Backstage at Netroots Nation

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Wednesday July 28, 2010 · 12:18 PM PDT

2010/07/28 · 12:18

When I won the auction for backstage access to Netroots Nation 2010, it never entered my mind that I’d be playing with Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s granddaughter. But there I was, hanging out waiting for a photo op with the Speaker, with Isabella tearing up and down the hall. Pointing at the stage that her grandmother had just spoken from, she made a beeline towards the stage door. Having been in and out of that door many times, all I could think about was the floor level open access hatch that led under the raised floor and the Speaker’s protective detail tearing the stage apart to retrieve Isabella. But I had too little faith in the instincts that must run in the family. Isabella headed up the stairs to the stage where someone else corralled her before she could get hurt on the decidedly un-childproofed stage.

Seeing Netroots Nation from backstage was both a privilege and a blast. I saw the hard work that goes on to bring speakers to the stage, had the chance to mingle with some of the speakers. What I saw was the tip of the tip of the iceberg. I didn’t see the front-of-stage work, or the work that goes into managing the panels, the exhibit hall, or the social events. What follows is some of what I witnessed backstage to give you a taste of the scene behind the scene.

stannenb

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Friday February 19, 2010 · 10:58 AM PST

2010/02/19 · 10:58

My junior Senator, in response to the attack on the Austin IRS offices, stated that "no one likes to pay taxes." I beg to differ, Senator, I like to pay taxes.

Poll

95 votes Show Results

Do you like paying taxes?

95 votes Vote Now!

Do you like paying taxes?

Yes, I like civilization

79 votes

No, I prefer the alternative

16 votes

It's the images, stupid

stannenb

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Monday August 17, 2009 · 6:03 AM PDT

2009/08/17 · 06:03

It's Modern Presidency 101, isn't it? You frame - literally - the president with images that drive home the messages.

Obama does town halls and visits, say, the Cleveland Clinic because doctors there are on salary. That's incredibly important, but what's the visual?

Obama needs a Michael Deaver, someone who'd be taking him on the road to, say, the RAM health "expedition" at the LA Forum, running a town hall with that in the background. They're happening around the country for the next two months.

That would reframe the conversation, both literally and figuratively.

And, if you're wondering who's organizing these events, go read about them. It's an amazing story.

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