What a Great Day

[ChrisHeinz]

Hi folks at DU,

Chris Heinz here. I am recently arrived at home after a wonderful two days in Pittsburgh and Ohio. I am so very excited by the selection of John Edwards that I almost dare using caps and outsized font in the subject line. There are just a few thoughts, nothing to intimate, that I wanted to share.

1) I am so proud of Jim Johnson, Mary Beth Cahill and JK for saying they were going to be discrete in selecting a VP and following thru. Execution for our campaign needs to be tight, and it was. All three of those people are truly powerhouses.

2) It's wonderful, truly wonderful, to have companions outside of my own family, on the same team, in a similar role. I very much look forward to getting to know their family better.

3) I think it is especially invirogating for JK to have a partner. I think it will be more fun for the both of them then the primaries. Looking over the photos of today's events, John was smiling so much.

4) We win Ohio, we win the election.

5) Jack and Emma may be the two cutest kids I have ever met. And dammit, I know some cute kids.

Good Night.

Democrats in 04

cdh

[madaboutharry]

1. Let us all work to make

November 2nd a great day!

[senseandsensibility]

2. Hope it's really you!

Congrats on a wonderful job of keeping the decision secret and playing media like a violin. Edwards wasn't my first choice, but I have embraced him. I am so proud of our team!:hi:

[GainesT1958]

3. Thanks a lot, Chris...

For giving us the inside perspective on things that only YOU could!:D

I'm looking foward to seeing your mom, Stepdad, and John and Elizabeth Edwards this Saturday at RDU INternational Airport!

God Bless--and I also look foward to your mother being First Lady come January!:7

:kick:

B-)

[fishnfla]

4. All the photos were great!

:)

[JDPriestly]

8. Welcome to the DU family

Assuming you really are Chris Heinz, we are all proud of John Kerry, your mother, you, all of your family and everyone associated with the Kerry campaign. John Edwards is the perfect choice for vice president. I truly believe that we have a winning ticket this year. As a matter of fact, I've never seen such a strong ticket in my life.

You might as well start packing your belongings right away because we are going to move you and your family into the White House.

[TiredTexan]

5. Hey Chris, tell your Mom

and Dad about our auction today. Stephanie bought 25 NY Posts with the headline saying Kerry had selected Gephardt, and auctioned them on DU for donations to Kerry. She raised $3250. Here's the link.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1936275

I think this will not be the last of these efforts. We're so looking forward to having a smart, tough woman in the White House again. Woohoo!

[Auntie Bush]

6. Hi Chris...thrilled to have you here!

I hope your Father finds a place in his cabinet for Clark. If you come here once in awhile you would have seen all the support us Clarkies for a Kerry/Clark ticket. But all is forgiven. Keep up the good work! We can't wait till November!

[TexasSissy]

7. Well, hello there! I didn't catch on to the name right away...was

wondering why you thought we'd know who you are. Then I got it. Duh.

It's been a great couple of days for everyone. Everyone's enthused about the team. Thanks for keeping us posted.

Tell JK not to worry about the hair comments. It's jealousy; most middleaged men would kill to have that head of hair.


See ya! :headbang:

[virgdem]

9. Thanks so much for the "inside" information on the campaign...

All of us here at DU are beyond excited with the selection of John Edwards. It was more than all of us could have expected. I feel confident about this campaign - it is a well run campaign. I don't have that sinking feeling that I felt in 2000 with Gore's campaign. Keep up the good work and feel free to visit us here from time to time to keep us updated.

[Kukesa]

10. We're Going to Win Ohio, Chris.

I was a volunteer at the rally in Dayton today. We had only 72 hours to pull this off, and we did it.

At our first volunteer meeting we were told to expect 5,000-7,000 people; at the second meeting a crowd 9,000 was expected.

Today we had 18,000 madly cheering for Kerry/Edwards.

I sold t-shirts and passed out general information and voter registration cards-- we sold out the t-shirts about an hour after the general public was admitted. People were begging for them!

We didn't have enough room for all the people who had tickets and at one point had to turn them away from the gated area. (There was room on the perimeter where they were welcome to stand and did.)

We gave out water and I prefaced each bottle I gave away with "Vote for Kerry/Edwards" and received enthusiastic responses from everyone.

The few Shrub supporters present were yelling "Four More Years" and the people waiting in line shouted back "Four more MONTHS" and totally drowned out the protesters.

The event was AWESOME!

We're REALLY going to win in Ohio, Chris!

[JI7]

11. HHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHHAHAHHA

"The few Shrub supporters present were yelling "Four More Years" "

pathetic freepers

[dlviper]

48. They probably already know that it is only "Four More Months"...

[keta11]

12. Eh... Kerry/ Bush?

[Kukesa]

14. Thanks for pointing out my mistake. n/t

[Justice]

26. 18000 Is Fantastic

Thanks for your report

[no name no slogan]

39. Glad the Kerry campaign is onto this, too!!!

If Kerry/Edwards wins the same states that Gore/Liebermann won in 2000, PLUS OHIO, the election is not only ours, it is FLORIDA-PROOF.

Kucinich brought this up numerous times during his campaign, too. The south will be difficult, but the midwest is DESPERATE for a Democratic administration, and will vote that way if given the right candidates.

I'm glad to see Kerry/Edwards on top of this. We WILL win in November!

:toast:

[VolcanoJen]

41. On the Dayton rope-line yesterday, Teresa mentioned Dennis' words!!!

I have to tell you, that energized me to no end!!!

[TheDonkey]

13. You guys rock!

Sorry to be a fanatic but the Heinz, Kerry, and Edwards family include some of the sexiest and smartest people in our country. You guys rock.

Thanks for dropping in!

[Auntie Bush]

16. You are so right...The Kerry/Heinz/Edwards family are great!

Chris,
Tell Vanessa to go into politics after she gets her MD...then she can help the people of this great nation get the health care plan they deserve! Maybe she can become our first female president. Yeah!

[zulchzulu]

15. When are you coming back to Madison!

Hey Chris! Good work and yes, it was a good day!

Alex and Vanessa were in Madison just in time for some buckets of rain and were hearty troopers this past weekend.

Keep in touch.

[redwitch]

17. welcome to DU Chris!

Everyone looked so happy and presidential! Feels like very powerful energy. The light at the end of the tunnel has definitely been turned on! And America is lovin' it!

[cindyw]

18. Glad you stopped in here! The smiles on everyone are infectious!

The whole thing just makes sense. Your families looked great on television. My husband and I got quite a laugh to day watching Jack and Emma Claire with the umbrellas when it started raining. It reminded us of our house and our kids.

Keep up the great work for us. We're counting on you.

[ibegurpard]

19. Tell your stepfather he made a wise decision.

It's almost as if it freed something up inside of him.

[AP]

20. I'll see your great and raise you 100 greats.

It was a greatX100 day for me.

[Darkamber]

21. thank you Chris...it was an amazing day....

John and John really looked at ease together. I feel so proud of them both. They really are the future and the future for this country is hope.

We can do this and know that there are many of us who will be working hard too to make this dream come true...

[DrFunkenstein]

22. Chris, I Know You Have To Be Thrilled

I read about your not-so-secret desire for a Kerry-Edwards ticket.

I always thought of Kerry's VP choice, not in terms of what extra electoral points he could score, but what would make himself a better candidate to take it all the way in November, especially bringing out the warmth that doesn't always come across.

If you (meaning us, not you specifically, Chris) dig into the biographies, you can find Kerry the man in the off-the-cuff remarks when he is with someone he trusts. Two interviews come to the top of my head: the windsurfer magazine and an interview JK did for some Eagle Scout's project on veterans.

Here is my not-so-secret reason for wanting Edwards: I think Kerry trusts him. It's not the charm (the beltway is chock full of charmers). I think it goes to something much deeper. If you've read up on Kerry, and how he develops and maintains friendships, you can see him visibly change around certain people he trusts if you watch for it.

I couldn't help but think for some time now that Kerry somehow subtly relaxes around Edwards the way he relaxes around those he trusts.

The recent pictures have got me excited all over again because I think Kerry is excited all over again. His face is one of absolute pleasure - this was not a choice of political convenience, but one he seems to be genuinely pleased with.

And, I have to admit, something in my heart feels good knowing that Kerry has a buddy on the long campaign trail - not to mention over the next eight years (sorry, Hillary).

As for Jack and Emma, have you noticed how natural Kerry's body language is around kids? Maybe he trusts them, too...





Lovely country out in western PA!

[Bombtrack]

23. Chris, can u ask the campaign to somehow thank Howard Stern listeners?

(I know it's off topic but when am I going to get the chance to maybe get an idea through to a campaign insider such as yourself)
I really believe that, whatever you think of the guy or the show, his listeners are not only going to come out in a bloc almost for John Kerry, they are already sending him money and a few of them are volunteering who wouldn't have before.

I think Howard probably understands Kerry himself going on the Stern show could backfire, seeing him on E! on the same couch as god knows how many un-respectful people etc, however I do think it would be extremely prudent for the Kerry campaign to somehow show their appreciation for Stern's listeners. That's what Howard has been saying. He said that he doesn't need Kerry to kiss his butt or owe him anything, but he would like to see some sign that he's greatful for Stern's listeners support. Perhaps the Democratic party can send other people to his show or to call in as dimplomats of sorts. Jose Serranno, the congressman from New York, did call in months ago around the time the House first passed the indecency bill that will force Howard off the air if made law. Liberal celebrities have also started to appear(Al Franken, Ariana Huffington, Michael Moore).

But perhaps YOU would consider calling in or stopping by. Or perhaps Howard Dean.

I just ask that the campaign do SOMETHING to cement and excite that support and understand that this is not a myth. Stern has the most loyal and independant listeners of any national radio personality and he's got more than 10 million of them.

[katieforeman]

32. Where's John Daly in your picture?

[Bombtrack]

33. Umm, I don't know who the fuck he is much less am a fan of his

[katieforeman]

35. Really? You've never watched the Daly Show.

It's on Comedy Central from 11:00 to 11:30. You'd probably like it. He does some of the most devestatingly smart and funny commentary on Bush et al.

[SidDithers]

38. LOL - The Daily show with Jon Stewart

John Daly is a pro golfer.

Sid

[Bombtrack]

47. Wow, talk about a joke that's not a joke

good luck next time.

[LuLu550]

24. Thanks for posting, Chris...

When you have popped into DU, you have been a voice of reason in a sometimes chaotic room full of people all talking at once. This Clarkie is going to work her butt off for Kerry Edwards. As someone who remembers your step-dad from the days of the VVAW, I know we will have a wonderful, passionate man as president and a real fighter as VP. And your mom...well won't it be nice to have a woman who is smart, beautiful and capable as first lady again??

[spooky3]

25. Thanks, I love first person reports--and agree with all the responses here

[Killarney]

27. thanks for posting!

:toast:

[Bombtrack]

28. Here's hoping for you 14th post to come soon

I know I would be posting less around here if I had "the numbers for more than a few sexy starlets." http://www.nypost.com/gossip/23747.htm

Not that we should believe what we read in the Post. Whether or not good for you.

[Cheswick2.0]

29. Chris, please tell your step father that the problem with NCLB is not

that it is not funded. The problem is that it exists at all. Tell him that republican and democratic and independent educator all agree on this point.
He would do himself a big service if he would gather a group of teachers, principals and superintendents from all over the country and then LISTEN TO THEM.

Or he could get Dean to do it for him and then listen to Dean on the subject. Howards position on NCLB is one of the main reasons I supported him.

[katieforeman]

30. My mom went to the rally in Dayton.

It was her first political event and she is very excited about the Kerry/Edwards team. She was especially impressed with your mom's speech.

I'm hearing good things from her about prospects in OH. My favorite story is about one of her teacher friends who comes from a Republican family and had voted Republican all of her life. Her friend told my mom that she and her husband are disgusted with Bush and will never vote Republican again.

The Kerry/Edwards families look great together. Kerry/Edwards really is the dream team ticket.

[Kukesa]

43. We need YOUR mom, too katief.

Tell her to phone or come down to Dem headquarters and help out. Here's the phone number:

937-223-2729



VolcanoJen's Mom

[katieforeman]

44. Thanks. I'll pass it on.

[VolcanoJen]

49. Katie, that was the most encouraging part of the rally for me.

I met COUNTLESS folks who told me, rather breathlessly, that they've never been politically involved until NOW.

See, that's why BUSH IS TOAST...

[RetroLounge]

31. Hi Chris and Welcome to DU!

I saw JK in Bloomer, Wisconsin this past holiday weekend.

BEST! RALLY! EVER!

RL

[juajen]

34. Thank you sooooo much, Chris

I'ts great hearing from you. This Clarkie is very pleased with our team and will do everything within my power (which admittedly, is small) to send your entire Kerry/Edwards family to the White House. What a blessed, refreshing White House that will be. Best wishes to you and yours.

Yeah, those kids are adorable; but, I sorta think all of you are adorable.

[flpoljunkie]

36. Great to hear from you, Chris! This shot of the two of them speaks volumes

about how well their partnership is working. We are all pumped, indeed, about their prospects of winning, not only Ohio, but Florida, in November!


AP Photo/Pat Carter

[rasputin1952]

37. Welcome to DU...

:D :hi:

[VolcanoJen]

40. Chris... I had the honor of meeting your beautiful and enchanting mother..

.. at the Dayton rally yesterday.

You can read my account here.

Chris, I can't tell you how energized and optimistic I feel after that encounter with your mother. I was at the event with my own dear mother, who just happened to have her photo published on the front page of the Cincinnati Enquirer!! When my mother met your mother, she was so overwhelmed that all she could say was "Teresa, YOU ARE SO GORGEOUS!!" Your mom smiled, giggled and actually appeared shy for a moment! I hope we didn't embarrass her... words fail me when confronted with greatness. :D

I understand your pride. It's a Beautiful Day!!!!!

[Kukesa]

52. I just stared at her,

not very cool, I know, but she emits such passion for us and our cause -- besides being so beautiful -- I was speechless, so I said something real dumb like "we love you, Teresa".

What a woman!!

[David Zephyr]

42. Ohio Tips The Election.

Thanks for your report, Chris.

I watched on C-SPAN your traveling road show in Ohio. John Kerry is smiling more, as you say.

At the Disney Hall event here in Los Angeles, I laughed with everyone else when Billy Crystal joked that John Kerry was ahead in the polls, raising millions of dollars, had won the the primaries in a slam dunk and that with so much to be happy about that John should "tell his face". Of course, Senator Kerry upon taking the stage immediately quipped back that he was having a great time and that he had "told his face."

I got on board very late with Senator Kerry having been a die-hard Dean supporter, but it is now very clear that Kerry was the best candidate for the Democrats in 2000. No doubt about it.

The team looks great, Chris!

:hi:

[ronnykmarshall]

45. Welcome Chris!!

Give our best to your mom and step-dad.

I'm gonna work my butt off to him elected.

[Rebellious Republican]

46. Welcome to DU's big tent Chris, look forward to you and your Family

Standing on the White House steps come January!

[Arugula Latte]

50. Chris, we're so glad you're checking in here

This is a fantastic forum. We read things here and discuss them months and months ahead of the mainstream press.

We are so enthused about the team. Your step dad made the right choice!

Let's work together to end the Bush/Cheney nightmare!

Welcome! :toast:

[hippiegranny]

51. i think it's cool that you're here

thanks for the info and the good thoughts. this election is going to be SUCH a roller coaster ride.

[Crewleader]

53. You bet... Democrats in 04!

Thanks Chris...always good to hear from ya! :hi:

[stevedeshazer]

54. Great to hear

Good night.

[coeur_de_lion]

55. You give us all hope that there will be LOTS of Great Days in the future!

[Andromeda]

56. Hi, Chris...

Your stepdad selected a good man for number two.

:kick:

[NewYorkerfromMass]

57. Edwards has turned the whole thing up several notches

I am more excited than ever and truly love and admire JK.
I think he is a great man who will be a great leader.
Those kids are damned cute!
Thanks so much for the report.
We just need to deliver the votes now for the best ticket in 44 years.

[July]

58. Keep posting, we want to hear more.

And please ask JK to address the "cancel/postpone elections" issue NOW, saying something like "the people's vote is fundamental to democracy."

It's an exciting ticket. Good to hear from an insider.