clairecmc

[clairecmc]

Visiting #FortLeonardWood, I got to watch part of the U.S. Army’s “Super Bowl” of contests—the TRADOC Best Warriors Competition, being held in #Missouri for the first time. #TRADOCBWC puts soldiers’ aptitude in urban warfare simulations, board interviews, physical fitness, written exams, and battle drills to the test. I’ve always been proud of the men and women serving at #FLW for the leadership role they’ve taken in the #Army. They are going to go down as the generation that changed this country for the better. Hearing from them directly makes me a more effective advocate when I fight to support our troops and ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to succeed.

[clairecmc]

Today I continued my Security & Defense Tour across Missouri with stops in St. Joseph and Springfield. As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, I must say that I learn more hearing directly from the men and women here on the ground than I do the four-star generals I meet with in the Senate—which is why visits like the ones I had today at the 139th Airlift Wing and the 1107th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group are so important. They help me be a stronger advocate when I fight for Missouri’s leadership in national defense back in the Senate.

[clairecmc]

This morning I kicked off a statewide Security & Defense Tour with leaders from our Missouri National Guard at Jefferson Barracks. The National Guard is an incredibly important part of our cyber security force. Their mission is a tough one—keeping us safe from those who want to harm us, while respecting and upholding our Constitution. America is right be concerned about our cybersecurity and our privacy, and as a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committees with a front row seat to the cutting edge work being done to keep us safe, I can say without question that I’m proud of the work being done on both fronts by our Guardsmen and women right here in Missouri.

[clairecmc]

It's been a busy day on my College Affordability Tour. Started out with a great conversation at Ozarks Technical Community College followed by a lively discussion at Southern Boone Elementary.

[clairecmc]

At Belton HS for our second roundtable of the day. Talking FAFSA, financial literacy, scholarships, and watching parents struggle with decades of student debt.

[clairecmc]

Kicked off Day 2 of our College Affordability Tour at Lincoln College Prep HS in Kansas City. One highlight was discussing how we can be supporting the parents of 1st Generation college kids who are new to the process too.

[clairecmc]

At St Charles Community College, I asked student representatives what else legislators and stakeholders should consider when looking at college costs. Answer: Textbooks.

[clairecmc]

Behind-the-scenes at our first event this morning at Metro High School in St. Louis, with reps from public and private higher education institutions in St. Louis.

[clairecmc]

I'm kicking off my College Affordability Tour across Missouri this morning at Metro High School in St. Louis City and I hope you can come along. I'll be posting here throughout the week, and you can also follow @McCaskillOffice on Twitter using #CollegeCosts.

[clairecmc]

I very recently learned that I have breast cancer.

I very recently learned that I have breast cancer. It was detected through a regular mammogram. It’s a little scary, but my prognosis is good and I expect a full recovery. I will be in St Louis for the next 3 weeks receiving treatment. During this time my staff will continue to assist Missourians and I will be posting on my Senate website (McCaskill.senate.gov) how I would have voted on any matters that come before the Senate during my absence—which I’ll also enter into the Congressional record. Additionally, I’ll be submitting questions in writing for any missed Senate hearings.

Thank you for the honor of serving you in the Senate.

[clairecmc]

Selma, 50 years later

Last weekend, I was honored to take part in an inspiring gathering to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama. Fifty years ago that day, a group of brave men and women gathered to walk from Selma to Montgomery in peaceful protest of segregation, and were met on the Edmund Pettus Bridge by a throng of police officers who beat them and trampled them.

I joined many who had walked the bridge 50 years ago, including Congressman John Lewis to walk across that iconic bridge and pay tribute to a pivotal moment in our nation’s history - where ordinary citizens peacefully stood up for one of the most fundamental rights we have in this country: the vote.

And as we crossed the bridge, we reflected on how far we’ve come, and on how far we have yet to go.

The right to vote, which the people in Selma fought for 50 years ago, is under attack again, in Missouri, and in states around the country. And the Justice Department’s reports on Ferguson weighed heavily on my mind that weekend as well.

These issues aren’t unique to Ferguson. But we can begin to change that. We’ve got to change the relationship between our police departments and the communities they serve.

The men and women in Selma 50 years ago weren’t cynical or resigned about injustice, no matter how insurmountable it seemed. And we’ve got to learn from them that we shouldn’t be either. If their brave march proved anything, it’s that ordinary citizens have the power to make a difference.

[clairecmc]

#ShopFerguson

As I visit Ferguson each day, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to so many wonderful community leaders—citizens, young people, clergy, local officials, and small business owners. This isn’t a community that normally has a high crime rate, it’s a law-abiding, safe community, whose residents want to see justice, calm, and peace.

I went to church in Ferguson on Sunday, and as I drove there, I saw that every church was packed. Clergy are doing wonderful work. Community meetings are occurring around the clock. Young people are active and engaged on the ground, trying to help their community heal, and brave citizens are trying to help identify the small group of outsiders who are seeking confrontations and causing violence. Too often, news cameras want to show the confrontations, when what we also need is coverage of the healing that’s going on, and of the good people who live and work in Ferguson.

We need to restore the health and vibrancy of this community just as much as we need to restore safety and fairness in the way the community is treated. So as I continue to talk with folks on the ground and work the phones with officials at the Justice Department, I’m going to be spending time visiting businesses in Ferguson over the coming days, and tweeting my experiences, to remind folks that Ferguson is a safe, vibrant community needs our support and our commerce. I’ll be shopping and visiting with local business owners, and encouraging others to do the same.

Please join me in sharing your experiences supporting local businesses in Ferguson with the hashtag #ShopFerguson.

And let’s keep working toward peace, justice, and normalcy for this great community.

[clairecmc]

100,000 Followers Later

To think it all began with a simple tweet...

Tell me if this works.

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

January 17, 2009

Then word slowly started to spread,

And sure enough, one tweet about Justice Scalia's hat got the wheels in motion.

Scalia in a really weird hat.

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

January 20, 2009

Since I do all the tweeting myself, I've found out the hard way that people notice if you make a spelling mistake or two.

Facing sweet dilemma. Tx Senators are paying off World Series bet with BlueBell ice cream in a few. I say spluge. #11in11

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

November 3, 2011

I meant splurge. And yes I did. Chocolate. Yum. Of course just cause it was celebrating the best comeback it World Series history!

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

November 3, 2011

Despite my typing errors, there's no better way to share with all of you the good news in my life. Especially, those grandchildren of mine.

Sunday morning heaven. All four grandsons in the house. pic.twitter.com/DOCudNWIj1

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

June 2, 2013

Yes. I bought him that onesie. #proudgrandmother pic.twitter.com/cDT21necka

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

December 15, 2013

Or the now infamous gift I gave my son last year for this birthday.

My son's birthday present is in that box. I'm roasting him a whole pig. #porkrules #molakefun pic.twitter.com/k3f0a4WCDS

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

August 31, 2013

And I can't forget my beloved Mizzou Tigers. MIZ...

Ok,haters out there pls ignore me for 48 hours.My Mizzou has big ass game on Sat & I'm obsessed.My couch: pic.twitter.com/OWF4We11Ux

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

December 6, 2013

I've also never shied away from sharing the less glamorous parts of my life. 

I'm tired of looking and feeling fat. Maybe talking about it publicly will keep me on track as I try to be more disciplined.Off to the gym.

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

May 12, 2011

But, I couldn't have done it without you.

So much so, that I still choose not to follow anyone because I'm focused on making sure I read every single tweet that mentions my handle, and often finding time to personally respond,

Need to repeat this from time to time. Why I don't follow you. http://t.co/bSU0oDrZOD From March 2010.

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

June 20, 2013

even to the haters.

Here is sample of my breakfast hate: "@clairecmc oh forgot she is a liberal socialists she is exempt from ethics ANTI-AMERICAN SLUT" Sad.

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

October 3, 2013

In fact, I've been tweeting long enough now to mention Justice Scalia and his hat, again.

Yup. There it is. #Scaliaweirdhat pic.twitter.com/Advv11mj

— Claire McCaskill (@clairecmc)

January 21, 2013

And while I have 100,000 of you to thank for sharing your opinions, challenging me with thoughtful questions, and keeping me engaged, I have no plans to stop anytime soon.

There's lots more in store and you can be sure I'll be sharing it with all of you.

-Claire

[clairecmc]

Talking Turkey

I stand in the shadows of my mother and her mother when it comes to the kitchen. I watched and learned for many years as they worked their special magic with the food for family gatherings. I miss them both terribly, but I do my best to live up to their legacy of love and food and fun, especially at Thanksgiving. I will follow our family tradition and do two turkeys, one roasted and one smoked. Both will be brined overnight. Here's one of my family secrets for juicy turkey. As you may know, one of the tricky parts is getting the thigh/leg cooked without drying out the breast. This solves that problem:   About 30 minutes before you begin cooking the turkey, put ice cubes in zip-lock bags. Then drape the zip-lock bags so the ice is sitting on each breast. Hold in place with a heavy item, like canned goods. This chills the breast meat so it starts the cooking process colder than the rest of the turkey. Works perfectly! The turkey is the star, but I will also prepare (with the help of my children Austin, Maddie, and Lily) three stuffings: oyster, sourdough with bacon and  wild mushroom, and wild rice with sausage and goat cheese. There will also be green beans and Dijon Brussels sprouts.  Lots of creamy mashed potatoes with scratch gravy will round out the meal. And for dessert, of course, pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream.  And this year a special cake for my grandson Conner's first birthday. Here's wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving full of loving chaos, good food, and honored traditions.

 - Claire

[clairecmc]

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13

The question of marriage equality is a great American debate. Many people, some with strong religious faith, believe that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman. Other people, many of whom also have strong religious faith, believe that our country should not limit the commitment of marriage to some, but rather all Americans, gay and straight should be allowed to fully participate in the most basic of family values. I have come to the conclusion that our government should not limit the right to marry based on who you love. While churches should never be required to conduct marriages outside of their religious beliefs, neither should the government tell people who they have a right to marry. My views on this subject have changed over time, but as many of my gay and lesbian friends, colleagues and staff embrace long term committed relationships, I find myself unable to look them in the eye without honestly confronting this uncomfortable inequality. Supporting marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples is simply the right thing to do for our country, a country founded on the principals of liberty and equality. Good people disagree with me. On the other hand, my children have a hard time understanding why this is even controversial. I think history will agree with my children.

[clairecmc]

joe's Frittat

[clairecmc]

A Perfect Saturday

Today I woke up and was startled. For the first time in a very long time, I have a whole day without any scheduled work events. So I thought I'd share how I am going to fill this unusual vast amount of empty space. First up, I scooted downstairs to make my husband's favorite Leftovers Frittata. I was away from home constantly the last two years as I campaigned and he is a wonderful and patient man. He deserves a hundred frittatas. Leftovers Frittata Preheat oven to 375 Spray deep dish pie pan with Pam Whisk 6 eggs with 1/4 cup half and half or cream Then go to town.. This morning I added some leftover chives Then added a diced spicy chicken sausage I sautéed the tops of 2 leeks with a little fresh jalapeño pepper, some yellow pepper, and some fresh spinach and added that Then I put in about a half of cup of leftover brussell sprouts w/bacon And about 1/3 cup reduced fat feta cheese. Salt and pepper Pour in pie plate If you want add some grated cheese of choice on top Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes ( till middle doesn't wiggle ) Serves four I took a pic when it came out of oven. I will include. After breakfast and coffee with Joe, I'm going to spend some quality time on the treadmill. I'm watching latest season of Downton Abbey as I sweat. Makes it bearable. Then I'm going to go shop for some bargains for my newest grandson. I GET TO BABYSIT TONIGHT AND HE'S SPENDING THE NIGHT! Can you tell I'm excited? He's three months old and I'm over the moon over him. He is our sixth grandchild and they are all precious. I love buying clothes for my grandchildren. Then I'm going to come home and the weather folks say its going to be warm enough for me to take some hot tea and my book to the screened in porch. I'm finishing a great book Elsewhere by Richard Russo. The book was a gift from Sherrod Brown's wife, Connie Schultz, who is an accomplished writer in her own right. Then....M I Z.... Tiger basketball on TV. They have looked good the last few weeks. Is it possible that they are coming together at exactly the right time? They will be. #2 seed in the SEC tourney, behind Florida. And this team is capable of beating anyone. I love college basketball, and yes, I'm mad about it in March. I am so honored to serve my state. And I try to work very hard at my job. But to have a day that includes cooking, shopping, reading, Mizzou basketball, and babysitting my grandchild? Perfect.