People were arriving early, just as any other Barack Obama rally, and what was evident was that Iowans are still fully engaged in this nominating process. That lovely January 3rd caucus night was no fluke!
I arrived early, along with a very large group of supporters, to volunteer for duties needed at the rally. As we milled around waiting for directions we slowly began to see organizers who returned to help coordinate the event. Many hugs were exchanged with these folks who are intertwined in our lives forever because of this campaign. Matt, a field organizer still in college, flew in from out of state, missing a couple of days of school to be part of this moment. Yay, I saw Maeve too--I had been looking all over and suddenly there she was! I was so happy to have reconnected, if only for a minute. The rally was both a homecoming for Barack, Michelle, Sasha, and Malia, and also a reunion for so many of us who became part of the Obama campaign/family last year.
The spirit of the "early" days is still there, everyone is still Fired Up and Ready to Go, and we were all so honored and proud that Barack chose to return to Iowa. Apparently, no one knew until just days ago that they would be returning here to announce the majority of pledged delegates being achieved with KY and OR results, but my sense is that the campaign felt that Iowa was the appropriate palce--a return to where it all started and where we helped launch Barack Obama on his way to the Democratic nomination.
The tone of the rally was definitely different than anything that took place last year, even up to caucus night. Now I know what other places have experienced with being greeted by metal detectors and bags being searched. I think that change may have caught some attendees off guard but people were easy going and excited to be back at a rally. Given how often Barack was in Iowa last year, I think Iowans have had Obama withdrawals at not being able to see him live these past few months! :-)
Beautiful Day began to play and while I'm used to hearing City of Blinding Lights when Barack steps out, it was clear by the deafening roar that he was coming out. I was at the front of the line in the first area when Barack, Michelle, and the girls emerged from the building--such a beautiful family, those girls are growing like weeds!! ;-) I filmed their walk down the stairs and of them shaking hands at the rope line. I shook hands with Barack and quickly blurted out "You are going to be a great President." That's all that nervously came out as I was shaking the hand of the next President of the United States! As he worked the line he looked remarkably at ease, as did Michelle--I think that is a reflection of how being together as a family truly radiates from within and fills their hearts.
The speech... goose bumps and watery eyes all over again, just like at JJ in November. I missed pieces of it because of the cheering crowd--not to mention I had a guy screaming right in my ear at times. What I know to be true is this: while we may have had "only" 7,000 at the rally, we had as much energy and excitement as the 75K who showed up in Portland.
We felt so honored and privileged that Barack chose to return here and thank Iowa for what we jump-started on January 3rd. As Barack said, there is still work to do and I guarantee that Iowans will work harder than ever on his behalf and turn this state *blue* in November. Last night was a proud night for ALL of us around the country who have risen to the challenge of being part of something bigger than ourselves. I just want to say thank you to everyone who stood by us in those months leading up to the caucuses--thanks for your support and calming words, especially during those last few weeks when nerves were on edge (due to the caucuses AND holidays!).
YES WE CAN
YES WE DID
YES WE WILL
As one of a fluctuating group of 6-10 co-precinct captains (including my husband), or a precinct captain "team" as we liked to call ourselves, January 3rd is going to be a night that is forever embedded in our memories. I have to mention that our 9- and 7-year-old boys have been with us every step of the way and I hope their childhood memories will include shaking hands with Barack Obama, who then became the President of the United States.
Our Obama journey began officially when we saw him give a speech on July 4th. Prior to that, I really felt that Barack would be the candidate I would support and seeing him proved my suspicions right. The Obama candidacy really challenges us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It's about changing this country and our world together. "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about change in Washington..I'm asking you to believe in yours."
The end of the summer didn't allow for much campaign related activites as we left for vacation for a month. We returned to Des Moines and continued to receive calls from the campaign field organizer inviting us to Barack events. In October, we received a phone call about joining as Obama Precinct 54 co-captains, a call that propelled us to be a part of this movement in ways that I never imagined.
The first meeting consisted of the group of us dividing up the neighborhood based on where we lived. These areas marked the specific area we were each responsible when it came to canvassing and phone calling, thereby reducing the chance of duplicate door knocking or calls. We were given great guidance by our field organizer who provided us with lists and anything else we needed to help recruit neighbors to the Obama camp. Canvassing occasionally included the boys riding their bikes along side us walking up and down the neighborhood. They became adept at spotting "opposition" yard signs and would boo when they saw them. ;-) At home, we began to talk in the coded campaign language: "I think he's a 2 (Obama supporter), she's a 3L (leaning toward Obama), he's a 3 (undecided) so we need to contact him again..." I don't think I'll ever forget those codes!
While the excitement of the campaign was tangible, one event in November sent Barack Obama and his presidential candidacy into unchartered territory. The event? The Jefferson-Jackson fundraiser dinner for the Iowa Democratic Party. And I was there to listen with my own ears what many have said was a superb, pivotal, and stunning oratorical piece of history.
