Amanda Morris's Blog

The Substance is as Small as the Shorts

AmandaMo — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 11:02:06 EST

Face it: You loved the little shorts.

Back in the ‘90s when then-President Bill Clinton would rise early for his morning jaunt up and down Pennsylvania Ave., most of us couldn’t help but feel endeared by his choice of clothing. His big, man legs sticking out of teeny-tiny shorts were hilarious. It was goofy. It was likable. And, most importantly, it was human.

If you ask a current day Clinton-supporter what the reason is for their love, most likely they will spew some information about the economy, punctuated with favorable adjectives about NAFTA. Or maybe they will even tell you something about a resurgence of the Democratic Party. But we all know the real reason why they love him. That reason is because he used to jog in tiny shorts. He was struggling with the weight he’d gained from fast food, and we loved every minute of it.

Bill Clinton tossed aside the typical, stiff Presidential appearance – a time when we were familiar with the dubious images of George H.W. Bush perplexed by the conveyor belt and barcode scanner at a grocery store – and showed us something that looked a little bit more like ourselves.

However, when I turn on the television today, I cringe at the sight of our favorite cheeseburger-loving ex-President practically frothing at the mouth within feet of a Nevada caucus site. Watching him campaign for his wife conjures up images of the character Gollum from “The Lord of the Rings,” and the candidacy is his “Precious.” It’s unfamiliar. It’s disturbing. And it’s rather hard to relate to as a human.

The problem with this image is that it makes you think: If Bill Clinton hadn’t been so likeable, then would we have ever viewed him as such a wonderful President? People in the ‘90s were so high from the economic boom (partly to do with the President, sure, but mostly to do with the growth of the Internet and subsequent dotcom explosion in Silicon Valley) that they didn’t really seem to notice that not much else was really getting done.

This man had eight years in office – and with very little opposition considering that it was a mostly-Democratic Congress for half of those years – and yet he still failed to accomplish some of the most basic goals. He had eight years to pass healthcare reform, define a new energy plan to decrease U.S. dependency on oil, develop a long-term plan for social security, reform immigration, and improve our poorest areas and public schools. He had eight years to accomplish these things and yet he failed at every single one. Not to mention, with the implementation of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, he propelled the gay rights movement into a backwards tailspin. And all the poverty that was unearthed with the disaster of Hurricane Katrina? That stuff just doesn’t materialize over night. Tragedies like that have been hiding below the dark underbelly of America through many presidencies and have yet to be properly addressed.

The fact is that he was so bogged down in scandal after scandal that little progress could be made. Days and months were wasted as he put America’s problems aside and addressed his own personal issues instead. And yet we forgave him for this and for the lies he told because we loved that he was human. “Well, anyone would lie about that. We understand, Bill.”

Unfortunately for the Clintons, America is in such a crisis right now with a recession, a mismanaged war, our infrastructure literally collapsing beneath our cars and a health insurance program that causes doctors to choose death over life for their suffering patients, that it no longer wants a fun man in tiny shorts. It wants a real leader who is actually capable of getting things done. And we’re just not sure the Clintons can adequately put aside the partisan bickering long enough to do much of anything – again.

The Clintons are losing their human “average Joe” charm, and without that, there is little appeal. People are seeing that they had their chance with eight years, and by most standards, they failed. It’s time for someone new to have a chance. People get nostalgic about the Clintons because Bush seems so inhuman in comparison. But we don’t need to look to the past to find improvements; we need to look to the future. Much like the Nirvana-inspired grunge clothing, bowling shirts and “The Rachel” haircut, some styles need to stay in the last decade. And tiny jogging shorts are one of them.

OBAMA '08!!!

Up Next in Chicago -- Resolution Run!

AmandaMo — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:48:45 EST

Hi everyone!

So the 2007 Rudolph Ramble was off to a slippery start on Sunday. An overnight ice storm kind of threw a wrench into things, making the running conditions as least desirable as possible. Still, I want to congratuate everyone who participated with Runners for Obama. And anyone who bailed at the last minute, I don't blame you!

Next up here in Chicago is the Resolution Run on Dec. 30. I love this race and am very excited about it! I will be participating with my friends and fellow Obama supporters, Kelly and Nicole, so look for us! We'll be able to start the year off on the right foot, running for change! And getting all geared up for the Iowa caucus!!!

To register for the event, go here: http://www.universalsole.com/events/resolutionrun.htm

From those of you who live outside of Chicago, please keep us posted about events in your area and add them to our Runner for Obama event list. And for those of you in Chicago, add events too because I'm sure some.

Thanks everyone and keep running for Barack!

Way to Go Runners!

AmandaMo — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:45:19 EST

Hey everyone!
I just noticed that our Runners for Obama group has the most members of all online running groups on MyBO. I hope that we keep growing and running for awareness, especially now that the primary campaign is getting down to the wire.
The next event is the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, which is hosted by my good friend Kelly Casey. Don't forget to sign up and run off some of those holiday calories! I will be missing it this year because I'll be home in East Peoria stuffing my face with pumpkin cheesecake.
Keep sharing your running/Obama experiences on our blog and keep running for change!
love, amanda

New logo

AmandaMo — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 12:19:25 EST

Hi everyone!

I hope you have all noticed our fabulous new logo! Isn't it amazing?

It was created by a girl named Hilary who I met through the Vegetarians for Obama group. Her logo for the vegetarians was so wonderful that I asked her to create one for us. And I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

Thanks Hilary!!!

love, amanda

Pumpkins in the Park Recap

AmandaMo — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 23:31:52 EDT

Hi everyone!

The Chicago Chapter of Runners for Obama completed a 5k a couple weeks ago. We covered ourselves in stickers and buttons and had a blast! Julie even wore an Obama bumper sticker on her back. Here is a picture with Julie, Nicole and me before the race:

Please share your stories and pictures from you Runners for Obama events on our blog.

Have fun and keep running for change!

"Runners for Obama" Group Updates

AmandaMo — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 17:28:40 EDT

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to share a few pieces of news with you guys regarding things going on within the group.

First of all, I have talked to another Obama support about making a logo for us. She has done some beautiful work for some of the other groups, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what she comes up with. Our current logo on the page while adequate is quite hideous! This brings me to my second point...

When this is done, then I'll work on silk screening it onto a DryFit/Underarmor type running shirt. And will put some pictures up for everyone to see.

A group of Obama runners helped cheer on the marathon last weekend. The weather was miserable, but I hear it went well. One lady emailed me and said she wore her Obama gear and got many positive comments for many people. This is good news. Chicago is, of course, a Barack mecca. But people from all over the U.S. and world come to the Chicago Marathon, so it was a great place to promote our candidate.

Coming up in December is the World AIDS Marathon, created by Richard Brodsky who is a part of our group. It is Dec. 1 this year in Kisumu, Kenya. This is particularly interesting because it is the same city where Barack went to have his public HIV-test to promote AIDS awareness and also erase some of the stigma attached to testing. And Richard tells me that Barack's grandmother still lives not far from there. If you'd like to go, donate or learn more about the World AIDS Marathon, then please visit www.worldaidsmarathon.com.

We are tossing around the idea of doing group fun runs, and I think this would be wonderful. Check the blog and the events for further information about these. I will post something soon.

And, finally, the Pumpkins in the Park 5k is this Saturday in Chicago. There is a group of us running in Obama shirts. You can still register on the Fleet Feet website, and it should be a great time! It benefits the Chicago Park District and many people will be running in full costume (myself included)! If you plan to run it, then RSVP to the event on this page so you can be kept in the loop.

Please keep posting running-related blogs and events! This is a team effort, and I appreciate all the wonderful suggestions and information!

Take care everyone and keep running for change!

Obama '08!

Runners for Obama t-shirts

AmandaMo — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:38:19 EDT

Hey everyone,
I'm planning to create some "Runners for Obama" t-shirts for those who are interested. Julie and I are still working on a concept. Any ideas are welcome. We're just looking to do something fun and catchy on the front with the logo small on the back. Right now we are evaluating our options to figure out what is most cost-efficient for everyone and working on a few designs.
I'll keep y'all posted!
love, amanda

Upcoming Road Races in Chicago

AmandaMo — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 16:51:03 EDT

Hey guys,
Here is a list of some races coming up in the Chicagoland Area for the fall. Unless otherwise noted, these are in the city of Chicago.
If you have any questions or want more info about any of these, then send me a note, and I'll get it to you. I'll probably do a couple of these and will definitely be attending the marathon (in Barack gear, of course).
If anyone has a schedule of races in other cities, then please post them on the blog. I'll be working on some lists too.

LAKE ZURICH ALPINE RACES HALF MARATHON 9.9.07
FALL FESTIVAL 5K (WHEATON) 9/15/07
PARK RIDGE CHARITY CLASSIC 5K 9/22/07
CHICAGO MARATHON 10/7/07
THOUSAND WAVES RUN/WALK TO END VIOLENCE 10/13/07
PUMPKINS IN THE PARK 5K 10/13/07
ROTARY RUN FOR WELLNESS HOUSE (HINSDALE) 10/14/07
DETONTY IRON FIST 3 PERSON 50K RELAY 10/21/07
SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 10K 10/28/07
HIT THE ROAD 5K RUN/WALK (RIVER GROVE) 10/28/07
ROCK N SOLE TRAIL RUN 11/11/07
WESTCHESTER VETERUN 10K 11/11/07
5TH ANNUAL LUNG CANCER WALK/RALLY (LISLE) 11/17/07
RESOLUTION RUN 12/30/07

The Polls v. The Big "O"

AmandaMo — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:10:42 EDT

Hey everyone,

This is a great blog from the Daily Kos. Enjoy!

Barack Obama: The Polls v The Big "O"
by boatsie

Sun Sep 09, 2007 at 11:04:15 PM PDT

A message for Obama supporters. Maybe we need to reprioritize. Shut off our laptops, open our doors again, and talk real time about the big "O."

boatsie's diary :: ::
Oh, those polls!

We read it time and time again; I recall writing it months ago at Kos and being slapped down big time. Where are all these Hillary supporters coming from? In these numbers? Consistently, in poll after poll. If I were leaning toward voting for Hillary and realized she has suddenly become the darling of MSM and of American voters, I'd frankly be flabbergasted.

And why isn't the media, any relevant media, asking the questions about Hillary's integrity and relevant experience and digging into the dredges of her cacmpaign chest? How come Bill is suddenly such an asset? Why isn't the Paul trial, where just last week attorneys suggested that Mrs. Clinton should be called upon to testify, getting any ink?

Being an Obama supporter in this milieu is no easy task. We are constantly faced with media reports that misrepresent the reality we see and observe in real life at real time events across the United States. We watch speeches, listen to debates and then listen as pundits and 'reporters' take clear, concise, honest statements, stuff them into a pastry bag and wring, squeeze, pound, twist and toss in an array of artificial ingredients so that what eventually comes out of the designer tip, airbrushed and kroma jetted ... well, you get the picture.

It just doesn't appear to me that any other candidate is getting this type and degree of specialized surgical resurfacing.

As an Obama supporter, then, you start doing your research, finding those primary sources, fact checking, and laboring over a letter to the editor, an op ed, a blog entry or comment in an attempt to set the record straight.

Slap down. You are accused time and time again of playing dirty, of being a grossly misinformed starry eyed idol. Of sour grapes. LOOK at the polls, asshole. Your candidate don't have a chance.

But I 'm not looking at these polls anymore; and let me tell you why. Frankly I can't believe anything anymore that comes from corporate America, be it election results, reports on pharmacology cures for heretofore nonexistent physical ailments, testimony of our Attorney General or Vice President, Congress' official report on 911 or the justifications for financial shock and disaster democracy which our government has used in OUR NAME since Pinochet.

Here's what I want in lieu of a poll. I want every American who supports Barack Obama to climb up onto the tops of their homes and draw an enormous "O" on their roof. If you live in an apartment building, you can put up "O = 20' or O=150" ... whatever. Just tell it like it is. No embellishment. Pure fact.

You don't have to start doing this tomorrow. This isn't going to h happen overnight. In fact, I think we Obama supporters can start right where we live and then head out canvassing. Maybe we want to take along some ready-made highly visible ashesive (and removable) "O's" and even offer to plunk 'em up on people's roofs to save them any risk. (We might have to actually have back up teams that come by later with large ladders)

Then let's do some polling. From above it all. From well beyond the realm of neurolinguistics and talking points and viral messaging.

And let's start flicking them the "O" ... start using universal sign language again. There's no fucking with that.

But I think folks, I think, fellow Obama supporters, that we are basically going to have to surrender the war or words for a time. Not completely. But I just don't think we're winning here. I think it's time we all got off our duffs, shut off our computer screens and start walking around in our neighborhoods, ringing doorbells, chatting at mailboxes, while we are waiting to pick up the kids at school or gossiping at dog parks.

Let's start burning some CDs, printing out some speeches, handing out some bumper stickers and campaign literature and voter reg forms and get some fresh air. Start flashing those "O's" and figuring out ways to get most every rooftop in our neighborhood united in the message that we're all fired up and ready to go!

Give me an "O!"

Iowa Senator Endorses Obama

AmandaMo — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 00:03:02 EDT

Hey guys,

This article from the Sioux City Journal didn't make the Obama homepage, but I think it's worth reading. Enjoy!

Warnstadt endorses Obama
By Bret Hayworth Journal staff writer
2 comment(s) | Share | Small | Large

Seeing a candidate he thinks can not only win the 2008 presidential election, but govern in the following years, Iowa Sen. Steve Warnstadt, D-Sioux City, has announced his endorsement of Barack Obama.

U.S. Sen. Obama, D-Ill., has campaigned twice in Sioux City this year and Warnstadt liked what he saw then and has seen previously.

"America is facing a lot of division, and I think (Obama) has unique skills to bring people together," Warnstadt said.

Warnstadt also thinks Obama is making a strong move for change in his refusal to accept political action committee donations. "I like the way he has limited campaign financing to non-PACs. He has decided to reach out aggressively to ordinary individuals," he said.

Warnstadt's role with the Obama campaign is yet to be defined, but he said he is "impressed with how the campaign is turning to individuals. This is not a top-down campaign."

With Warnstadt's endorsement, four of the five Sioux City statehouse lawmakers have settled on a candidate for the 2008 presidency. The first to endorse was House Minority Leader Christopher Rants, who supports former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican. The other Sioux City Republican serving in the legislature, Iowa Sen. Ron Wieck, has not settled on a candidate.

"I continue to watch where they are on the issues," Wieck said, adding that he will endorse at some point before the Jan. 14 Iowa caucuses.

Of the two other statehouse Democrats, Iowa Rep. Wes Whitead supports John Edwards and Iowa Rep. Roger Wendt has endorsed Hillary Clinton. Whitead will speak on behalf of Edwards at the Northwest Iowa Labor Council annual Labor Day Picnic on Monday.

Northwest Iowa Labor Council president John Hamm said the picnic field of speakers is the best ever. Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson and Joe Biden will take part, while former President Bill Clinton will also attend and introduce his wife. Estimates are that 5,000 or more people will attend the labor council event at Riverside Park in Sioux City.

Parking will be available on both sides of Riverside Boulevard and on the grass between the railroad and Riverside Boulevard, Hamm said. Also, parking is available in the park's lots.

The appearance of three presidential candidates at the picnic ends a fallow period with few candidates since the Aug. 11 Iowa Republican Party straw poll, which was won by Romney. Many candidates from the two major parties campaigned in Sioux City in late July and early August, but since the straw poll the only stop was by Edwards on Aug. 14.

Bret Hayworth may be reached at (712) 293.4203 or brethayworth@siouxcityjournal.com

Idealistic Obamites

AmandaMo — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:56:24 EDT

Hey guys,

I wanted to share this article from the Daily Vail in Colorado. I think it perfectly sums up the Obama Fever. I ran into a group of Iowans just last night at a bar. They were visiting Chicago for a hockey game or something, and I took the opportunity to turn them all into Obama Caucus Goers. It took a couple hours, but, in the end, they were all enthusiastically on board. I got called "hippy dippy" a lot though and am always trying to fight that stereotype!!! This article mentions that too. It's great. Enjoy:

Daily Editorial: Obama phenomenon

var storytitle = "Daily Editorial: Obama phenomenon"; Vail Daily Editorial Board
Vail CO, Colorado
September 2, 2007

This is not an endorsement or a prediction, just an observation. People who like Barack Obama really like Barack Obama.

In interviews with locals, people gave thoughtful and resolute reasons for why they favored Republican or Democratic candidates. But the language of those who are supporting Obama went beyond just logic and careful consideration.

People sounded practical, even full of admiration, when they talked about Rudy Giuliani’s experience running a big city or about John Edwards’ plans for universal health care coverage or John McCain’s vow to fight pork-barrel spending.

People sounded passionate — as if they were describing a hero of their childhood — when they described how Barack Obama had given them renewed hope in the country or how they believe the Illinois senator is energizing the idealistic and the young.

They seem to see a candidate who not only has a strong environmental stance, not just someone who they believe will protect them from foreign threats, but a president who would reinvigorate their faith in America and its unique potential.

They seem to believe that he’s not just another self-interested and ambitious megalomaniac who will forgot about the hopes and fears of the people who voted for him once he moves into the White House. He’s not a Clinton or a Bush, for one thing, and he’s not one of those candidates like John Kerry, who was supposedly born to be president.

Most of all, Obama’s backers see a man who will free them from the cynicism and disillusion with which many of us, these days, not only view the candidates we oppose, but even the people for whom we vote.

Granted, these emotions are vague, perhaps even “hippy dippy,” and this degree of adoration does not necessarily make Barack Obama the most fit to be president. But we find it refreshing that people are once again speaking passionately and positively about a politician.

— Matt Zalaznick for the Editorial Board