Since being given the privilege and honor of posting on this site, I'm sure there are times when the lovely and kind blogmistresses probably wish they hadn't given me carte blanche. This is likely one of those times.
I want to address a few things from last night's candidate forum at Front Page News.
Since I've stolen the title from a famous movie, we will start with the "Good".
Location and available space, lots room to circulate inside and out. It appeared to be zero problem that we essentially took over most all of the inside and the bar area outside. I love the free parking. You can't imagine how I hate doing things in mid-town and having to pay to park.
The organizations who worked hard to put this event together, Red Clay and Young Democrats. It's a thankless chore chasing down candidates and doing all the leg work to make these events possible. Take a bow you all did a great job.
The candidates who showed up early, had their literature out, greeted folks who arrived, had staff working the crowd and were in a meet 'n greet kind of mood. Loved the gum provided by Steven Lee.
The candidates who took the time to get dressed for the occasion. Ah yes, you knew that was coming! Snaps and props to these folks who know how to represent. Bobby Saxon, Earl Giddins, Keith Gross, Malik Douglas, RuthE Levy, Rand Knight, Charles Rambo & Patrick Labat. Those of you not mentioned might fall into the "bland" category or in some select cases should now move to the "bad" section.
The Bad: At the risk of joining the "mean girls" club, let this brief but serious commentary be your warning shot. Repeated behavior will get you called out by name. It's only May, you have time to clean up your act.
Candidates who hold up the bar, speak to few folks, are not dressed for success and drinking in public.
A certain state wide candidate who hit on the wife of a campaign staffer and the wife of another candidate. Are ya insane? If this is reported to me once more, mercy will not be shown.
Candidate staffers who are weird and creepy.
Candidates who can't tell you the boundaries of their districts, and or don't know how to relate core democratic principles into their message.
Candidates who we know are Republican, and front like they are Democrats. Not cool. Be honest. You never know I might vote for ya, well not, but at least don't be a big fibber.
Candidates who do not make any eye contact with you when conversing. Good grief people this is basic. If we are talking please attempt to look interested or fake a pee break and leave. Don't be constantly looking over my shoulder or head checking out the scene and not even being subtle about it...
And now the finale: The Ugly. Only one candidate will earn this distinction such as it is.
He's new... VERY new... I was prepared to make a few introductions on his behalf, however I wanted to kick him in the shins within about a minute. He checked off at least half of the "bad" points listed above within a few seconds.
He couldn't tell me what district he lived in when I introduced myself as a district captain in HIS District and shockingly made zero attempt to understand why that might be of interest to him. I won't bother to point out that he has 250 polling locations to learn.
A tall man, he looked over my head the entire time at anyone who arrived without even saying the most basic of "pardon me I'm looking for a friend".
He was slovenly dressed. Jacket, tie, starched shirt, shined shoes this is basic. BASIC!
Seemed to only wish to speak to the men in the room. Hey dude, you don't know anyone. In the future please assume you need to know everyone, even the women folk.
In summary, being particularly stupid and rude to me, Yeah big mistake dude, huge in fact! I heard he has money, well that ought to buy him a few friends, cause I ain't helping his ass.
The evening ended on several high notes, I had a lovely conversation about blogging with Bobby Saxon, and had a yummy dinner with Nicolette. All in all a great event. Thanks to all who made it possible.
Comments (11)
The gum by Steven Lee was the best campaign schwag I've received in a long time. The bad? The women who blocked in 20 cars because she didn't know where the entrance was for the gravel parking lot.
Posted by Jen B.![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 12:12 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 12:12
thanks juliana! sounds like a great, albeit with some less than interesting guests, event! :)
sorry i couldnt be there.
Posted by daniel30307![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 12:16 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 12:16
Someone blocked in 20 cars? That's very impressive.
I agree that all the cadidates mentioned above were very smartly dressed.
Posted by allison![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 12:47 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 12:47
the left-overs are delicious too!
Posted by nicolette![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 12:51 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 12:51
Definitely going to have to step up the mean factor on my blog. Cannot.Compete.
Posted by griftdrift![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 12:52 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 12:52
I would be honored to have you in the Mean Cool Kids club.
Blocked in 20 cars? Was she driving a stretch Hummer?
Posted by Rubyduby![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 1:22 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 13:22
can i just go ahead and name the statewide candidate?
Posted by innerredneckexposed![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 2:38 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 14:38
Inner... dunno kind of takes all the fun out of it.
Posted by Kimmiega![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 2:58 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 14:58
Re: Blocked in 20 cars.
There's two gravel parking lots to the right of Front Page News. The lots are connected by a small "driveway" and this woman confused it for a parking space. Me and another guy thought about driving over the curb to Moreland, but there was a string barrier blocking our way. She finally scurried out (after FPN found her) and sheepishly moved her car.
Posted by Jen B.![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 4:10 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 16:10
If I were a betting woman I would bet $100 that she was on the phone while parking.
Posted by CatherineAtlanta![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 4:25 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 16:25
Thanks to Alli, Page and Jane who did the legwork for this event, and everyone else who helped forward on the invite and get the candidates and members out.
It was REALLY exciting to hear from 4 or 5 people that i talked with that they were
1. new to the city (or their area of metro)
and
2. this was their first Democratic event
Thanks to the Young Democrats and Red Clay members for attending and meeting the candidates.
Thanks to the candidates for showing and making the most of a great evening!
Was good to see old and new friends, and have dinner with my pal Jodi!
Posted by Tim![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.blogfordemocracy.org/nav-commenters.gif)
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May 7, 2008 4:33 PM
Posted on May 7, 2008 16:33