Affirming voters' voices
Miami Herald - 12/14/08
I never truly knew the faces and voices behind Florida's Electoral College until this year. Like many, I viewed this vestige of the U.S. Constitution with some suspicion. This changed, however, when I received a call to serve as one of those voices on behalf of Barack Obama's campaign, one of 27 electors for Florida.
The Electoral College process is part of the U.S. Constitution's original design. Each state's popular vote determines the number of electors based on its congressional districts. The first presidential candidate to win 270 electoral votes out of a possible 538 wins the Oval Office.
The 27 electoral votes for Florida reflect the changing hue of this state from red to blue. It also speaks to its ever-changing demographics and, in turn, its political pulse. Some pundits say that the growing Hispanic vote had a direct impact on this year's presidential election. Others have concluded the state's growing and diverse black community tipped the scales.
The primary reason Florida is awash in blue is the surging activism and burgeoning voter rolls in key pockets. From the suburbs of Tampa to the urban immigrant neighborhoods of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Democrats, Republicans and independents alike woke up and embraced the powerful message of change. Floridians gave their dollars despite a bad economy, volunteered their time and organized friends and colleagues to knock on doors and staff phone banks. Many met neighbors for the first time; constituents realized their power.
On Nov. 4, voters chose the men and women who will serve in the Electoral College. As an elector, I will go to Tallahassee on Dec. 15 to record your vote on an official ''Certificate of Vote.'' As a group, we will sign, seal and certify Florida's electoral votes and immediately send them to the president of the U.S. Senate, the archivist of the United States and other federal and state officials for official counting on Jan. 8, 2009.
In the Senate chambers that day, I will echo not only my voice, but that of thousands of Floridians who voted early and turned up the volume of their voices in this election. It will be a resounding confirmation that Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States.
Voting is serious business and should not be taken for granted. We must treasure this precious constitutional right and honor the intent of our Founding Fathers. We can all be proud and find solace, whether your vote was tinged with red or blue. On Jan. 20, we will move forward, together, as a nation.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Prologue of a Journey: "How Did We Paint Florida Blue"
Family, friends, and colleagues, what a week! I had to take a few days to marinate on the reality of the extraordinary moment witnessed this week. As promised, my 50th Blog would genuflect on the seminal journey of this remarkable political experience and transformation for all of us.
First, let me take you back to my precinct where I volunteered as a poll watching attorney. I volunteered to protect the rights of voters back at my former high school, Miami Southridge Senior High, in South-Miami-Dade County (851/827). I wanted to return to the first place that gave me a safe place to learn when I first migrated to the United States. And I am glad I did. I recognized former students, teachers, and neighbors. I even helped my own little sister vote in her first presidential election. It was like looking into a mirror.
I arrived at 6:30am and there were about 300 persons in line. Remarkable. I walked in and introduced myself to Miss Carolyn (above) one of the poll clerks. She said to me, "You look handsome in your blue tie, but how can I help you?" I said humbly, "I am going to find myself a quiet corner and I am just here to help support you." She retorted, "Goodie."
I said to myself, "We are in good hands."
Later that morning dusk, as the voters poured in, I offered some of the other clerks some fruit juice from my secret "charm the poll workers" stash. They were most appreciative, except for Miss Carolyn. She commented, "What happened to me, I don't look like I am working here as well and in need of hydration." I replied, "But of course, democracy needs to be quenched. She smirked and guzzled my cranberry juice.
The day progressed with a steady flow of voters, young, old, disabled, Black, White, Hispanic, East-Indian. All working folk. The neighborhood had not changed much. Truck drivers, bus drivers, teachers, students. Hard working Americans. You could tell the first time voters - with the nervous hesitation in which they entered the room. But they were determined and most simply came in to vote for the top of the ticket - which was unfortunate.
Later in the day, my Republican counterpart arrived 4 hours late. He proceeded to insert himself aggressively at the problem table. Then, he met Miss Carolyn who told him that his physical presence was hindering the process and that he should take a comfortable seat in the corner. He proceeded to recite the Florida statute to her as to his right to be watchful over the process. He should not have gone there. This is after I had warmed up the room in our favor. He quickly realized that she was not someone to mess with, unless he had some cranberry juice, snacks, and extra pens for voters.
The day ended with a spurt of workers closing their shifts. The last voter left at 7:40pm. And in the end, Obama prevailed to an estimated 760-214 votes. My precinct was painted BLUE.
We painted Florida Blue on the backs of a ground game that was built around dinner tables, lunch meetings, community rallies, art shows, barbeques, birthday parties, and house parties. We painted Florida Blue with $10 bills. We painted Florida Blue with the engagement of new Florida voices of young people and immigrant communities. We painted Florida Blue with the backing of loyal Clinton supporters. We painted Florida Blue in persuading fringe constituencies such as the Cuban-American community. We painted Florida BLUE by storming Tampa and Orlando and increasing voter turnout in North Florida/Panhandle and South Florida. We painted Florida Blue by building a hurricane of voices over the warm sea of a resonating CHANGE message. We painted Florida Blue because we believed in ourselves - WOMEN FOR OBAMA, CARIBBEAN-AMERICANS FOR OBAMA, ORLANDO4OBAMA, JEWS FOR OBAMA, THE TAMPA BAY O-TRAIN, HAITIANS FOR OBAMA-CHANJMAN, GLBT FOR OBAMA, AFRICAN-AMERICANS FOR OBAMA, and on and on. We hoped. We believed. We voted.
We painted Florida Blue because we took this time around seriously. Just like, Miss Carolyn (in her BLUE rim glasses). We were not playing with this moment. Now the real work begins, let's commit to the CHANGE WE BELIEVE IN. Follow the journey at http://change.gov/.
On December 15, I will submit my vote as one of the 27 electors in Tallahassee. I will remember your voice and break out my BLUE paint brush.
God Bless.
First, let me take you back to my precinct where I volunteered as a poll watching attorney. I volunteered to protect the rights of voters back at my former high school, Miami Southridge Senior High, in South-Miami-Dade County (851/827). I wanted to return to the first place that gave me a safe place to learn when I first migrated to the United States. And I am glad I did. I recognized former students, teachers, and neighbors. I even helped my own little sister vote in her first presidential election. It was like looking into a mirror.
I arrived at 6:30am and there were about 300 persons in line. Remarkable. I walked in and introduced myself to Miss Carolyn (above) one of the poll clerks. She said to me, "You look handsome in your blue tie, but how can I help you?" I said humbly, "I am going to find myself a quiet corner and I am just here to help support you." She retorted, "Goodie."
I said to myself, "We are in good hands."
Later that morning dusk, as the voters poured in, I offered some of the other clerks some fruit juice from my secret "charm the poll workers" stash. They were most appreciative, except for Miss Carolyn. She commented, "What happened to me, I don't look like I am working here as well and in need of hydration." I replied, "But of course, democracy needs to be quenched. She smirked and guzzled my cranberry juice.
The day progressed with a steady flow of voters, young, old, disabled, Black, White, Hispanic, East-Indian. All working folk. The neighborhood had not changed much. Truck drivers, bus drivers, teachers, students. Hard working Americans. You could tell the first time voters - with the nervous hesitation in which they entered the room. But they were determined and most simply came in to vote for the top of the ticket - which was unfortunate.
Later in the day, my Republican counterpart arrived 4 hours late. He proceeded to insert himself aggressively at the problem table. Then, he met Miss Carolyn who told him that his physical presence was hindering the process and that he should take a comfortable seat in the corner. He proceeded to recite the Florida statute to her as to his right to be watchful over the process. He should not have gone there. This is after I had warmed up the room in our favor. He quickly realized that she was not someone to mess with, unless he had some cranberry juice, snacks, and extra pens for voters.
The day ended with a spurt of workers closing their shifts. The last voter left at 7:40pm. And in the end, Obama prevailed to an estimated 760-214 votes. My precinct was painted BLUE.
We painted Florida Blue on the backs of a ground game that was built around dinner tables, lunch meetings, community rallies, art shows, barbeques, birthday parties, and house parties. We painted Florida Blue with $10 bills. We painted Florida Blue with the engagement of new Florida voices of young people and immigrant communities. We painted Florida Blue with the backing of loyal Clinton supporters. We painted Florida Blue in persuading fringe constituencies such as the Cuban-American community. We painted Florida BLUE by storming Tampa and Orlando and increasing voter turnout in North Florida/Panhandle and South Florida. We painted Florida Blue by building a hurricane of voices over the warm sea of a resonating CHANGE message. We painted Florida Blue because we believed in ourselves - WOMEN FOR OBAMA, CARIBBEAN-AMERICANS FOR OBAMA, ORLANDO4OBAMA, JEWS FOR OBAMA, THE TAMPA BAY O-TRAIN, HAITIANS FOR OBAMA-CHANJMAN, GLBT FOR OBAMA, AFRICAN-AMERICANS FOR OBAMA, and on and on. We hoped. We believed. We voted.
We painted Florida Blue because we took this time around seriously. Just like, Miss Carolyn (in her BLUE rim glasses). We were not playing with this moment. Now the real work begins, let's commit to the CHANGE WE BELIEVE IN. Follow the journey at http://change.gov/.
On December 15, I will submit my vote as one of the 27 electors in Tallahassee. I will remember your voice and break out my BLUE paint brush.
God Bless.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Life is Too Short
Family, friends, colleagues, it is only a matter of hours. Our transformation is near completion. If you already early voted, thank you. If you are still undecided, time to put your game face on. If you voted the other guy, thank you for exercising your franchise and I wish you God's blessings. No more debates. No fundraising receptions. No more patio discussion fights. No more TV ads. It's showtime!
For many of you, I am sure this is an anxious moment. Your stomach is unsettled. You cannot focus on the task at hand. You are scratching your head nervously. You are praying for the best. All of these emotions are natural. But, here is the comfort: Senator Obama has run a noble campaign. He has steadfastly communicated his vision for our country (and the world). He has shared his core values for the tone of this campaign and for the politics of CHANGE. He has remained dignified in addressing bumps in the road of the campaign. He shown all other candidates in the primary and general election all the respect warranted of your rivals. He has brought us all into this election from the ground up - veteran voices, new voices, re-engaged voices. He has simply run a stellar campaign. No matter what, we can all be proud of being able to live through this moment.
So, my friends, this is not a time for stress or anxiety. I know you are probably on pins and needles. In the middle of any storm or hurricane or pending instability (including economic hardship), it is important to remain calm and focused. There is much to be done --- to keep you busy away from the television, radio and internet. We have to close this deal and it will be critical for you to assess what else you could do over the next hours:
Take the day off with family to vote and volunteer to help others;
Adopt a precinct to volunteer after voting (other voters will need moral support);
Call all family members and friends who are registered to ensure that they have a picture ID and that they have completed their sample ballot;
Volunteer to help transport others to the polls;
Call 1-877-2-FL-OBAM - for any trouble shooting questions at the polls
Be sure to have a healthy breakfast and to hydrate and snack healthily throughout the day;
and finally, offer a prayer in memory of all those persons who are not with us on this day to witness and share in this moment.
Promise me that you will conduct your daily movements tomorrow with the same dignity that Sen. Obama has conducted this campaign. Please be polite to the poll workers. Please and thank you are still part of the language of common courtesy. In addition, please be helpful to other voters and be on the look out for any poll workers and civil rights attorneys who are present to ensure that every person has the right to vote.
Life is too short. We have to live every moment to the fullest. I am heartbroken Grandma Dunham did not have the opportunity to live through tomorrow. Let's live it for her.
My final Blog of the journey will be No. 50 - after tomorrow night.
For many of you, I am sure this is an anxious moment. Your stomach is unsettled. You cannot focus on the task at hand. You are scratching your head nervously. You are praying for the best. All of these emotions are natural. But, here is the comfort: Senator Obama has run a noble campaign. He has steadfastly communicated his vision for our country (and the world). He has shared his core values for the tone of this campaign and for the politics of CHANGE. He has remained dignified in addressing bumps in the road of the campaign. He shown all other candidates in the primary and general election all the respect warranted of your rivals. He has brought us all into this election from the ground up - veteran voices, new voices, re-engaged voices. He has simply run a stellar campaign. No matter what, we can all be proud of being able to live through this moment.
So, my friends, this is not a time for stress or anxiety. I know you are probably on pins and needles. In the middle of any storm or hurricane or pending instability (including economic hardship), it is important to remain calm and focused. There is much to be done --- to keep you busy away from the television, radio and internet. We have to close this deal and it will be critical for you to assess what else you could do over the next hours:
Take the day off with family to vote and volunteer to help others;
Adopt a precinct to volunteer after voting (other voters will need moral support);
Call all family members and friends who are registered to ensure that they have a picture ID and that they have completed their sample ballot;
Volunteer to help transport others to the polls;
Call 1-877-2-FL-OBAM - for any trouble shooting questions at the polls
Be sure to have a healthy breakfast and to hydrate and snack healthily throughout the day;
and finally, offer a prayer in memory of all those persons who are not with us on this day to witness and share in this moment.
Promise me that you will conduct your daily movements tomorrow with the same dignity that Sen. Obama has conducted this campaign. Please be polite to the poll workers. Please and thank you are still part of the language of common courtesy. In addition, please be helpful to other voters and be on the look out for any poll workers and civil rights attorneys who are present to ensure that every person has the right to vote.
Life is too short. We have to live every moment to the fullest. I am heartbroken Grandma Dunham did not have the opportunity to live through tomorrow. Let's live it for her.
My final Blog of the journey will be No. 50 - after tomorrow night.
Monday, October 27, 2008
One Week. One Voice. One Moment. This is the One.
Family, friends, colleagues, this is it. One Week remaining. In one week, you will be part of a defining moment in American history (irrespective of the results). As you reflect on the role that you have played, please pause for a moment, close your eyes, take a breath, and give thanks for being a part of something special. Since Sen. Obama's announcement in February 2007, we could fairly say that he was not the only one on a journey. We all participated in a transformation. The long nights on cable news. The dining table debates. The volunteer parties. The sound of a slamming dial tone. Worn shoe soles from canvassing. The begging and pleading for contributions. The new friends and discovered neighbors. The hustle for campaign rally passes. The difference between delegates and super-delegates. Debate after debate after debate. The campaign drama of wayward clergy, fumbling surrogates, costly hairdos and wardrobes, villified media, and armchair/backseat campaign quarterbacking. The transformation is in full motion. We are forever CHANGED. Politics will never seen through the same lens.
Over the last, I have tried to share this transformation and journey on a personal level and hoped that it would reflect some of the thoughts and emotions that were simultaneously experiencing. This is the moment you have been waiting for. You can smell the smoke from the kitchen. You can see the break of the sun on the oceanic horizon. You can hear the faint call of the rooster in the morning dusk. You can hear the click of the starter gun. But WAIT!. . . not so fast! Nothing in life is guaranteed. Your transformation will not be fully complete until the final certification of 270 electoral votes for the respective candidate. Not even close.
What do you hope to wake up to on the morning of November 5th, 2008? What do you hope to say about your political transformation? For me, the pressure is undaunting. Earlier this summer, I was asked to be one of the loyal 27 electors for Obama in Florida. One of 27. This means that your full transformation will certify the painting of Florida BLUE. Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Moment. You should not underestimate the full thrus of your personal power --- every decision you make to contribute to this campaign will validate the importance of ONE VOICE. You listened and acted, like you never did before - either as a staff person, a volunteer, and/or a voter. The connective tissue of each of our voices will single-handedly CHANGE America and the world.
This is the moment. For the next week, I am asking that you dig deeper to make our own closing argument that CHANGE truly occurs best from the bottom UP -- especially from the bottomless pit of stomachs where our emotions find refuge. You can make one more phone call. You can knock on one more door. You can assist one more voter. You make one more small contribution. You can ensure that this moment is yours. Vote absentee (avoid the long lines). Vote early (feel the energy). Or vote on November and close this deal.
We have ONE WEEK. You have ONE VOICE. And we have ONE MOMENT. This is the ONE.
Let's close this argument with an exclamation point!
Over the last, I have tried to share this transformation and journey on a personal level and hoped that it would reflect some of the thoughts and emotions that were simultaneously experiencing. This is the moment you have been waiting for. You can smell the smoke from the kitchen. You can see the break of the sun on the oceanic horizon. You can hear the faint call of the rooster in the morning dusk. You can hear the click of the starter gun. But WAIT!. . . not so fast! Nothing in life is guaranteed. Your transformation will not be fully complete until the final certification of 270 electoral votes for the respective candidate. Not even close.
What do you hope to wake up to on the morning of November 5th, 2008? What do you hope to say about your political transformation? For me, the pressure is undaunting. Earlier this summer, I was asked to be one of the loyal 27 electors for Obama in Florida. One of 27. This means that your full transformation will certify the painting of Florida BLUE. Your Voice. Your Vote. Your Moment. You should not underestimate the full thrus of your personal power --- every decision you make to contribute to this campaign will validate the importance of ONE VOICE. You listened and acted, like you never did before - either as a staff person, a volunteer, and/or a voter. The connective tissue of each of our voices will single-handedly CHANGE America and the world.
This is the moment. For the next week, I am asking that you dig deeper to make our own closing argument that CHANGE truly occurs best from the bottom UP -- especially from the bottomless pit of stomachs where our emotions find refuge. You can make one more phone call. You can knock on one more door. You can assist one more voter. You make one more small contribution. You can ensure that this moment is yours. Vote absentee (avoid the long lines). Vote early (feel the energy). Or vote on November and close this deal.
We have ONE WEEK. You have ONE VOICE. And we have ONE MOMENT. This is the ONE.
Let's close this argument with an exclamation point!
Friday, September 26, 2008
America/The World Is Hungry for Leadership, Dinner Begins Tonight in Oxford, MS
So, on your mark, get set, . . . . . . the runners have finally decided to get on with the final leg of the relay. Sen. McCain decided not to drop his baton. Let's get serious about hearing the competing visions on the issues. And more importantly, let's hear directly from the persons of which we are looking to for leadership in America. Our throats are parched, the skin is clammy, and our stomachs are grumbling. We have less than 39 days and counting to make up our minds on what we wish to have on the menu of leadership:
An eclectic mix of
Strong Leadership
Compassion
Vision
Judgement
Experience
Intelligence
Smart ideas
Consensus-builder
Integrity
Sprinkled with a dash of core values and any other condiments you wish
I am certainly hungry and I believe the debates will offer up a clear opportunity for the American public to vote up or down the Obama-Biden and McCain-Palin tickets. We have spent countless sleepless hours watching cable television as morsels of appetizers to the main meal: the opportunity to vote. In the interim, we will defer to our current president, congressional leadership, and governmental arms to deal with and resolve any further crises that we are confronted with over the next 39 days. In either event, the next president will have a mountain of mail in his INBOX.
Since my last note, we have had lots of drama and excitement since the end of both Conventions . All in my view - qualify as all distractions and diversions (I paused to reflect). It is imperative that you and your family remain focused on the kitchen sink issues that directly impact your daily lives. Likewise, I implore you to ignore any chain emails purporting to tell you what your voting rights are. Please press delete and refrain from forwarding any YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO VOTE ALERTS. Let me assure you that there will be countless of lawyers and legal professionals on hand across America to ensure that EVERY VOTE COUNTS. Not this time. No way. No how. You can take this to the bank (ooops, well, wait a second, until bailout bill is signed by the President). It is important that you update your picture identificiation, your voter registration card, and identify when and where you are able to vote in advance. Turnout is going to be extremely high.
If you are hungry for leadership, pick up your knife and fork, grab your napkins, and lick your lips. We are about to enter the phase of the last meal. First stop, Oxford, Mississippi. Do not leave anything on your plate. Mummy is likely to put you in a corner.
Enjoy and eat up!
An eclectic mix of
Strong Leadership
Compassion
Vision
Judgement
Experience
Intelligence
Smart ideas
Consensus-builder
Integrity
Sprinkled with a dash of core values and any other condiments you wish
I am certainly hungry and I believe the debates will offer up a clear opportunity for the American public to vote up or down the Obama-Biden and McCain-Palin tickets. We have spent countless sleepless hours watching cable television as morsels of appetizers to the main meal: the opportunity to vote. In the interim, we will defer to our current president, congressional leadership, and governmental arms to deal with and resolve any further crises that we are confronted with over the next 39 days. In either event, the next president will have a mountain of mail in his INBOX.
Since my last note, we have had lots of drama and excitement since the end of both Conventions . All in my view - qualify as all distractions and diversions (I paused to reflect). It is imperative that you and your family remain focused on the kitchen sink issues that directly impact your daily lives. Likewise, I implore you to ignore any chain emails purporting to tell you what your voting rights are. Please press delete and refrain from forwarding any YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO VOTE ALERTS. Let me assure you that there will be countless of lawyers and legal professionals on hand across America to ensure that EVERY VOTE COUNTS. Not this time. No way. No how. You can take this to the bank (ooops, well, wait a second, until bailout bill is signed by the President). It is important that you update your picture identificiation, your voter registration card, and identify when and where you are able to vote in advance. Turnout is going to be extremely high.
If you are hungry for leadership, pick up your knife and fork, grab your napkins, and lick your lips. We are about to enter the phase of the last meal. First stop, Oxford, Mississippi. Do not leave anything on your plate. Mummy is likely to put you in a corner.
Enjoy and eat up!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
America's Next Chapter: CHANGE
America's Next Chapter: CHANGE
Make a contribution - go to http://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/SOCAFORCHANGE
Register to vote - go https://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php (Deadline - October 6th)
Vote from Abroad: http://www.votefromabroad.org
To Volunteer - go to http://action.barackobama.com/page/s/volunteer
Over the last two weeks, we had the opportunity to listen to the overarching vision, themes, and spirit of the Democratic and Republican Convention. This was probably the first time that most people were interested and engaged in the proceedings of either party. We have heard about race. We have heard about gender. We have heard about faith. We have heard about experience. We have heard about patriotism. Who has it and who doesn't.
As I sat in the Convention hall and in the stadium in Denver, I soaked it all in to put it into perspective. I thought about all those people who are in my family, the circle of friends, and those in receipt of my Blog. I was living the moment for them and with them. It was a priceless opportunity. Having listened to both Conventions gavel to gavel, I concluded, however, that both political parties are a distraction to getting to the bottom of the soul of the candidates at the top of the tickets. In both parties, there are so many polar stakeholders to balance and to appease. In addition, it was also clear to me that both parties are of distinct American cultures and attitudes. You heard it in the music of the floor. You saw it in the attire of the delegates. You saw it in the comparative hues and accents of the delegations. You heard it in the suttle references of east v. west and rural v. urban.
It is very unfortunate that we struggle to find common ground in our politics because our failing to bypass the divisive inferences of our politics. I suspect that both Barack Obama and John McCain both want the best for our country. At the end of the day and this year, America is yearning for a CHANGE. For the next 50 plus days, you have the duty to do the work to make your best judgment on who has the best vision to deliver the CHANGE that you want and need.
So, on your mark, get set, . . . . . .
First presidential debate
Friday, September 26
The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
Moderator: Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor and Anchor, The NewsHour, PBS
Vice presidential debate
Thursday, October 2
Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Moderator: Gwen Ifill - Senior Correspondent, The NewsHour
and Moderator and Managing Editor, Washington Week, PBS
Second presidential debate (town meeting)
Tuesday, October 7
Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn.
Moderator: Tom Brokaw, Special Correspondent, NBC News
Third presidential debate
Wednesday, October 15
Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.
Moderator: Bob Schieffer, CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, and
Host, Face the Nation
Each debate will begin at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Let's go for the Gold! Join us at www.barackobama.com --- Obama/Biden '08
Find your motivation - click http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/4/121951/9182
Make a contribution - go to http://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/SOCAFORCHANGE
Register to vote - go https://www.voteforchange.com/index_obama.php (Deadline - October 6th)
Vote from Abroad: http://www.votefromabroad.org
To Volunteer - go to http://action.barackobama.com/page/s/volunteer
Over the last two weeks, we had the opportunity to listen to the overarching vision, themes, and spirit of the Democratic and Republican Convention. This was probably the first time that most people were interested and engaged in the proceedings of either party. We have heard about race. We have heard about gender. We have heard about faith. We have heard about experience. We have heard about patriotism. Who has it and who doesn't.
As I sat in the Convention hall and in the stadium in Denver, I soaked it all in to put it into perspective. I thought about all those people who are in my family, the circle of friends, and those in receipt of my Blog. I was living the moment for them and with them. It was a priceless opportunity. Having listened to both Conventions gavel to gavel, I concluded, however, that both political parties are a distraction to getting to the bottom of the soul of the candidates at the top of the tickets. In both parties, there are so many polar stakeholders to balance and to appease. In addition, it was also clear to me that both parties are of distinct American cultures and attitudes. You heard it in the music of the floor. You saw it in the attire of the delegates. You saw it in the comparative hues and accents of the delegations. You heard it in the suttle references of east v. west and rural v. urban.
It is very unfortunate that we struggle to find common ground in our politics because our failing to bypass the divisive inferences of our politics. I suspect that both Barack Obama and John McCain both want the best for our country. At the end of the day and this year, America is yearning for a CHANGE. For the next 50 plus days, you have the duty to do the work to make your best judgment on who has the best vision to deliver the CHANGE that you want and need.
So, on your mark, get set, . . . . . .
First presidential debate
Friday, September 26
The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Miss.
Moderator: Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor and Anchor, The NewsHour, PBS
Vice presidential debate
Thursday, October 2
Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.
Moderator: Gwen Ifill - Senior Correspondent, The NewsHour
and Moderator and Managing Editor, Washington Week, PBS
Second presidential debate (town meeting)
Tuesday, October 7
Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn.
Moderator: Tom Brokaw, Special Correspondent, NBC News
Third presidential debate
Wednesday, October 15
Hofstra University, Hempstead, N.Y.
Moderator: Bob Schieffer, CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, and
Host, Face the Nation
Each debate will begin at 9:00 p.m. EST.
Let's go for the Gold! Join us at www.barackobama.com --- Obama/Biden '08
Find your motivation - click http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/4/121951/9182
Thursday, August 28, 2008
An American President
On August 29, 2008, on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King's I Have A Dream Speech, we witnessed together the final makings of American president. Yes, I am being presumptious and speaking it into existence.
After waiting a couple hours in line in the cool Denver sun with about 50,000 other CHANGE agents, I was spiritually calm and patient. This was one of those moments that you would not rush. People smiled and engaged in spontaneous conversations with each other. The air reflected the crisp spirit and tone of Barack Obama. Though you had the occasional whiners (McCain-like), they were overwhelmed with positive vibes.
It was an enormous undertaking to move over 60,000 through two entrances in one line. Upon entering the stadium, the maganamity of the moment was evident. The expectations were high. Other speakers went through the motions, but it was clear that it was Barack's night.
Barack Obama stepped into his stage with his comfortable professorial ease. His tone and delivery elevated to a contrasting substance and climaxed into an ultimatum on any future character assassinations. He reminded the nation and the world of our own personal power.
He closed his re-introduction acceptance speech with a promise to renew America's promise. He claimed his place and purpose. It was a seminal and transforming moment in the orchestra of American history.
We were witnesses and will be forever CHANGED by the making of this American president.
After waiting a couple hours in line in the cool Denver sun with about 50,000 other CHANGE agents, I was spiritually calm and patient. This was one of those moments that you would not rush. People smiled and engaged in spontaneous conversations with each other. The air reflected the crisp spirit and tone of Barack Obama. Though you had the occasional whiners (McCain-like), they were overwhelmed with positive vibes.
It was an enormous undertaking to move over 60,000 through two entrances in one line. Upon entering the stadium, the maganamity of the moment was evident. The expectations were high. Other speakers went through the motions, but it was clear that it was Barack's night.
Barack Obama stepped into his stage with his comfortable professorial ease. His tone and delivery elevated to a contrasting substance and climaxed into an ultimatum on any future character assassinations. He reminded the nation and the world of our own personal power.
He closed his re-introduction acceptance speech with a promise to renew America's promise. He claimed his place and purpose. It was a seminal and transforming moment in the orchestra of American history.
We were witnesses and will be forever CHANGED by the making of this American president.
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