Mansfield Metcalf Dinner Part 1

Let's call this part The Beginnining.

The journey with my beloved to the event in Butte (by way of Dillon) got off to very sour note.  On Saturday morning, the Bozeman Comical ran a lead story that was little else but a Republican hit piece.  It described in garish fantasy how the visit from the Democratic Presidential candidates was ... get this ... bad for state Democrat and a *good thing* for Republicans.  The central theme was that Montana Democrats are afraid to identify as such, and that secretly we all want to be and vote Republican.  Oh, and obviously McCain will win Montana in November.  It was truly a biased op-ed masquerading as journalism (a claim born out when we got to read the fuller version of the AP story in the Montana Standard later in the day.  I tend to view such journamalism with rather derisive humor (especially when they identified Matt Singer as just a "liberal blogger" instead of the CEO of Forward Montana.)  My beloved took it rather more ... harshly.  I guess I should remind her more often that the introductory rate we got for our subscription gains the Comical no profit.  The passing of dinosaurs is her favorite theme, and our local fishwrap is just one instance of the extinct  misunderstanding their own obsolete nature.

So, we booked off to Dillon to pick up the rest of the crew and head to Butte.  We go to Butte.  Driving driving ... (this is the part of the story where there should be a montage to indicate the exciting passage of time.)   And we get in line to get in.  Folks, I am not lying when I say that that line was approaching  a quarter mile long, if not well more than that.  And it was cold.  As amusing as it would be, I won't wax descriptive of the wait to enter, mostly because it wasn't that amusing.  What I will happily say is this:  there were one helluva lot of strong determined people who wanted to enter that event, and nothing was gonna stop   them.  For an hour and a half, we all froze together, joked together, distrusted and trusted each other.  But very damn few, if any, called it quits and left.  There were several people I knew who walked past to get in for floor seating, including Monica Lindeen and Matt.  And dude, would please get a better jacket?  The retro look is cool and all, but you're somebody now, and you ought to dress the part ...  The high point was when the Obama cavalcade drove by.  Cops, SUVs and a bus.  Most of the crowd thought that a way cool thing.  I loved it because when the bus went by it was a way warm thing.  Yeah I was excited too, but still.  It was warm for a second and certain human things come first

On the way through the door, I got to do something I've been waiting to do for just shy of three years.  John Parker, who is running for Attorney General of Montana, was passing out stickers right at the entrance.  And I got to shake his hand.  Ya' see, three years ago John Parker had had enough of Roger Koopman's crap, and let him know it.  I've wanted to shake his hand and thank him ever since, and now I have.

Let's call this part of the narrative The Eventening.

Of course I got pulled for the raised-arm-scary-dude security check.  My belt buckle set off the alarm.  I told security that it would, but still, I got the wand.  If I get cancer in my balls, I'm suing somebody; that's for certain.  We all, upon re-meeting, fled up into the stands to find good seats.   Let me just say that the Butte Civic center stadium seating  *sucks rocks*.  It is cramped.  There are no walkways.  The seat-backs add to the aforementioned problems.  It is a poor venue.  But, and that's a huge bootay but, the people were mostly great.  We helped each other get situated, we made room.  There were a few folks who got pissy about pass-through, or stepping on seats, but most  of the people there were common in cause, and very polite.  While I was trying to arrange dinner boxes for our group, I ran into a co-worker (very excited to be there, and probably very cold from the wait) as well as my state representative, Franke Wilmer, looking beautiful and charming as always.

Okay, let's us be honest here.  We all felt somewhat out of place, out of time.   This was a huge huge event.  There was not one person there, great or small including myself, who didn't feel the gravity of what Montana was experiencing.  Our next President was in the house, and was going to speak.  We all felt that awkwardness, that discomfort at socially accepted norms not known, and that simple confidence.  This night was making history.

Throughout the night, I saw many people I knew (most within the 'protected zone').  Some people I've worked with.  Some I have politicked with, and some I still do.  Some I blog with.  I do remain saddened that more social groupings - meetups - get togethers could not have been arranged.  But I was rather heartened by the idea that we were mostly there for common cause.  Let me be honest in pointing out at this point that 10 dollars a seat should not have separated the groupings.   No, I'm not saying that we should have had their food or their legroom.  But we should have not been divided into the center of importance and the masses above.  In that venue, it felt rather artificial and unnecessary.  Throughout the night, I felt that mildly unfair juxtaposition rather acutely, considering the nature and character of the speakers we listened to.

Dennis McDonald is alright by far.  I've never had the opportunity to meet the guy, but I do look forward to the day.  He appears humble, hard-working, humorous and jovial.  He introduced Barack Obama ... and the crowd went wild.    There were many more Hillary signs at the event, but there was no denying the thunder of Obama's support.  I think Obama supporters outnumbered Clinton's by a factor of 3 to 2.  This guy is popular in Montana, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  Obama was very gracious to Montana and his hosts.  I was actually impressed that he admits that he doesn't know what many of us take for granted, fishing.  His praise for our state officials appeared genuine.  This Chicago boy actually seems to like Montana, and his visit here.  I hope that he will fulfill his promise to return, and learn to fish ... though I can think of many who could probably teach him better than our Governor.  I will write more on the substance of the speech later.  And just for the record, though I had planned to do so, I was not the guy who yelled "Freebird!"  during his speech.

When Barack left the stage, a form of chaos ensued.  Word to the wise:  never act with kids or animals, and never follow Obama with a speech of your own.  Jon Tester took the stage, and after an impassioned plea of behalf of Jim Hunt, he introduced Max Baucus.  Max, the video is lame.  Just sayen' ...  Max is not a good mass public speaker.  I've known that for  very long time.  His speech here was ... very lame.  It's possible (probable) that I have a biased attitude but I was not impressed.  He kept saying "I will do thing X.  ARE YOU WITH ME?"  And I kept saying, yeah, but are you with us? 
It's at this point that I have to make enemies by writing the truth.  Good God in heaven; what a rude bunch the people on the floor were.  Most of us unwashed masses in the stadium seating were too confined to noisily talk and socialize while the other speakers were speaking, but not so with the floor.  It was damned hard to hear Max (partly his own fault) and it was hard to hear anyone after him until Hillary.  I guess I'm old school, but I was taught that if you have someone speaking, you damn well better listen.  (I've been struggling with this because I didn't want to offend, but ... the folks in the Forward Montana crowd were as bad as any.  V, you looked sharp.  But the eyes in the sky of the unwashed masses see all, and the party rude was ... well ... rude.)

When the chatter below really got offensive was when Stephanie Herseth Sandlin  spoke.  First, I paid attention because she's hot.  No, really, she's hot.  (Yeah, I know I'm a pig).    Second, I really wanted to hear what she had to say.  She's bright, and there's no doubt about that.  Third, I only heard about 2/3 of her speech because of the noise.  I was not amused.  What I did hear, I can't say I was impressed with.  I enjoyed the western anecdotes.  But, mostly I was left with the impression that she talked much and said little.  I find that sad because I really think she had much to say.  She was to be the keynote speaker, but there's nothing like getting up-staged by Presidential candidates.  I hope to hear more from her in the future.  She's obviously bright, and very committed.  And she's hot ... did I mention that?

The nicest thing about listening to Jon Tester and the Governor Brian Schweitzer is that they didn't need attention or the microphone.  Those guys ... project.  They are Montana, through and through.  It's impossible to be a Democrat in Montana and not adore these guys.  Many would have us believe that it's because they are 'characters'.  Nope.  They're just good people doing a good job, good and loudly.  It's hard to fault that.  And Jag is just too damned cool.

Which brings us to the final act, Hillary Clinton.  She looked good, when she finally took the stage.  The other speakers compressed time, and we found ourselves with dead air at 25 to 9.  Still no Hillary.  At 9, still no Hillary.  Dennis McDonald made the introduction at 5 after.  I was looking at my niece and telling her that one thing that will not thrill Montanans is to keep 'em waiting (with her agreement.)  Still, when Ms. Clinton took the stage there was much energy, and a rather sudden quiet.  Her speech was almost a direct mirror of Obama's, with more Chimpy McWorthless hate, and less standing applause.  She said many good things, but most of us were too tired (or in the case of the floor folk, too drunk) to receive the message quite as enthusiastically.  Still, she is a helluva speaker, and she energized the crowd ... somewhat too often to go home.

I just want to say to all of you folks leaving in the middle of Hillary's speech in order to beat the traffic:  You suck!  How rude can you be?  The speech was not bad, and was actually something you might have wanted to hear.  You folks suck!

I will save my after-thoughts (The Endenning) for later.

Comments

[Steve T.]

I had the same experience at the one Forward Montana sponsored event that I went to. I watched the Super Tuesday results come in at the Badlander, and ate some free pizza, which was pretty cool, but was struck by how much they didn't care about what was going on on the televisions.

Anyone who thinks that they are some tentacle of a George Soros-funded machine need only go to one of these events to witness what they really are - a continuous loop that feeds into itself. But maybe that's just me.

[Shane C. Mason]

Couple of points. Stephanie Sandlin's speech was good in substance, but you have to admit that her it was not as well designed as the stump speeches of the the two candidates. I mean, they have had 17 months to refine theirs.

It was the second Obama speech I heard that day, but it was just as captivating. I am an unabashed Obama supporter, but I also though that Hillary did very well and was impressed with her persona. The night went well and was a huge deal for Montana.

[Cece]

And Shane kept grabbing my notebook and drawing cartoons, as did Rebecca. I gave up on taking notes.

I would have to say I was probably more annoying than most, jumping up and down and clapping, and admittedly, when Hillary said she would be ready at 3 am, I did yell "Yeah, but will you have read the report?".

[jhwygirl]

This was a KICK ASS post Wulfgar!

Laughing and nodding in agreement through all of it.

Worth repeating - Yeah - it was rude of all the lack of attention to the speakers. You're right. My mom and dad would have had some pretty darn scary looks for a whole hell of a lot of people with all that lack of respect.

I was looking for Valhalla. I saw a Valhalla looking dude down on the floor poaching deviled eggs or something - thought it might have been you.

You should have just went out on the floor. They weren't blocking anyone from going in - and the cheesy freedom onion tarts were pretty tasty!

[Nick D]

Let me get this straight Steve T... You went to a bar for some beer and pizza on Super Tuesday and expected what? A library atmosphere? The fact that Forward Montana (I'm speaking for myself here, not our organization) is able to get a crowd of young people together on a Tuesday night for some political socialization is impressive in and of itself.

Maybe we're not your cup of tea, but you'd be hard pressed to find any other group in the state that can assemble hundreds of volunteers on 24 hours notice, as was the case this Saturday. FMT's only getting started, and has already notched some impressive victories. My advice to you would be to let yourself relax a bit and get caught up in the loop.

[Steve T.]

Nick, I expected to have a good time that night, punctuated by an atmosphere of people giving a shit about what was going on on in our country. There were plenty of people in the bar who DID give a shit, but my overarching impression of the Forward Montana staff in attendance was that of self-absorption. The attempts to raise money were the only genuine thing that I got out of that night from you guys.

I left at the point where the live music started... Granted, it started 20 minutes earlier than it was supposed to, which would have made sense, had it not started before a whole bunch of the results were in, and for that matter, IN THE MIDDLE of Obama's speech for the night, which some people in the bar were actually trying to watch. Had there been organizers at the event who actually cared about what was going on during the most important night of the election to that date, I doubt this would have happened. But the pleas for donations had already occured, so the night was essentially over.

Anyways, I wish I had been at this dinner so I could give some firsthand accounts of what your table was or was not doing during the speeches for the night, but based on my own experience, I tend to believe what Wulfgar says, and am inclined to believe that your group's behavior is the rule, and not the exception.

I will still stick up for you when people accuse your group of being part of a larger conspiracy, but I will do so from a much different understanding of things. How disappointing.

[Nick D]

I should make note that the "Forward Montana table" at M-M was at best an ever-changing staging ground on a floor with far few to seats for the crowd. Of the 30 or so people that sat at our table that night, I'd imagine maybe half are actual members of FMT. Hell, I think only saw Matt Singer for a total of about 30 minutes or so all night at our table. I don't understand this need to take pot shots at a group of young people doing something for a change.

[Steve T.]

"I don't understand this need to take pot shots at a group of young people doing something for a change."

There's no need here on my part. The very concept is appealing to me. That's why I'm so disappointed.

Anyways, you're deliberately obfuscating here, playing the victim. There's no need. I'm sure you can do better than that.

[Jay Stevens]

Generally, Steve T, it's uncool to accuse someone of "playing a victim" when you've taken a cheap shot at 'em.

From what I hear -- and I wasn't at the M/M dinner -- Wulfgar!'s crit about Fwd Mt was accurate. In fact, some of the Fwd Mt folks I worked the Clinton rally with the next morning who were at the table complained about the noise, too. I don't know who the troublemakers were, but I certainly regret that there were some.

As for the Steve T's experience at the Badlander event -- again I wasn't there, but I've been to other similar events -- all I can tell is that Steve T went in with some expectations that weren't met and ended up blaming nameless, faceless "self-absorbed" Fwd Mt folks.

Steve, did you introduce yourself? Did you bring a friend? Those things are mainly social events, a way for folks to hang with friends and blow off some steam. I imagine it's easy to feel ignored if you don't know anyone.

My advice, if you're serious about seeing what the org is about and getting involved in political activism, is to sign on with a campaign first, do some volunteer work, then knock down a few beers after pounding the sidewalks for a few hours.

In fact, the org is kicking off its "Housecalls 4 Healthcare" campaign, first organizing meeting taking place Apr 12. If you're as serious about pitching in for change as you claim, you'll come on down. After all, I'm sure you won't let a bruised ego stop you from joining a good cause...

http://www.forwardmontana.org/

[Nick D]

I'm not trying to play a victim Steve, I'm just asking that you be honest with your criticism, expectations and intentions. The only obfuscation taking place is your assertion that you're "interested in the concept." I'm not sure that you understand the concept. Forward Montana holds a lot of social events -- it's part of our guiding framework, in that we try to make political discourse and activism a fun thing for young people to get them engaged. Informal events at the Badlander help to give our young members the social, informational and civic desire needed when we ask them to get out of bed at 6 AM to register voters in 25 degree weather. It's not always fun and games at FMT.

Did you listen to any of the discussions going on in the bar that night, or did you stand in the corner with your arms crossed? I'd venture to guess most of them were political in nature.

Wulfgar!'s criticism was fair... Albeit, I still think perception from the stands was a little different than from the floor. Also, Mansfield Metcalf has ALWAYS been a social event. Despite the fact that the "FMT table" was perhaps 30-50% FMT, I still wonder why no comment was made like, "The AFL-CIO table was blah, blah, blah..." How about staff tables belonging to office holders? Or perhaps MEA-MFT, Firefighters, Northern Plains, Trout Unlimited, etc...?

I know for a fact that the table directly in front of us was FAR worse. We didn't boo, or catcall, or cross our arms instead of applauding when we didn't like a certain candidate speaking. This table happened to have some prominent tribal leaders from one Montana reservation. Given this, are you willing to make assertions about this tribe's members and culture? I highly doubt it.

I don't have a problem being called out once in awhile. I do have a problem when I think a person isn't being honest about why they're doing it. Is Forward Montana under a microscope because our CEO is a prominent local blogger, or is it because we're young people not playing by the same tired, old rules? We're a democratic organization, and people with a self-professed interest and a complaint or suggestion have an open door to Matt's office (as well as those of all the other staff and board members). Skipping this and "going public" strikes me as the work of a professional cynic or troll.

[Wulfgar]

Alrighty, let's us ratchet this thing down a little.

First, I mentioned the FMT table because a) I have met some of the folks sitting there, and I knew they'd read this, b) I have a great deal of fondness and respect for those aforementioned folks, and c) the table was right in the middle, i.e. one couldn't miss it. At no point was I making a commentary about the organization or the quality of people involved in it. I was simply pointing to the behavior of the instance. And I am often poor at projecting good natured chiding as gently as I should. The last thing I wanted to do was start a row over this, especially given my respect for Matt and the FMT group.

I am aware that the M - M dinner is a social event. But I hope that all involved will understand that the social nature of it is kind of lost on those compressed into the stadium seating. Most of us who got those seats did so to hear the speakers, and it was somewhat frustrating when it was difficult to do that. In truth, I fault no one harshly. This whole event was completely uncharted territory, for the organizers, the regular attendees, the newbies, and the Democratic party. Hell, even the venue was different by simple coincidence. So please, everyone, take my complaints as the grousing of a curmudgeon, and *not* as an indictment.

[Nick D]

Point well taken Wulfgar. Please excuse my grumpiness -- I've slept about 20 hours in the last week.

As for Steve, perhaps an event such as our House Calls For Health Care campaign launch this Saturday at 10 AM at the UM Law School Castles Center is more your style. There'll be speakers, trainings, breakout sessions and more... Of course, beer and conversation will follow at the Badlander.

[jhwygirl]

There were many people who were chatting and moving around during most of the speeches. Let's be honest - most people were there to hear Barack and Hillary. Jon and Brian. And Jag (well, maybe just I was the only one that wanted to see Jag, OK?).

Frankly, after hearing Barack give his rousing speech, it might have been better to take a 10 minute or so break - there was a lot of energy to it, and any lack of attention was probably more a result of a "whew" sigh of energy release than lack of respect for any of the speakers. After all, people were hooting and cheering for most of it.

I did take a look down at the Forward Montana table during the Hillary speech, as I know several of those sitting there are Obama supporters. The whole table was quite and respectful.

And there is no more successful organization, IN THE STATE, that mobilizes young progressive voters of either party to get out there and vote and take action in our government (local, state or federal).

If this ratchets up any further, I just want to let ya'all know that I can not afford to give them more monthly cash. I'm already tapped out on my Rockstar contributions!

[Nick D]

Have you gotten your Rockstar pint glass Jhwygirl? I love mine, and always handle it gingerly when I'm going the dishes.

As for Jag, I think he gets a little too much attention. He never gives me the time of day unless I have food -- though I could say the same for my very own dog sometimes.

[Steve T.]

Sorry Wulfgar, I know you wanted to ratchet this down, but I just got back from work and can't let some things go unaddressed.

Jay - Where did I take a cheap shot here? You'll have to explain that one to me.

Anyways, I didn't name names because I know better. That WOULD be a cheap shot. But you can use that against me if you'd like. I still ain't gonna do it.

Also, I didn't go to this thing willy-nilly by myself and expect to have a good time. I brought three friends, and we enjoyed ourselves, but not in the context of politics. My girlfriend even won the 50/50 raffle. Pretty cool, huh?

Unfortunately, that didn't change my overarching impression of the evening.

And Nick, all I have to say is that you don't know me, my age, my history, or my past blogging in relation to Forward MT (or any other issue, for that matter). Study up, then try again.

All of this being said, Matt's a perfect gentleman, and is handling my miniature hissy-fit a whole lot better than you guys. You seem intent on making it worse.

[Shane C. Mason]

I didn't see any difference in FMT and any other table there.

[Jay Stevens]

Cheap shot = accusing Fwd Mt of being a "continuous loop that feeds on itself." That's patently untrue, from my experience. It's also an ad hominem. You're questioning the motives and character of people you don't know.

I understand you didn't have a kick-*ss time at the event, and it wasn't what you expected...but...I just don't see how your having a bad time on Super Tuesday reflects on the organization's work as a whole.

Yeah, Matt's a classy guy, and I hope he can find out what bugged you and make events like that more palatable to the general public, if that's a problem.

But I'm not genearlly a classy guy, and I'll call you out: you should have gone to Matt first. We all want the same things; instead of a middle-school rant against the social scene, constructive criticism would have been better. Better yet would be if you joined the organization and actually planned events that fit your idea of how things like should run.

Criticism is cool, acts are better, IMHO.

[Jim Brown]

I'm not sure who writes this blog. But, I know you live in Dillon and I enjoy reading it. As you probably know, I am running for House District 72. I would be interested in buying you a cup of coffee or the like to discuss issues important to the County.

let me know if you are avilable.

Best

Jim Brown
(redacted)

[Wulfgar]

Actually Jim, I live in Bozeman. My Brother (and Mother, and In-Laws) all live in Dillon. You can reach my brother through the website Pragmatic Revolt. If you need further help contacting him, let me know, and get the two of you in touch.

I redacted your phone number here because this site sometimes gets the attention of some particularly annoying trolls, and I highly doubt that you want to hear from them.

[Steve T.]

Jay- See, there ya go. You finally got to the meat of the problem here. I spoke out in a way you didn't like, and probably could have done it differently. In fact, I probably shouldn't have done it at all. It was late at night, I had a rough day. We've all been there. Anyways, you have a good point.

Unfortunately, it took you three comments and several childish insults("Did you bring a friend?") to get to any genuine criticism of how I addressed my issues (without, of course, addressing anything I brought up). At least you admit that you don't have much class.

I often times write things that I feel like a douchebag for writing the next day, I'm starting to think that's just the way it's going to be for me. I just hope you're always there to out-douchebag me, Jay. You're awfully good at it.

[Jay Stevens]

Whatever, dude. I didn't intend the "friend" comment to be an insult, or any of my comments for that matter. I don't really like when folks slam friends or people doing good work. If defending them from cheap shots makes me a douchebag, I'm guilty as charged.

[Ski Montana]

Enjoyed reading your article - I will stop by again in the near future to check up on your latest news. Trent