Donna Brazile Brought the House Down at the State Theatre
- Courtesy of 21st Century Digital Photography
I entered through the State Theatre‘s stage door, and proceeded to the Green Room. I greeted the Associate Producer Dan Bauer, host and moderator Jill Zinckgraf, and photographer Neil Anthony amongst others. There was a fruit and cheese platter on the table for us to indulge in, so we chatted and nibbled for a while. Donna Brazile was in the dressing room fine tuning her notes just before her Meet and Greet prior to speaking. She decided to change things a bit from the previous night in Wilmington.
I took my seat near Julie, last month’s contest winner, and awaited Ms. Brazile, the second speaker of the 2012 SmartTalk series. I expected her to start with a serious tone, instead, she broke the ice with humor. In fact, if she wanted to begin a career as a stand up comedian, I think she’d do very well. I’d certainly buy a ticket to a performance. She settled down and became more pensive with a sprinkling of wit.
- Courtesy of 21st Century Digital Photography
It was apparent that Brazile is passionate about politics, and her enthusiasm was infectious. She encouraged each of us to be a part of the political process, whether it be running for political office or voting in elections. She’ll be disappointed to know that I WON’T be running for mayor of Princeton, but I WILL support my favorite candidate, and as always, I’ll be voting in the presidential election!
Donna Brazile’s biggest message of the evening was civility. She wants to encourage civility in political conversation. She inspired a call to action for all, regardless of their political parties, to work together to steer this country in the right direction. Much applause was given to this notion.
I heard the buzz around me as she spoke, and this female audience were all in agreement with what she had to say. Brazile was the catalyst that initiated whispers of short conversations. These women, in the heat of the moment were ready to take on the world.
- Jill Zinckgraf with Donna Brazile Courtesy of 21st Century Digital Photography
At the end, Ms. Brazile lightened the mood with more humor. She sat down with Ms. Zinckgraf to answer some questions. Attached to the responses were entertaining stories that kept the theater filled with laughter. She gave an encore of her impersonation of Angelina Jolie’s leg pose on the red carpet at the Oscars to close the show, and Jill joined in the fun (photo above). In 90 minutes Brazile inspired, enlightened, and amused us in ways I would’ve never imagined!
All photos are courtesy of 21st Century Digital Photography.
