You respectfully tried to engage McCain in conversation while he completely avoided eye contact and came off as both disrespectful and untrustworthy.
It seems it's human nature to hit back.
In the past week we've had numerous excuses to do just that. Hillary's remarks made an easy target.
But Obama and his campaign again demonstrated just what "Change" is about. Change requires a different reaction - and the most effective reaction begins with recognizing and ignoring distractions.
Don't get me wrong - I was right there screaming for "revenge!" and I took great comfort watching Olbermann lash out against the implications of Hillary's remark. But as the barbs flew across our email lists one email got everyone's attention - it was from a Hillary supporter who was apparently 'trolling' the list.
"All you Clinton hating Obama supporters need to get a life."
One sentence. That was it.
Not the kind of exchange we need to build bridges. Our fiery tongues sparked the fire that could burn bridges instead.
This distraction could burn bridges.
Obama said in one of his speeches something like 'be careful who you tear down cause you might need them on your side some day.'
We need Hillary's supporters on our side. We can to let the media take care of the distraction as they like - but we need to be the carpenters; the bridge builders.
The real challenge we face as the primary race draws to a close is in reaching out to those who feel that they disagree with us. Those who are angry with us. Hillary supporters and Republicans who are still desperately looking for the path out of Bush country.
When they meet us, let's make sure our bridges are in good repair and that we have a hand extended to help them across.
Simple and FREE diet plan: The Obama Diet
Just think...if we all follow this diet plan, not only will we all lose weight, gain muscle and improve our overall health - we'll be sure to win Barack Obama as our next President!
Hey, I've lost 12 pounds in 8 weeks and I know several others who've lost similar amounts. And don't forget that you can carry this plan into neighboring States who need your help with canvassing - and we now have a general election Voter Registration Push to further motivate us!
We can do it - Yes We Can!!
We did such a great job getting new voters registered - now we need to make sure they get to the polls to VOTE for Barack!!
What might stop them from getting out to vote? What if May 6th is a rainy/stormy day or they have a hard time getting to the polls that day for any reason, if they can't physically stand in line very long - encourage them to VOTE NOW (through May 2nd!) at the locations below.
If they don't know if they're registered or don't know their polling location they can find what they need by going online to: http://www.indianavoters.com/
You can vote early at these libraries:Central Library200 SE ML King Jr Blvd - MAP
North Park Branch Library960 Koehler Dr - MAP
Oaklyn Branch Library 3001 Oaklyn Dr - MAP
YOU MUST SHOW A GOVERNMENT ISSUED I.D. BEFORE YOU CAN VOTE
YOU MAY VOTE HERE AS LONG AS YOU ARE A REGISTERED VOTER RESIDING IN VANDERBURGH COUNTY
Voting hours:10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday Through Thursday10:00 AM to 6:00 PM FridayApril 14 to May 2, 2008
You can also vote early here:
Vanderburgh Co. Voter Registration Civic Center Complex, Room 106
Handy Tool: The public can find out if they're registered AND find their polling place for May 6th here: http://www.indianavoters.com/
We're all working hard to get Indiana ready to go OBAMA BLUE on May 6th! Here's a few of the things that keep me FIRED UP and READY TO GO!
Fired Up, and Ready To Go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyJ72iZ3tW4
One Voice: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmUUYo9o9eg
Obama answers:"Why should I vote for you?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3GLyuVzIn8
Be Smart. Vote Obama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5G7yDiI4ZU
Hope Changes Everything: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLVN3Trs5VQ
Ready to Believe: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmPOJDOays4
Babies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJOB6ni7otQ
And I HOPE you enjoy!
Amy
It's this simple: knock on a door and say you're a volunteer with the Obama campaign registering voters - step back and watch the smile spread across their face. Good chance you'll be welcomed in to sit down.
Our neighbors here in Indiana appreciate knowing that someone cares enough to make sure they are prepared to participate in the voting process - someone wants to make sure they're not excluded or forgotten in this important part of being an American.
Indiana is FIRED UP and a little nudge is all it takes to bring Obama supporters together. Door to door registration is working in Evansville - where 20 people registered 50 voters in one hour Tuesday evening!
Let me tell you - this is one of the most gratifying tasks I've ever taken on. And this election year it could make all the difference in the direction our country takes in the coming years. Much too important to leave it up to someone else!
Please gather some friends together, go over the registration form to be familiar with it, and knock on some doors. Find those who are too often left out - the struggling families who are busy just trying to make it day-to-day... who have come to believe that they don't count. Tell them that they most certainly DO count. And that their vote is VERY important to this campaign.
Tell them They Matter - and that Indiana Matters.
Yes We Can - and Will!
Yay for us!! It would appear that the calls we made to Texas were effective - the caucus numbers show that Barack had very good representation of supporters who showed up after the primary closed.
If you're like me, you probably felt a little down last night as the numbers in Texas juggled back and forth. But it's the Delegate numbers that are important and we're doing Great there. We didn't get to kick butt but we sure did keep the upper hand - so no need to feel down!
Keep your eye on the prize and keep doing whatever you can to educate people about Obama's stand on the issues. I've added the 'Yes We Can' video and a link to Barack's Blueprint For Change to my MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/yaymeet
Link to the PDF of the Blueprint For Change: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf
You can add Obama comments to your friends' myspace pages too - There are some good Obama graphics, videos and such at http://www.obamatags.com/
Seems the key to success moving forward will be motivating the younger demographic to get out and vote - and to reach them we need to be where they are. MySpace, Facebook, gaming sites ... drop a note - let them know just how much their vote counts in this critical time in history. They could change the course of our country with their one vote!
We can convince them to Believe in their own ability to bring about Real Change in Washington!
Had a blast at the call party last night! It was great to meet other local Obama supporters and gain some personal momentum that comes from the shared experience. :)
I called 40 Texans. Hit a LOT of answering machines with our message... but the calls that got through to a person were the most fun. I particularly enjoyed talking to the women on my list because I understand their dilemma and could help them to think through their decision. I know I convinced a few to spend a few moments online looking at Barack's record and his Blueprint for Change - and got confirmation from several that they will attend the caucus after voting.
Those of us who have our hearts and minds clearly with Obama might not realize that there are a lot of people out there who still - just days before their primary - haven't decided which direction they want to go. And there's no one better than us to help those people with their decision.
There's no need to be a database of Obama facts - share the HOPE you have in your heart and then tell them about the websites you've found that helped you make your decision. Remind them that Obama had the courage and wisdom to go against the flow and vote against the war - and how it means he's not just a leader, but a man of wisdom and conviction.
Tell everyone - We can!
I'm getting together with a group of people I've never met to join in a Obama Call party tonight! This is so exciting - and I can't wait to immerse myself in the positive feelings I expect to find in this group.
To put this in perspective: I'm 45 years old, pretty much a home-body outside of work, and other than voting I've not been involved with politics at any level.
This election has moved me to become involved for two main reasons - First, because I'm honestly afraid of what the wrong decision could mean to our country and the world at this time. And secondly because Obama's campaign is empowering people like you and me to get involved and inspiring us to feel that we really can make a difference.
Sure I'm a bit nervous about doing this... I expect all kinds of reactions from the people I call. But maybe I can put a spark into someone's heart and mind tonight. Maybe I can demonstrate that the American process is not irreparably broken and that apathy hasn't taken hold afterall. Maybe I can shine light on misinformation, calm some fears and share this feeling of Hope.
I think I can. And if I can, you can, too! Join us by using this website to make some calls.
We can! :)
Yes We Can
Artist: Will.I.Am
It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.Yes we can.
It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom.Yes we can.
It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.Yes we can.
It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballots; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.Yes we can to justice and equality.Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.
Yes we can heal this nation.Yes we can repair this world.Yes we can.
We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change. (We want change.)
We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics…they will only grow louder and more dissonant ……….. We’ve been asked to pause for a reality check. We’ve been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.
But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about Hope.
Now the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggests; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in the American story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea:
Yes We Can.
