on the trail

Campaign Trail Press and Clips

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:16:38 -0500

Citizen Kate shares a modern day fear and clothing on the campaign trail experience, as she follows (or rather stalks) Barack Obama, John McCain, Ralph Nader, Bob Barr, Cynthia McKinney, Mike Gravel and all the 2008 presidential candidates.

Here are some highlights from my journey as I sought to find a great leader. Along the way, I grabbed the attention of many amazing politicians and celebrities, as well as some press.

My video blog exposes my first time voting beyond American Idol. It's really hard to get on the inside of politics when you are just a citizen. You can watch all of my experience (including my kick-outs) in my vblog archive.

Note to self: Politics should be about the people not just the great leaders.

InaugurDATE

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:09:13 -0600

Citizen Kate makes it into Barack Obama's Inauguration and enjoys the moment courtesy of her new political boyfriend.

I have to say that Ben is super cute. And my first political boyfriend who followed through with his promise -- even though we'd never met before DC. Those are the kinds of people we need in this world. People who follow through. My hope is that Barack Obama follows through with his promise of change.

The entire inauguration was a huge lovefest on a cold January day. Heaven smiles down on Barack cause it's always sunny when he speaks. Even if you can't feel your toes.

I capture the key things from Obama's inaugural address and a lot of trees. I also waved good-bye to Bush and Cheney.

Note to self: It helps to have boyfriends in politics.

End of the Line for Barack

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:34:22 -0600

Citizen Kate scores a seat at Barack Obama's Inauguration, but realizes that having a ticket doesn't mean you'll get in.

I made it. The big day. Barack Obama's inauguration. Joe Biden will be here too. Along with Jamie Foxx and Beyonce. I can't wait to meet them.

A friend of mine from facebook, Ben, whom I never met before, hooked me up with two tickets to the inauguration. One in the silver standing area. And one in the yellow SEATING area! Ben is my new political boyfriend. And I didn't have to put out.

That's right. I got a seat. I can't believe it! I know I'm going to get close to Barack. And can't wait to see what Michelle is going to wear. I chose two coats. And a high pair of boots. I also wore my special inauguration hat with my Tarina Tarantino headband.

Note to self: Getting an inauguration ticket doesn't mean that you'll get in. Seriously. A lot of people with tickets were turned away.

The Barackin Win

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:36:51 -0600

Citizen Kate enjoys Obama’s presidential victory and realizes that with every victory comes a loss.

I totally remember moment that Barack officially won the position as the next President of the United States of America. Emotions were high. Everyone was crying around me. Oprah was crying. And Barack spoke.

There was an air of disbelief and relief in Grant Park that night. One man's victory is another man's sorrow.

Note to self: Nobody really "wins" in politics cause once the votes are tallied, it's time for the real work.

Waiting for Barack

Tue, 9 Dec 2008 15:36:44 -0600

Citizen Kate waits and waits and waits for the final tally on the Presidential race.

A lot of people asked me about how amazing it was to be in Grant Park the night of the election and Obama's victory. It was incredible. Except for the waiting. Seriously. They made us wait for hours. They didn't even have refreshments.

I did the best I could waiting for Barack's win. I passed time with Sway from MTV and AJ Calloway who's a really good looking reporter.

I also ran into Richard Roeper, the movie critic. He really knew a lot of politics and voting in Chicago. And he made some predictions about Obama's administration picks.

Note to self: Sometimes you need to be patient for good things to finally happen in politics.

Reaching for Barack

Tue, 2 Dec 2008 15:36:21 -0600

Citizen Kate arrives at Grant Park on election night in hopes of finally reaching Barack Obama.

I'm getting ready for the inauguration and found the tapes from Obama's Grant Park victory. I wanted to share my experience before I head to DC.

Election night was the night of all nights. What a historic event to be part of. Of course, I was there in Springfield and Denver.

I had media credentials and a party dress. I was ready to reach Barack Obama and Joe Biden. The only thing I needed to do was figure out how to get around the press barricade.

Note to self: The media doesn't always have the best access to the candidates.

Decision Oh Kate

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:10:45 -0600

Citizen Kate finally casts her vote and reveals who she voted for.

The pressure and choices were almost too much. But I made it through it. I was cast my first vote for President of the United States. It was a tough choice. Barack Obama, John McCain, Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney, Bob Barr, Chuck Baldwin, John Polacheck, and more.

Note to self: Making political decisions can be tough.

Citizen Kate Finally Votes

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:10:42 -0600

Citizen Kate goes to cast her first vote and finds the ballot has too many choices.

This is it! I never thought this day would come. Let’s face it. Two years is a long time to wait! And then you have to make a decision. Then you realize there's more to decide on than you anticipated.

Forget about the Presidential choices -- Barack Obama, John McCain, Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney, Bob Barr, Chuck Baldwin, and John Polacheck? Who were all those other people on the ballot? How did I miss that after two years on the campaign trail?

Note to self: There is more to vote for than the President of the United States.

Kate Bites the Political Sausage

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 22:10:47 -0600

Citizen Kate visits Hot Doug’s in Chicago to get some last minute insight on which presidential candidate to vote for.

Chicago is totally known for it’s hot dogs. So I figured what better place to figure out who to vote for than a traditional Chicago wiener stand. The choices were abundant: Barack Obama, John McCain, Cynthia McKinney, Bob Barr, Ralph Nader, Chuck Baldwin.

Most people still never knew how many choices they had to vote on, nor what went into the wiener. Besides I was hungry.

Note to self: Never vote on an empty stomach or you may just pick the biggest wiener.

Axelrod for a Butter America

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 17:14:21 -0600

Citizen Kate catches up with David Axelrod, Barack Obama’s chief strategist, and finds out the key to Obama’s success...butter politics.

After the big Barack Obama speech in Detroit, Michigan, I ran into David Axelrod. I was super excited cause I had just seen him that morning on Meet the Press. I know. I can’t believe I watch that show either. I must be learning something on the trail.

Mr. Axelrod remembered the butterhead of Barack that I commissioned Duffy Lyon to make in Iowa. He also shared with me the key to Barack’s success in the Michigan Battleground, as well as how Barack will help our economy.

Note to self: We need a butter America. And Barack will make this a butter place for us all.

Con Con Update

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 17:15:14 -0600

Citizen Kate provides a quick urge for Illinois residents to vote to change the state constitution on November 4th.

It’s the day before the elections. And amazing in Chicago. I can’t wait to cast my first official vote for president. But did you know that there’s more on the ballot than the president?

So if you think that your vote doesn’t count. You’re wrong. We have the power to do so much with our vote. Like change the state constitution. Every 20 years, the opportunity comes up to make it different. We should always make sure that the constitution reflects what’s best for the people.

It’s important to voice your power in this election, and then beyond. Think about it. If we can change the constitution, we can do anything!

Note to self: Your vote means more than the next president. It means “yes” to propositions for the people. Including Prop 8. Equality for all.

The Barack Battle

Mon, 3 Nov 2008 17:14:13 -0600

Citizen Kate attends a rally in Detroit and learns why it’s such a battleground...or is it?

I made it to Motown and the big Barack Obama/Joe Biden event right in front of the Detroit Public Library. If the location is any indication, Barack’s campaign has been super smart.

Even when it comes to battleground states, Obama fights with wise words that make the crowd feel really good. Detroit is considered Hockeytown, so I was surprised Sarah Palin didn’t show up. ‘Till I heard Barack speak and realized that Hockeytown is actually Obamatown

If all the undecided voters could hear Obama speak in person, they may make up their minds quickly. But it would really help to shake his hand and say “hi”.

Note to self: Politicians seem to battle over the people, but it’s the ones who show up that win. McCain conceded Michigan pretty quickly.

The Undecided Kate

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 17:14:00 -0600

Citizen Kate reviews her presidential candidate choices in a Hooters parking lot before the big Barack Obama rally in Detroit.

I went to Michigan because I heard it was a huge battleground. I wanted to be on the front lines. I figured that it would help me make my final decision on who to vote for.

This is going to be a big event for Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden. I know. She’s a doctor. Smart ladies marry politicians.

I have to say in weighing out all of my options: Barack Obama, John McCain, Bob Barr, Ralph Nader and Cynthia McKinney, I still haven’t made up my mind.

My Uncle Rob offered to help me at the event. I think he wants to see Barack in person to make up his mind too. Obama really knows what to say in this time of crisis. Who to vote for?! Just hearing him makes you feel better.

Note to self: You should take the time to make the best choice for you and your country.

Kate Goes Green

Sat, 1 Nov 2008 15:19:04 -0500

Citizen Kate gets swept away by the Green Party’s flowers and worship of women.

I went to the Green Party National Convention in Chicago. Not only did I meet all their presidential candidates including the official nominee Cynthia McKinney. They also asked me to run for office.

The Green Party really accepted me. I wish all political parties were this open to new people and women. The truth is that the Green Party really loves the ladies. After all, their platform focuses on Mother Nature and the whole world...not just one country. That’s why you’ll find Greens in a lot of countries around the world. I wonder how many Republicans and Democrats are in Africa?

Note to self: Never underestimate the power of Green. I’m surprised the Green Party isn’t more powerful in America.

McKinney The Green Queen

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:03:18 -0500

Citizen Kate sits down with the Green Party Presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney and finds being queen of the Green doesn’t mean being queen of the bling.

I had so much fun at the Green Party National Convention. I got the chance to sit down with each of the Green Party Presidential nominees -- Dr. Kent Mesplay, Jesse Johnson, Kat and Cynthia McKinney.

McKinney won the nomination. Not only is she a Black woman running for president, but she picked Rosa Clemente, a Puerto Rican woman from NYC.

The Green Party offers America the first female/female presidential ticket. And it’s the only International Party with representatives in countries all over the world. In fact, Germany had a Green President.

I really enjoyed talking with McKinney in English and French. She has such a great sense of humor and fashion.

Note to self: Women can be great leaders wearing pants or skirts.

Show Me The Green

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:58:12 -0500

Citizen Kate discovers a world party and realizes that “being green” is about more than the bling.

I attended the Green Party National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. I was super excited to show off my new green outfit. It’s so much easier to dress when there’s a theme.

I quickly realized that the Green Party really doesn’t care about appearances. They are focused on the truth and social justice and the environment. My dress did dazzle, but what was most impressive were the people that I met there. They were so welcoming to me. I felt loved and love for the world.

They even picked a woman for president, Cynthia McKinney, who then picked another woman for Vice President, Rosa Clemente. If only I’d gone green sooner, maybe I could have been on the ticket

Note to self: Not everyone in politics has money, but the Green Party sure does have a lot of love.

The Last Kate Debate

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:59:00 -0500

Citizen Kate attends a debate watch party at Hofstra University and decides who to vote for.

This is it. The final presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. It all comes down to this one final moment.

This fight will help millions Americans decide who to vote for. I’m no exception. Except that who I decide to vote for may surprise you.

I never that that when I started this journey over a year ago that I’d come to this place. Can I at least get a holla from Obama and McCain? Seriously. How long does a citizen have to stalk the candidates before we finally get heard?

Note to self: It’s hard to choose a candidate if they just debate the same things, and don’t really share solutions for the issues. Or talk to you.

Horse Poop and Politics

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:53:42 -0500

Citizen Kate marches with the Iraqi Veterans Against the Iraq War and ends up in a lot of crap as she continues her quest to get questions in the final debate.

I’ve been trying to get questions from viewers, friends and regular citizens in the last Presidential Debate between Barack Obama and John McCain at Hosfstra University.

I navigated through the campus, CSPAN, BBC, a two-sided protest, and now I found the key to making it happen: Iraqi Veterans Against the Iraq War. A group of Iraqi Vets against the war marched the gates with their demand to get two questions into the debate.

We joined efforts so that we could get all of the citizen questions answered from the candidates. Of course, we were met with resistance from cute cops in uniforms, horses and crap. Seriously. I think I still smell like poop. Or maybe that’s the scent of this election?

Note to self: Fighting for your cause can sometimes lead to a lot of political shit. Citizens should be allowed to ask questions of the candidates.

Citizen Kate No Access Pass

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:10:46 -0500

Citizen Kate tries to get the questions of the citizens into the final presidential debate at Hofstra University, but finds that as a citizen she has no access.

It’s the final Presidential Debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. After seeing the first two debates, I think it’s pretty clear that neither candidate has answered some of the big questions on the minds of citizens.

I made it my mission to take your questions and try to get them into the debate. I even asked for more questions along the way. A lot of people that I have unlimited and easy access to candidate and politics. The truth is that I try. I show up. That’s half the battle, but it’s not all...

It may be easier to get on Oprah than get into a Presidential Debate. I’m an undecided voter, so you would think that the candidates would woo me like Florida and Ohio. The candidates should woo us all.

Note to self: Citizens really don’t get invited to the political round table discussion. Even though they’re “talking to us”.

Citizen Kate Bedslinging

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:02:22 -0500

Citizen Kate can’t get out of bed the day of the final Presidential debate at Hofstra University because of the pressure and mud on the campaign trail.

The morning of the big final debate, I just lost all energy to keep on the trail. Why should I keep going if YouTubers think I’m fat, ugly and should kill myself?

has gotten super ugly these past few weeks. The presidential campaigns have turned to mudslinging. McCain ads pick on Barack. Obama picks on McCain. Everyone picks on Palin. And no one even talks about Nader, Barr, McKinney or Baldwin.

It’s like one bad hockey game. We all need a time out in the penalty box, so we can focus on the real issues, and pick a great leader vs. the last man standing.

Note to self: Being on the campaign trail, really ages you. I swear I have 5 new wrinkles.