Most of us here have a combined interest in helping get Barack Obama into office this November. I was wondering if anyone supports, volunteers, or is interested in the local elections here in Nebraska. Candidates for Congress and Senate.
We have four races with Democrats running including:
Congress:
1st Distirct: Max Yashirin http://www.maxcongress.com/
2nd District: Jim Esch http://www.jimesch.org/
3rd District: Jay Stoddard
Senate:
Scott Kleeb http://www.scottkleeb.com/
I have been doing things for the Jim Esch campaign in addition to the Obama campaign. I would love to here others who are involved in local races. If you live in Omaha/Sarpy and want to learn more about Jim Esch -or even get involved, let me know you can join my team!
Is anyone else running into people who are stuck in the Hillary rhetoric? These people who are bound and determined to get Hillary the nomination, mostly because she'd be "The first woman president!"
Well the perfect resource for info detailing why Obama is the the correct choice and not hillary go to:
http://thinkonthesethings.wordpress.com/why-support-barack-obama-not-hillary-clinton-comparison-compare-records/
This has been extremely helpful for me and will be for you too- trust me!
Keep up the good fight,
-Craig
This is part two of the Omaha rally on February 7, 2008.
http://www.youtube.com/v/KGBc005aMCM
Click the link below to see Part I of the Obama rally in Omaha on February 7, 2008.
http://www.youtube.com/v/HhrxDfQQ6iM
I just responded to the request to submit our stories of why we support Barack Obama to the campaign to use in speaking with super-delegates. I wanted to share with everyone what I submitted:
I'm a 33 year old stay-at-home mom with two daughters who are each a year older than Sen. Obama's girls. I'm a novelist and a freelance editor. I live in a fixer-upper Victorian in an urban neighborhood in Omaha, NE. My entire family, my in-laws, and most of my friends are conservative Republicans. My husband and I are evangelical Christians. I was raised with fairly conservative, "right-wing" beliefs and was a registered Republican until 2004. I was always cynical about politics, though, and my political activity was strictly limited to exercising my right and duty to vote. In 2000, I voted for George W. Bush because I failed in my responsibility to inform myself about him. I trusted my church, my family, and what little I heard in the media and in his speeches instead of really thinking critically about my political beliefs and the assumptions made by my conservative community.When he started talking about war with Iraq, I was very concerned. However, I couldn't quite accept the idea that our president would lie to start a war. I thought there had to be some dire threat that he couldn't tell the public about. I wanted to believe the best about him. I didn't want to believe that he'd be drumming up an unjust war.It soon became clear, though, that my faith and trust in this president was as unjustified as the war he had lied us into. I was deeply grieved and angry, and I felt ashamed to be an American.Through much soul-searching, my husband and I reevaluated nearly all our long-held political beliefs. We are now quite happily liberal! And proud of it, much to our family's dismay. We joined the Democratic party because we realized we fit there far better than we did anywhere else.I was proud to vote for John Kerry in 2004. He was the first politician I'd ever really taken the time to study, and I came to admire his integrity, his honesty, and his vision for our country. I still hold him in the highest esteem because he serves our country faithfully and humbly whether he wins, loses, or is admired, or scorned.Now, four years later, I see many of those same qualities in Barack Obama. He is honest, he has integrity. He has a desire to serve our country. His values, his positions, resonate with me because they are based in justice and a true desire to improve the lives of other people. What I keep telling my conservative friends is that what matters to me most is character, followed very closely by political beliefs and philosophy. I want a leader we don't have to be ashamed of. I want a leader who doesn't lie. Who doesn't play games. Who has a good marriage. Who conducts his life with dignity and decency. I want a leader who empowers the people who follow him, and who is in office because he loves the people of America. I don't need a leader who wants to do things "for me" or who is hungry for power or who wants to make a historical statement.I want someone real, someone whom the rest of the world will respect and--even more importantly-- who will respect the rest of the world. Who doesn't govern through fear, but through love and respect and hope. Barack Obama's character embodies all these things. This is what I want in a president. This is why I support him, even though I love the idea of finally having a woman president. We need character and integrity more than we need broken glass ceilings. Policies are important, and I value Senator Obama's views and plans on all the issues. But ultimately, the president is not a law-maker. The president is a leader. And Barack Obama's leadership style and his philosophy about leadership can transform the character of our nation. I was speaking to my pastor about Obama recently. Told him that Obama is committed to leadership that comes from the bottom-up, not from the top-down. My pastor was impressed and told me, "If that's so, it would be revolutionary."And he's right. This whole talk of "change" isn't ephemeral. What we are seeing right now in the "Obamamania" is the true, real change that happens in the spirits of people who realize that they DO have power, that they CAN do something about what burns in their hearts. This energy doesn't come when a leader imposes his vision onto his followers. This energy comes when the leader stirs and sparks vision in those he leads. This is revolutionary. This is a new way of viewing ourselves, our democracy, and our country. It's a new way of viewing the presidency. This is what we want so very much.Between John Kerry and Barack Obama, my views and my attitude about politics has been transformed. I will never again go back to that place of disdain and hopeless cynicism. I can't claim to be an activist or be as politically involved as I wish I could be. But in the last several years, I have done things and gone places politically that I never would have dreamed. I have made a difference. My voice has been heard. It's an incredible experience. I want to follow Barack Obama. I want to shed the cynicism and apathy of my earlier years and follow his example of service and justice and integrity. There aren't many people I am excited about following. But Barack Obama is one of those few.It would be tragic to waste this opportunity. I would like to respectfully ask superdelegates to help me, help all of us, put in place a presidential administration that we can be proud of, that we can look back on as one of the high points of American history. We are hungry for Obama's kind of leadership and to be involved in righting what has gone so horribly wrong these past years. Please help us.Thank you,Meredith Efken
I just was reading the CNN political ticker and saw how Hillary is now dismissing caucuses as being the result of "activist" voters and a number of her supporters have mentioned in the comments section that they feel they are unfair due to peer pressure at the actual events.
As a participant in the LD 4 Nebraska caucus I feel very strongly about the lack of truth in these statements. For starters, at our caucus location 90% of the people there had made up their mind before the event even got started, with the vast number of supporters siding with Obama. Additionally out of the dozen or so people who had not decided before arriving, they split up roughly 50-50 during the realignment. So if peer pressure had really been that important wouldn't it be much more skewed?
Anyway, I think that beyond just being strong on the issues, leadership, and many other assets needed in a President, Obama did something very important in Nebraska. He told us that we mattered, not just in his words but in his and his wife's actions. I don't care how you want to spin it, but for me personally his willingness to come here and spend the time, effort, and money needed to make a difference really was something I loved. I feel Nebraska all too often gets discounted and ignored due to our "red state" label. Yet we have one of the most respected and non-partisan Senators in Chuck Hagel. I think that Nebraska is definitely a more conservative state then some others, but I also think that for the majority of citizens here (and around the country for that matter) we are much more concerned about having leaders that are not just willing to put in the effort to gain our support, but that are honest and true to their own personal beliefs and convictions. I don't know about the rest of the Nebraskan's out there, but for me Hillary's lack of respect for us and other Midwest states is truly disgusting and shows how she is really just trying to win the election and not here to help the country come together and heal it's deep wounds.
Yes we can!
-Ian
Stick a fork in her, she’s done ?
OK, it’s way too early to talk toast of Hillary. But she did get fried yesterday (to completely mix cooking metaphors).
Obama swept the Louisiana, Nebraska, and Washington primaries and caucuses by large margins yesterday. Although the final count was Obama 68% and Clinton 32% statewide in Nebraska, in Metro Omaha (Congressional District One) the results were Obama 77%, Clinton 23%.
I think Obama's victory margin will be astounding in some parts of Omaha -- especially the districts with large or substantial African American communities. Live blogging reports from the Omaha World Herald yesterday talked about the size of the crowds supporting Obama dwarfing those backing Hillary at several caucuses. At one central Omaha caucus location, the overflow crowds in the Middle School were so large, organizers were forced to turn the caucus into a simple straw poll vote. The line to vote for Hillary started small and quickly disappeared while the line to vote for Obama was still backed-up outside the school and halfway around the block. Here’s a blog post from an Omaha Obama supporter that reports roughly 80% Obama, 20% Clinton results in three Omaha caucuses – and these are not even central or inner city locations. See: here
On Thursday, an overflow crowd of more 10,000 folks packed the old Omaha Civic Auditorium to hear Obama speak. Many were turned away and stood outside. Indie rock gods Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) and M. Ward performed (it was a "Bright Eyes and Barack" rally). The press talked about Obama mania overtaking the town -- dubbed "Obamaha for a Day!" see: here
Although I've lived in Boston for years, I'm originally from Omaha and very proud of my old hometown. Omaha4Obama! Thanks Obamaha.
GOBAMA !
A few days ago I started reading Obama's book, the Audacity of Hope. I bought it right before I went to a rally in Lincoln, NE where Michelle Obama spoke. The day before I got to hear Barack in Omaha, which was incredible, but Michelle was equally inspirational and very articulate and down to earth about the campaign and her views. I was even lucky enough to get her to autograph my book.
Anyway, I could go on and on about why I like Obama, in fact I have found myself asking if there is any idea or policy of his I could ever really deeply disagree with, and so far no luck.
As a young engineer I find his energy policy and his plan outlined in Washington state this week for a green economy particularly inspirational and promising. I also really liked this quote from his book "our nation has too many lawyers, and too few engineers."
I was so proud to caucus for him yesterday here in Omaha, and I am praying with all I got that he will win the nomination.
If you are already an Obama supporter (which is a pretty safe bet if you are by chance reading this blog of mine) then I highly recommend reading this book. As good as his stump-speech was here in Omaha, his prose in this book is even better. Barack will make a wonderful president and might actually inspire more people in this country to make a difference than anyone else in history.
Being a Democrat TOTALLY ROCKS!!! You guys, we are so cool!!! :) Here's my experience at the first-ever Democratic caucus in Omaha, Nebraska, legislative district #9.We dropped my daughter off at a piano festival at 9:00 this morning and hightailed it to our caucus location, Norris Middle School. Got there about 9:35, and there was already a HUGE line. The volunteers and some of the people in line were laughing about "who knew there were so many Democrats in Nebraska?"
There were lots of Hilary Clinton yard signs along the walk. The only Obama sign was a large banner, held by two lovely campaign volunteers.They had run out of blue preference cards by the time we got in the building, but they were very well organized and had already photocopied enough cards for everyone. The volunteers were SO on top of things and had clear directions for us and really knew what they were doing. It was so amazing, considering it was everyone's first time for this.We went to the gym. Obama supporters on the right, Clinton supporters on the left, with space in the back for undecided people. Here were the Clinton people--they took up about half the bleachers on their side.On OUR side of the gym, different story entirely...When we walked in, the Obama bleachers were already entirely filled. We had to stand or sit on the floor. Obama supporters, as far as the eye could see...We took up not just our side's bleachers, but over half the gym floor as well. There were not a lot of undecideds. Most of the Hilary people were older women. Some men, and a few younger people of both genders. Mostly Caucasian. I think I saw one African American man over there. The Obama side was much more diverse--some older people, some younger, some young families, African Americans, some Latinos. A lot of the Clinton people had signs--all the same, obviously had been passed out to them when they came in. Not many Obama signs, but plenty of bodies--which is the most important. :) Our state senator moderated the meeting. Lots of excitement, especially on our side of the gym (or at least the 3/4 of the gym that we had taken over.) The Clinton folks all cheered in the right places and the right times, waving their signs, but it was obvious they were severely outnumbered. We were even wondering if they'd have the necessary 15% to be viable or not!When it came time to choose group leaders, some people on our side started yelling out "Jim Esch!" That surprised me and made me very happy. Jim is the one who ran against our congressman, Lee Terry, in 2006. Obviously, he didn't win, but he had a very good showing. I didn't realize he lived in our legislative district, and it was very cool that he was there and got to be our group leader. During the speech time, the Clinton group leader read a letter from Hilary and then gave a short statement of her own about why she supports Hilary. Polite applause. Then Jim Esch spoke, and we were all trying very hard not to cheer too much because he was only given about 90 seconds to speak. Frankly, I could have given a better speech, but he did a pretty good job. Realignment #1: I think we got about half the undecideds. Some went over to Hilary's side, too. I would love to know the psychology behind that because there really was no time for either side to get into specifics on candidate positions, so this was purely an exercise in group dynamics. Then we counted. The bleacher people numbered off out loud with campaign volunteers directing. Those of us on the floor had to stand until a volunteer came by and counted us. Then we sat down. Very much like gym class in elementary school! One bizarre moment came when it was time for this lady wearing a pink hat to count off on the Obama bleacher side. Everything was relatively quiet at the moment so we wouldn't disrupt the count. Instead of saying her number, Pink Hat Lady started screaming that "Obama is a Muslim, and the Muslims blew up the World Trade Center!!!" The people around her tried to shut her up, but she just kept shouting and disrupting the meeting. Finally several people, including a petite blond woman, shoved her out the gym doors (to the outside, I think) and slammed the door behind her, to much shouting and applause from the rest of us. One woman near us said, "Democracy at its finest, right there!" :) Pink Hat Lady was totally psycho. Final count was 1,062 supporters for Obama, and 300-something for Clinton. Percentages were 78% Obama, 22% Clinton.
There were about 15 undecideds remaining, so the campaign volunteers went to speak with them. We got about half of those folks, I think. One person remained undecided, so that vote was forfeited.That meant that out of the 10 delegates our district was allowed to send, Obama got 8 and Clinton got 2. Each group decided who those delegates to the county convention would be, and we turned in our preference cards. And then it was over! It was so much fun! Lots of cheering, lots of shouting. Really positive energy and enthusiasm. I think everyone, even the Clinton supporters, came away with a sense of pride about being Democrats. It was encouraging to see our neighbors and friends (I saw several people I knew, mostly on the Obama side) and realize that no matter how it feels at times, we are not the only Democrats in the state. There are a lot of us.I'm hearing from other people in the state today that what happened at our location is similar to what is happening at other locations. At least in the Omaha area. And the state Democratic office in Lincoln yesterday ran out of voter registration forms because they had so many people registering or switching party registration. Most of those people, from what I've heard, were signing up so they could vote for Obama. I don't know what is happening in the western/rural parts of the state, but at this point, it looks to me like we may be able to give Nebraska to Barack Obama.GOBAMA!!!
Barack swept District 10.
998 people showed up. We had to caucus outside instead of in the tiny grade school gym. The county was not prepared for so many people. It was nuts, but it was fun.
998 Total
788 Barack
210 Hilary
Barack got 9 delegates, Hillary 3.
I'm so fired up! Awesome. Yes we can!!!
My parents and 17 year old brother (first chance to vote in his life, 18 in July) caucused in District 18. They said the unofficial results were similar. 1000 caucusing, 800 for Barack, 200 for Clinton.
A friend in District 6 reported simliar results. 1000 caucusing, 800 for Barack, 200 for Clinton.
Okay Louisiana, Nebraska and Washington! Now it is your turn to show the Clinton machine that we mean business. I hope to watch the returns Saturday with victories in all three states. YES WE CAN!
Ask a neighbor or even a stranger if they need a ride to let their voice be heard. Knock on doors throughout the day and make phone calls as well to get people out to the correct location. Yes WE CAN!
This is our time America and we will not be shut down, turned down, or let down. We will be uplifted and our vocies will be heard. There are millions of us supporting this campaign in millions of ways. Now is our time! YES WE CAN!
I believe....do YOU?
Opening Quote: "Barack Obama has inspired Americans to reengage in the political process, and I'm proud to join his campaign." Omaha Mayor, Mike Fahey
Are we up to the scrutiny? What do you think? Even if our delegates are split, it's a milestone event, Nebraska is for the 1st time, showing it has something important to say.
Events: OBAMA at Omaha Civic AuditoriumFeb 7, 2008 at 3:30 PM Obama Friday Stand Down at the Offutt AFB Patriot Club - 1600 hrs to 1730 hrs in the Raiders Lounge..Feb 8, 2008 at 4:00 PM O is for Obama - O Street RallyFeb 8, 2008 at 6:00 PM Sarpy County Caucus LocationFeb 9, 2008 at 12:00 PM
OBAMA at Omaha Civic AuditoriumFeb 7, 2008 at 3:30 PM Obama Friday Stand Down at the Offutt AFB Patriot Club - 1600 hrs to 1730 hrs in the Raiders Lounge..Feb 8, 2008 at 4:00 PM O is for Obama - O Street RallyFeb 8, 2008 at 6:00 PM Sarpy County Caucus LocationFeb 9, 2008 at 12:00 PM
President Carter was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal and had some nice things to say about Barack. No endorsement, but a big family's votes!
Video:In an interview with WSJ's Doug Blackmon, former President Jimmy Carter lavishes praise on Sen. Barack Obama, but says he won't formally endorse any candidate. (Jan. 30)http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid452319854/bctid1395217790
As I watched last night's results, I made a funny (and quite interesting) comparison of what has happened so far in Iowa and New Hampshire to the original Star Wars trilogy! Yes, I can be a big *geek*!
Iowa = A New Hope
New Hampshire = The Empire Strikes Back
South Carolina (and beyond) = Return of the Jedi!
Yes, I've compared Obama to Jedi (the good forces) and Clinton to the Empire (bad forces), but I thought it was rather clever!
GO OBAMA!
I attended the season of change rally this evening in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This is likely the last time I will see Obama before I move to MN (in a mere 4 weeks!). With all my heart I hope he has great success in IA and NH and continues on so I get another chance to see him there. Though nothing will match seeing him in small venues in Iowa and actually getting to shake the man's hand and tell him he's given me hope.
If I could motivate myself to change the way I'm motivated by Barack to believe we can change this country, I think I'd feel like the bionic woman. :)
All my photos from today's rally are here. My whole Obama set is here.
I am FIRED UP and READY TO GO. My fellow Obama supporters across the river in Iowa, we're depending on you January 3rd!
