To borrow a cliché, the best is yet to be for this energetic Texas A&M University junior.
Ms. Reed, 19, of Cameron will be making further advances in political affairs when she joins 227 other Texas delegates at the National Democratic Party Convention Aug. 25-28 in Denver. Ms. Reed was told by state Democrats that she likely is the youngest Texan on record to be chosen as a national Democratic convention delegate.
At the tender age of 4, Ms. Reed, a tiny pre-schooler in glasses and pigtails, astounded her mom, Melanie Reed, and granddad, Max McClaren (both former Milam County Democratic Party chairmen), that she too was a Democrat.
Learning the rudiments of partisan politics from her family, who have actively campaigned for Democratic candidates since McClaren stumped for Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ms. Reed was a natural to take on leadership roles in Young Democrats, and in college was an officer in the Texas Aggie Democrats.
“I began campaigning in ’92,” she recalled. “I would do small jobs to help as much as a 4-year-old could. At about 6, I began phone banking, to remind people to get to the polls. I began campaigning for Bill Clinton, Congressman Chet Edwards and (state) Rep. Dan Kubiak.”
Her mother remembers when Kyndra, at 6, would carry ballot boxes, run errands and help out any way she could in the Milam County Democratic Party.
“I am immensely proud of her achievement, her poise and confidence. When she stood up there and spoke at the state convention, it was as if she had been up there her whole life,” Mrs. Reed said. “Her grandfather is unbelievably proud. I feel the world is her oyster.”
Ms. Reed’s background has apparently helped her feel at home in the world of politics.
“Recently, I have been working with the Chet Edwards campaign in College Station,” she said. “I’ve also worked in local city council elections in College Station.”
She is programs director of Texas Aggie Democrats, activities director for Texas A&M NOW - National Organization for Women - and was the campus outreach director for Texas A&M Hillblazers.
As a volunteer for Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, Ms. Reed attended rallies and staffed phone banks. When President Clinton came to A&M to speak at a campaign rally before the March primary, Ms. Reed as publicity director was chosen to welcome the former president to the dais.
“This was an amazing experience,” Ms. Reed said. “I was honored when I was asked to introduce him to the Texas A&M University campus. I happened to be the only student at Hillary Headquarters that day, so when the Clinton staff organizing the event called, they talked to me. I was working with them in finding a room for him to speak in, and later that day I got a call: ‘The Call.’ Bill Clinton had asked for a student to introduce him; and since I had been working with them already, I was first on the list.”
Was she nervous?
“It’s funny. I’m not sure if I was more nervous about the nearly 800 people or the fact that I was about to introduce Bill Clinton,” Ms. Reed said. “He was very encouraging and down to earth.”
At the Texas Democratic Convention, Ms. Reed almost did not sign up to become a national delegate nominee, but a friend who works for the Democratic National Convention encouraged her to “give it a try because my age would most likely benefit me,” she said.
The National Convention begins with a state delegation breakfast meeting, followed by caucuses and training. Ms. Reed plans to attend a Young Democrats event on Sunday. As a delegate, she represents Hillary supporters from Senate District 5, which includes Milam County.
“I am a Hillary supporter,” Ms. Reed asserted. “She has been a role model for me and millions of other young women growing up. I was elected by the Hillary supporters of Senate District 5 as a Hillary delegate.
“Until Hillary decides to release her delegates I will remain at her side. I support Hillary because she has the experience needed to be an effective president. She has worked hard for those who are often overlooked - the working middle class and veterans that deserve affordable health care,” Ms. Reed said. “She works for strengthening democracy and allowing every American’s voice to be heard.”
Along with the business side of preparing for a national political convention, Ms. Reed is taking care of some other very important matters, including choosing a politically correct wardrobe.
“I recently went to a Women in Politics lecture at Texas A&M and learned this is the question women ask themselves most frequently,” Ms. Reed said. “The answer can be seen in the way Hillary dresses. Although we have come a long way as women, most still feel they have to dress like men to be taken seriously. I plan to wear pantsuits.”
Ms. Reed will be traveling alone to Denver, but her mother will join her at the convention.
“She is such a strong influence in my life and is the reason for everything I have accomplished,” Ms. Reed said. “She is truly an amazing woman and I am extremely fortunate to be her daughter.”
