An afternoon chat with Mark Kelly

[DFW]

We just finished up about an hour ago. I have to sort through what goes on the record for public posting and what does not. No photos this time, but that’s not what we were there for. I have to run to get my train back to Germany.

As for THE question: he is thinking about it, and has ABSOLUTELY NOT made a decision, and probably won’t for a year.

More later!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Sounds good; I'll be around.

[question everything]

2. I hope that he will. He was my preferred choice in 2024. Not sure whether it would have mattered..

[MustLoveBeagles]

3. Thanks for the update

I hope he does. He's a good man.

[mitch96]

4. Ok....What is THE question? ....Prez?...nt

[DFW]

5. That's it.

He sees the headlines, ignores the blogs, and watches the slow deterioration of our democracy. Like me, he finds even talk of ICE intimidation squads appalling..

[DFW]

6. On the record stuff

He met with Zelenskyy in München, discussed the cruel conditions on the ground there, Putin’s logistic & financial means and needs for survival, very little about Trump—after all, we’re both part of the choir on that subject. Obviously the tax situation for Americans abroad and how our situation might be alleviated, and how many hundreds of millions might be freed up as contributions for Democrats if Residence-based taxation is introduced (we are the last nation on earth, other than Eritrea, that does not recognize it).

He also met with other leaders, discussed where he had NOT been in the Balkans, talked about his impressions of a few of their leaders (off the record). We talked some shop about my job, what I have been up to, some personal stuff that is not pertinent to politics—after all, we both hadn’t really had any time together since January 2025, so there was some catching up to do. Nothing earth-shaking there.

The time went by far too quickly, as it always does. In summary, he remains acutely aware, intellectually curious and keenly observant. Very much a commander-in-chief type of personality who instantly instills a deep trust. Again, I must re-emphasize that he has IN NO WAY made any kind decision about that so far. Nor will he let himself get pushed into one. BUT—he no longer says absolutely not, so the mountain HAS moved an inch or two since last year.