Charmona Whitfield's Blog

What I Know for Sure

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:15:24 EDT

Well we are 98 days away from election day and we have learned serveral things that we can not make light of or simply ignore.

First, we know that the media is not going to get it right. The media is going to continue to push the notions that the electorate believes. We know some are just not going to vote for Barack. But there are some who are thinking about it, but just don't see a black man as there commander in chief. But the media wants to give voters a word for it so they call it "risky" or say he is "exotic". I am sorry but that is code for black. Let's have an honest and open discussion about why they don't see a black man in that role. What we are witnessing is on a grand scale what black men go through often when applying for jobs. People just don't "see" them in certain positions. But on its face that is slightly fair because they HAVEN'T! That is ok. But then let's go to the notion that someone has to be first and someone has been first and they usually do well. First students to integrate schools, first student to be accepted to a white university, first major league baseball player, etc. I could go on an on. We do just fine! The bottom line is that Barack is qualified for the job he is applying for, the constitution says so! Don't put fake rules on him now. The biggest concern at one point was his foreign policy credibility. Didn't he blow that argument away last week? But oh, this week I heard he looked too presidential. Again, the media is funny. We can't depend on them to analyze this fairly. So let's continue to work and basically ignore the pundits.

The second thing we have learned is that polls can't measure the work we are doing on the ground. The newest USA Today/Gallop poll presented conflicting data based on likely and register voters. One poll had Barack up and one had McCain up. What the poll fails to consider, and we in the Obama camp have been saying it for a while, is that the likely voter is not the same as it was in 2004. How many of us know someone who is excited about voting and either they were not consistent in voting or have never voted in the past? That number of people is scary to the Republicans. If we continue to get our people registered and turned out to vote on election day, we will be happy on Nov. 5! People want to be a part of this historic event. Young people, African Americans, Latin Americans, and new people to the process, they are not being polled. That is what we said during the primary and we can say the same things now.

The third thing we learned is that the McCain camp is going to lie, distort, flip-flop you name it, just like they always do. The recent commercials from the Mccain camp, not 527's, but his own campaign prove that point. So Barack needs to decide what he is going to do. Will he attack or simply hope it goes away? I am torn, but sometimes an interview response is not as powerful as a commercial response that will loop. But I will not second guess the campaign. They have made all the right choices thus far so I know they are working on it. But the other side is playing dirty so now we know.

Last and most definitely not least I know I love Barack Obama! Seeing him last week with such poise, grace, confidence, and brilliance made me so proud of him. If I thought he could handle the world stage I now know for sure he can! As he has said before, with him as President, we can say, America is back and that was truer than ever last week.

Keep working, keep fighting and keep believing. We can do this! Yes We Can!

Can America focus on what is important?

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:50:37 EDT

Mark the day, June 3, 2008, Barack Obama became the first African American to lead a major party as it nominee for the President of the United States. America took a fabulous step toward realizing Dr. King's dream last night. This is big, and the country as a whole should be proud. The Obama campaign, volunteers, staffers should all be proud. People should be able to take a day or two to relish the moment. The media should allow them that. But what did I see and hear last night and this morning, the media talking about Hillary Clinton. What does she want? Will she be chosen as VP? How will Barack get her supporters? America, focus on what is important. Don't do this to him! Don't do this to this country! We should not be talking about that now. At least not today. Can I hear someone talk about what this historic occasion means to them? What it means for the country? Are we so wrapped up in the politics and drama that we can't focus on the beauty? This country never ceases to amaze me. Just when I think we are about to do some good, I wake up to this!

Most of my friends and family who know how invested I have been in the campaign have all asked how I feel. I should be on cloud nine, but yet I am not because on a day when I should be happy to watch a little coverage I am bombarded still with negativity. I am bombarded with Hillary this and Hillary that. America, this is not about her! Don't make a big mistake and misst he moment. Even though she could not show grace and integrity can the rest of the world do the right thing? Can America please focus on what is important here? Can the media get it right? Can Hillary supporters recognize it is over and we all need to be proud of the Democratic party? We need to get to work for the Democratic platform that Obama is about to layout, most of which Clinton agrees with. We need to unite. We can do it if we use the example of Al Gore. When he lost a contested and yet questionable race, specifically in Florida, he did the honorable thing and put his party and country before himself. Can Hillary Clinton do that? Can the country relish the moment? Even McCain used politics to describe the moment saying that party leaders and pundits have chosen the democratic opponent. Please America, rise up and focus on what is important!

Women wake up!

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:46:28 EDT

Ok, let me begin by saying that I am a black female. Now that I got that out in the open I will continue. So I woke up this morning happy that Obama my get the majority of pledged delegates and I decided to turn on the Today Show. I saw Meredith interviewing Geraldine Ferraro and Rachel Madow. Three strong, educated, professional women. And what where they talking about, sexism.

I watched and became more and more upset. Basically Ferraro felt that Clinton is losing because she is a woman. Rachel barely got a word in, I believe out of respect. But come on, can we honestly say Clinton lost do to sexism? Can't we say that it was because she ran a poor campaign? Or that people are tired of Clinton? Or because Obama is a good candidate for the right time who ran a good campaign? Women, in calling the gender card at this time don't we sound like weak women as opposed to strong women in politics that understand, you win some and you lose some? Aren't we kind of whining?

Meredith asked Ferraro to sight times when Obama was being sexist toward her. These were her examples. 1. At an early Philadelphia debate, all the boys were ganging up against Clinton and attacking her. My question, isn't that because she WAS the front-runner? You attack who is in the leading. That is when she played the gender card calling herself a girl. 2. When Obama brushed his shoulders off after the tough debate he had, Ferraro said it was a gestrue dismissing Clinton. Hey, Ferraro you may be too old to know this, but that is a very popular hip-hop gesture referring to a Jay-Z song, "Get the Dirt off your Shoulers." In other the words, brush off the negativity that was thrown at him. 3. When Clinton started talking about guns and growing up using them, Obama called her Annie Oaklely. Why, because we all knew that was political pandering in it's highest degree. She has just as tough a record on guns as Obama does. So don't act like you go out on the range and shoot em up all the time.

I have to say, that if women cry foul on this race I am disappointed. Women, Clinton lost a campaign do to her own problems. Let's be real women and take it and move on. We are stong. We are smart. We can handle defeat with the same confidence, grace and self-respect that we started with. I am tired of the conversation between women and African-Americans. Who has had it worse? Who still has it worse? They are all so stupid and quite frankly a waste of time. Who cares!! They both suck! Let's work together to end sexism and racism, both of which we know sadly still exist. Did folks not vote for Clinton because she was a woman, of course. Did folks not vote for Obama because he was black, of course. But based on the fact that both are on top, can we really point to either problem as a significant factor in how folks voted overall? I am not so sure.

Clinton supporters, when the dust has settled, and you have accepted the defeat with the dignity and grace I know you posses, I ask you to honestly look and reflect on both campaigns and decide who ran a better campaign. Also, thoughtfully evaluate the issues from the right and determine what a McCain presidency might mean for women. Put your anger and disappointment aside and think about the country as a whole. African-americans and women need to come together and not be divided. Women, I ask, are you up to the challenge?

Tieless shirt again....

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Sat, 10 May 2008 12:04:46 EDT

So sexy!

But on to my point. Barack is already looking past Clinton, as he should. So should we. Here are a few next steps that I see for us to do.

1. Talk to friends we have that are Clinton supporters. Remind them about the important policies of heath care, war, economy and Supreme Court. Remind them that a vote for McCain and a vote for more Bush.

2. Start saving your money. We can now give to Barack and eventually the DNC.

3. Continue to canvass and make calls. Work with your local groups. If you are in VA, Colorado, NM, Ohio, PA, FL, start working. We are states he is really going to be pushing.

4. Work for local races as well. We want to start from the bottom up and that includes Senatorial and Governor races that are occuring. That is one of the advantages to Barack, he can bring a strong presence down the ticket.

5. Keep praying for his safety. This is the real deal Holyfield now.

6. Know McCain's issues so that when you call you know the other side.

7. Remind yourself of why you love Michelle. She is going to be watched just as much.

8. Be strong. Get ready for the attacks, doubts, spin and sometimes the Republican way. McCain may say, "No, don't do that to Barack.", but once it is out McCain won't mind.

9. Reread Audacity of Hope and Dreams from my Father. I think I am going to buy the books on CD. Remind yourself of why you love Barack.

10. Stay prayed up. You can never pray to much.

Just a few ideas. Take what you need. Love my Obama family.

Spiritual Test

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:50:12 EDT

Well, you know what people, I believe in my heart more than ever God is all up in this! So here we are with Barack Obama being at the precipice of leadership as the Democratic nominee and then potentially the President of the United States and what are we talking about, his spirtual life. How much his Pastor has influenced him? Do they see eye to eye on eveything? How close are they? Does Wright influence his policies? Wow. God in his greatness has found a way to make it all about him! That is the true greatness of God.

Yesterday in a rally, Sen. Obama said that he just tries to make sure he does God's will. He is following God, not Wright. Wright can lead him to Christ, but Obama himself makes sure he stays there. We are talking about faith, Christianity, beliefs, and values more than we have ever seen in a campaign before. God has ordained a time such as this.

He is testing us! Through are of this, are you following God's will? Are you staying faithful? Keep working, keep praying and keep believing. We are so close. We can do this. The conversation is here for a reason. Don't worry about what man says, but worry about what God is saying.

The True Relationship

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:41:09 EDT

I have been thinking, aren't we in fact seeing the relationship that Obama described in the beginning. It seems that folks assumed they were closer than they are. Yeah, 20 years ago Wright brought Obama to Jesus, he married him and baptized his kids, but he is the pastor of the church, that is what pastors do. I think back to my own wedding, I had to ministers marry me, my pastor (I could not stand the man) and my husband pastor (we both respected), but I was getting married in my church so I had to have my pastor there. My baptism was by a different pastor, not my advisor, but because I wanted to be baptized it was his job to do it. Not close personal, talk on the phone, give advice everyday. But could both pastors quote me scripture and pray with and for me, yes. Well isn't that how BO described there relationship? Yeah he prayed with him before he announced, but isn't that what pastors do.
Also, I think that the more Wright speaks we see how distant he and Barack are, which Barack said in his speech on race. They are from two different generations, so they don't agree. We are witnessing the divide between them and as it plays out over the next several days will be very important. Should he denounce him, I still say no. You just don't do that to a pastor. But he does need to keep saying he does not speak for me.

At the end of BO's rally last night he was on fire. He spoke of his love for this country, his values, his up bringing, his beliefs. I think he needs to keep on this message but it stern with his distate for Wrights statements and leave it at that. What do you guys think?

Agent of Change

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:04:52 EST

I just saw a video clip from the Today Show where they investigated whether BO was an agent of change in the State Senate or US Senate. It was interesting and I think pretty much says that he is but in both arenas he was not there long periods of time to get a lot of legistlation passed. They did speak to the (R) State Senator from Illinois who said he hadn't really seen anyone like BO. I thought I would share the link.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/

The Divide for Black America

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:42:10 EST

Let me say it up front. I am black women. So for many other black women we are torn between voting our gender with Clinton or voting our race. It is an easy choice for me, I am black so therefore I side with Obama. The divide for many other black americans goes much further, do they spit with the civil rights past leadership of Rev. Al Sharpton or Rev. Jesse Jackson, or do we follow the new progressive movement of black leaders such as Obama and Deval Patrick of Mass? Black americans for several years have longed for new leadership. We didn't know if Rev. Al or Jesse could continue being our spokseman in the new day. Now we are at a crossroads because many of those same leaders have already sided with Hillary or have been on the fence about Obama. So who is black america to choose? I say Black american, stand up for what YOU see is best for you and the future of Black america. Also recognize that as President, Obama will inherently be our new leader!!!! When he speaks, he will represent the country and US!!! Don't get me wrong I love Clinton, Bill that is!!! Hillary is no Bill. We are at a point in history where we can make a choice that we can actually control. Let's now make the wrong choice. Let's choose change! Let's make history! Let's not miss this opportunity!

He is Ready!!!

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:51:51 EST

Senator Obama is in the tone of Ali, he's a bad man! He is just awesome. I love to hear him speak. I have tried to catch all of his speeches that appear online. Everytime I hear him I am just so inspired. I am even trying to get some discussion going in my own church. There is so much to do and I feel he is so close I can taste it. I know this is going to be a close race and I just can't stand it, but I am ready and I can tell he is definitely ready. Seeing him and Michelle in New Hampshire for his concession speech just made me think they could be our first family. It just made me tingle. Go Obama!

He is Ready!!!

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:51:51 EST

History was made!!!

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:45:38 EST

Well he did it!!! History was made last night. Barack Obama has shown the world what those of us who have supported him from day one already knew, that he is ready to lead! He is prepared to lead! And others want him to lead! It was significant that a black man one Iowa, a lily white state. It is more importnat that he won than for Hillary. This now gives black people "permission" to support him. Black people are now "hopeful" and confident in his strength as a candidate. We are not done yet but last night's win was a great step in the right direction. Now on to New Hampshire!

History was made!!!

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 10:45:23 EST

Wasted Vote?

Charmona who is a believer in the ground game — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 12:23:55 EST

Let me first say that I by no means believe that a vote for Obama is a wasted vote, but I have African American friends that believe it is. I have been urging, begging and pleading with them for weeks leading up to the announcment that Obama is the real deal. I believe we need a strong African American voting block. If we don't vote for him, who will? But how do we get others to see it this way. They all agree with his policies, but the Clinton name is drawing them in. They see Clinton and they think Bill, and you know how black folks love Bill. How do we get them to love Obama the same way?

I am going to do my small part to help folks understand that with no disrespect to Jessie, Carolyn Shirley and Al, Obama could possibly when this thing. I don't want him to just be a voice for the Democratic platform, but I believe he could be on the ticket.

Blacks folks, Hillary does not need your vote, but Barack does! Hillary does not need your money, but Barack does! If it comes out that Barack can't when this thing, then of course back Hillary. But let's not stop the Obama train before it gets going just because she has the Clinton name. Bill Clinton will not be the next President!!!