I continue to be deeply moved by the enormity of the possibility of an Obama Presidency. Even before watching Barack’s infomercial I was in tears off and on yesterday. I am here in Alamogordo, NM from San Francisco. By the end of the election I will have been here for 3 weeks. In the heart of a very red county, I am blown away at the commitment of local people and other out of state volunteers.
Two days ago I called back a woman who wanted a ride to early vote. I asked her how she was. She said: “ Not too good. My cancer is back and my lungs are filling up. I just want to go vote.” Within the hour she had voted.
This week we had the privilege of hosting Retired Brigadier General Tom Daniels. Tom took the train from Fort Worth, TX to El Paso and then drove to Alamogordo. He has been supporting Barack since day one, is part of the National Security Advisory group and couldn’t just stay at home any more. Eight months ago, Tom had a double lung transplant. This trip was not easy for him yet he was here talking to everybody he met. Not once did he complain. Several other vets came into town, one made it his responsibility to make sure that all of Tom’s needs were met. Yesterday, in dealing with a family death, Tom found the loving support from a group of strangers he had just come to know.
Yesterday, I was privileged to be part of the Northern California Finance Committee Conference Call, our last call before the election. The stories everyone told, from their travels across this incredible country, had all of us in tears.
Last night, we had a local event, for Vets and Military folks at the home of Janie and Dal Ellington. The Brigadier General was there, local people, out of state volunteers, and even people from other countries were there. We were a diverse group and we watched Barack’s infomercial together. We cried together. We laughed together. And yes, we loved together.
This is the possibility of a Barack Presidency!
YES WE CAN!
NOW let's go out and knock on some more doors and make some more phone calls!
OK I can't keep my mouth shut any longer... I will start with the most recent thoughts first.
This morning Ms. Palin said the following: "Tonight we will see the difference between a politician who puts his faith in government and a leader who puts his faith in you (the people)." People cheered when she said that. If I am not mistaken it is Barack who puts his faith in people. It is Barack who has said, right from the beginning, "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking to believe in yours." I think that we should all talk about how Ms. Palin is supporting Barack...after all isn't that a natural conclusion from the above?
Many people today commented, on the 'inciting' language of Ms. Palin in her recent appearances. What I would like to understand is why, if she didn't denounce it, the Secret Service didn't step in and remove the person making the threats.
OK, and now let me go back to my reactions to the VP debate last week. Overall what is one of the fundamental differences between the us and them is that we assume the best about people and I do not believe that they do. We operate consistent with the belief that people are intelligent and caring beings. Is there a way for us to share these beliefs openly with their base and those that are undecided in a way that it makes a difference? Do people care that others believe them to be less intelligent? My suspicion and experience is that people perform to your level of expectation. When you raise your expectations - like for a student - and talk to them from that place people respond in the most positive of ways. Perhaps all we need to do is speak to their hearts and the minds and treat them with the respect and dignity and intelligence that the McCain/Palin campaign is not?
WOW WOW WOW !!!
I am not sure what else I can say. Emotions have run high. Being a part of history, connected to so many 'strangers' who share such a deep common bond. Standing and moving in line for ~ 2 hours you really got to know your 'neighbors' from all over the country and the world (I was talking to a diplomatic delegation from Taiwan and a gentleman from Tokyo who had Barack as a professor at U of CHI) you really get how much more alike we are than different. Joy is inescapable and palpable. People came to witness and be a part of history; to celebrate our best selves, our ability to rise above our pettiness and select a transcendent candidate - a truly 'global' citizen - Barack Obama.
My hope is that I can share the depth of this experience and my passion and conviction with you in way that it inspires you to go beyond your own limitations during this campaign season. We need all hands on deck between now and November! Please join us in any way you can.
My best to all of you,
Ellee
At about 4:45 pm MDT Hillary Clinton stood up for the NY Delegation and said: "...I move that the roll call be suspended and that by acclamation Barack Obama be declared the Democratic Party Nominee for President of the United States of America..." Followed shortly thereafter by Nancy Pelosi saying that Barack Obama has accepted! I have been fahklempt (emotionally overwhelmed) ever since. It has been a long and incredible journey and to be there to hear that Barack is the actual nominee - what a feeling, what a sense of pride, and what a sense of possibility and hope!
In many respects everything else during the day pales in comparison even as incredible as it was - Bill's speech, Joe's speech, Barack's appearance.
I continue to be moved by all of the people that are out here working hard to transform the world. I got to meet so many people that have done incredible things including Will I Am, Fred Goldring (producer of Yes We Can), the founder of Declare Yourself, Head of Rock the Vote, people working on Clean Energy, Jason Pollack who has produced this wonderful movie called the Youngest Candidate (and one of them was here), a moving tribute to Howard Zinn through actor's performances, and many more. While many of them have name recognition they are no different than you and I and we should all be proud of what we are doing to change the world and all of our efforts to elect Barack Obama.
We have much to do in the next 2 months. Get the sleep you need this weekend and commit to more than you thought possible. There is no alternative. We have to win and put Barack and Joe and their families in the White House.
Good night and be safe.
What a day - I will get back to that in a minute... I woke up this morning reflecting on last night and was struck by the wonderful behavior of the Obama children. When Sasha welcomed the family with whom Barack was watching the convention in KC it spoke volumes of her upbringing, of the values that Michelle and Barack have instilled in their children. Think about the message that sends. Think about the example it sets for our country. Isn't it great to have a national leader of whom we can be proud?
Now back to today... I am really enjoying driving into Denver and bicycling around the city. Freewheelin' knows me now - I am their favorite customer at one particular station. I also realize that I go out of my way to get into relationship with anyone in uniform - I talk to them, inquire as to how they are, and appreciate them. And I get the same respect and appreciation from them. We had some incredible panels today at the SeaChange Ideas Forum. My favorite was one called United We Vote - you may be able to see some of the webcasts at http://www.starzgreenroom.com/#/video/
Again the energy here is unbelievable. I think my favorite speech was Brian Schweitzer's - I loved it! I also think that Hillary did what was needed and I am proud of her for doing that. But perhaps the most compelling comment came from Mark Warner when he said that what we can count on Barack for is to make 'our common ground our sacred ground.' It is about our humanity - our connection as people - that transcends those differences and offer the hope of the change we can believe.
Sleep well,
Drove in to Denver this morning - no traffic, parking was easy albeit expensive... Picked up a bike from Free Wheelin' - great bike share concept that would work great in SF... Picked up my credentials before heading over to the SeaChange Ideas Forum (www.seachangecom.com) where I am helping out. What really strikes me today is that as much as this is about Barack and the election it is a media event. I met Chuck Todd on the sidewalk - told him how much I appreciate his analysis and that I wrote him about the way MSNBC originally represented the PA win as a 'double digit victory' and thanked him for changing it to reflect the fact that it was ~9.3%! Met some many interesting people that are doing powerful work around the country and the world. It still does not cease to amaze me that I just keep running into people I know - from SF, from Napa, from LA, from OR - all of whom I met within the last 19 months. These are all people that I am proud and honored to call friends. They are people that have a very deep commitment to change and social justice.
The Pepsi center is something else - an alive sea of humanity begins to describe it. Diverse people of all stations in life. And then there was Teddy and Michelle - need I say anymore?
More to come tom'w. In the mean time think seriously about what is that you are willing to commit to over the next 2+ months to ensure Barack Obama's victory in November. We need all hands on deck between now and then.
I arrived last night in Denver and drove out to Boulder close to where I thought I was staying. Lo and behold my friends' house was another 25 minutes away up in the mountains. Not only is it on top of the world I am staying in the 'Silver Bullet' for the duration. My own nest in a slice of heaven! It is a great place to decompress even though it is an hour from Denver. We were off to Denver to day and the excitement is building. People from all over the world and yet I managed to keep running into people from the Bay Area that I know. It felt like home... Nothing specific happening; security all over; and an overwhelming sense of history being made. Oh and the Biden announcement is getting great reviews!
More tom'w!
Hi All,
Over the last 15 months I have had the privilege of being involved in Barack Obama’s campaign in a multitude of ways as a supporter and a volunteer. I am now asking your support for my candidacy as a Delegate from CD 8. The Delegate Caucus for CD 8 will be held at the SEIU offices at 350 Rhode Island (between 16th and 17th Streets) on April 13th at 2pm.
My unwavering support for Barack started with his speech at the 2004 convention. His qualities of extraordinary leadership, inclusion, healing, and integrity are precisely what we – the US and the planet – need to solve the diverse fundamental challenges we face. After the speech, I told my husband, that when he ran for President, I would open up the checkbook and clear my schedule – my first contribution was to his Senate race. The support continued when several weeks before Obama declared his candidacy I received an invitation to and attended a fundraiser that was being held shortly before his Springfield, IL announcement… I must admit that the conversations I am having now are very different than the conversations I had in winter and spring of 2007! Since that time here are some of activities with which I have been involved:
As a woman, over 50, who has fought for women’s rights throughout my life, the media tells me that I am supposed to be voting for Hillary Clinton (which was never even a consideration). This gives me credibility when talking to other women about why they should support Barack Obama. Couple this with a PhD in Economics, a consulting practice focused on Leadership and Organizational Transformation, and my persistent and persuasive nature – there are not too many minds that I cannot change. You can count on me bringing all of these qualities to bear at the convention ensuring Barack Obama a definitive victory and the clear cut nomination.
Thank you!
Shortly after Super Tuesday a conversation among women, across the country, focused on the following questions: What can we do to ensure the nomination? How can we debunk the myth that ‘women are for HRC?’ How can we support all women in voting for Barack Obama? These conversations gave birth to the Women for Obama Video Project. The vision has been to create such a powerful piece that women, in seeing a reflection of themselves in the faces of women supporting Obama, Barack Obama, would become their natural choice. In 3 short days I received over 600 amazing and inspiring photos. Over the following 10 days even more arrived. The results are several montages that can be used as posters or stationary and a wonderful video in English and Spanish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88s8yQWTiPc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF8UK4iM10U
Thank you to Karen Page, The Women from The Scholars for Obama Group (especially Bery Radin, Cecilia Levin, and Kathleen Brill), Mickey Hart for permission to use his music, and Heidi Faith. And of course a big thank you to everyone who sent photos – you all inspire me!
Watch the video, send it to friends and send it out to everyone you know that may be undecided or even leaning towards Clinton in the upcoming contests with a personal note from your heart.
Remember, the women supporters of Barack Obama are not merely crunched numbers or statistics on a chart. We are your mothers, your wives, your sisters, your daughters, your friends and your neighbors. Our strength is in our powerful and united voice, echoing Barack’s words, ‘Yes, we can!’
(Higher quality versions of the video requiring Quicktime and links to the still montages can be found at:
http://www.leadershiptango.com/wo4oQT.htm
http://www.leadershiptango.com/wo4oQT_Spanish.htm )
Thank you for listening,
If anyone wants to know what change and transformation look like all you needed to do was watch a piece of the Republican debate. That’s right I said the Republican Debate. There was a point when Romney was asked to consider the possibility that Hillary won’t be the Democratic nominee; that it may very well be Barack Obama. Romney set out in very harsh terms what he perceives to be the differences between him and Barack and what is wrong about Barack’s positions. While his imagination is somewhat fantastic his attacks were harsh. Immediately after McCain stepped in (followed by Paul, Thompson and Huckabee) chastised Romney, defended Obama’s character, and with deep respect, complimented Barack on his integrity and his accomplishments. It was amazing. Watching mainstream Republicans speak eloquently about the positives of a Democratic candidate is an example of the change (or should I say transformation) that Barack brings to the table. This is change that we can count on….
On Saturday I had the privilege of attending a very special house party, co-hosted by Michelle Henry-Ellis, a community health outreach worker, and her 97 year old grandmother, Myrtle Walsh. The house party took place in the Bayview/Hunters Point area of San Francisco, an area where many potential voters feel like their vote does not count. To be in the room with Myrtle (or as she is affectionately known – Mother Dear) and her family was inspiring. This is a woman who has lived through all of the trials and tribulations of the last century while raising 9 children. Mother Dear and countless others like her have made this moment possible. And now, she is poised to watch, as history is made and hope and possibility are restored.
As I sat in the living room, holding back tears while reading a letter form Michelle Obama, I was struck by the enormity and magnificence of it all. It is this campaign, all it represents, and house parties like this that give me hope on a daily basis.
We also had first time voters (young men in their first year of college) that were given forms to register. They pushed all of us to convince them as to why they should vote at all. An impassioned and reasoned plea was made by Mo (Michelle Henry-Ellis’s daughter, Myrtle’s great granddaughter – a recent Obama supporter) – with a promise to follow up with the boys and ensure that they do in fact vote. The conversation moved from voting to immigration with one of the attendees promising to have her own event around the issue in January. Perhaps one of the finest moments was when Michelle (Henry-Ellis) took the torch and became one of the finest and inspiring surrogates for the Senator that I have heard in the Bay Area. She is finding and using more of her voice in this campaign than she has previously.
As I reflect on that afternoon I am moved once again. I am moved by the demonstration of community, by the demonstration of democracy, and by the demonstration of love, honor and respect that was so viscerally present.
Thank you, Michelle and Myrtle.
Thank you, Barack and Michelle Obama.
This is what we can look forward to with Barack Obama as the next president of the United States of America!
Voting ‘present’ is wise and courageous. It reflects a level of thoughtfulness that has been conspicuously absent in our country’s leadership for a long time. It is the type of action that we need to enable us as a country and a planet to be effective. In short it is this type of thinking and action that supports us in doing the right things right.
Bravo, to Barack Obama, our next President of the United States of America.
Today’s distinction between Barack and Hillary is very simple. Barack Obama surrounds himself with extraordinary people who are as smart as he is and in their areas of expertise may possibly be smarter than he. (Hillary does not.) This is an extremely positive sign of the effectiveness of a leader.
Given the fallout in Hillary’s camp over the last 2 weeks, with multiple high level volunteers being 'resigned', one has an insight into the type of people surrounding her. For people that claim that Hillary is the most experienced candidate and that they can rely on her to make the right decisions this latest series of events has to seriously call that into question.
As I watched the debate yesterday afternoon I was struck by a fundamental difference. When someone says they are 'going to work hard for change' it has virtually no possibility of translating into change. The emphasis is on 'working hard' not on actual 'change'. 'Working hard' does not translate into measurable results. By focusing on the 'working hard' piece you create an out for oneself - a way of not having to be responsible and accountable for results. We have just lived (and continue to live) through an era of a leader who takes great pride in 'working hard.' And yet things have gotten worse....
When Barack Obama speaks of change and transformation it is from a declarative place. "I will change...." Barack is a leader who is willing to put his butt on the line. He has skin in the game and is willing to accept the consequences if he does not deliver on his promises.
The same cannot be said of Hillary. There is an old Chinese Proverb that says: "The fish stinks from the head." As a leader, when actions are taken by people within your organization, those actions are a reflection of your values and your actions. Recent actions from the Clinton campaign speak volumes about the values of their candidate.
As a leader it is your job to be 100% responsible and accountable.
I know that I can count on Barack Obama to stand tall and exemplify and be the leader we want and need.
Two months ago I wrote this piece as I reflected on the campaign. In those two months it has become even more evident to the public that Barack Obama has the qualities that are so desperately needed to create a positive future for our country.
Being the leader of this country is not a prize. It is not a trophy.
Being the leader of this country is an honor. It is a privilege.
Being the leader of this country means recognizing the impact of your actions, of your being, on the entire population. It goes well beyond the words you use. It is about walking the talk that you want others to emulate.
Being the leader of this country is a responsibility that one carries 7 x 24 – not just when you feel like it.
Being the leader of this country means recognizing that as you behave so will the country. Your actions, your words, your behaviors give license to every person in this country to behave similarly.
Over the last seven years the leader of the United States has acted like a bully, domestically and internationally. He has insisted that his interpretations of reality are the ‘truth.’ Our current president has consistently flaunted the suspension of rights upon which this country was thoughtfully built. His behaviors have given rise to and legitimized a culture of bullying, a culture of arrogance, and a culture of justification based upon untruths. It is evident in our corporations, it is evident in our communities, and it is evident in our adversaries’ behaviors. And, yes, it is evident in our children.
As we approach this next election we must ask ourselves: “What kind of leader do we want?”
Do we want another person who threatens, bullies, and coerces people into getting what they want? Do we want another leader who surround themselves with ‘yes’ people telling them what they want to hear; not what they need to hear? I know that is not what I want!
I want a leader who inspires.
I want a leader who is genuinely compassionate and inclusive.
I want a leader who is going to question fundamental assumptions and not accept the answer “that is the way it has been done before.”
I want a leader who is not afraid of differences of opinions and in fact uses those differences to craft inclusive solutions that work for the overwhelming majority – not the select few.
I want a leader who is willing to surround themselves with extraordinary people, as smart, if not smarter than themselves.
I want a leader who exemplifies the values we want to instill in our children.
I want a leader who is not afraid to reach out to our adversaries in search of new solutions.
In short, I want BARACK OBAMA as the next leader of our country; as the next president of the UNITED States of America.
