Music, Food, Drink...and a Whole Lot of Optimism

I don't suppose it is vital that I arrive in Hannibal for the Friday night festivities. There is nothing official that happens during Hannibal Days on Friday night. In fact, the opening night of the 37th Annual Democrat Days (as it's officially called) is crowded, loud and not very conducive to conducting business. I wouldn't miss it.

Friday night sets the mood for the weekend and provides an informal atmosphere to talk to Democrats, to get a true read on what they're thinking...and feeling. It is the intangible "feeling" that I attempt to gauge during the Friday night activities. And there are plenty of activities. Special interests tied closely to the Democratic Party and even some not so closely tied sponsor rooms and suites in which people gather to talk and socialize. Various politicians host rooms with food and drink. All that lubricates conversation and allows many to shed the stiff, always on the guard, talk that too often permeates politics.

I have written a couple of pieces for the Web and I'm a little ashamed about how similar they are. Both prominently use the word "optimism", but that describes the mood here. Democrats have come to Hannibal more optimistic than they have been in years. Talking with each other has only fed that optimism. The majorities in Congress have turned from Republican to Democrats, but Republicans have fiercely held on to the majorities in the Missouri General Assembly and, of course, Republicans have the governor's office as well.

It seems, Democrats truly believe that can change this year. A reporter always has to work hard to decide whether what he is being told is what the person really believes or masked conversation designed to not betray worry or fear; the difference between really believing what you say and only hoping that what you say might somehow come true. I will being talking with more Democrats to get as good a read as I can. The impression now, though, seems to me that Democrats really do believe this is their year, this is the time to score big gains, from the White House to the county courthouse.

- Brent Martin