paying close attention to NBC’s Pete Williams as he added his assessment to the conversation. She chimed in "Have you noticed how much this gentleman reminds you of Howard Fineman? Around the eyes, and it’s not just the glasses." I was floored. "How do you know Howard Fineman?" I asked. She replied, "Well, Keith has him on almost every night, Howard Fineman and Richard Wolffe." I was speechless. "You know, after you listen to them, you get the idea that people are actually out there trying to get the facts. I appreciate how clear they are." Only a Keithie would even care.
This weekend we watched the NALEO coverage on C-SPAN. Everything is on the DVR so we can fast forward past commercials (and shit disturbers), and she asked me to fast forward past McCain. "We know what he is going to say, besides, I really don’t like him." Wow, all I can say is wow. And, as she intently watched the entire Q&A with Obama she turned to me and said, "Won’t it be a pleasure to listen to someone who is so intelligent, and clear? What a difference this all will be."
After reading DKOS to her this week she has been very intrigued by everyone who is so upset with Obama. For her it is simple. She doesn’t like McCain, and we have a very obvious choice as to who we wish to listen to for the next four to eight years. What is interesting from her perspective is that it may be the remainder of her life, and this is how she would like to spend it. In fact, for her, it is a done deal. "Won’t it be a pleasure to listen to someone who is so intelligent, and clear? What a difference this all will be." She doesn’t think anyone is silly enough to ignore the obvious. Who am I to usher in a more jaded opinion of the American intellect?
She honestly can’t see why anyone who likes Obama is upset with his trying to get elected. "Don’t they know that not everyone likes him as much as we do, and they might not understand his decisions? He has to be very careful. I just can’t believe how careful he is going to have to be. It’s an absolute tight rope. And if everyone who is for him is ready to be mad at him, how can he get anywhere?"
She was interested to learn that Keith has posted on DKos, and is even more interested that he has a Special Comment coming up on Monday to address the whole mess about the telecoms. I've explained that he often gives a liitle printed version of his presentation beforehand, and that through the internet she can read a transcript for more clarity. "Oh, no, that is too much on these medications, I'd rather just try to understand Keith."
Monday, the afternoon physical therapy and subsequent pain meds are on hold until after the Special Comment on Countdown. This is one topic she really wants to get to the bottom of, and understand a little better. Yep, it's official, my mom is a full blown Keithie.
On a personal note, I want to thank everyone who has sent thoughtful responses to her through me. I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud of her for realizing that it is never too late to become involved.