There were watch parties all around the country as Sen. Obama accepted the nomination for (POTUS) President of the United States at the (DNC) Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO. It was a week of excitement -- listening to great speeches from Michelle Obama to President Clinton leading up to Thursday night when Sen. Obama gave his acceptance speech... an historical speech that will be remembered -- long after he becomes POTUS.
I was happy to host a watch party -- as family, friends and I watched the most exciting time of the convention, I took a moment to observe the people at my event and it only reassured me that people are really ready for CHANGE. Due to the warning of Hurricane Gustav, (a state of emergency was called by Mississippi's Governor) the guests that signed up for the event were not able to attend, and I thought for a moment that I was going to have to cancel, but I followed the weather report thoroughly and learned that the storm was going to make landfall Tuesday (Sept. 2nd on my spouse's birthday... what a way to celebrate) of next week. I then said, I'm going to continue to have the watch party with family, therefore, I decided to host the event at my brother's home... it was the only way he would be apart of it. He has been a big supporter of Sen. Obama for as long as I have been involved with his campaign and movement for change... to be exact almost 2 years. He like other supporters at the event is struggling with employment and finding it harder and harder everyday to get his bills paid as well as try to make ends meet. One guest there moved to the area from Ohio and has struggled for the past two years with finding jobs here in Mississippi. She likes being home with family, but is getting very discouraged at finding jobs. She has been a big supporter of Obama since he announced his candidacy. She was not a registered voter with the state of Mississippi, but she did not hesitate for one moment to fill out the voter registration form I gave to her on last summer during my Walk for Change event. She was happy to vote for Sen. Obama during Mississippi's primary.
There were also young supporters ages 12 and 13 at the watch party. The enthusiasm and excitement I witnessed as they were enjoying (with family and friends) -- an historical moment is beyond words. They like so many of our youth struggle with peer pressure everyday in school and had to be expelled from school because of other children bullying them. It has been reported; in some instances... children's behavior is improving since Sen. Obama has been running for President. I think his Presidency will make a big difference in the lives of our young children and I think we will see fewer problems in our schools and less violence when he becomes the President.
I also had a guest there who is not a supporter of Sen. Obama. He enjoyed a short visit with us supporters, but he said he will not get involved and that he didn't think anybody (Democrat or Republican) could fix the problems this country is having. I made my case that Sen. Obama has said many times that the only way the problems are going to get solved in this country is for everybody to get involved in this campaign and movement for change. He also had a few other reasons for not supporting Sen. Obama, but I think as time approaches to the election he will reconsider. I will continue to make my case to him that he should take advantage of this moment and get involved.
Everyone that was at the watch party is struggling with something -- the economy, unemployment, problems in school, but we still had a wonderful evening socializing and eating as we watched Sen. Obama give an amazing speech and accept the nomination for President of the United States.
It has been a long primary season for this 2008 presidential election... a season the Democratic Party can be proud of as this is the first primary season to turn out voters and supporters in record numbers. The first time an African American and a woman ran for president in the same presidential election has captured the minds and hearts of American people as well as people in foreign countries. Never in my lifetime have I seen... an election that has so many people this engaged. Both Senators Obama and Clinton has done a remarkable job in bringing a coalition of people into the democratic political process.
This primay season has made history like never before and has been the longest and hardest battle fought between the candidates for delegates and superdelegates. We watched for months how two extraordinary candidates demonstrated their talents, strengths, experience and abilities in this political race, and as a first time supporter and volunteer in this presidential election, it was informative, educational and very interesting to see the whole process of the primaries.
It's been a great experience to volunteer on Senator Obama's campaign... contributing my time making calls, hosting events and giving donations to his campaign has been very rewarding. Senator Obama and the Democratic Party had to overcome many obstacles in this primary season, but together we faced those challenges and helped the Party's candidate secure the nomination. South Dakota and Montana ended the primary season... the Democratic Party will be united and stronger than it's ever been going into the general election. Senator Obama will need the same commitment from his supporters to win the election in November to be the next (POTUS) President of the United States. We can do it... YES WE CAN!!, YES WE CAN!! FIRED UP! AND READY TO GO!!
OBAMA '08
We're living in a time of uncertainty and don't know what's going to happen from day to day. Wars, natural disasters, poverty, hate crimes, violence, health care, high death rates and divorce rates, economy...the list goes on and on and never has it been so bad before. These issues concerns me a great deal and has brought me along with many others into the political process. I became apart of this movement for CHANGE because I believe we (the American people) have the power to change a government that has failed us for many years. America has admitted that she is hungry for CHANGE and is ready for a new kind of politics.
I'm inspired by his character, charisma, well roundness, loyalty and devotion to his family, his ability to bring out the best in us, his intelligence, his unifying abilities, and his faith in God. I believe wholeheartedly that Senator Obama is the right choice for President…not just because of the many great qualities he possess, but because of his leadership ability, political knowledge, education and experience...that has prepared him for this role. “Good leaders are taught to be good leaders, but great leaders are born.”
