Having been invited to the Hill for a number of swearing in parties, I decided to prioritize Congressman Joseph Sestak’s (D-PA) reception for a number of reasons — personal and otherwise.
In short, without details, I’ve had the privilege of knowing both Susan Clark-Sestak and Congressman (Commander/Captain/Admiral) Sestak for decades. And, my daughter wanted to ‘meet’ the Congressman’s daughter (they’d “met” before, when Alexandra was a baby and my daughter a toddler).
And, as for this diary (a little delayed discussion of being on the Hill for a swearing in), thank my daughter who didn’t want something in print (MSM?) to give to friends but she wasn’t interested … she wanted fame on that “Daily Kos site” … she wanted me to write a diary …Well, perhaps there is Global Warming to thank, but 4 January was a beautiful day in so many ways … As a 40+ year native of the DC area, the Hill still takes my breath away. 
As former Congressman Toby Moffett wrote in The Washington Post as advice to new members, Keys to the Capitol,
Look up at that dome often. Especially on nights when you’re headed to or from a vote. If you reach a point where it doesn’t give you goosebumps, draft your resignation letter the next day.
4 January 2007, I had goosebumps. And, I had the pleasure of sharing them with my wife and eldest daughter “SCS”. The three of went into line a bit late — hitting the security line just about 2 pm, just about when the reception was to begin and uncertain what we’d find in the Russell House Office Building (RHOB) foyer where newly sworn-in Congressman Joe Sestak was holding a reception.
The hundreds of people packing the foyer weren’t what I was expecting … the place was packed due to the unexpected RSVPing of 800 plus people. The vast majority of whom who had come down from PA-7 (as opposed to from across the Potomac River from Virginia) for the event. The strength of support for their “Joe” came across loud and clear.
And, foolishly, I hadn’t expected the event to be behind schedule. (How long have I been in DC?) We were just in time to be able to watch Boehner’s speech as part of handing over the gavel to Nancy Pelosi. Their words you can read elsewhere. What will remain with me, however, were the depth (and strength) of emotion that I saw on the faces of the women surrounding me. Prior to that, I had intellectually seen Pelosi’s becoming Speaker as “historic”, the powerful intensity of reactions by the women watching it gave “historic” meaning for me.
And, well, SCS was mainly interested in two things: seeing Alexandra Sestak and wondering just how much Coca-Cola Daddy would allow her to get away with drinking. At least, that was what was struck her at first.
Through Pelosi’s speech and after, we sought to explain to SCS why this mattered. 
Not many 8-year olds really want to sit through 10s of minutes of political speeches (especially with the siren call of rarely allowed soda beckoning). But, at some point in the discussion, we picked up that she’d been paying more attention than we realized. “Well, I’m not sure that I’m happy with this. She’s planning to do everything that I want to do when I’m President. She won’t leave me anything to do.” Well, we did try to convince that there likely would be at least a few things left to do when she becomes President.
After about an hour, Congressman Joe Sestak made his way — shaking hands and greeting friends/followers — to where he could give a talk. Standing room only … well … you can be the judge. (Photo credit SCS.)
Congressman Sestak covered a wide range of issues. From the substantive to the (deeply) emotional … And, moving/meaningful comments about his family … with heartfelt thanks to Alexandra’s team from Children Hospital. …
And, well, my shoulders clearly understood that he spoke for quite awhile. 
With all the crowding around, it seemed ridiculous to fight for a moment with Congressman/Admiral Sestak … on the other hand, a chance to say hello to Susan …
Well, Congressman Sestak and family headed off … and there were other members who I had said that I would attempt to stop by their receptions/offices … time to move on, there would be another chance, another day to say hello to Congressman Sestak.
But, walking out, who did we see?Congre
ssman Sestak was talking with staff and others but waved to me to wait a moment and then we had a chance to chat for a few moments. When I was about to say goodbye, he said “Timing is everything. Wait right here, THEPresident will be coming by in a moment.”
Had to say, I wondered why a brandly minted Democratic Party Congressman would
know that George W would be coming around. Plus, we did not see 500 Secret Service agents. But, okay …
In any event, there was Howard Dean. We waited for a moment and then asked, “Any chance that Bond holders could get a photo with you?” He laughed with “that was a good investment”. We agree with him about its value and commented that we hoped it would return even more in the future. 
Another chuckle came when SCS explained that she was frustrated that Nancy Pelosi planned to do everything that was on SCS’ Presidential agenda. As had we, Dean reassured SCS that there would be a few things left to do when she became President.
A few minutes later, we understood “The President” as Bill Clinton walked in with Joe, Susan, and Alexandra Sestak. (Holding Alexandra’s hand — isn’t the first time those two met …) 
My better 95+% and SCS had a chance to shake “THE” President’s hand as he made his way to the Sestak reception. SCS’s first reaction — Grandma is going to be so jealous …
Regretably, in hindsight, we did not trail behind Clinton and the Sestaks to hear Bill Clinton speak to the Sestak, PA-7, reception. (Honestly, didn’t realize our error until we were outside and facing a long security line to get back in … and, well, there were other offices/Representatives to go see plus other pressing responsibilities.)
…
But, all-in-all, it was a great afternoon, in so many ways. And, when it comes to my eldest,
- She cried when Kerry lost …
- She beamed when Kaine won …
- She went to door-to-door (her choice) for Webb …
- She walked on air after shaking Bill Clinton’s hand …
SCS makes me proud to be her Daddy …