Organizing for America | Sam Graham-Felsen's Blog: Q&A with Samantha Power

Q&A with Samantha Power

By Sam Graham-Felsen - Sep 14th, 2007 at 5:13 pm EDT

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Tags: Foreign policy, Iraq

Samantha Power is a professor at the Kennedy School of Government and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “A Problem from Hell,” which explores genocide and American foreign policy in the 20th century. Today, I spoke with Power, who is currently serving as a foreign policy advisor to Senator Obama, about Barack's Iraq plan and his potential to bring about a new direction for American foreign policy.

First of all, can you tell us how you decided to become an advisor to Senator Obama?

I have tried just about every means I have at my disposal to try to convince foreign policy-makers to consider the human consequences of their decision-making. I teach at the Kennedy School of Government, I write books, I give lectures, I'm on boards of first-class NGOs. I had never really considered going into government or getting involved in electoral politics. But then I met Barack.

When Obama came on the scene, I was floored by his combination of deep, ingrained principle and intellectual rigor. It was unusual to meet a person who didn’t simply accept and regurgitate received wisdom, but who pushed back. And when I then watched him inspire Americans into believing that they could be a part of making change, I was further impressed. Principle, rigor, and inspiration don’t usually come in the same package. And given the gravity of the world’s challenges at present, they seemed urgently needed.

I thought to myself, if your aim is to change the world, you can try to change it yourself in your own limited way, in your own small world. Or occasionally, rarely, perhaps once in a lifetime, somebody comes along who so ignites the imagination and convinces you of their potential and their leadership and you say, ok forget your day job, this is more important. I met Barack for the first time in the spring of 2005 and was surprised to hear myself tell him at our first meeting that I was prepared to leave my job at Harvard and come work for him in his Senate office, which I did in 2005 and 2006. Now that he’s running for the office we most need him in, I do what I can behind the scenes as part of his foreign policy team.

Can you talk about the run-up to the war in Iraq? What do you make of Barack's early opposition?

Today, people are having a hard time remembering just how one-sided the “debate” was in this country in the run-up to the war and just how rare it was for people in the mainstream media and political culture to take a public stand in opposition to the war. Even at Harvard, the foreign policy herd all went in favor of the war. Opposing the war was very isolating, even at a liberal institution like that one.

What deserves emphasizing about Barack is not simply that he had the judgment and prescience to oppose the war when his leading rivals in this race lined up behind the administration, but that he was prepared to stand up and criticize the invasion while he was fighting for his political life in his campaign for Senate. Today, because the war is deeply unpopular, it's easy for people to say 'oh, good for Obama, he opposed the war, everyone opposes the war.' It befits all of us to go back in time and reflect on just how marginalizing it was for him to make the choice he did.

All of the political winds were blowing in the other direction and I'm sure that any wise political consultant would have told Barack that it would be dangerous for him to oppose a war that our leaders and pundits were predicting would be a “cakewalk.” This episode underscores both his ability to weigh costs and benefits more shrewdly than most in our political culture, and his willingness to endure political costs in order to do the right thing.

Continue reading after the jump for Power's thoughts on Barack's Iraq plan and his overall vision for a new foreign policy.

Let's talk about Barack's plan to turn the page in Iraq. What do you think distinguishes Barack's approach on Iraq from the rest of the field?

Barack Obama moves us away, again and again, from the false dichotomies that pervade our politics. In the Iraq debate right now it often feels as if you have, on one side, the President and his supporters who are in total denial about what's happening on the ground. They claim that this catastrophic war can all be turned around by US troops, and they warn of the calamitous consequences of withdrawing – sectarian violence against civilians, heightened Iranian influence, an al Qaeda foothold, without ever so much as acknowledging that these are the present realities in Iraq, precipitated by the US invasion and occupation. But on the other side of the political divide at home, we hear from those who support withdrawal that US forces are the source of all of Iraq's problems, with the implication that that once we get out the mess will clean itself up, or, even if it doesn’t sort itself, its not our problem. The debate seems to lunge between denialism on the one side and indifference to consequences on the other.

Obama is busting out of this false dichotomy, and saying, responsibly, “look, we need to begin withdrawing immediately, we were totally wrong to go in, but instead of simply asserting there won’t be any strategic or humanitarian consequences to our exit, let's begin right now to do all we can to mitigate those consequences.” Closing our eyes and ears and suspending thought about withdrawal until it occurs isn't smart or humane, so can we begin to do consequence mitigation now? That means planning a counter-terrorism residual force, bringing in international partners, using what leverage we have in Iraq and in the region to ensure minorities are less vulnerable when we leave, talking to our foes to try to neutralize their negative influence, helping neighboring countries shoulder the mounting burden of this war, etc..

This plan reflects Barack's ability to take responsibility for difficult challenges -- to not wish away complications but embrace them and try to resolve things as best he can. I think it reflects, on a micro and macro level, his longstanding belief that none of the essential transnational problems that exist on the horizon—counter-terrorism, non- proliferation, you name it—can be solved by military force alone. He recognizes that we need a surge in political action, a surge in diplomacy within Iraq when it comes to bringing the Sunni on board, and it isn’t US troops who should be responsible for that surge in diplomacy. For too long we have asked the US military to bear the burden of stabilizing Iraq. They have done what has been asked of them, but it is long past time to acknowledge that Iraq’s stabilization hangs not on the US military’s performance but on Iraqi political compromise. However unlikely that compromise seems at present, the only way to increase the odds of it happening is to use all the tools in the American toolbox – diplomatic, political, and economic.

How will Barack work with other countries to help stabilize Iraq?

Obama's is the first plan that actually is willing to provide tangible resources to Iraq's neighbors, which have themselves suffered the spillover of Iraq. His plan recognizes that we can't just snap our fingers and expect regional powers to run to the table and offer help to the United States or to Iraqi stability —that we've got to incentivize their cooperation. These people are deeply nervous about what the influx of Iraqi refugees is going to mean in their countries. His plan says, 'Look we recognize that we invaded this country. Iraq’s neighbors, you are the countries dealing with the humanitarian consequences of our invasion. You are the ones facing two million refugees pouring into your borders, and we are going to help you.'

He understands that the humanitarian dimension of Iraq – which the Bush administration hasn't dealt with at all -- is fundamentally a strategic dimension, a national security dimension. Barack knows that we need to get beyond the false dichotomy between our interests and our values. The refugees are a moral problem but they are also a strategic problem. That fragile sectarian demographic balance in the region is something that will implicate US interests for generations to come. And we're not going to get support from Iraq's neighbors if they don't feel like they're getting support from us in grappling with the colossal domestic challenge of managing the arrival of two million Iraqis.

Can you point to specific leadership qualities in Senator Obama that will help him turn the page not only in Iraq, but in foreign policy generally?

If you look at his record in the US Senate and State Senate, what stands out is his ability to work with un-likeminded people—to go into a room and find overlapping terrain and forge compromise. His record of bipartisanship is remarkable. That's just the kind of capacity for compromise -- for extracting concessions where they're not expected -- that one needs in the field of international diplomacy.

The fact that he's of the world -- that he's half-Kenyan, speaks a fair amount of Indonesian, speaks pidgin Swahili, is comfortable in the world and doesn't have an insular perspective -- is going to make a huge difference in terms of his ability to do diplomatic work and listen to other perspectives. It doesn't mean he will defer to those perspectives, but if the next president is to pursue the US national interests in a globalized world, the president better understand those perspectives. As he has made clear in the debate over whether we should talk to our enemies, Obama knows that by being in the room he will not sacrifice his principles. He knows that he can be tough while being in the room. And he is tired of the counterproductive habit of lumping US foes together. He wants to pry them apart, but to do so, we have to improve our understanding, and we have to lose our reputation for arrogance.

For all of the mistrust of the United States right now, people in Darfur, Iran, Indonesia, and even Iraq aren’t sitting around hoping for another superpower to come on the scene. The very depth of their anti-Americanism is a sign that they have retained the capacity to be disappointed by the United States. Despite all that has happened, they still expect more from us.

When Obama goes out into the world as President and shows that different face of the United States—a much humbler face but a very confident face, one that's very proud to be American but understands that it is American to listen to others and that it advances the national interest to tackle transnational threats collaboratively and to promote individual dignity -- the United States will be on the road to restoring its leadership and enhancing its security.

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thank you samantha power for your public service | Report to Admin

By lionanimal Sep 14th 2007 at 8:14 pm EDT

Thank you Samantha power and barack obama for your public service to citizens of Earth.

Re: thank you samantha power for your public service | Report to Admin

By EM doing her part to bend the arc Sep 14th 2007 at 8:50 pm EDT

It is extremely important to feature the brilliant minds working on this campaign. America needs to see what kind of talent Obama attacts. When I speak of Obama to others, I often say that he is the one capable to do this - to bring the most capable and gifted people into governing our country who never had interest in doing so. Thanks Samantha - for proving me right!

Re: thank you samantha power for your public service | Report to Admin

By bryan lovsness Sep 14th 2007 at 10:26 pm EDT

we need to GET MAD RE: the war in Iraq and bombard the Senators that are fence-hangers with e-mails, faxes, phone calls - also those of you with MySpace can embed any of the videos on here easily into your site and then your friends will be exposed to Barack too..THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT HAVING THE VOTES...it is not doing the will of the people in the last election...whoever gets past this ROADBLOCK and gets the VOTE needed will TRULY be a UNIFIER and deserves to be President..hopefully it will be Barack.

Why is this not the site's front page lead story... | Report to Admin

By John from Brooklyn, NY Sep 15th 2007 at 5:11 pm EDT

...on the day of Clinton's Wes Clark endorsement?

It is hard to see what value a "trailer" on the Harkin Steak Fry adds on this of all days. While Clinton is using Clark's endorsement to push her commander-in-chief credentials, the punchline of the steak fry video is to push the "rock star" narrative, which only reinforces the notion that Obama is more style than substance.

The campaign has to leverage its best resources at every moment.

Messaging matters.

Re: Why is this not the site's front page lead story... | Report to Admin

By Luevonia "Hussein" Williams Sep 15th 2007 at 5:34 pm EDT

John,

I tried to bring up the same issue on this blog last weekend, only to get told by most of the respondents on here that I was being too negative, and some even doubted that I was a true supporter of Barack.

But, I agree with you (and a few others on this blog, who have realized what we have realized), that the issue of Barack's so-called (and notice that I said so-called, because I think that he is qualified in foreign policy matters), must get more press and serious discussion on this blog.

Because you are right, that with Wesley Clark's endorsement of Hillary, it will unfortunetly make her look even more experienced in foreign policy matters. And, she is not the one with the hill to climb on that issue, Barack is. Hillary has a harder hill to climb than Obama on the issue of "change". And, so far, she seems to be making more inroads with the undecides on her percieved weak spot of "not being for change", than Obama has been making on his percieved weak spot of "lack of foriegn policy experience"!

So, the members of this blog (and other supporter of Barack's out there), need to get used to the questioning by some people about Barack's so-called lack of foriegn policy experience.

Again, I don't think that Barack is weak on foriegn policy, but Hillary (and others), have so far been suceeding somewhat in suggesting to people (especially undecideds), that Barack lacks sufficient foriegn policy experience.

Re: Why is this not the site's front page lead story... | Report to Admin

By Lorraine Sep 15th 2007 at 6:06 pm EDT

It's up because that's the next event on the campaign trail. Wesley Clark endorsing Hillary Clinton is what it is. He was not going to endorse Senator Obama anyway. I don't get the problem you are having with the front page.

Re: Why is this not the site's front page lead story... | Report to Admin

By John from Brooklyn, NY Sep 16th 2007 at 7:41 pm EDT

Although I don't agree that "the next event on the campaign trail" always deserves to be the lead story on the front page, I do see that the Harkin Steak Fry was an important opportunity to demonstrate organizational strength in Iowa and thus was worth promoting for a day or so.

My larger point goes to the question of what a campaign Web site is for. Surely, the whole point of the lead story, News, Issues, BarackTV, and HQ Blog functions is that they are to work together to educate, persuade, and inspire existing and prospective supporters with the best-quality information, news, and opinion about Barack Obama, his campaign, and what he hopes to do as President.

At every moment, decisions must be made about WHICH information, news, and opinion best advances Obama's chances of getting to the White House. The collective impact of these decisions is the essence of message control. And the Clinton machine is supremely disciplined at it.

Whatever the merits of the Harkin Steak Fry video, the fact is, it was posted at the same moment as Clinton rolled out Clark's endorsement. And she is rolling out healthcare proposals tomorrow. Both of these appear more substantive -- more presidential -- than does Tom Harkin calling Barack Obama a rock star and an Obama logo made into a brand for a T-bone steak. Not that they necessarily are more substantive -- but they appear that way.

Again: Message control.

Which brings me back to my original question: What is the point of conducting a fairly extended interview with Samantha Power -- a respected Harvard foreign policy expert, a next-generation progressive, and an influential woman within Obama's campaign -- if only to bury it as a blog post that is already off the home page and that only a handful of people will ever see?

Re: Why is this not the site's front page lead story... | Report to Admin

By Mehari Sep 15th 2007 at 6:21 pm EDT

Clark's endorsement is NO NEWS. I like the guy but he worked for Clinton and more importantly he is from Arkansas. It would have taken extraordinary courage for him to endorse Obama given the above facts. Colin Powell's recent comment describing Obama "A TRANSFORMATIONAL CANDIDATE" is a much more significant news than Clark's news given Powell is not even a democrat.

In the coming months many people are to endorse our candidate or the other candidates depending on their policy,geographic affiliation or friendship. And not all endorsements are significant;some are more important than others.

Each time somebody endorses Hillary we can't get nervous, doubtful and question Obama's qualification. Especially, Leuvonia few months ago you raised your doubts frequently but I thought we reassured you and you were fully on board. Now your doubt is reemerging again.

Again my advice is RELAX!!

Keep your eyes on the prize!!

Re: Why is this not the site's front page lead story... | Report to Admin

By Nancy M. Sep 15th 2007 at 7:45 pm EDT

Mehari, thanks for mentioning that about Colin Powell. I had not been aware of that comment so I did a google search and found an article on the interview.

Double thanks because I am using a comment from that article in my personal fundraising letter.

Re: thank you samantha power for your public service | Report to Admin

By Carol-STL-MO Sep 15th 2007 at 1:47 am EDT

A true visionary -- extrordinary
A working team with true vision -- brilliant

Ms Powers is a real asset to the Obama campaign

Re: thank you samantha power for your public service | Report to Admin

By JohnAbdulMalikShabazzHussein From Reno Sep 15th 2007 at 2:41 am EDT

Is there some published detailed set of Obama's logic behind his opposition to the war on Iraq ? I would like to see what his reasoning was. Myself and a friend of mine from Ethiopia actually supported this mistaken path of the war on Iraq due to our attitudes toward Sadaam Hussein. Both of us now recognize the fallacy of this. I want a president who can protect us from narrowness of thought that revenge can create. We need someone who can apply wisdom and pragmatism to our actions in the world. We are truly blessed by the Creator to have someone like Barack Obama to step up and make the sacrifices needed to become our president. Between him and his incredible wife they could live a very comfortable life far from the spot light. Instead they have given us a chance to move forward in the 21st century by sacrificing their privacy in this effort and becoming the conduits of common sense we desperately need. Brains in the White House again !! If for some reason the American people are bamboozled, I would definitely hope that Barack would take the third party route. There is no other choice that can restore this country and move us ahead. Thank you Samantha for your wisdom.

Re: thank you samantha power for your public service | Report to Admin

By Diamond -- IrishAmericansForObama Sep 15th 2007 at 12:20 pm EDT

John, I believe Barack's speech at the 2002 anti-war rally explains his opposition to the war.

Link

The answer to your question might be the quotes in bold.

Re: thank you samantha power for your public service | Report to Admin

By Athena Sep 15th 2007 at 10:58 am EDT

This part of her statements is especially compelling to me:

"Or occasionally, rarely, perhaps once in a lifetime, somebody comes along who so ignites the imagination and convinces you of their potential and their leadership and you say, ok forget your day job, this is more important."

Re: thank you samantha power for your public service | Report to Admin

By Slim Sep 15th 2007 at 11:32 am EDT

Well defined language...I will send this to all of my friends.

Change | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Sep 14th 2007 at 8:29 pm EDT

Delia Y. just got home.
What's Going On...

Link

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Sep 14th 2007 at 8:31 pm EDT

War...

Link

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Sep 14th 2007 at 8:33 pm EDT

Blowing In The Wind...

Link

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Sep 14th 2007 at 8:34 pm EDT

Sorry, Blowing In The Wind...

Link

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Foreigner Sep 14th 2007 at 9:04 pm EDT

Did you see this, Strong Heart? Inspired by you:-) Link

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Delia Y. Sep 14th 2007 at 10:09 pm EDT

Thanks, Foreigner! That was a great find. Did'nt really know Senator Obama's preferences in music. Beautiful ecletic taste and marvelous choices from a wide of music genres . . . from Miles Davis and John Coltrane to JS Bach. Fabulous!. Thanks, for pitching in and assisting Maestro Strong Heart! Vaya con Dios, Delia Y.

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Delia Y. Sep 14th 2007 at 10:04 pm EDT

Dear Strong Heart:

Elation!!! Joy!!! Wonderful!! The trilogy!
What an infusion of inspiration! Nothing uplifts like music. Nothing communicates like lyrics laid down to masterful music!! Thank you, thank you, for the concert. This performance by Marvin Gaye is superb . . . he's at the keyboards no less. And Edwin Starr's vocals are as resounding and riveting as thunder. I'm glad you posted the duet of Joan Baez and Bob Dylan; they performed so many times on the same bill. Thank you for getting in and supplying this blog's daily dose of adrenalin!! Now, we fired up, and ready to go!! Delia Y.

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Sep 14th 2007 at 10:10 pm EDT

Every society on earth has three things in common, Myth, Music, and Children...

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Carol-STL-MO Sep 15th 2007 at 1:50 am EDT

Beautiful

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Carol-STL-MO Sep 15th 2007 at 1:55 am EDT

Strong Heart,

Do you ever get the feeling that Obama is going to give us a 4th reason ???? --- I do

Re: Change | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Sep 15th 2007 at 7:20 am EDT

Hope!!!

I'm in love | Report to Admin

By MarkieBee Sep 14th 2007 at 8:36 pm EDT

...with Samantha Power...tell me more about foreign policy Sam (heavy sigh).

Man, what a post! She's so dead on, as is Obama. Once people start paying attention they'll see that Obama is telling people what they need to hear and not necessarily what they want to hear. That is so refreshing. For Obama to tell the auto execs that they need to suck it up and help out the environment even if that means a short-term hit to the bottom line was risky but I bet you he earned their respect. To tell a large group of African Americans that there are some black cultural problems they need to deal with rather than always playing the victim was extremely risky, but I bet you they listened and he earned their respect.

Perhaps Ms. Power can get out from behind the scenes and start appearing on talk shows across the country to basically say the exact same things she mentioned here in this post. I think her words are Power-ful, but most importantly, they're the truth. And the Barack will set you free.

Re: I'm in love | Report to Admin

By Sharon Sep 14th 2007 at 8:50 pm EDT

Markie: I agree! Get Samantha on Meet the Press!

Re: I'm in love | Report to Admin

By Foreigner Sep 14th 2007 at 9:08 pm EDT

She put it very well, I thought

"... Principle, rigor, and inspiration don’t usually come in the same package..."

Re: I'm in love | Report to Admin

By Carol-STL-MO Sep 15th 2007 at 1:52 am EDT

She certainly did

Excellent Post | Report to Admin

By Sharon Sep 14th 2007 at 8:39 pm EDT

I think this should be mandatory reading for every U.S. citizen. Not only does it remind us of the courage it took to denounce the war in the first place, it reminds us that Barack Obama now has the foresight to plan for the humanitarian needs when we leave, whether it be now or 10 years from now.

I have not forgotten how it felt to be opposed to this war from the beginning. I remember feeling that it was going to be a disaster of tremendous proportion and that George Bush would go down in history as the worst president this nation has ever seen. I remember being called unpatriotic for expressing these views. I remember being called anti american because I didn't want to see American lives lost every day on the evening news.

It is Barack Obama's wisdom and courage that draw me to this campaign. I liken it to a "calling", because I can't stand back and not try to help this candidate get to the White House where we need him so greatly.

As I head out for tomorrows canvassing activities and BBQ for Barack, I will take these thoughts with me.

Re: Excellent Post | Report to Admin

By Jeff Larson Sep 15th 2007 at 1:01 am EDT

Hi Sharon,

I remember also what it was like. I was sick with worry at all the risks that Washington leaders were willing to ignore in order to go after the mythical WMD. By late 2002 I was reading foreign web sites for news more than American news outlets because somehow American media seemed blind to many relevant facts.

The only bright light in the whole time was when I got to hear Barack Obama and Studs Terkel in person at Federal Plaza in Chicago. I've never forgotten how great his speech was. (Link )

I wanted to be a witness to the truth in a time of overwhelming war hysteria. And I promised myself I could never support anyone who voted to authorize force in Iraq. I remember how bad it was and how many Dem leaders caved (Kerry, Clinton, Edwards, etc.). I've kept my promise so far...

Re: Excellent Post | Report to Admin

By Carol-STL-MO Sep 15th 2007 at 2:02 am EDT

Sharon,

When you head out tomorrow ( with that "calling" in your mind & spirit) ---you're certainly going to have a successful, great day.

Positive feelings --- bring positive results !!!

Re: Excellent Post | Report to Admin

By Sharon Sep 15th 2007 at 7:59 pm EDT

Hi Jeff and Carol: Thanks for your comments. I am looking forward to the "Countdown to Change" event in DC on Tuesday. It will be my first event where Barack Obama is speaking. I'm very excited to have my battery re-charged with inspiration! Have a good weekend.

Re: Excellent Post | Report to Admin

By Carol-STL-MO Sep 16th 2007 at 7:56 pm EDT

Sharon,

Hope you are enjoying a wonderful week-end also.

Vital | Report to Admin

By Jennifer Hussein White ----"On to the White House with Senators Obama/Biden" Sep 14th 2007 at 8:40 pm EDT

How can we distrubute/circulate this Q&A of Samantha Powers in every county throughtout the country?

Re: Vital | Report to Admin

By Betsy Butler Sep 15th 2007 at 12:46 am EDT

We can email links to the Samantha Power interview page to our local, and regional, and national newspapers! If a newspaper has a web page they generally have a contact page where they list email addresses for their newsroom /editors / reporters.
It's probably a good idea to write a short note with your link...tell them why you think this interview is important for their readers to know about!
I plan to send out bunches!!

Re: Vital | Report to Admin

By Sam Graham-Felsen Sep 15th 2007 at 12:10 pm EDT

Great idea Betsy -- you can also join groups and add friends on my.BarackObama.com and make sure they see it as well by sending it along to them!

Re: Vital | Report to Admin

By shawnmarie Sep 15th 2007 at 3:38 pm EDT

Great interview with Ms. Powers Sam. I think it's remarkable that someone with her qualities, talent, and views that when she speaks of meeting Obama for the first time she spoke of leaving her day job to work for him because of the impact he had on her!

Power | Report to Admin

By Strong Heart Sep 14th 2007 at 8:46 pm EDT

A superpower is coming on the scene, a power to fight poverty, a power to fight illness, a power that fights indifference that will make a difference, a power that will convey peace and not convoy war, The Power Of The People!!!

Re: Power | Report to Admin

By Sharon Sep 14th 2007 at 8:52 pm EDT

Yes!

And thanks for all of the wonderful music links. They are great inspiration.

Re: Power | Report to Admin

By Carol-STL-MO Sep 15th 2007 at 2:16 am EDT

Strong Heart,

I'm a music lover ( have a great system at home--)& years ago use to have a huge record collection).

Just wanted to let you know ( even though I do NOT have speakers/audio on my current computer) I hear the music you play for us---I hear it with my soul.

Yes (Before you ask) my favorite is Jazz !!

President Obama | Report to Admin

By Asmeret, a proud member of the Millennium Movement that will deliver Obama to the White House Sep 14th 2007 at 8:50 pm EDT

Hi everyone,

For the first time I am speechless.I have been campaigning since he declared his candidacy and I am seeing the fruits of my labour.Every Obama supporter I spoke to, are promoting him to their family and friends and all I hear and see is how Obama has inspired them,so much so some are now taking an active role in their community for the first time and starting voter registration drives just like Obama during his community organizer days.

I am speechless as I am seeing history in the making.I am getting nothing but positive energy and most crucially,POSITIVE ACTION!

These people know what is at stake here.They keep saying time and time again after they got to know his life story and achievements so far,HE IS THEIR LEADER-NOT JUST THEIR PRESIDENT BUT THEIR LEADER!

A BORN LEADER WHO IS CONNECTING WITH THE PEOPLE.

HISTORY IS IN THE MAKING AND IT IS SO HUMBLING TO TALK TO THESE PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR STORIES,FEARS BUT THEIR HOPE,WOW IM SPEECHLESS,THEIR HOPE IS WHAT HUMBLES ME.

PRESIDENT OBAMA KNOWS THIS IS WHAT DRIVES PEOPLE

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE NO MATTER HOW BLEAK THE PRESENT.

HOPE COUPLED WITH UNITY, INTELLIGENCE,ETHICS, SOUND JUDGEMENT,EMPATHY AND COURAGE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.

OH MY LORD AS I WRITE THIS I JUST SAW OBAMA IN A RERUN OF AN ABC REPORT ABOUT MOVE-ONS GENERAL 'BETRAY US'PETRAUS ADVERT IN NEW YORK TIMES.

President Obama is already written in our hearts.
HOW MUCH COURAGE DOES AMERICANS HAVE TO MAKE IT REALITY? IM ALREADY WITNESSING IT.

:)

Asmeret

IN OBAMA WE TRUST