The conference call with JK yesterday

[whometense]

was wonderful! And Luftmensch067 has a beautiful post up describing the call at John Kerry is my Hero.

She and I had him all to ourselves, and had a wonderful time talking with him.

Here's my personal anecdote to add to Luftmensch067's account: I mentioned that my daughter has registered to vote in Cleveland because of him. (Remember that joke he told after the election about how the only thing we didn't do for him was move to Ohio?)

Well, my daughter didn't move to Ohio on account of JK, but she did register to vote there because of him. He was absolutely delighted - and touched - to hear it. I completely believe that, as wonderful a candidate as Obama is - and he is an amazing candidate - he would not have met with the success he's had without Kerry's 2004 run paving the way for him. It was a pleasure to get a chance to say that to JK himself.

There are going to be more conference calls (he said he wanted to have them on a regular basis) with bloggers as he gears up for the fall, so a lot more people will have the chance to speak with him.

[Luftmensch067]

1. Thank you for posting, Whome!

I have to say that JK was so *thrilled* to hear about Whome's daughter! It was really sweet and genuine. It was abundantly clear, as always, how much he loves and values young people and their dedication.

It was actually my favorite part of the whole call -- you could hear him light up with a huge smile!

[MBS]

2. you luckies : )

From a jealous non-blogger. Please keep us peons posted on additional exciting conversations!

[beachmom]

3. How wonderful. Are you doing a post on Tough Enough, Whometense?

I haven't checked it today, but do look at it weekly since you have so many great insights.

Plus, I'll never forget when JK gave you that shout out!!

Luftmensch -- going to your blog now to read your summary.

[whometense]

6. I might -

if I do I'll post a link here. I haven't been posting that much lately, I know. :blush:

[Luftmensch067]

8. I hope you do!

You were really great during the call, and I'd love to see your take!

[Mass]

4. It is great news. However, I am a little bit perplexed.

Why were other MA bloggers not interested in the conference call (I understand that many may be busy with the presidential election, but should they not be more interested by hearing about their senators), or am I taking the "all to ourselves" too literally?

[whometense]

5. Tay would have a better answer than I, but

it was a bad time of day - 6pm - and I assume a lot of people were commuting/tied up at work, etc. One blogger emailed to say they were tied up in a meeting.

Tay had acceptances from a bunch more people - I don't know for sure why they didn't end up dialing in.

[Luftmensch067]

7. The scheduling and lots of other things conspired

To make this odd circumstance! This was intended to be a first of many calls, I believe, and JK sounds like he wants to connect with as many bloggers as possible, so I think we're going to have some great conversations.

Whometense and I did not expect to be the only ones on the call (neither did anyone involved in making it happen, it just turned out that way) and I think we were both thrilled, but a little overwhelmed!

[TayTay]

9. Timing, sigh!

Anytime the Senate is in session it's like trying to nail jello to the wall in terms of scheduling. There was a vote last night, actually 2, then the threat of 3, then 2 again. Sigh! Also, ah, Monday's did not seem to be a good night. (Live and learn.)

This is were you learn to accommodate, lol! There will be more of these, as noted in the post. Ah, there will be more of these for bloggers and, ah, others within the next few weeks. (I do have your email addresses, right? PM me if there is a question on this.)

[karynnj]

10. I wonder if there's any connection between the Senator who interrupted Senator Kerry

and today's New endorsement of Obama. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4822186&mesg_id=4822186

He did compliment Kerry on that CSPAN campaigning.

[Luftmensch067]

11. Wow -- just goes to show

All the work JK (and all of us!) do really does make a difference!

[karynnj]

12. WE don't know that made the sale, but thanks to you we know

that he took the time to watch it and then go out of his way to compliment Kerry on it. As a Senator, he already knew Obama so the fact that he watched it may mean he was deciding.