
(Update: Robert Rodriguez from CA-25 got the chance to debate his opponent Buck McKeon today and is joining us in the comments to talk about it. Please stop in for the chat -- JH)
This was the scene in the parking lot outside Lamont HQ in Meriden today when I arrived. The Big Bad Bus Tour kicks off tomorrow at 12:30pm at the University of Connecticut student center. Here's the itinerary:
Event Schedule:
Thursday
12:30pm: Bus Tour Kickoff Rally at UConn
Outside Student Union and Gampel Pavillion
2110 Hillside Road, Storrs, CT2:00pm: Manchester Town Hall
Manchester Community College
161 Hillstown Rd., Manchester, CT6:00pm: Pre-Debate Visibility
Quinnipiac University - School of Communications
275 Mount Carmel Ave., Hamden, CT7:00-9:00pm: Debate Watch Party/Post Debate Rally
Aunt Chilada's
3931 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CTFriday
10:30am: Hartford Meet and Greet w/ Seniors
Outside Percival Smith Towers
80 Charter Oak Ave., Hartford, CT1:30pm: AFSCME Council 4 Rally
444 East Main St., New Britain, CT3:00pm: Rally at Bristol Polish American Citizens Club
541 North Main St., Bristol, CT5:15pm: Naugatuck HS Tailgate/Meet and Greet
543 Rubber Ave., Naugatuck, CTSaturday
9:00am: Waterbury Canvass Kick-Off
Democratic HQ
1418 North Main St., Waterbury, CT11:00am: Ansonia Canvass Kick-Off
Ansonia DTC HQ
294 Main St., Ansonia, CT12:30pm: Walk Around Bridgeport
East Main St., Bridgeport CT1:45pm: Bridgeport Press Conference
Congress Street Bridge
near 4 Crescent St., Bridgeport, CT3pm: Stamford Rock and Knock/Rally
featuring musical guest Black 47
Tiernan’s Bar and Restaurant
187 Main St., Stamford, CT6:00pm: Milford Town Hall
TBA, Milford, CT7:00pm: "Stand Up For Change" Grand Finale Rally
featuring musical guest Maxwell/Mosher
exact location TBD
meet at corner of Orange and Court in front of Hall of Records
New Haven, CT
We're all very excited around here. It's going to be a thrilling couple of days as we sprint to the finish!
When I asked the campaign today what FDL can most do for them, they said that above all, they need VOLUNTEERS. Here's some information about the Families Friends and Neighbors project:
What Is family, friends and neighbors?
Family, friends and neighbors is a new twist on an old-fashioned
campaign tool - the personal postcard. Here's how it works.Step 1 --> Select the people you'd like to contact by finding their names on the CT State Voter List. This confirms that they're registered to vote, and provides us with their mailing address without having to ask you for it.
Step 2 --> You'll create the postcards by updating the 'to:' and 'from:' with something friendlier if you like, then add your message. There's a suggested message from us that you can add to, or you can start from scratch and tell them about Ned in your own words. You can easily repeat your message on each postcard or make a different, more personal message for each one.
Step 3 --> We'll mail the postcard for you and pay for the postage. This is not an email but an actual, tangible, made-from-real-trees postcard.
Step 4 --> We'll notify you by email after your cards have been sent. You'll then be able to use the 'followup' function to call, note some useful information, and let us know if the voter needs a lawn sign, absentee ballot or ride to the polls on election day.
You don't have to be from Connecticut to participate in this as long as you know and love someone who lives here. You have until 11:00p tomorrow. GO TO THE LINK!
And the campaign really needs boots on the ground in these last few days. What are you doing this weekend? Got any frequent flyer miles stored up? Want to come party with me, the Lamont campaign, and a bunch of rock stars? One word: VOLUNTEER!!
Email Megan at megmp7[at]yahoo[dot]com if you'd like to help out. The Lamont campaign needs you! Hell, I need you. Someone call all those groovy kids in New York City. Matt Browner-Hamlin? Lindsay Beyerstein? You guys out there? Come to Connecticut!! Bring friends!! If there's absolutely positively no way you can get to CT before Election Day, then volunteer to phone bank, which you can now do from out of state. Email: outofstate[at]nedlamont[dot]com.
It's gonna be a hell of a fight. Followed by a hell of a party. We need you. So, what the hell are you waiting for?
Never defend.
Never explain.
ATTACK!!
ATTACK!!
ATTAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!
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Ha!
Welcome to Fall foliage, TRex.
Pachacutec @ 1
Fuck that. It’s already snowing here, as usual.
I doubt I’m going to be awake much longer, you guys. I got just under two hours of sleep last night and it’s been a long day. Boy, it’s good to see everybody and to be here, though.
KOO-KOO-KACHOO, TRex!
Thanks for fighting the good fight, TRex.
You’re awesome.
How’s Ned, The Fighting Koi? Did he enjoy his flight?
CTRex ! !
Kick some caboose, TRex !
TRex @ 3
Bedtime, now? Luxury!
Trex and Ned!
Good on ‘ya - and happy shut-eye!
TRex @
4
Never defend the need for sleep, TRex, and never explain. Just attack that pillow and smile.
OldCoastie @
7
He did. All the flight attendants were utterly charmed.
He’s such a flirt.
I had an ex boyfriend who used to say something very like that.
Oops. Did I say that out loud?!
That’s one heck of a schedule, and I’m sure that like many politicians, Ned’s been keeping this schedule up for weeks now. I don’t know how they do it.
ATTAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!
Exactly right. And forget Social Security etc., it’s a Lieberman distraction.
It’s IRRAAAAAAAAQ!
Glad you arrived safe and sound TRex. Wish I knew someone in Connecticut to send a postcard to. But I’ll be MoveOn phone banking this weekend.
Somewhat OT but FWIW I wrote/recorded a tune called “I Blame Clinton“. I want to thank all the firepups for the inspiration.
TRex!!!!! Sleep well. xxxooo
Kirk- equine cat brush confirmation question for you on last thread.
Rove’s already backpedaling the coming loss as the fault of the Republicans that haven’t embraced his strategy enough.
Realistically, Karl Rove should be the most hated man in America on 11/8, by both Democrats who were savaged by him and his puppets and by Republicans who were led off the cliff.
But Bush will have none of that.
-GSD
TRex @ 13
No, he said, “Bite the pillow!”
Will be back up there friday and saturday work back in the city on sunday and then back up on Monday and Tuesday if nothing comes up at work.
It is snowing already somewhere?
Richard Perle and Chris Hitchens are throwing Bush under the bus……
Looks like everyone knows where things are going now.
-GSD
And smile.
Okay, good night!
Gawd. I love you guys too much. Must. Go. To bed.
My next book after All Republicans are Gay will be Bloggers Who Love Attention Too Much.
UptownNYChick @ 21
HOORAY!!
Can’t wait to meet you.
ccmask @ 22
Uh huh. Couple of days now.
I can’t go to CT bec. of work stuff (I am 1000 miles away so it’s not a short drive), but I would like to give a huges thanks to UNYChick, RevDev, Selise, dab, etc. etc. for all of the work they have been doing on behalf of Ned!!!
Thank you, thank you!!!
Go TRex, go Tommy Yum……..
sleep well, TRex!
TRex - selise is organizing an FDL contingent to attend the Saturday event. Can’t wait to meet you, Tommy yum, et al.
Anyone who wants to meet up with the FDL group this weekend - you can reach be at dbharbor-blog at yahoo dot com
TRex @ 25
Looking forward to meeting you and other FDLers too.
Where fern?
Thanks VG -
We know you and the other FDLers are with us in spirit. And so many others are fighting the good fight in their own states.
This is so much bigger than Ned & Joe - I can’t wait to find out what happens with Webb, Benson, Wulsin, Paccione - all the folks we have been able to talk with and donate to through Blue America.
someone’s smokin’ somethin’ over at My DD… (I’m thinking it’s Rahm, himself) - discussion of Rahm becoming Speaker when the Dems take the house… get this - because he has the “backing of the netroots”
Oh.My.F’ing. Gawd!
how very strange!
Here’s info on MN-06. Patty Wetterling must win!
Ugh. Just saw my first Joe ad.
Ned’s ads are eight to one at this point tonight
I’ll be in in Hamden for the debate, then volunteering in Stamford straight through election day! It will be the experience of a lifetime. I encourage everyone to get in their cars and start driving to Connecticut right now!!! Let’s do this.
OldCoastie @ 33
Wow Old Coastie - wonder if anyone has told our Miss Nancy there is a plot afoot to dethrone the poor thang?
T-Rex, can I ask for a small favor?
If he becomes speaker, the CD Rahm name will fit him tremendously.
This afternoon I promised I’d ask Robert Rodriguez to come on and talk about the debate he had with Buck McKeon. Well, the debate went long and Robert called and asked if he could drop by now instead. Is that ok?
I’ll give $100 for any campaign ad that demands Mr. Bush apologize to the US soldier abandoned in Sadr City.
Howie Klein @ 38
You’re a brave man, Howie, if you want to wake a sleeping TRex (see TRex @ 24)
I think Lamont did it already
ccmask @ 31
North side of that long border - Winnipeg, Manitoba
Howie Klein @ 40
I think T-rex turned in early.
I doubt anyone in Late Nite would mind — it rarely stays on topic.
Peterr @ 42
Oh, fine… is it ok with you then?
Bring him by, Howie! Been wondering how that debate went.
Peterr @ 47
Whooo Hooo!
I think the battle for Speaker has only just begun… never mind that Pelosi has only been VERY effective in the position…
One more headache for Bush—one less leader he will talk to.
Ortega set to win in Nicaragua.
-GSD
Go Ned. Go Hodes. Go McCaskill
OK, Robert will sign on in a few minutes. Forget about Rahm being Speaker. He’s announced to his pals he’d like to get Hoyer’s job as whip when Hoyer moves to Leader (and Nancy moves to Speaker)
Hoyer asked if he could come on to FDL to talk with us and Jane thought it would be more fun for everyone after the election.
Howie - bring Mr. Rodriguez on in! (I hope he’s wearing his track shoes!)
Hey Howie!
Don’t know if you remember me from “the day” but I used to speak with you on the phone when we were getting punk rock going in Reno.
I’ll chip in $100 to any campaign that demands Mr. Bush apologize to the soldier captured in Sadr City. To abandon him is a national disgrace…
Howie, you’re a great American.
Hello everyone. Howie, thanks for the introduction.
Republican base jumping.
Looks like the “faithful” might not be so mobilized after all……
-GSD
Hey Robert! How’d things go today?
John Kerry tells bad jokes, George W. Bush abandons US soldiers to militias that use power drills for torturing the opposition…
Who is the morally abjectionable guy?
-GSD
OldCoastie @ 57
Things went well. After ducking out on us time and time again, we got to get some things out there.
It was good to get to call Buck out on his ties to Delay and big corporate money.
Yea TRex in CT!
OT- Heros. PBS ran a thirty minute show on Grandma Doris (aka Granny D) who at eighty nine years of age (with emphysema) walked across America for campaign finance reform!
Bless her heart.
Robert, check out #54. That’s a $100 offer from Cliff
Good for you! I’m here in CA42 and our congressman scored in within top 2 or 3 for voting with Delay… very sickening…
we’ve had enough “corrupt”
Hi Robert,
At last you got “Buck Buck” to debate you! How did you feel it went?
GSD @ 50
OK, I’m confused, and not for the first time. Ortega was supposed to be a dictator, but was voted out of office and replaced by someone in an opposition party. Wassupwidat? I don’t get how a dictator can be voted out of office without a coup or something occuring first, yet Wikipedia doesn’t mention such a thing.
Cliff, here’s where that C-note goes.
Howie Klein @ 51
Thanks for clearing this up Howie. I’m looking forward to Nancy as Speaker of the House - she has earned it and will not disappoint IMHO.
I thought it was “Cluck Cluck Buck”?
OMG Royalty in the house, please excuse my manners, Sir Robert! So glad you are here. :~}
Persiflage @ 63
It went extremely well. We hit him hard on getting money from student lending banks and then raising interest rates on student loans by 2.4%.
And we just heard about and independent expenditure out here that is running ads for us and the name of the organization is “Santa Clarita Republicans for a Better America”.
We also recently got endorsed by two Republican columnists in Bucks hometown paper.
Cujo359 @ 64
Ortega ain’t El Commandante no more. He’s kissing up to Bush and the U.S. corporations and the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy (a major oppressor in Central America) and his party just called for the criminalization of all abortions. I’m sure Bush is very comfortable with him now.
Eureka Springs, AR @ 68
It is good to be here amongst friends that are fighting the good fight all across this country.
Robert, did you hit Buck with any direct accusations– like about him falling down on the job regarding students loans, stuff like that?
Wow, that’s fantastic! You and your wonderful team deserve all the support you can get, even from Republicans.
Howie Klein @
70
Once a commie boogeyman, always a commie boogeyman.
-GSD
Great News, Robert. When Santa Clarita Republicans are running spots for you - you know Cluck Cluck Buck has lost his base!
Congrats, and welcome!
PS: I know TRex will be disappointed he missed your visit. :)
for those of you who would like to admire Robert Rodriquez’s website, you can take a peek here
Howie Klein @ 72
He tried to hit us on immigration and we turned right back on him. I said “Congressman, you have been in Congress for 14 years now, your party has been in control of Congress since ‘94, and your party has been in control of every branch of gov’t since 2000. And you have the audacity to try and make us look week on immigration. You have done absolutely nothing to try and solve this problem and two months ago you Reps were fighting about what to call the bill.
I’m ON it — thank you Howie!
Robert -
What kind of media coverage do you think the debate will generate? Is this a story for the morning radio jocks to laugh about and then it dies, or do you think the debate had enough hard hits to get and keep some ongoing media attention?
I hope you like the free Republican (oxymoron) ads. Have you had a chance to view them?
Hey Howie!!!!! Hey Robert!!!! I’ve missed the most recent messages, because I was just off sending ARMEN an email, saying that we wanted to hear about Robert’s debate!!!!!!!!
So, now that I see that Robert is here (and not by doing) I’ll go back and read the comments!!!
Robert, I love your campaign staff!!!!
Peterr @ 79
It got some attention and radio stations across the district are going to replay it. We also did a tv debate later on today, but we were not allowed to respond to answers.
Any word on Bush’s fence to nowhere?
My ex is a Republican who lives in Santa Clarita (two reasons he’s an ex). I called him after Robert visited late night. He said he was going to vote for Robert — may be his first Dem vote ever.
Robert, Cliff just sent you $100. What happens with money that comes in this late? After your campaign gets it, what do you do with it?
“Congressman, you have been in Congress for 14 years now, your party has been in control of Congress since ‘94, and your party has been in control of every branch of gov’t since 2000. And you have the audacity to try and make us look week on immigration. You have done absolutely nothing to try and solve this problem and two months ago you Reps were fighting about what to call the bill.
Standing on chair clapping. Thank you Sir.
but we were not allowed to respond to answers.
that is just odd
Valley Girl @ 81
They work really really hard every day and they are stepping it up. Ask Armen about him storming into the radio studio today and acusing McKeon of dirty tricks. We got the debate extended 10 minutes bc McKeon tried to call us out without giving us a chance to respond.
Peterr @ 79
One of the (small, home town) stations running “Have You Had Enough?” spots for Robert has an story up about today’s debate, here.
UptownNYChick @ 84
Good for you, Uptown…!
Howie Klein @ 85
Thanks Cliff. We are flooding the airwaves. We have ads going on all over and any additional money goes to getting more adds up.
UptownNYChick @ 84
Thanks for the assist. We can use all the help we can get and Republican crossover has been amazing.
Oh, BTW, TRex’s Late Nite about the Rodriguez campaign staff is here:
http://www.firedoglake.com/200.....a-chicken/
It was absolutely delightful to spend late nite with Robert and his crew. They are an inspiration.
And, any links to endorsements most useful, Robert.
Suzanne @ 86
Thank you ALL for standing up to this administration and this Congress on behalf of all Americans.
“Ad Wars”
http://tinyurl.com/yb9jog
Robert, is that Libertarian going to take any significant number of votes away from McKeon or is he a non-factor?
Howie Klein @ 96
I think he is a non-factor, but many Reps who are disgusted with their party may vote for him. That is what we hear anyway.
Robert,
Is there a growing feeling that things are on the threshold of big change in DC?
No predictions, just what the mood is and what is in the air.
-GSD
Robert, congratulations on the debate tonight, and thanks so much for stopping by to tell us about it. It’s all very exciting. We’re really pulling for you on Tuesday.
have a good evening, all… my pajamas are calling to me… Mr. Rodriguez, Thank you! We will be watching election night and the best of luck!
GSD @ 98
Absolutely. We get so many unsolicited calls everyday. People are fed up with Bush and Iraq. It is amazing how many Dems have come out from the hiding. They are now so excited to say they are Dems and our volunteer base has exploded. People making homemade signs, others putting up our signs, others walking precincts, phone banking, and most importantly telling their friends to vote.
OldCoastie @ 100
Thank you very much and have a good night.
Jane Hamsher @ 99
Thanks Jane. We have to catch up after the election. You live in SM right?
What reasons are these GOP organizations and local papers giving your future constituents to vote for you? Is the GOP tired of the war, or spending, or the rubber stamp and no oversight? Are these issues that’ll allow GOP voters to cross over to the dreaded D column?
Glad to hear ole Buck finally acknowledged his opposition — could you see the scared in his eyes?
Please be sure to tell that hard-working group you’ve got out there how much we appreciate all their efforts on your behalf.
I just added a note to the post to let folks know you’re here, Robert.
Robert Rodriguez @ 103
I’m in Mill Valley at the moment but I’m in Santa Monica a lot, too. I would love to.
From the radio debate.
Have what both ways? World war!
TeddySanFran @ 104
Great news.
People are weary of the Bush/Rove regime, I can feel it. Time for a progressive change…
If you haven’t seen the Olbermann special comment tonight, it’s a good one.
Also, please everyone do what you can to make this the next big story in the news cycle.
Fantastic job Rummy!
-GSD
Good luck on Tuesday Robert.
Robert, I drove my JailBush-mobile thru your district a few weeks back, seeding the vibes — thank YOU and good luck!
Cliff Varnell @ 110
Really. How come we didn’t get a call? Anyway, thanks for the help.
Okay, I really thought that I’d given my last donation, but seeing as Robert is here, I just can’t not give him some extra bucks, again. I’m small fry in the $ game, but I know a good candidate with an inspiring staff when I see ‘em.
In previous “double up” offers, I’ve posted the amount that I am willing to give, and asked for a match. This time, I’m not gonna do that. I’m just gonna say “I’m off to kick in some extra bucks” and I want someone to match me… and you can give whatever you like to make this match… no questions asked. And, I will accept as many suitors as I can get for my match. No need to report back… but, I’ll be watching the Blue America totals so see how many suitors I have.
Donate for Robert here http://www.actblue.com/page/blueamerica#9384
p.s. many of us were most impressed that Robert irons his own shirts, even while Norena in curlers is… gesturing? screaming? You gotta go see the original post to understand what I am on about here.
Santa Clarita Signal endorses Robert:
Full article, here.
Robert –
Good luck on Tuesday, I will be calling my ex that morning to remind him to vote. (You already got his mom’s absentee vote — I always liked her better than him).
Good night all
Valley Girl @ 112
I actually got to do the yelling today bc I ironed last night. Thanks for the contribution. It all helps out so much. Thank you all for everything. Down with tyranny, FDL, and Crooks and Liars have been tremendously supportive.
UptownNYChick @ 114
Thanks and if anybody else has exes in the district please call them and encourage them to vote.
Brutal editorial about Lieberman in one of Connecticut’s newspapers - the Journal Inquirer
Joe, it’s not just the Times
(snip)
But Joe Lieberman seems to care a lot about whom the Times endorses.
He seemed personally hurt by the Times picking Lamont.
His No. 1 flack wrote a long diatribe on the subject.
And Joe resorted to what has sometimes been his ultimate defense in this campaign: No one understands me.
If we did, you see, we would appreciate him sufficiently.
Lieberman’s exact words about the Times editorial board were:
“I don’t believe that they’ve ever really understood my position on Iraq.”
It’s not every man who can out-condescend The New York Times.
Why not just say, “They have their views and I have mine”?
And, anyhow, who does understand Sen. Lieberman’s position on Iraq?
Maybe professor Irwin Corey.
T