Randi Kreiss

The new familiarity: Just don’t call me Honey

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An email lands in my in-box. It begins, “Randi, I am in awe of you.” The friendly opening greeting is a shock, so unlike the usual letters I get — like the one from Marie Mazzetelli, which began, “You moron . . .” That was the nicest thing Ms. Mazzetelli had to say about me.

But if you write a weekly column that touches on politics, you get used to the fringe factor.

Strangely, the person who wrote that she was in awe of me was Michelle Obama, and she was writing to ask for my continued support. Specifically, she wanted me to contribute a minimum of $10 to receive three “special” stickers for my bumper. I didn’t bite, although I have contributed in the past, thus inspiring awe in the first lady.

What I have noticed is an increasing familiarity in the political emails I’ve been receiving. It started with President Obama’s 2008 election, when his team discovered how the targeted use of the Internet could revolutionize campaigning. That’s when I started getting “Dear Randi” letters from the Obamas, asking for my vote and my money and asking me to sign their birthday cards. It all felt so inclusive and chummy. They sent me a holiday card with their family picture.

Last year the president wrote to me, “Randi, we could meet this fall.” Turns out he wasn’t suggesting a private summit to solicit my political advice; there was a rally he thought I might want to attend for a small contribution of an arm and a leg. Months later I got an email titled “Chutzpah” from the president’s people, noting that the Republicans were trying to repeal Obamacare for the umpteenth time and suggesting I chip in for the fight ahead.

Now the Clintons are friending me, big time. He calls me “Randi” and signs his notes “Bill.” Hillary told me last week that I “amaze” her. She wrote, “Bill wants to meet you.” Yesterday she asked, “Will you join me for dinner?” Before the Iowa caucuses, Bill wrote, saying, “Just one final push, Randi.” The last time someone said that to me, I popped out a baby. This time I just had to write a small check.

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