When certain words are repeated over and over again, they tend to lose their meaning. Nobody likes catchphrases; no one’s a fan of clichés. All of us are sick of hearing politicians spew hackneyed slogans and hollow promises. To be honest, I’ve been repeating myself a little bit lately, too. I’ve been saying that this campaign is different—that it’s really about you—a lot. I’ve been saying it so much, I fear, that the genuine meaning behind these words may not be getting through.
I’m sorry to repeat myself again, but I have to, because there’s no better way for me to describe what’s going on here.This campaign is different.We’ve almost reached our goal of 100,000 donations from 75,000 different supporters. We’re not as concerned about the financial numbers as we are about the number of human beings who are doing what they can to help. And that number has been frankly astounding.I wanted to talk to some of the people behind these numbers. So I called a dozen or so of them this afternoon. I didn’t talk to huge donors, but working people, who gave what they could because they really believe in this campaign.
I asked them why they gave. This is what some of them told me.Brad H., Maintenance Worker, Charlestown, South Carolina
It’s a long story and a short answer. In 1968, I was in Fort Louis, Washington going through basic training and someone told me Bobby Kennedy was shot. That pretty much popped my balloon until now. But Obama, well I think Obama is the real deal.
Kathy M., School Librarian, Baldwin City, Kansas:
I have never donated to a campaign before this. He’s just different. He seems honest, not like most politicians, who you don’t trust. He just seems like a fresh voice.
Gene E., Retired Teacher, Dakota Dunes, South Dakota
I’m 70 years old and I’ve seen a lot of Democrats coming through. He’s our best hope since John Kennedy. He’s bright, he’s concerned, he’s helped the poor in the South Side of Chicago. When I was a young guy I lived in Chicago. For him to spend so much time there in the South Side-- to help those people when he could've been out pursuing a big career— it’s really commendable. I went in the military so I could help my kids go to college. I stayed in for the health insurance. I’ve got good health insurance through the military but there’s no reason why everybody shouldn’t have health insurance like me. Every citizen should be getting something that can help them stay healthy.I’m also a believer that nobody should come out of college with debt. I had the GI Bill, I went to school and I had a family and worked a night job, and I made it. Now, even if you wanna work you still come out with debt. So yeah, I think he’s our best hope. His life wasn’t a simple life, but he understands all of these families and what they’re going through all over America.
Mrs. E., Dakota Dunes, South Dakota
He’s the only straight-talker out there and we can’t wait to have him. You can just tell he’s sincere. He doesn’t talk like the rest of ‘em. I just think he can do the job.
Hector C., Investment Banker, San Francisco
It’s just refreshing to hear someone who’s not motivated by lobbyists and the corrupt system. I have the opinion that our entire system is corrupt even though it’s the best the world has to offer. Obama’s got a refreshing viewpoint — his emphasis is on people. He believes people are the catalyst for change.
Joshua G., Truck Driver, Bluff City Tennessee
I’ve listened to Barack Obama for a long time. Within the past month and a half I bought his audiobook The Audacity of Hope. Truth be told, Mr. Obama is the first person in a long time who I can truly say speaks for me.
Shaun R., Carpenter, New Orleans
I think he can do a lot for the country. He knows what’s going on, it’s as simple as that. Do I think he could do good things for New Orleans? Well, honestly, I hadn’t even thought about that—I was just thinking about what he could do for our nation. But come to think of it, yeah, I think he could do a lot for us here in New Orleans. We’re all still dealing with the hurricane here. Kathy had an oak tree fall on the back of the house during the hurricane and I’ve been working on that. Yeah, I think he could really help us out here.
Monique B., Colorado Springs, Colorado
I just feel like represents my views on the Iraq war. My husband has been sent to Iraq twice and is probably scheduled to go again and I’m not really too happy about that. Obama was against the war to begin with and he can help get us out and that’s so important to me.
This campaign is different.
Be a part of it.
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