History books

So all week, and all year, everyone's been talking about how historic this moment was. How Senator Obama is now the first African-American to be nominated for president by a political party. However, it's all been talked about from the perspective of the past; in a reflective way, from the shadows of Dr. King.

Chelsie, Kendrah, and I were talking about it yesterday, about how now Senator Obama will be in the new history textbooks in school...how even though Black History Month usually only talks about Rosa Parks, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and Harriet Tubman, that now they'll talk about President Obama...and how crazy that is. Crazy, not in a bad way, but meaning how impossible that seemed. I can't imagine what that would mean to me to have a history book/class/lesson that talked about the first African-American president when I was younger. I can't imagine that even being possible 10 years ago, before I even knew that black ppl had run for president before.

And I can't imagine how different this convention would have been, if that were the norm.


All I can say is sometimes, it's good to be there first.

Wow

Exuberance. Joy. Excitement. Energy. Awe. Inspiration. Anticipation. Humorous. Disbelief. Relief. Nervousness. Compassion. Connection. Anxiousness.

I felt every one of these emotions and more last night during Senator Obama's speech. The culmination of 2 years of work (I include the time I joined the facebook group "Students for Barack Obama for President" in 2006 before he ever announced, and the time I hoped and prayed that he would.) was an awesome, inspirational, aspirational speech that made me want to do more and be better. I'm still speechless, and I'll probably watch it a few times online so that I can fully digest everything. Wow.

Sorry about the lack of pictures; blogger hates me, and idk why. But I have tons, and you can see them at: my MobileMe gallery.

So sorry!

Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday. Between disconnected internet, photo issues, rushing around trying to give someone an extra community credential, trying to be in my seat for the speeches and things, and trying to make it to the events/receptions afterwards, I had almost no chance to update.

Wednesday was probably the best day so far; between Bill Clinton, Joe Biden, John Kerry, and Barack Obama's surprise experience, there was no lack of excitement. I'd encourage anyone to try to be a delegate at least once in their lifetime. The energy is palpable, the excitement electrifying. Amazing, wonderful, impressive, great, awesome, and other adjectives come to mind. I had a feeling Senator Obama would show, just because Senator Biden was speaking today, and I knew he had to eventually get to Denver. Then, a lady sitting in front of me got a call from her daughter saying that she saw him enter the building. Judging from the crowd's reception of Pres. Clinton and Senator Kerry, I knew the arena would explode in cheers for when Senator Obama came out. And boy, DID IT. The girl next to me started crying, because she had never seen him in person before...it was a moving experience for her. She said, "[Senator Obama] is the person I've been working for, giving up all my free time to get elected. He is the person that I've been phone-banking, block-walking, mailing flyers, and speaking to people about. Seeing him on that stage was overwhelmingly emotional. I don't even remember what he said at that point."



All I can say is that tonight should be even better. Although I hear that this speech will probably be more about policy than his previous speeches, I'm sure he'll still continue to inspire others to aspire to great things for themselves.

Temporary issues

Washington state keeps trying to take our seats!!!

Michelle's speech

I LOVED it. It was so personal, so emotional, and so moving. It gave a glimpse of the Obamas as a couple and a family, and talked about what they had been working for all along. I felt like it told a bit of what they sacrificed multiple times in life to do what was right for those who needed it.

I heard someone say it was good because, "She wasn't angry." If she has anything to be angry about, it's the fact that people will NOT stop saying that she's angry! Like she can't be passionate about anything.

Also, apparently, I was on the radio today...idk if I'm in the paper yet or not.

Lastly, if you want to see all my pics, they're here in my MobileMe gallery, and you can download them if you'd like.

It really IS major

This scares the heck out of me. I really will never understand how anyone can just hate another person or group of people based on the color of their skin and blame all of the world's problems on that group. Never will I understand.

And, I was seen on CNN and C-Span last night! The Fox News platform is right in front of me (blech), so they kinda block my view, but I'm right off the floor, so I get to see all the celebrities and politicians when they come by!

Sadness...

I'm not going to get to attend the Union Pacific reception for the TX delegation hosted by John Sharp, only because I wanted to get my seat early in the Pepsi Center. The seat we get today will be our seat all week, so I want it to be good. It provides for better pictures for y'all!

Sent from my iPhone! :o)

Words cannot express...

...the excitement I've felt over the past 24 hrs. Yesterday, I went to the Friends of New Orleans reception, and then I thought I had RSVP'd to another Friends of New Orleans gala that was ticketed...of course, no tickets when I get there. Thanks to Kendrah and her charming ways, the guy that was handing out tickets for businesses only gave us 2 tickets!!! We got into an exclusive event...it was awesome. I got to hear from Kansas Senator Raj (can't remember the last name) and Deval Patrick. AMAZING. This morning @ breakfast, guess who spoke? Kansas Govenor KATHLEEN SEBELIUS and TX State Rep CHET EDWARDS. 2 potential VP picks...I was SO excited!!! I have pics...I got a pic w/ Chet Edwards, but I couldn't get one w/ Gov. Sebelius.

More later, pics post!!!

It's fate

So the College Democrats of America is finishing their national convention here in Denver today. People started to invite Kendrah and I in to listen to Gov. Decal Patrick speak. He hasn't come in yet, but a comedian, the deputy LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) director, and a poet spoke. I'm really excited... We're watching a video about youth activism in the Obama campaign by students for Barack Obama. Whoever this host is, he is really funny too. Hopefully we can get him and the comedian to come out and host some kind of a youth event.

Just waiting for the governor/Senator Obama's bff.

Thanks, Dad

Hahaha, for the first time in my life, I'm glued to C-SPAN. (My dad has been glued to c-span since before there was a c-span 2.) I'm in the hotel room (really nice so far), eating a burger and fries, and I'm watching the RULES COMMITTEE MEETING. Never in my life did I ever think I would be watching something as...well, mundane as this. But it's really important, and necessary. They're talking about changing the presidential nominating process. A few people have mentioned reducing the number of superdelegates, which I agree with. 800 unpledged delegates who can support whomever they want, against the will of their constituents because, basically, "[we] know best" is not what the DNC is all about. Also, some ppl are in support of moving the dates for the primaries/caucases to a later date in the calendar, and spreading them out so as to allow the candidates an opportunity to spend time in each state. I'm for that as well.

David Walters, the Rules Committee Co-Chairman keeps joking about them not having tickets to the "Rock the Vote" concert... I want tickets!!!

And c-span just announced that Thursday, they want us to be in our seats by 2 pm...Senator Obama won't even speak until 8 pm. I know there will be other speakers and stuff beforehand, but WOW. Lol, the conventions are long across the board.

Haha, interestingly, there's a group in downtown Denver called "Recreate '68" that is a "group of progressives against imperialism and racism, etc." and they are basically protesting everything...the convention, the corporate sponsors, the war in Iraq, racism...haha you name it, and I bet they're protesting against it. I wanna go talk to some of them and find out what their feelings are about the election. I saw that when they were showing the media setup for the Pepsi Center, and even Aljazeera is here! MAJOR.

Ok, off to decide between the interfaith gathering and the youth council...just waiting on Kendrah.

It's only just begun...

First things first, I met Amber Goodwin, TX Democratic Party treasurer, DNC youth council secretary, and a really cool girl. I'm hoping to get her to drive down to Victoria to speak at a youth rally and so maybe I can pick her brain on ways to get more young people involved. Here's more info on her:

Amber Goodwin is a political activist from the great state of Texas. Amber started her political career on Capital Hill in Washington, D.C. working for Rep. Donald Payne, and Rep. Bob Menendez’s House Democratic Caucus staff. Amber left The Hill and became a Campaign Camp Manager with the grassroots field consulting firm Grassroots Solutions in D.C. In the span of 2 years she helped to train thousands of youth activists, non-profit members, candidates and progressive communities on the nuts and bolts of field organizing and how to win elections.

After leaving Washington D.C. in 2005, Amber joined the SEIU Justice for Janitors Campaign in Texas as the Political and Community Organizer for the historic 2006 Contract Campaign win for over 5,300 working families in the Houston area. She then went onto become the National Convention Director for the Young Democrats of America (YDA) Biennial Convention in Dallas, TX, and is currently a graduate student getting her masters in Public Administration.

Since beginning her career in politics, Amber has worked on dozens of political campaigns across the country ranging from U.S. Senate campaigns in New Jersey to local school board races in Texas, and is a member of numerous national and local organizations such as the Democratic National Committee ( DNC) Youth Advisory Board, Women Under Forty Steering Committee, Rock The Vote, Texas Young Democrats Labor Chair, and local precinct chair in Houston. Amber is passionate about influencing and empowering young people to become and stay engaged, and also helping impoverished or underserved people to have a voice in the political process.

As soon as I got off the plane, all the DNCC posters popped into view. There were ppl to welcome us at the airport, and everyone was extremely friendly (an anomaly in terms of service at the airport). State Rep. Garnet Coleman of Houston was incredibly helpful and interesting, bc the University of Houston is part of his district, so we talked about UHV and the education systems, etc. Ok, now I have to start planning out the rest of the day...

Disappointed

Sometimes it's NOT good to live in a 24-hr news cycle. There was something special to be said about sending an announcement via text msg to supporters, so that we really did feel like we would be learning something FIRST from the campaign, not the news.

Who are these "sources close to the campaign" who felt the need to deny us of that joy? How often are politicians willing to let us in on something that even the news media doesn't know first?

By the time anyone reads this, everyone will know who the next VP will be. At least it should help the ticket. I'm all about Obama/***** for the win.

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Today, on the local campaign trail...

I did some phone-banking today, mostly got hung up on. One person said they weren't registered, didn't want to register, and didn't give a damn who won, lol. Another lady was 101 and she was nice (I tried to engage her in conversation), but she said she was voting Republican. I was trying to click through the VAN (Voter Activation Network, for those who are new to this, as I was) so I could talk to younger ppl, so maybe they'd be more receptive to me, but the precinct I had was like ALL ppl 45+, a lot of whom were in their 70s and 80s. Ron thought I had messed it up by clicking through, but some of those ppl showed up in my round 2 list, so I didn't screw anything up, yay! Not looking forward to more of that, but for some reason it's easier for me to do in a room full of ppl getting hung up on and yelled at, rather than by myself.

Lots and lots of events...hoping I can call and possibly get hooked up w/ some things I want to go to, but haven't been invited to (yet). This should be fun, tiring, and lots of work...

She wins.

From the Deputy Southwest Regional Field Director (or some title of that nature):


Statement from the Obama and Clinton Press Offices
August 14, 2008

Since June, Senators Obama and Clinton have been working together to ensure a Democratic victory this November. They are both committed to winning back the White House and to to ensuring that the voices of all 35 million people who participated in this historic primary election are respected and heard in Denver. To honor and celebrate these voices and votes, both Senator Obama's and Senator Clinton's names will be placed in nomination.

“I am convinced that honoring Senator Clinton's historic campaign in this way will help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion,” said Senator Barack Obama.

Senator Obama’s campaign encouraged Senator Clinton's name to be placed in nomination as a show of unity and in recognition of the historic race she ran and the fact that she was the first woman to compete in all of our nation’s primary contests.

“With every voice heard and the Party strongly united, we will elect Senator Obama President of the United States and put our nation on the path to peace and prosperity once again,” said Senator Hillary Clinton.

Senator Obama and Senator Clinton are looking forward to a convention unified behind Barack Obama as the Party’s nominee and to victory this fall for America.

Day by day...

Each day, I get more and more excited about the DNCC. I get new invitations for receptions, brunches, caucuses, meetings, etc, etc, and I haven't gotten a chance to go through them all. When I get a good idea of what my schedule will be like, I'll post it.

In other news,

You are cordially invited to a Celebratory Send-Off Fundraising Brunch
in honor of Keisha S.
on Saturday, August 23rd, 2008
11am-1pm
Victoria Women's Clubhouse
1408 N Moody
Victoria, TX

$20 donation per person; please respond ASAP if you are interested!

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U.N.I.T.Y.?

Sorry, I'll make this one quick. This article just has me sick to my stomach...I thought we were working towards unity. Not ONCE have I ever heard an Obama supporter, field organizer, or other campaign worker say "we don't need [Clinton supporters]." I also don't understand how if a candidate has since endorsed his/her former opponent, why he/she would want to put her name on the ballot? I feel that would divide more than unite. Also, this whining of "she's not getting what she deserves" and "they're shutting her out" I just DON'T understand. Obviously, Senator Clinton is going to be a major part of the Democratic party as she has been since she was the First Lady. I just...I guess I just don't understand. I mean, if the shoe was on the other foot, I'm sure I would be kinda upset that my candidate lost, but once he endorsed his opponent, agreed that her plans and policies would work for us domestically and abroad, and was out CAMPAIGNING for her, I would just LET IT GO. Idk. I just think it's been 2 months already, and if the opponents can work together, then why can't we?

"The One"

Haha, so I was reading about how hard it is apparently to make fun of Senator Obama. (Jimmy Kimmel said to talk about his ears, lol.) Then the blog (where I found the article) mentioned the ads that McCain is releasing... This one is called, well, "The One."



I actually thought it was kinda funny, except the part where Senator Obama is talking about "a light will shine upon you" is when he was poking fun at Senator Clinton mocking him. The funniest part is that, even after they use the clip from "The Ten Commandments," they admit that "ok yeah, he may be the 2nd coming of Christ, but can he lead?" lol...it's like the tire gauges all over again.

The Olympics = A Welcome Distraction

Yes, this election is about the issues and getting Americans out to vote and work together to bring about a better nation and world.

But sometimes, you need a break from the heaviness of it all.

Thank GOD for the Olympics.

Personally, I've always loved watching all the sports. Of course, I get excited when my home team is competing, but I'll watch almost anybody in my favorite sports (gymnastics, volleyball, beach volleyball, trampoline, and rhythmic gymnastics). In swimming and basketball, it's just the US teams that I like to watch.

Either way, "polls" are saying that 48% of Americans are tired of hearing about Senator Obama. Something like 16-22% of them also said that the increased coverage has created a less, not more, favorable view of the senator. That is NOT what we need right now...especially with the convention coming up, we need that to be a kickoff point. We need his speech to be a catalyst for those who haven't gotten involved yet. We can't be burned out at this point; we're less than 90 days away. This is when we have to fine tune the message and get out there and fight for ourselves. Fight for change. (Not physically.)

On that note, the US women's indoor volleyball team is playing now. And hopefully the back and forth of the ball doesn't constantly remind me of all the silliness that has been happening in the campaign arena over the past few weeks.

And they say Barnum & Bailey is "the greatest show on Earth!?" Try the Olympics. And then American politics.

Home again, home again

...and ready to work.

Sort of.

Tomorrow night, Thursday, August 7, there is a volunteer rally being held by the group VICTORIANS UNITED FOR CHANGE to gather and motivate volunteers to help us work toward electing a Democratic majority in 2008. The event is from 7-9pm at the Victoria Electric Co-op (102 S Ben Jordan) in Victoria, TX.


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I'll be speaking about my experience trying to become a delegate, as well as giving some info from the national campaign, and other fun stuff. It should be a good time. Plus I'll have my new buttons to sell as well as some of the free stuff I got from the Obama campaign.

In other news, I didn't get to go to HQ. :o( I didn't realize Google Maps really DOES know everything. All I had to do was search it on my phone and it found it for me. CRAZY. I'm debating on flying back up there JUST so I can go to HQ, lol, but I don't really have the time. I do, but I don't. We'll see.

Anyone have any ideas for events to get people excited about the fall election? (Besides having Senator or Mrs. Obama or the Clintons.)

HQ = MIA

So I can't find the address to HQ. Something about that isn't right...it's gotta be easier to find than I think. Idk. I just wanna make that trip tomorrow. I signed up to go to a breakfast meeting tomorrow that is a weekly event in Hyde Park (the neighborhood the Obamas live in, although I'm surprised they haven't moved to the South Loop yet). It should be interesting, and maybe I'll get some good ideas for things we can implement in Victoria. 116 people have RSVP'd that they're attending, so hopefully there's a pretty good turnout.

But let me pause for a moment and talk about the "celebrity vs. race card" furor. I mean GEEZ ppl, can we get back to issues here? Oh wait, McCain has no way of winning on issues. I mean economy - same tax cuts for oil companies, but also wanting a "gas tax holiday." So, let's take taxes off of gas, but that allows the gas companies to still charge the current price, and they make that $ in profit. Then, let's give them a tax break, so all of that $ goes toward their net revenue as well. Basically, let's double ExxonMobil's $11.7 billion profit from last quarter for the next quarter and year and 4 years. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? Let's talk Iraq - 100+ years of occupation, with no plan for handing over the govt, no plan for withdrawal, no plan for redirecting troops to Afghanistan, no actual mention of working with Pakistan or Iran or Afghanistan to actually get rid of Al-Qaida. YOU'VE GOT TO BE JOKING. I refuse to allow my brother/cousins/friends/future children to have to go to war like this. People keep bringing up Vietnam - why won't people listen to that? It's not like that never happened, like the scars and effects of that don't exist, like we're not shadowing that conflict now.

Those 2 reasons alone are enough for me to justify voting for Senator Obama, but my personal list goes on. And you know what, I actually agree with McCain here - Senator Obama IS the biggest celebrity in the world, but he actually did something to earn it, and he's a celebrity for doing something POSITIVE, which is the major diff between him and the 2 ladies that you mentioned.

I think it's a jealousy issue. The media doesn't even care about McCain anymore, good or bad, and his camp is realizing that. I mean, I'm sure John McCain is not a bad person, but I just can't get behind what he's standing up for now. I don't understand how you can be at the forefront of pushing for anti-torture measures, and then be shaking hands and buddy-buddy with the most Machiavellian dudes in govt today (looking at you George, Dick, and Karl).

Besides, Senator Obama made the same comments a month ago about the RNC and the McCain campaign: "They'll try to scare you...'He's got a funny name,...and he's black.'" Why didn't the Republican machine say anything then? Is it because Barack just came off of a successful European and "Middle Eastern" tour where the rest of the world loves him and they'll hate us even more if we don't elect him? ***SIDEBAR: I like how personable Senator Obama is that anyone can just refer to him as Barack, as if we're all friends, even though he's to soon-to-be 44th president.*** I don't understand where the problem lies though. Is it because Mr. Obama is correct, that they (and by they I mean the RNC and their cronies) will use their scare tactics to try and suggest things, like crime will go up if he's elected, or that the White House will become some cesspool of sin, like a rap video? I mean, using Karl Rove's henchmen just signals that this will be an everything-AND-the-kitchen-sink kind of campaign.

Less than 100 days away...(I think the official count is 95) and then a dream will become reality and America can truly say we are willing to change, to become new, to revive hope and to actually believe that we ARE the America that we say we are.

I can't wait.