ldyjocelyn Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 From Facebook:Clay will be on Bob & the Showgram on G105 at 8:15am this morning. Tune in!They stream: http://www.g105.com/onair/bob-and-the-showgram-47702/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 Darcy Hollenbeck8 hrs ·This is my #selfie with #ClayAikenplaybill.com"American Idol" Alum Clay Aiken Trades the Broadway Stage for the Political Stage"American Idol" Alum Clay Aiken Trades the Broadway Stage for the Political StageBy Robert Simonson14 Oct 2014 Clay Aiken Photo by Monica Simoes On a recent weeknight, at a well-appointed townhouse on the Upper West Side, a political fund-raiser was held. There was a spread of food, a well-stocked open bar and — as if often the case at these small, well-heeled gatherings — entertainment.Milling about among the guests were the stage performers Betty Buckley, Christine Ebersole, Beth Leavel and Clay Aiken. The first three sang. Aiken did not. The other three sang for him. For it was his fundraiser.Aiken, still best known to the public for his second-place finish in the second season of “American Idol,” is running for Congress. He is the Democrats’ candidate in the Second District of his home state of North Carolina.Those who may have chuckled a few months ago when Aiken announced his candidacy are laughing no longer. He won the Democratic primary May 6 and is considered to have more than a fighting chance to topple the Republican incumbent, Renee Ellmers, Nov. 4. The two candidates participated in a debate Oct. 6.“I think a lot of people have been surprised with the success we’ve had,” he commented. “But I haven’t been as surprised. I don’t get into something that I don’t think I have an ability to be successful at.”Aiken — who was born in Raleigh, which is part of the 2nd District, and, apart for a few years shortly after “Idol” and a tour with Monty Python's Spamalot, has lived there much of the last ten years — said the decision to run for office was “a slow burn.”“It was an opportunity that presented itself slowly over several years. But at the end of the day, it was the effect of seeing various things that had been happening to my state; some of the things with gerrymandering, redistricting some of these seats where some people not only didn’t have to be help accountable, but didn’t have to do their jobs, because they felt they were in a position where they didn’t have to do what they were elected to do. I recognized I had the opportunity to get people to pay attention and hold people accountable.” Betty Buckley performs at the fundraiser Photo by Monica Simoes In recent years, North Carolina, traditionally a moderate state as far southern states go, has taken a decided swing to the right. In 2010 the Republicans won a majority of both houses of the state legislature for the first time since 1898. A subsequent redistricting plan redrew political lines to favor Republicans. In 2012 the state elected its first Republican governor, Pat McCrory, and lieutenant governor in more than two decades. Soon after, McCrory appointed as his budget director James “Art” Pope, a conservative multi-millionaire and activist who has spent much of his wealth in support of Republican candidates and conservative causes.Despite the political climate, Aiken still believes he has a chance to be sent to Washington.“Most people in the country are moderates,” he said. “They’re somewhere in the middle of the field. Unfortunately, in more recent years, the people who tend to vote and get active in primaries tend to live on the fringes. And so you get politicians who live on the fringes.”Aiken described the Second District as “very independent-minded districts. We’ve got a lot of disparity.” He mentioned Cary, a suburb of Raleigh where many young people with high tech jobs live; Fort Bragg, the largest military base in the U.S.; and various rural and farming areas.“What they have in common there is they don’t necessarily vote for parties, they vote for people,” he continued. “They’ve voted for Republicans in the past, they’ve voted for Democrats in the past. They have an independent streak in them.”That Aiken was in New York gathering support for his run makes sense to anyone who knows his career. In 2008, he joined the Broadway cast of Spamalot. The New York theatre community never quite forgot him. Christine Ebersole Photo by Monica Simoes “I think it’s important to have support of people I care about and I’ve had a relationship with,” said Aiken. “The Broadway community is renowned for being very tight-knit and supportive of one another.”Asked if his experience as an actor and singer has aided him in any way on the campaign trail, Aiken quipped, “I think a lot of politicians are certainly performers.” He allowed, however, that his stage experiences had allowed him to speak publicly with ease. “I have been involved with press situations for years, yes,” he added.Despite his singing background, Aiken, perhaps surprisingly, does not have an official campaign song. However, he said, "We do play The Four Tops ‘Walk Away, Renee’ around the office a lot.”Watch Aiken discuss his campaign below. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 @ClayForNC: Clay will be on @theShowgram on @G105radio this morning at 8:15am. Tune in! #ncpol #nc02@ForwardAmerican: Cary & Western Wake part of #nc02: Join us at the Matthews House in Cary on Tues 10/14 at 5pm to kickoff the @ClayForNC district bus tour! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 @ClayForNC: Clay will be on @theShowgram on @G105radio this morning at 8:15am. Tune in! #ncpol #nc02@ForwardAmerican: Cary & Western Wake part of #nc02: Join us at the Matthews House in Cary on Tues 10/14 at 5pm to kickoff the @ClayForNC district bus tour!@ClayForNC: Clay will be on @theShowgram on @G105radio this morning at 8:15am. Tune in! #ncpol #nc02@ForwardAmerican: Cary & Western Wake part of #nc02: Join us at the Matthews House in Cary on Tues 10/14 at 5pm to kickoff the @ClayForNC district bus tour!@JenScott418: @ClayForNC on @theShowgram ? he just keeps on proving himself. @clayaiken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 I didn't get a chance to listen, but from what I'm reading, the interviewer was a real a**wipe (asking personal questions, stating that Renee was "hot"). But, I'm also reading that Clay totally held his own, and in fact seemed to be enjoying this interview.Clay continues to have balls of steel, baby. He's not afraid of ANYTHING that is set in front of him, especially when he's passionate about something. I also think he agreed to this interview because this is exactly the audience he needs to reach -- those that can see he truly isn't afraid to face the fire like this and might, just might, change their minds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 http://www.g105.com/media/podcast-bob-and-the-showgram-showgram/Clay's section is mostly part 6. I'm listening to this, and I'm thinking -- Clay's enjoying this back and forth. In some ways, I think this radio thing is a better true debate than the actual debate from last week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 @MlbMohala: @tamarakeithNPR with Clay Aiken onthe campaign trail. #NC02@ClayForNC http://t.co/A0udyCCZT3 http://t.co/XseCA8WpPB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 Can You Believe ItBob enjoyed Clay's visit today!!! I was proud of both of them.... Clay was strong and came in regardless of Bob's opinions and BOB... was respectful!Whoohoooo!!! No meeting today! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 kaitlynbarlow 17 minutes ago · I-40#clayforNC #ncpol #ncgov #clayaiken @clayfornc#forwardtogether seen on #hwy40 between #Greensboro and #Raleigh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 I would love to be here tonight!@ClayForNC: Bus tour kicks off tonight! Join us at 5pm at The Matthews House in Cary for a rally before the bus heads to the @SanfordHerald forum! #nc02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 @ClayForNC: Live in #NC02? Join us for an upcoming town hall near you! Visit http://t.co/yOiY3cbJxk #ncpol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 From CHLove this!Holy Shit. Clay called me. I saw the NC location on my iPhone and decided to answer. He said - "Hi - Its Clay Aiken" and I said - yes I recognize your voice. I outted myself as a fan who had seen him in Spam and Ogunquit "and many more". Felt obligated to out myself - don't know why.I told him I had been following his race and asked some questions about how it was going. He asked if I had watched the debate and I said no that I couldn't stomach it - that I had read some recaps on the boards but couldn't do it and that she was so condescending to him. He agreed and said it had backfired on her - that new polling showed 65% that he had won. I told him I was glad to hear that - that I was wondering if there had been any blowback about it.He said he needed to stay on the air down there and needed help and of course I said I would donate - that things have been tight with just buying a house but I could help.Oh lord. This grin is killing me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 @EricaDeLong: @ClayForNC thanks guys!! http://t.co/nSSXKGRgvv Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 The Erica De Long tweet links to the same picture from this morning's radio show, that I posted earlier...OK, we're at page 79 of this thread. We usually go to page 80 and then change -- but I wonder if we should wait until after the election. Anyway, here are the nominees so far:The best 2 minutes of my life.Clay Aiken is coolEvery day is Clay Aiken Day!Everywhere he goes, the people love him.He's so handsome, because he's so smart...We actually have several here that could work, winning the election or not. Speak forth, oh mighty few from FCA! Which title do you like? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 I go for change the thread at 80. Keep it consistent!As for the title: Everywhere he goes people love him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 @LaurieTMiller: .@clayaiken kicking off his bus tour in Cary. Go @ClayForNC Go #ncpol http://t.co/sb6k7DFy7q@ClayForNC: The bus is here! #ncpol #nc02 http://t.co/NJynL92TsC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 15, 2014 Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 Anyone else on the thread changing thing? I like merrieee's suggestions!geekette from the CH is also a friend of mine on Facebook. She went to the bus tour kickoff this afternoon! And she got a selfie!Some of the other pictures, from the links from merrieeee: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 15, 2014 Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 mindy lynn @MlbMohalaWhoohoo!! "@ForwardAmerican: The @ClayForNC #nc02 district tour just kicked off from Cary & on his way to Sanford,! pic.twitter.com/draZPU0VyP"I am LOVING this bus tour idea. I'm thrilled for him, and I think this idea is genius!I read at CV that Fear has made it through her surgery -- they are now looking at the best mix for her pain meds! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 15, 2014 Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 Forward Americans @ForwardAmericanSupporters hearing from @clayaiken @ClayForNC at the #nc02 district bus tour kick off!Spent time w/ each one chattingForward Americans @ForwardAmericanDoes this not melt your heart friends? @clayaiken asked if he was helping make calls for the @ClayForNC campaign;) pic.twitter.com/rxSBVQeL0eMore from geekette, including a really good pic of the bus! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 15, 2014 Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 The Sanford Herald is live tweeting the candidate forum.Rep. Renee Ellmers ® and challenger Clay Aiken (D) prepare to make opening remarks. #sanfordheraldforumCandidates address American perception of congressional ineffectiveness. Ellmers cites bipartisan bickering, Harry Reid. #sanfordheraldforum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 15, 2014 Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 Aiken: not much done in congress but blaming other side. We need to stop with blame. Both parties can work together. #sanfordheraldforumAiken says US took too long to respond to ISIS, calls US to be proactive, not reactive to threats. #sanfordheraldforumEllmers: Obama was informed of ISIS threat, did not react appropriately. We need boots on the ground. #sanfordheraldforumEllmers decries Obama's "international apology tour" after taking office. Says we need strong leadership. #sanfordheraldforumAiken advocates rail service, broadband accessibility as keys to new business and economic growth. #sanfordheraldforumAiken, Ellmers both criticize Affordable Care Act. Aiken says change employer mandate. Ellmers: throw whole thing out. #sanfordheraldforumEllmers, Aiken go back and forth with rebuttals on how best to approach reform/repeal of Affordable Care Act. #sanfordheraldforumCandidates address same-sex marriage ruling. Both unsurprised by ruling. Both say conversation on issue is not over. #sanfordheraldforumAiken is against ground troops against ISIS. Says Middle Eastern countries should commit ground troops. #sanfordheraldforumEllmers and Aiken both stress being overly cautious in dealing with Ebola. Support travel restrictions, etc. #sanfordheraldforum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ldyjocelyn Posted October 15, 2014 Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 Christopher Moore @cmoorenycJust read the November @Esquiremag and it's impressive. Thoughtful political stuff especially. Compelling @clayaiken profile. Lively issueFYI, I have the text of the article. PM me if interested.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 All I have to say is thank you and omg! A wonderful article and it brought tears to my eyes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 Convo from yesterday@jcrawford1324: Think I'm losing my mind. Was listening to G105 this AM, Clay Akin was on and I found myself agreeing with some of the things he said.@jcrawford1324: @ClayForNC @clayaiken @theShowgram @G105radio i'll admit it, I was surprised that I really liked what I heard. You've got my support Clay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merrieeee Posted October 15, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 @ClayForNC: Tonight's our first Town Hall! Come out to Asheboro tonight: 7:00 pm, Randolph County Courthouse, 145-C Worth St., http://t.co/wf9juUWLts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts