Traversing the cities and towns of the gorgeous Puerto Rican island, four sound trucks and a number of cars formed a caravana and set out from San Juan for a five day effort to energize voters across the island -- everywhere from Coamo and Barranquitas to Arroyo, Isabela and Lajas. Larger than the sound trucks most Americans are used to seeing around election time, these trucks are called tumbacocos by Puerto Ricans because they are so loud that they force the coconuts (cocos) to drop (tumba) from the trees.
Each truck mesmerized locals with tailor-made Puerto Rican Obama jingles and with recorded messages from Senator Obama and important political leaders like Senator Norma Burgos, Resident Commissioner Candidate Pedro Pierluisi, Senator Carmelo Rios, Alejandro Garcia, and PRAFFA Director Eduardo Bhattia. Volunteers and staff rode on top of the tumbacocos, waved banderas (flags), danced to the loud music, and handed out Obama campaign materials, like t-shirts and informative literature, to passers-by and oncoming traffic.
Our efforts were met with great enthusiasm from local Obama supporters, who waved Obama flags and joined in the dancing. Many people learned about their opportunity to vote in the Presidential primary on Sunday for the first time, and many had questions to ask. The memorable scenery provided by the island’s natural beauty added to the joy experienced by the campaigners, but the most memorable aspect of the trip came when children, adults, and families became hopeful participants in Senator Obama’s movement for change. The caravans were often greeted with local cars proudly displaying their flags as they passed them on the road. All involved felt the trips were successful and influential to bringing voters out this Sunday and that they demonstrated Senator Obama’s strong commitment to Puerto Ricans in every corner of the island.
