January 17, 2009
After two months of making and changing plans, I am ready to attend the Inaugural Ceremonies, however, subject to change at any time. From planning a day trip to Washington DC, to what is now a four day stay, I am excited and humbled about witnessing one of the most historic events in America, the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America,
Barack Obama.
My journey since February 2007 has been incredibly inspiring and an action packed experience. The lifetime friends I have made and the places in America where I have campaigned for change, as in Alaska and New Mexico, has so enriched my life, forever.
Some of the unexpected highlights that happened during these two months include being given a ticket to the Inaugural Ceremonies by Senator
Marie Cantwell (I retrieved the message from my cell phone on Christmas Eve), getting a ticket to one of the official Inaugural Balls at the last minute (I had to find a party dress for this), and this morning, signing up for the White House Open House, I am stunned. If Barack Obama did not open the doors of Democracy and if it were not for my many friends who think of me when they receive information about upcoming opportunities, I would have none of these privileges.
I am so proud of Barack Obama. His message is genuine and his actions are consistent. He has a natural ability to lead and an extraordinary instinct to inspire others to action for causes that contribute to society. As I celebrate this once in a lifetime event with millions of others, I salute America who carries the banner of liberty and justice for all.
On Election Day, after waving Obama signs with other commited Obamamaniacs during the morning rush hour in the rain, my husband and I made our way to the Red Lion Inn at the Park in Spokane, Washington where friends and other Obama supporters would meet to watch as the results of the nation's votes determined our next President of the United States.
At 4 p.m. I hosted, I expect, my last blogtalkradio.com internet showwith Ed and Eleanor King at my side. Sean Stimmel of Los Alamos, NewMexico; Susan Moyer and Nedra Bayne of Spokane; Washington; and Jay Cross of Wasilla, Alaska all joined on-line to share their grassroots activities of the day. Last minute campaign ctivites included making last minute calls to voters and preparing to help with polling centers. Dispite some connectivity issues, the show was fun.
Hundreds of voters attended the Election Watch Party. It was so wonderful to visit many other fellow Obama supporters I had met and worked with on the campaign trail.
As in many other places in the USA and in the world, cheers, hugs and tears were shed at the announcement of the win of Barack Obama and Joe Biden...the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect.
The speech deliverd by President-Elect Obama was sobering, yet full of hope. A sense of being safe in the arms of someone capable, caring and full of integrity and strength...yes, a true leader.
The road has been long...for me, since February 2007 when I first met Senator Obama in San Diego, California. The journey incredible has ended with pride and hope for our America the Beautiful.
Hope in Spokane, Washington
Since Alaska, my travels have taken me to Washington, Arizona and back to Washington where I am this Monday, November 3rd, 2008. During my travels, having the BarackObama.com site makes it easy to jump on-line, when I can, and make phone calls nationwide as part of the campaign nationl call team. Also, some of the Washington campaign call teams supply me with call lists...it's all good!
The internet radio show that a friend of mine and I started during the Democratic National Convention has continued, too. Although, call-ins are few, the show is fun and informative when there have been featured guests, i.e. from Wasilla, Anchorage, El Paso and Spokane. Tomorrow may be my final show for this election cycle.
It has been an incredible journey as a volunteer with the Barack Obama campaign. I have met incredibly dedicated people every place I have gone. The hope for a stronger and better democracy is what each of us wants for our country, it's what drives us to work at the grassroots level in ways we never imagined.
One of the most significant parts of this campaign for me, up to now, was Wednesday evening at the convention in Denver, when I signed my name on the ballot for Senator Barack Obama as the democratic nominee for President of the United States and when Senator Hillary Clinton pushed through a crowd of people to get to her podium, then asked for the nomination of of Barack Obama by acclaimation, it was seconded and voted on...that moment was full of emotion. Finally, the vote for which the precint, legislative and congressional district delegates had sent me was cast and all the hard work during the primary was rewarded.
Then, Invesco Field. Exhausted by Thursday of the convention, to have the privilege of sitting in the third row from center stage, I was overwhelmed with disbelief and humility. Watching the expressions on Senator Obama's face and hearing the roar of 70,000 supporters as he delivered his message of hope to the nation....I still cant' get over it!
My fellow Washington National Delegates made my experience complete. The caliber and diversity of individuals who made up the delegation was a source of pride for me. I will cherish my handbook of delegate biographies.
So, tonight, I as I reminisce, I hope for tomorrow's future that will be sealed by millions of precious votes.
Currently, I am in Anchorage, Alaska and have been here for the past 4 weeks. My husband has a temporary job in Anchorage, so during the day I volunteer with the local Obama Campaign for Change.
After the Democratic National Convention in Denver, I passed through Washington on my way to Anchorage. My memories still so fresh of the excitement and historic convention. I am Fired UP! Ready to GO!
The campaign office is busy with volunteers writing postcards to voters out-of-state, making buttons for local use and meeting other Obama supporters who share their stories and enthusiasm for Senators Obama and Biden. Supporters who work in the Alaskan oil fields, Republicans who will vote democratic for the first time, moms with babies, seventeen year old students who feel the urgency of changing our country now...it's inspiring for me.
When I first arrived, the office was staffed with several Obama organizers some whom have since been assigned to new offices in swing states for the the rest of the campaign season. The nomination of the Alaskan governor changed the landscape of the election and caused the uprising of many Obama supporters to action. A rare political rally was organized and another is scheduled for October and debate watch parties are scheduled.
Meanwhile, Washington supporters are helping with a yard sign project that will suppy voters in Wasilla, AK. A partial shipment arrived yesterday and when the rest arrive, I and a couple other Alaskans, will deliver the signs to Wasilla supporters...it's gonna be fun!!!!
Hope in Alaska!
The responsibility of a Washington State Delegate became reality last week during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. With pride and honor, I cast a vote on behalf of the Obama voters from Precinct 6115, LD6 and CD5 for Senator Barack Obama. The vote happened mid-afternoon in the Pepsi Center prior to the roll-call for Washington and before New York Senator Clinton called for the nomination of Barack Obama as the democratic presidential nominee by acclaimation. Because Washington decided to take their delegate vote during the convention proceedings and not at the morning breakfast, the excitement and significance of being on the 'floor' of the convention while casting our votes was undescribable. Besides dancing in the aisles, tears were shed and warm hugs were shared.
A typical day started at 6:30 a.m. at the Washington credentials office where the coveted "credential" was given to each delegate and alternate. At 7 a.m. the Delegate Breakfast began with announcements and speakers who were featured as part of the program. Gov. Janet Naplolitano of Arizona, Mayor Nagin of Louisiana and General McPeak, Gov. Gregoire are a few examples of outstanding speakers at the breakfasts.
The Denver lightrail train whisked us to Denver, approximately 17 miles from our hotel, and dropped us at the doors of the Colorado Convention Center where multiple political meetings were held...so many that it was difficult to choose which to attend. In addition, tens of other meetings and luncheons were concurrently held outside of the center.
A couple blocks from the CCC (Colorado Convention Center) there were shuttle buses that transported delegates to the Pepsi Center. Your ticket to ride was your convention credential. On Monday the city traffic was at a crawl, Tuesday at breeze, Wednesday another traffic jam due to an incident involving law enforcement.
As each day's program was presented, the stature of the speakers and the impact of the messages became more impressive. The program was extended from five hours to six hours, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., which made for a long day, especially since a delegate's day started with a 7 a.m. breakfast every morning.
In the Pepsi Center, each state delegation has a designated seating area on the 'floor' and the alternates have seating in the 200 and 300 levels. Our delgation had prepared to rotate alternates to replace delegates to the floor seating throughout the first three days. Kudos to the Obama sub-caucus leadership team for their insight in to what would be the needs of the delegation.
Delegates choose their seats as they arrive to their seating area in the Pepsi Center. That seat was, for the most part, the place you landed in during the prime time of the program. In between, delegates float the floor, like I did, roaming and catching sights of media icons, i.e. Wof Blitzer, Katie Curic, Dan Rather, and other widely known people, i.e., Charles Barkley, Governor Richardson, Senator Kucinnich..you can imagine, famous people everywhere. We cheered during speeches, talked amongst each other, saved seats for one another, something like you would do at a great basket ball game.
As the evening goes on, the crowds in the aisles become more and more crowded, since most of the people walking around are not delegates, but are guests, and any empty seat becomes a coveted commodity. The TV cameras begin to focus on the reactions of the delegates to the presentors and the night's featured speaker appears before the mass of humanity; Michelle Obama on Monday; Senator Hillary Clinton on Tuesday; President Bill Clinton, Sentor Edward Kennedy and Senator Joseph Biden on Wednesday...all with voices of inspiration calling us to action.
On Thursday, I chose to pass on the morning meetings and take to light rail to INVESCO field around 12:30 p.m. I greeted two guests from Spokane who flew into Denver that morning to attend the last night's historic program. Each of them have another story to tell about their journey to Denver.
I boarded the light rail train at the Bellview station. As the train made it's 30 minute run to Denver, each stop brought dozens of passengers going to INVESCO Field, so by the end of the course, passengers poured out of the train cars hoping to find a place in line close to the entrance, but not so. Hundreds of Obama supporters were lined up for blocks, waiting their turn to enter the gates to the field. First, I thought I had made a mistake not having waited to take the delegate bus which went directly to the fast-track delegate entrance. As I looked at my delegate credential, a white on green card with a shiny gold stripe, and looked down the long line of supporters, I realized that the credential was made for access for delegates...and so it was, the delegate entrance.
Once through the security station and onto the field, I found the Washington podium and found a seat, which later, had to be reserved for our wonderful Governor Gregoire and First Mike. The sun was shining bright against a clear blue sky, radiating some fine 'mile high' heat. As the afternoon passed, more Washington delegates arrived and we found our seats, waiting for another incredible experience, more dancing, cheering and comradarie.
I wasn't aware, but my experience was about to change. A fellow delegate informed me that one of the chairs in the first three rows near the stage had my name on it. "No way!" I thought. After some convincing, I walked to the stage and saw my name, indeed, was on one of the chairs, third row to the left of the podium. I was given a special credential, not given a reason why I was privileged to have such a place so close to the stage, and even now, I still am amazed. In addition, Senator Biden was gracious to meet me and take a picture with me.
So the rest of the eveing, I marveled of where I was sitting, while watching history unfold. When Senator Obama entered the stage, the crowd roared for what seemed to be unending. As I listened to words that moved my soul, I could see Senator Obama's gestures, his expressions, his essence...I will never forget. America...the land of the free and liberty and justice for all! Hope
This week has been filled with conference calls, invitations to events in Denver that arrive by postal and email, making arrangements for some very happy guests who have a ticket to the Thursday night INVESCO event and preparing my bags for the trip. Media requests are starting to show up and friends are asking about my travel scheulde. Keeping in contact with fellow delegates is also an important activity..cell phones and emails are flying.
Washington Primary night was Tuesday, I managed to get to the Watch Party at Franklin Park. The governor's race will be another tight election as will some of the legislative positions.
I am so very excited about being at the convention to experience the hub-bub of 'everything political' and to meet many delegates and even more of the public who will also be there to attend caucuses, luncheons, marches, etc.
A dear Obama supporter and friend has arranged an internet talk show featuring my 'Hope Notes' of my stay in Denver. This, again, is a first for me. My friends and family can join and interact with me during the day and get some first hand descriptions of the tone, feel, smells of being on site.
In addition, I am reviewing 'Keeping America's Promise' and notes I have collected to be prepared for discussions and questions that may come my way. Reading the speeches of others, listening to radio and TV commentaries and asking myself various questions helps to focus my opinions.
The Grandparents for Obama group (I'm not a grandparent, but on the steering committee) will meet to distribute bookmarkers and stickers to make an impact on all the grandparents who attend. A wonderful fellow LD delegate from the Hood Canal area spearheaded the group and is well on the way to making the membership nationwide.
Yes, I am very excited and very proud and humbled to have been selected to represent CD5 and Washington at the Democratic National Convention and to have the honor to cast my vote for Senator Barack Obama as our nominee for President of the United States! Fired Up! Ready to Go! Hope
Happy Birthday, Senator Obama!
One year ago today, I held an event for the Obama campaign in Spokane, WA at a local ice cream parlor. Since that time, my volunteer efforts for the campaign have taken me to other events where I have met some very wonderful people. Join me, my friends, in wishing a very Happy Birthday to Senator Obama!
Hope
After the convention, the question is...what next for a national delegate? Knowing that Senator Obama's MO is unconventional, things that have been 'conventional' in the past are no longer and a new and flexible attitude and ability to accept change is now in order. That is exactly what is happening now.
Most national delegates (NDs) are new to the process of being a national delegate and look for answers to their quesitons. After some transition of Obama staff and many emails amongst the delegation, weekly Obama conference calls have been established to provide campaign up-dates and the delegation has coordinated some meetings to mange delegation procedures and schedules.
Meanwhile, Senator Obama decides to open the convention to the public and hold the nomination acceptance speech in INVESCO stadium. What a tremendous way to reach out to thousands of voters who want to be part of the democratic process and history. The logistics of this great idea are still being worked out. It will be fun to find out where the WA delegation ends up on the field that night.
A dear fellow Obama volunteer recently sponsored a fundraiser for me and I am so grateful. I'm privileged to carry one delegate vote for Senator Obama from Washinton's CD5. Other delegates in WA are attending fundraiser to help with the expenses related to the Denver convention.
Also, the arrival of the Obama Fellows to Spokane was a special event, although, because of vacation, I was unable to spend much time with them, although, I managed to canvass one neighborhood with one of the outstanding Fellows who has a terriific story of why he supports Senator Obama.
While I am traveling, I call into the delegate conference calls and the campaign calls, take phone calls and just finished hosting an on-line platform venue. Seventeen voters contributed statements for the DNC Platform Committee to consider. What a historic opportunity for grassroots voters! Traveling also gives me the chance to share Obama bumper stickers with people I meet along the way. I met an Obama Organizer inNew Mexico yesterday.
So, what next for a National Delegate? Campaign, carry around my bumper stickers, attend events in whatever town I can, make conference calls, find and meet Obama supporters around the country and make my way to Denver to cast my delegate vote for Barack Obama as the Democratic Presidential Nominee! After that, it is Get-Out-The-Vote for November!
Hope Fired Up! Ready to Go!
Martinsburg, West Virginia is where I am right now.
After posting a call for fellow Obama supporters in the area, I found a small Obama community project. The local historical society needed help prepping a storage area, so our group of three powerwashed the building's outer walls to make way for painting at a later date.
The weather was wonderful. After a few trips to pick up needed supplies, figuring out how to work and repair the powerwasher and the help of some very kind construction workers, we finished the project. Events like this are where I meet incredibly dedicated Obama supporters. We trade ideas, discuss issues and become friends. What the inspiration of the words from Barack Obama can do...Fired Up! Ready to Go! Back to making phone calls to South Dakota! Hope
I am humbled and honored to have been elected as one of the national delegates for CD5. The caucus process is another lesson on our current democratic party process. Everyone present carries a certain commitment to Senator Obama and definitely, enthusiasm. I am looking forward to the state convention in Spokane, then onward to Denver, CO to cast my vote for the next democratic presidential candidate, on behalf of all the CD5 Obama delegates, Barack Obama.
Fired up! Ready to Go! Hope
The LD9 caucus took place at the University High School in Spokane Valley, WA. One of the outstanding points of the day, for me, was meeting new Obama supporters who were enthusiastic and happy to be part of the caucus and convention process. The pre-caucus phone calls helped get people out to stand for Barack.
The Obama campaign table was beautifully set. The issue statements of Barack Obama were taken quickly as were the coveted rally signs. Obama stickers were available for everyone who wanted one. Thanks to a wonderful volunteer, the rallly materials were picked up in Seattle and brought to Spokane in time for the meetings. The Barack-Let cookies fund raiser was another yummy feature, sponsored by the MOMs for Obama.
Stump speeches were up-beat and raised cheers from the Obama delegates and alternates. After the delegate and alternate elections were completed, the remainder of the time was spent at the county convention which ended around 2 p.m.
LD9 results: Obama 7 delegates and 4 alternates! Go Obama!
Catching up with the Obama campaign experience blog...here it goes!
EL PASO, TEXAS
After traveling 5 hours to El Paso, TX from Los Alamos, NM, our Obama team of four (Prudence, Daniel, Sean and I), grabbed a quick lunch, unpacked at our hotel, then reported to the El Paso, TX Obama headquarters for our assignments.
The afternoon was spent figuring out the location of the staging area and our targeted neighborhood, knocking on doors and compiling results of voters contacted. Around 6 p.m. we reported back to the headquarters for our 1-1 1/2 hour training session on the up-coming Turesaday Primary and Caucus procedures...a steep learning curve. Sleep came easily and dreams, what dreams?
Back to the office around 8 a.m. for more assignments. This day we spent all day canvassing with a lunch break at a mexican restaurant that served the most unusual guac tostada. Ask me about it. We had an easier time finding our neighborhoods and the homes were easy to access. Again, we reported back to the staging area and stood outdoors around 8 p.m. for another crash course of what more to expect during the Texan two-step Tuesday Primary & Caucus. Stayed up until 1 p.m. while one of the New Mexico team members cut our call lists per precinct for the next day's calls. Thank you, Sean!
By 7 a.m., our awesome team was stationed at three different precincts, placing signs, passing out literature, explaining the Texan two-step, encouraging people to return for the evening caucus, etc. A much needed lunch was provided by some very thoughful Obama volunteers and 7 p.m. arrived.
Yes, this was just the beginning of the Texan Caucus. With more than 150 people attending the caucus, there were lines for sign-up, then the caucus was called to order. Thank goodness for the "O" Help Line for the local Obama precinct captains and the out-of-state Obama precint captains...oh, what a help! The meeting lasted until 10 p.m. or so. I needed a meal and a break.
The Obama volunteers met a a local eatery, watched results on a large screen TV, mixed with other Obamamaniacs from different parts of the country. It was a night of celebration. Dreams of the entire day visited me for a week.
Later, I flew to Spokane, WA for my LD6 caucus. Earlier, the local Spokane Obama group started phone banking and had given me a list of Obama supporters to call about the upcoming caucus. Having made a few calls to LD6 leaders re: what to expect and researchng all I could on-line, I looked forward to Saturday, April 5th, which was another incredible day.
The meeting room was full of buzz and enthusiasum. There were incredible people all with inspiration and hope for the future. The highligt of the day was being able to speak about Barack Obama. Obama supporters were excitied to participate and some endured the long hours with the awesome Democrats who ran a successful caucus...6:20 p.m.
Now, LD9 & LD7 and the Spokane County Convention approaches. Another tale to tell:) Go Obama!
Hope/CulturalTones
My surfing with the Barack Obama campaign continues to be life changing and urgent. After Santa Fe, New Mexico I traveled to Spokane, Washington to work with more committed volunteers. Phone banking and canvassing in a wintery storm with fellow volunteers only solidifies our determination to win votes for Barack Obama. With luck on my side, I found myself on stage with other volunteers and Michelle Obama during her visit to Spokane....what a thrill! Volunteering to be an Obama Precinct Captain compelled me to study caucus rules, canvass most of my precinct and make calls to democratic officials to clarify caucus procedures. After the February 9th caucus, Spokane precinct 6115 had 4O:1C delegates. The wonderful people I meet in the campaign is fantastic and the experiences that comes with stepping up to help the campaign, awsome...the memories wonderful. Next.... off to El Paso Texas!
While the enthusiasm for Barack Obama builds, the grassroots work of 'the people' must continue to win the rest of the country for real change. It's incredible how more people want to volunteer and keep the wave of hope going. The calls from friends with congratulations and comments like, "count me in," are proof that Obama can bring people together for the good of our nation, the good of the world. Get out the vote and keep talking to others about the genius of Barack Obama.
Happy New Year to all!!
2008 will be the year of real change with the election of Barack Obama for President of the United States. The change is in the hands of people. like me and you. We have the power to change what happens in Washington. Everyone must do something..a phone call, a donation, and most importantly, vote! Let's make it happen. Peace to each of you, Hope/CulturalTones
