notes to self

Hopes for Change

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 20:52:28 -0600

I’m on my way to Washington, DC for my first time. And Barack Obama’s first inauguration. Yes. We can! He’s officially in office. I’m hoping to meet him. Fingers crossed. I think that my official inaugural ball invite may have gotten lost in the mail. But I’m sure that I’m on the list. After all, we commissioned the butterhead of Barack that helped him win Iowa and arguably win the election.

I do know that I’m on several party lists since I’m the official People’s Correspondent for artist Shepard Fairey and director Melissa Balin’s “Vote for Change” Campaign. They are continuing the success of this video postcard campaign that was inspired by the first presidential debate and featured artists, business owners, musicians, actors and opinon-makers, who volunteered to share their support for Barack Obama as president.

“Vote for Change” was a super successful campaign. In less than two weeks before Election Day, more than a million of the video postcards were downloaded to iPods, iPhones and social networking sites. Each person was given 60 seconds to express themselves, uncensored at the Subliminal Projects Gallery in Los Angeles, where Shepard Fairey’s awesome Obama Hope poster and artwork is featured.

As the official People’s Correspondent, I’m going to ask regular citizens and celebrities what their hopes for change are for this new administration. So what are your hopes for change? I want to know. Email them to me at kate@citizenkate.tv. I would love your video responses.

I’m really excited to work with Shepard and Melissa. I met Shepard at the DNC and showed him my hugs postcard that was inspired by his Obama Hope poster. Then I met Melissa through mutual friends and we hit if off. She’d already heard about me and my hugs. :)

Note to self: Hugs really do pay off. Together we can hope to change the world. And make it a better place filled with peace and hugs.

The Historic Memories

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 22:15:42 -0600

Grant Park was incredible. The past almost two years have been incredible. Who would have thought that I would be at the forefront of such a historic experience?! Seriously. The only thing historic that I’ve ever been a part of is the launch of Juicy Couture. I was one of the first to buy a pair of sweats.

I was there when Obama said he was going to be president in Springfield, Illinois in February 2007. And I was there when he won the Democratic nomination in August 2008. And I was there once again when he won the presidency in October 2008.

I really felt part of politics for the first time in my life. I learned firsthand that all great leaders need great supporters. I was a great Barack Obama supporter. I wonder if he’ll personally thank me?

Note to self: Showing up is half the battle.

Watch for my first trip to DC when I’m there during Barack’s swearing in. Citizen Kate is always there.

The Barack Victory Rally

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 22:13:12 -0600

I got to Grant Park around 6 PM on November 4, 2008. I had my media credential in hand. This was it. The final moment that we’ve all been waiting for. The big night that will determine the fate of our country as America selects its next great leader.

I’ve been on the trail since February 10, 2007. Over a year later, I finally got to vote. The crowd was crazy huge. People came running through the gate. No matter if Barack wins or not, this will be a night to remember.

How could I ever forget all the waiting that we did. We bonded. It was like one big American family coming together for the first time. People who didn’t know each other. People who dressed differently. People who didn’t shower were all standing close waiting to find out if “Yes We did” elect Barack Obama.

What if Barack didn’t win? Then it would be awkward for this new American family in the middle of Grant Park. One thing was for sure. Whether or not Obama won, many tears would be shed tonight.

And there was no way Obama was going to see me in my sparkly Betsey Johnson dress behind this huge mosh pit of people and a sea of Cameramen’s asses.

Trying to break through security. Waiting for the final results

Talking history with Neil Foote. Passing time with Sway and AJ Calloway

Note to self: If you want to see at a political event, bring your own ladder.

My First Vote

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 21:51:41 -0600

I did it!! I finally voted!?! Can you believe it?! It took me almost two years on the campaign trail to figure out who to vote for and I have to say that the decision was tough. It’s hard when you personally know the candidates. I wonder if you could ever have a rotating president? Each works for a couple weeks and then in comes the next. You just keep rotating. You’d may get more decisions made.

The ballot had so many judges on it that I didn’t even know. How is that possible when I’ve been a political groupie since 2007?

Note to self: There’s more to vote for than the president.

Before the voting: a little uncertain After voting: Thrilled that I survived

Watch Citizen Kate cast her first vote! And reveal who she voted for...

Secret Lover Look Alike

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:32:10 -0500

On August 8th, Senator John Edwards admitted to an affair with Rielle Hunter in an exclusive ABC interview. Extra interviewed his secret lover, who allegedly had his baby. When I saw the interview I realized, this must be why Edwards looked nervous when I interviewed him.

I shockingly resemble his Web series producer lover. She was clearly stealing my look with her Zebra print headband. I think that she saw my interview with John Edwards and felt threatened.

Check it out yourself. In reviewing the interview again, Edwards looks nervous. Did he think we were there to out him?

Note to self: If you’re a political secret lover, you can make a lot of money. But people may not like you so much.

The Green Queen Party

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:06:38 -0500

I had an incredible time at the Green Party this past weekend in Chicago. It was such a welcoming party. And I got to sit front row for everything. The debate. The voting. The official announcement.

I even got one-on-one interviews with all of the candidates:
Jesse Johnson: Super cute actor who worked with Spielberg. I’m surprised he wasn’t there to support. Aren’t all people in Hollywood going green? 
Kat: One named wonder with cool dreadlocks and a loving approach to politics. She stood tall, even though she had a hairline fracture in her foot. 
Dr. Kent: Born on an island and grew up in a rain forest candidate. He really knows how to fix the air we breathe and the water we drink. Did you know that water is the most important commodity we have? We really need to look at that more. We need water to survive and it’s filled with pollutants.

Cynthia McKinney: The best alternate to voting Democrat. She’s like Barack, but better cause she’s a woman...with experience and the ability to dance. She’s really a good dancer. I was front row when she officially got the nomination.

Here’s what’s incredible about the Green Party that citizens should consider when casting their vote:
They have a platform of non-violence. They truly are the peace party. They didn’t even fight during the debate. Rather credited each other as great choices. 
They want to save the environment. Not just by recycling and bringing a cloth bag to Whole Foods. The Green Party truly goes beyond the obvious to figure out ways to save the earth. And not just in America. They’re talking to people in all countries and trying to create awareness. 
They are truly global. Seriously. This is an international party. They are big in Germany and have green people all over the world. How many Democrats and Republicans are in the rain forest? 
They focus on empowering the people. It’s about stopping corporations from controlling the president and letting the people have a louder voice. They take no money from corporate sources. Kind of like Barack.  
They are hot. Honestly, if I were a guy or a lesbian, I’d totally vote green. I think there were more women at this political convention than I’d seen at any other convention. It was a serious hot bed for picking up a lover. 
They love to cuddle. Who doesn’t want a party you cozy up to? How many political parties spoon with the people?

This party is offering yet another historical race with a female/female ticket. Imagine a beautiful black woman President and a hip-hop, young puerto rican VP. It just makes you want to dance. What’s a girl like Oprah to do?

Note to self: The Green Party is the Queen Party. Who doesn’t want to vote for women?

The one thing that amazed me about the Green Party (and the Libertarian Party) was the lack of cameras. It was like the Paparazzi were out to lunch and never coming back. How could more media not cover the Green Party? Maybe the cash bar was a turn off. But I did manage to collect a few dollars for a beer.

Watch for Green Party VBlogs in the coming weeks. If I had more sponsors, edits could be quicker. Hint. Hint. Peace and hugs.

Thoughts on Barack and Me

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 21:43:28 -0500

So as you know I was in Hollywood recently for the Democratic Debates. Of course, I couldn’t visit Hollywood without being star struck. Ok. So I didn’t see any stars, but I did see a lot of star footprints. Including Marilyn Monroe’s. Which got me to thinking. Maybe I could be the next Marilyn Monroe. I could be Barack’s Marilyn.

I was so excited that I had to see for myself if I made the Marilyn cut. My hands were a perfect fit! But my feet were too big. So maybe I won’t be the next Marilyn for Barack. But I do wonder if after all my experiences, will I vote for Barack on the big day? When it comes to president would he really get my vote? I mean he hasn’t called me yet. After all I’ve done for him (Butter head in Iowa), you would think that he’d at least call to say “Thank you, Kate”.

What I Like
The way he speaks. It’s really powerful to see him address the people in person. There’s nothing like it. The energy in the room. The people shouting. U2 singing. It’s a burst of energy that just excites you. Even if you have no idea what he’s saying. He could just say “Change” over and over again. Which he does. And you think. Wow! This guy really knows what he’s talking about. Seriously. If he can get everyone to talk about change and join together, that’s what this country needs.

His Challenge
Hillary. She’s a strong woman. She has a history with this country. People respect her. And if he really wants to beat her, he needs to stand strong and show how he’s the better choice. No bashing. No bullshit. Just focus on the people and the issues. It seems that all politicians start picking on the other candidates when it gets to crunch time. No one likes to see an abused woman. So Obama has no choice but to take the high road. He also may want to avoid party splitting comments like people who vote for Hillary will vote for him, but his voters may not vote for her. I spoke with Hillary supporters who say they’d rather vote McCain than Obama. And I’ve spoken with Obama supporters who’ve said they’d rather vote McCain than Hillary. That’s a challenge for them both.

Note to self: A great leader needs to inspire and move people to make great choices. United we stand. Divided we fall. And the Democratic Party seems to remain divided between Hillary and Barack.

How To Get My Vote
Talk to me. Call me. Send me a birthday card. I like birthday cards. And plants. Why send flowers that have a few days to live when you can send a healthy, long-living plant? I would love to find out more about how Obama will save the environment beyond his comment to sue the automotive industry at the San Diego Democratic Convention. My Dad works for cars. I’d hate to see him sued.

Regardless, I do think that Obama has what it takes to become a great leader. I personally think that greatness comes with age and experience. I’ll be even greater come my next birthday.

It would be great to see a black man as President. Especially a cute one. Who looks good in butter too. (Check out his butterhead!)