Confessions of a Fundraising Virgin

Ever wonder what happens at those expensive candidate fundraisers?  Come find out as I share the story of my first Democratic Party fundraiser...for Deval Patrick for Governor of Massashusetts.

Who am I?  I am a precinct captain and town co-coordinator for Deval Patrick, a true Netroots candidate for Governor of Massachusetts.  My activism is very recent, courtesy of the current occupant of the White House.  I am sure you have all heard over the years about fundraisers where a donation of a large amount of money buys you the privilege of schmoozing with the candidates over bad food.  I have finally reached the point in my life where I have just enough resources, and more than enough passion, to pony up the money for one of these affairs.  Here is what I experienced at my very first Democratic fundraiser.

The event was billed as, "Positively a Night to Remember...President Bill Clinton in Boston!", and was called a "reception".  I had no idea what reception meant.  Would I get to meet Bill Clinton and Deval Patrick?  Could I get my picture taken with them?  Perhaps even a chance to speak with them for a few moments?  Would there be food and drink present?  Would it be free or not?  And what does one wear to a function with a former President of the United States anyway?  I am now happy to say I have answers.

The dream about meeting and getting a photo op with the candidates was just that, a dream. However, I estimate there were over 500 people there which made it impossible for all of us to get time with the candidates.  I did find out that if I had donated an order of magnitude more money I would have been invited to a "pre-reception" where meeting and greeting the candidates did occur.  The reception itself had food laid out in generous proportions, and an open bar (beer and wine only).  It was all very nice, but in a sense I wish they had saved their money and used it to defend Deval against Kerry Healey attack ads.  The good news is that we raised over $2 million for Deval last night!

The "program" as they called it consisted of speeches by various luminaries of the Democratic party.  Here is who talked and what they said.

Tim Murray, Dem. Candidate for Lt. Governor, was the first to speak.  He told a moving story of when he took his car in to get his oil changed, the mechanic wiped the grease off his hand, shook Mr. Murray's hand, and thanked him for trying to raise the minimum wage.  Mr. Murray then pointed out that this is what the Democratic party stood for in a nutshell, helping working families.  

Our two Senators, John Kerry and Ted Kennedy were next up.  Although I have lived in Massachusetts for almost 20 years, this was the first time I had seen either one of these guys give a speech.  John Kerry looked, and acted, Presidential.  The man is the definition of gravitas.  He pointed out how the Republicans are swiftboating Deval just like they swiftboated him.  Ted Kennedy surprised me.  This man has been in public office for over 40 years, is well over 70 years old, and yet his speech was full of passion and energy.  Speaking unscripted he made a connection between Deval's "Together We Can" campaign of hope to Clinton's campaign of being the "Man from Hope".  Sen. Kennedy then reached back even further and connected Deval's ideas to those of his brother, President John F. Kennedy.  Sen. Kennedy said, "President Kennedy also believed in the politics of hope."  I am always a little surprised that when the Kennedy family refers to JFK, its not as John Kennedy, or JFK, or my brother, but as "President Kennedy" and they always say it with an appropriately reverential tone.

Next, Deval Patrick and Bill Clinton took the stage.  Deval gave his usual stump speech while Pres. Clinton looked on.  The speech was very similar to the one he gave on Boston Common on Sunday, which is posted elsewhere on DailyKos.  Deval attacked Kerry Healey on her record, but refused to stoop to her level.  He said (paraphrasing),"People have checked into this campaign because it was based on hope and a positive message.  I will not break faith with those people by running a negative campaign."  Although I have heard Deval speak many times, he still moved me to tears, and reminded me why I am giving my heart and soul to this guy.

The last, and longest speaker of the night, was Pres. Bill Clinton.  I hate to say it, but he is beginning to look his age.  The hair is now all grey and quite thin, he looked gaunt, and his voice was hoarse (maybe all from too much campaigning).  In a rambling speech he made some good points, spending a lot of time knocking the Republican party in general.  He said the Republicans stand for 3 things (paraphrasing)

1. The concentration of wealth.
2. The concentration of power in the executive branch of the government
3. That government is inherently inefficient and bad.

He then proceeded to link the policies and failures of the Bush administration to these three beliefs.  Great stuff, and I wish I could remember more of it for you!

So, now that I have lost my fundraiser virginity you may be asking yourself, "Would he do it all over again if he had the chance".  Yes!