Last night Senator Obama wowed the crowed with a rock star feeling. The energy was high as Senator Barack Obama was warmly introduced by Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. It was almost a concert atmoshere as a young Obama supporter fainted in the crowd. Already, there is the feeling of turning this red state blue. Something that has not happened in Virginia since 1964. Barack Obama spoke to a crowed of over 4200 and reminded Virginians how we are tired of Bush poltics. The crowed roared with a cheer as Obama stated that it was time for a change and that its time for Bush to go! Supporters from all over Virginia came to support Obama. There of course was a strong showing of UVA students. But the young Democrats from Old Dominion University and Hampton University made the trip to show that Hampton Roads supports Obama too. When Hillary's fundraiser was held just a few blocks away some weeks ago she was only able to draw a crowd of about 1200 -1500. Obama made a strong showing with over 4200 paid attendees and a fundraising total of about $300,000 beating Hillary by over $100,000. Thanks Virginia for suppporting Obama! Lets turn Virginia blue again!
This is the headline that so many seem to want to see. All of the Sunday morning news shows are talking about the same thing. "Obama needs to take on Hillary". Senator Obama is being urged to take on Hillary. Are they asking for negative campaigne tactics? I'm not sure. Many stressed the importance of Obama explaining the differences between himself and Hillary. Yes this is important but negative campaigning is not necessary. Lets let SenatorObama run this race at his own pace and not at the pace of polls and everday politics. Over and over the polls of registered Democrats are stressed, Hillary 30%, Obama 17% and John edwards 13%. Does this mean that John Edwards can will sneak in and attack Hillary himself. I doubt it. Obama is not a negative person and those that believe in him , believe that he can win the White House without so much negativity. As our grasroots movement grows the people and not the polls will make the difference. Yes Iowa is about 70 days away. ..but you never know what can happen in 10 weeks. Lets not let the polls sway us from what we believe in. Lets continue our grassroots work in the early states and gear up for the primaries that follow. Lets remember Obama is the representative of Change for America.
"I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts of our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country.I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."
Now, even though Obama has offered this statement, we still have those who are dissatisfied with Donnie McClurkin being a part of the "Embrace the Change Tour". Some feel that this is "offering a platform to a man who refers to homosexuality as a "curse". I say we should once again read Obama's statement and understand his views on the Gay and Lesbian community.
There will always be controversy in politics, its simply part of the political game. Senator Obama's campaign announced its "Embrace the Change" gospel tour which will make stops in Charleston Greenwood and Columbia and then it started ! The controversy kicked off with claims of Obama touring with a "radical right singer", Donnie Mcclurkin, considered as such because of his views on homosexuality. This is ridiculous. If this were a Republican candidate the bloggers and media types would have put a totally different spin on it. Suddenly everyone is worried that Obama will turn away any and every Christian that ever thought of voting for him. I find that hard to believe. It must be realized that much of the Obama campaign is about the people on the grassroots level. as stated by Joshua DuBoise, National Religious Affairs Director, "This is another example of how Obama is defying convential wisdom about how politics is done and giving a new meaning to , people at the grassroots level". We have to realize that those attending this concert are most likely to be new voters, purchasing $10 tickets and most likely, after the concert will be willing to make a commitment to the Obama campaign . These new voters are certainly likely to bring in friends, family and neighbors to be a part of Obama's grassroots movement.
Breaking news. . . . .Senator Barack Obama is not wearing the American flag on his lapel ! I can believe that such an issue has become a national news story. My question is why ? There are so many other issues that could have been addressed but instead I turn on CNN and there is some reporter questioning Barack Obama on why he does not wear the American flag on his lapel. This is the type of nonsense that I can't understand.
You've got young people and old people," he said. "You've got poor folk and not-so-poor folk. "You've got blacks, whites, Asians, Native Americans. You've got gay and straight. You've got people with disabilities. You've got Democrats and independents, and, yes, you've even got some Republicans".
This early AP report of Senator Obama's rally in New York tonight makes me want to jump with excitement. The momentum is building and nothing can stop us now. Senator Obama draws huge numbers and diverse crowds. The numbers are on his side and more important the grassroots effort is working.
Im watching the fundraising numbers grow. An astounding message will be sent this quarter when Obama is the leader in fundraising. I am so happy to devote my time to being a part of electing the next Prsident of the United States of America, BARACK OBAMA !.
Keep up the good work Obama supporters, job well done in NY now lets take Tennesee by storm! Look out Tennesee we are heading your way to rally for Obama!
There was much news today about the Jena Six. And I suppose we should have expected some to point questions to an African American presidential candidate about his stand on the issue. In truth perhaps questions on the situation should have been pointed to all candidates. But Senator Obama was able to effectively address this question by saying, "Outrage over an injustice like the Jena Six isn't a matter of black and white. It is a matter of right and wrong." Despite what other activists may say about Senator Obama "acting like a white man", I feel he appropiately addressed the issue. Justice is simply a matter of right and wrong. In 2007 we should not color every issue black or white or only address matters of injustice that involve racism. We should not sit idle in the face of injustice . We should work toward justice and equality for all. That idea in itself will lead us in a positive direction in race relations.
I had a chance to listen to the conference call from South Carolina's director today. The call was quite energizing I'm sorry that my House Party guest were not able to hear it. It offered a lot of information on the activities and successes that are occuring in South Carolina
Im happy to say that I am still getting positive feedback from my guest on Saturday's house party that I hosted. Not all of those who signed up were able to attend but several of those who did not attend have still expressed an interest in support Barack Obama. This is great news. Tonight Im putting on my organizing hat and perhaps setting up a new house party or creating some other event to generate more support. And of course I'm still looking forward to the mass canvassing on September 29th in South Caroline. Come on Obama-ites. . .get your walking shoes on. . .Lets win South Carolina!
