Hacienda Heights * Half Moon Bay * Hamilton City * Hanford * Happy Camp * Harbor City * Harmony * Hat Creek * Hathaway Pines * Hawaiian Gardens * Hawthorne * Hayfork * Hayward * Healdsburg * Heber * Helendale * Helm * Hemet * Herald * Hercules * Herlong * Hermosa Beach * Hesperia * Hickman * Highland * Hilmar * Hinkley * Hollister * Holt * Holtville * Holy City * Homeland * Homewood * Honeydew * Hood * Hoopa * Hopland * Hornbrook * Hornitos * Hughson * Hume * Huntington Beach * Huntington Park * Huron * Hyampom * Hydesville * Idyllwild * Igo * Imperial * Imperial Beach * Independence * Indian Wells * Indio * Inglewood * Inverness * Inyokern * Ione * Irvine * Isleton * Ivanhoe * Jackson * Jacumba * Jamestown * Jamul * Janesville * Jenner * Johannesburg * Jolon * Joshua Tree * Julian * Junction City * June Lake * Kaweah * Keeler * Keene * Kelseyville * Kentfield * Kenwood * Kerman * Kernville * Kettleman City * Keyes * King City * Kings Beach * Kings Canyon National Park * Kingsburg * Kirkwood * Kit Carson * Klamath * Klamath River * Kneeland * Knights Landing * Knightsen * Korbel * Kyburz * La Canada Flintridge * La Crescenta * La Grange * La Habra * La Honda * La Jolla * La Mesa * La Mirada * La Palma * La Presa * La Puente * La Quinta * La Verne * Ladera Ranch * Lafayette * Laguna Beach * Laguna Hills * Laguna Niguel * Lagunitas * Lake Arrowhead * Lake City * Lake Elsinore * Lake Forest * Lake Hughes * Lake Isabella * Lake of the Woods * Lakehead * Lakeport * Lakeshore * Lakeside * Lakewood * Lamont * Lancaster * Landers * Larkspur * Lathrop * Laton * Lawndale * Laytonville * Le Grand * Lebec * Lee Vining * Leggett * Lemon Cove * Lemon Grove * Lemoore * Lewiston * Likely * Lincoln * Lincoln Acres * Linden * Lindsay * Litchfield * Little Lake
Aberdeen * Adairville * Adolphus * Ages Brookside * Albany * Alexandria * Allegre * Allen * Allensville * Almo * Alpha * Alvaton * Anchorage * Annville * Argillite * Arjay * Arlington * Artemus * Ary * Ashcamp * Asher * Ashland * Athol * Auburn * Audobon Park * Augusta * Aurora * Austin * Auxier * Avawam * Bagdad * Bakerton * Bandana * Banner * Barbourville * Bardstown * Bardwell * Barlow * Baskett * Battletown * Baxter * Bays * Bear Branch * Beattyville * Beaumont * Beauty * Beaver * Beaver Dam * Bedford * Bee Spring * Beech Creek * Beech Grove * Beechmont * Belcher * Belfry * Bellefonte * Bellevue * Belton * Benham * Benton * Berea * Berry * Bethany * Bethelridge * Bethlehem * Betsy Layne * Beverly * Bevinsville * Big Clifty * Big Creek * Big Laurel * Big Sandy * Big Spring * Bighill * Bimble * Blackey * Blackford * Blaine * Bledsoe * Bloomfield * Blue River * Boaz * Bonnieville * Bonnyman * Booneville * Boons Camp * Boston * Bowen * Bowling Green * Bradfordsville * Brandenburg * Breeding * Bremen * Brodhead * Bromley * Bronston * Brooklyn * Brooks * Brooksville * Browder * Brownsville * Bruin * Bryants Store * Bryantsville * Buckhorn * Buckner * Buechel * Buffalo * Bulan * Burdine * Burgin * Burkesville * Burlington * Burna * Burnside * Bush * Busy * Butler * Bypro * Cadiz * Calhoun * California * Calvert City * Calvin * Camp Dix * Camp Springs * Campbellsburg * Campbellsville * Campton * Canada * Cane Valley * Caneyville * Canmer * Cannel City * Cannon * Carlisle * Carrie * Carrollton * Carter * Catlettsburg * Cave City * Cave Run Lake * Cawood * Cecilia * Center * Centertown * Central City * Cerulean * Chaplin * Chappell * Chavies * Cisco * Clarkson * Clay * Clay City * Clayhole * Clearfield * Cleaton * Clermont * Clifty * Clinton * Closplint * Cloverport
This guest Field blog was written by Gabe Cohen, Field Organizer in Keene.
Hello folks,
Thanks for visiting our group page! The first few entries of this blog will detail what we've been up to so far, in case you are just joining the conversation.
An inspiring email from David, re: An Obama Event You Can SPELL!
Hello Fellow Obamafolk,On Saturday October 4th at 2:15PM myself, my family and heaps of Obama supporters will punctually descend on downtown Keene each carrying a letter or sign with a letter with the intention of spelling the word CHANGE. Imagine pumpkinfest, but switch the pumpkins with letters - one person carrying a huge paper mache"C", another wearing a sandwich board with an "H" on either side, another carrying a poster with a bright pink "A", another holding a torn piece of cardboard with "N" in black marker, another holding a huge toy snake contorted to look like a "G" and then someone with a bold "E" on their Tshirt. They meet at Railroad square, introduce themselves, and march around downtown proudly spelling "Change" along with throngs of other proud spellers.Joining this happy group will be other signs supporting Obama-Biden that say "Change You Can Believe In" and other phrases we've heard from the campaign. The campaign will also be present accepting commitments to give an hour a week of canvassing neighborhoods - making sure supporters will vote.New Hampshire continues to be a toss-up in the polls. We live in a state that could decide this election. We have to do something. So why not have some fun doing it?So please come, and bring a letter.Join our Obamagroup to receive any updates or to link with others who are coming and expand on the idea. A sub-group would like to do some singing. Another would like to make some puppets. Another is planning some sign making parties. Click below to join.Then please forward this to whoever you think would like to come. We need lots of people to come to make this true Pageantry and Spectacle. The press will be there, so wear your Saturday best.Look for posters around town. Help create a big buzz.I have taken to walking around downtown with a letter under my arm. People ask. I answer, "I'm hoping to spell something" Something we need.Hope to make Change with you on October 4th, David.
For the event sign-up page click here!http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/voterregistrationdrive/gpgh24
Saturday, Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and NARAL President Nancy Keenan kicked off a canvass at our Campaign For Change office in Keene. Over 100 people showed up to help spread Barack’s message and to hear Congresswoman Schakowsky and Nancy Keenan discuss why Barack Obama is the best choice for women in this election. Both speakers stressed the fact that Obama is a strong advocate for issues like pay equity, reproductive rights, and expanding access to health care. After kicking off the canvass, Schakowsky and Keenan headed to Keene State College on the other side of town. They walked around campus and talked to students, faculty and other members of the Keene State College community about Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s commitment to protecting the rights of women. Following the Keene State College visit, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Nancy Keenan traveled to the town of Peterborough where they held a discussion on women’s issues at the Toadstool Bookstore in town. Several dozen men and women attended the event where the two speakers addressed what was at stake for women in this election. To cap off this weekend’s events, we’re asking you to join New Hampshire Women for Obama. As members, you can receive updates on upcoming events, host and attend house parties in your community, meet other Women for Obama members, and sign up to volunteer for the campaign. In Barack’s words, Women have always made the difference in every election, and this year, your voice, your hope will be the deciding factors in forging a new future for America. Help us forge that future. Join today to help keep New Hampshire blue in 2008. Join New Hampshire Women for Obama. Thank you everyone who attended.
Saturday, Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and NARAL President Nancy Keenan kicked off a canvass at our Campaign For Change office in Keene. Over 100 people showed up to help spread Barack’s message and to hear Congresswoman Schakowsky and Nancy Keenan discuss why Barack Obama is the best choice for women in this election. Both speakers stressed the fact that Obama is a strong advocate for issues like pay equity, reproductive rights, and expanding access to health care.
After kicking off the canvass, Schakowsky and Keenan headed to Keene State College on the other side of town. They walked around campus and talked to students, faculty and other members of the Keene State College community about Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s commitment to protecting the rights of women.
Following the Keene State College visit, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Nancy Keenan traveled to the town of Peterborough where they held a discussion on women’s issues at the Toadstool Bookstore in town. Several dozen men and women attended the event where the two speakers addressed what was at stake for women in this election.
To cap off this weekend’s events, we’re asking you to join New Hampshire Women for Obama. As members, you can receive updates on upcoming events, host and attend house parties in your community, meet other Women for Obama members, and sign up to volunteer for the campaign.
In Barack’s words, Women have always made the difference in every election, and this year, your voice, your hope will be the deciding factors in forging a new future for America. Help us forge that future. Join today to help keep New Hampshire blue in 2008. Join New Hampshire Women for Obama. Thank you everyone who attended.
REP. JAN SCHAKOWSKY AND NARAL PRESIDENT NANCY KEENAN TO DISCUSS OBAMA’S COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING FOR WOMENMANCHESTER -- Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D, IL-9) and NARAL Pro-Choice America President Nancy Keenan will be in New Hampshire this Saturday, September 20th to discuss the McCain-Palin record on choice and Senator Barack Obama’s commitment to protecting women’s rights with Granite State women in Keene, Peterborough, and Manchester.“The stakes of this year’s election could not be higher for New Hampshire women and their families,” said Sandra Abrevaya, New Hampshire Communications Director. “This November, Granite State women will make a critical choice between the Obama- Biden ticket, which will fight for women’s issues on all fronts, and the McCain- Palin ticket, which wants to overturn Roe. V. Wade.” Sen. Obama has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as president. John McCain, on the other hand, received a 0% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood, and has declared his support for a constitutional amendment to ban all abortion, even in the cases of rape and incest. Rep. Schakowsky is a leading advocate for women's issues in Congress, sponsoring legislation that would prevent violence against immigrant women, establish transitional housing for women and children who are victims of abuse, and commemorate International Women's Day. During the 110th Congress, Rep. Schakowsky served as Democratic Vice Chair of the bipartisan Women's Caucus. Rep. Jan Schakowsky was elected to represent Illinois' 9th Congressional District on November 3, 1998, after serving for eight years in the Illinois State Assembly. She is in her fifth term.Nancy Keenan began her tenure as president of NARAL Pro-Choice America in December 2004. Under Nancy's leadership, NARAL Pro-Choice America launched Prevention First, a values-based initiative encouraging lawmakers to focus on commonsense ways to prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the need for abortion. A Montana native, Keenan began her career as a teacher before serving as a state legislator and the statewide elected superintendent of schools.Saturday, September 20th:10:00 a.m. Canvass Kickoff at the Keene Campaign for Change Field Office305 Park Avenue, Keene RSVP to attend at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/officialevent/gs5hmf11:00 a.m. Forum on Women’s Issues at Keene State CollegeLloyd P. Young Student Center at Keene State CollegeMountain View Room RSVP to attend at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/womenforobama/gsx4fg2:00p.m. Event on Women’s Issues Aesop’s Table (inside Toadstool Bookstore)12 Depot Street, PeterboroughRSVP to attend at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/womenforobama/gsx4cv
REP. JAN SCHAKOWSKY AND NARAL PRESIDENT NANCY KEENAN TO DISCUSS OBAMA’S COMMITMENT TO FIGHTING FOR WOMENMANCHESTER -- Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D, IL-9) and NARAL Pro-Choice America President Nancy Keenan will be in New Hampshire this Saturday, September 20th to discuss the McCain-Palin record on choice and Senator Barack Obama’s commitment to protecting women’s rights with Granite State women in Keene, Peterborough, and Manchester.“The stakes of this year’s election could not be higher for New Hampshire women and their families,” said Sandra Abrevaya, New Hampshire Communications Director. “This November, Granite State women will make a critical choice between the Obama- Biden ticket, which will fight for women’s issues on all fronts, and the McCain- Palin ticket, which wants to overturn Roe. V. Wade.” Sen. Obama has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as president. John McCain, on the other hand, received a 0% rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America and Planned Parenthood, and has declared his support for a constitutional amendment to ban all abortion, even in the cases of rape and incest. Rep. Schakowsky is a leading advocate for women's issues in Congress, sponsoring legislation that would prevent violence against immigrant women, establish transitional housing for women and children who are victims of abuse, and commemorate International Women's Day. During the 110th Congress, Rep. Schakowsky served as Democratic Vice Chair of the bipartisan Women's Caucus. Rep. Jan Schakowsky was elected to represent Illinois' 9th Congressional District on November 3, 1998, after serving for eight years in the Illinois State Assembly. She is in her fifth term.Nancy Keenan began her tenure as president of NARAL Pro-Choice America in December 2004. Under Nancy's leadership, NARAL Pro-Choice America launched Prevention First, a values-based initiative encouraging lawmakers to focus on commonsense ways to prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the need for abortion. A Montana native, Keenan began her career as a teacher before serving as a state legislator and the statewide elected superintendent of schools.Saturday, September 20th:
10:00 a.m. Canvass Kickoff at the Keene Campaign for Change Field Office305 Park Avenue, Keene RSVP to attend at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/officialevent/gs5hmf
11:00 a.m. Forum on Women’s Issues at Keene State CollegeLloyd P. Young Student Center at Keene State CollegeMountain View Room RSVP to attend at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/womenforobama/gsx4fg
2:00p.m. Event on Women’s Issues Aesop’s Table (inside Toadstool Bookstore)12 Depot Street, PeterboroughRSVP to attend at: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/womenforobama/gsx4cv
Barack Obama’s consistent message of change has caught fire with the American people and with voters here in New Hampshire. The message he brought to Keene tonight was the same message he brought to Keene when he first visited nine months ago.
Like every other crowd he spoke with today, the 1,750 Keene area residents that packed this high school on a Sunday night greeted Barack with enthusiasm and excitement.
When I arrived at Keene High School tonight, I rushed into the first room that sounded like a noisy auditorium. But while I found the crowded room I had been expecting, but it turned out to be our overflow room.
This was the overflow room.
I scurried over to the right location, spilling my coffee in my rush, and found an even bigger crowd waiting for Barack to arrive.
The Main Event.
Check back later for video highlights!
From the youthful enthusiasm of Keene State to its famously-wide Main Street, Keene is one of New Hampshire’s most distinctive towns. Obama campaign staffers, interns and volunteers have immersed themselves in the town culture. Keene supporters turned out in full force to local events like the Pumpkin Fest, talking to their friends and neighbors about their reasons for supporting Barack.
On any given night, you can find 15-20 volunteers making calls in the Keene office.
Keene volunteers leave their mark on a poster in the office.
Aaron is one of those volunteers, working full-time in the office until Primary Day. The native New Yorker is ready for a Democratic nominee who can win it all.
“His unifying message is the right message for the times,” Aaron said, “and I am going to give it my all to make sure he is the Democratic standard-bearer in this critical election.”
Visit the Keene office at 170 Emerald Street or give us a call at 603-355-2008.
Next stop: Laconia.
Keene ward captain and undeclared voter Larry Phillips is a skeptic by nature.
After growing up in a small coal town with an upbringing he recalls as “culturally confined,” Larry describes his college years as eye-opening and transformative. As an English major, Larry learned to question his beliefs and the status quo. He became a campus contrarian at his small conservative college and a conscientious objector to the war. After graduation, Larry became a junior high English teacher in a suburb of Philadelphia, starting on the path of a career in education and counseling.
“There’s a vibrancy to working as an educator that comes from the energy young people bring to the classroom,” he said.
Larry taught his students to dissect the thoughts and emotions of the characters they read about. His own fascination with human behavior led him to pursue advanced study in psychology. He worked as a counselor for over a decade, ultimately becoming an Associate Professor at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where he teaches counseling and psychology.
Throughout his career, Larry has encouraged his students to question everything. But today, Larry is moving past his cynicism to work as an Obama ward captain in Keene because he believes that with Barack as President, real change is possible.
“I’ve been disappointed in the past,” he admits, “but I want to believe that this time will be different… I have hope this time because Obama has a presidential stature that none of the other candidates can match.”
Larry adds:
Obama is authentic, which is big part of ability to reach across the aisle and reach across the ocean. This makes him a natural statesman, which I think will enable him to present an entirely different face to the world after an administration that has so much to damage our standing.
After a career in law enforcement, Keene prosecutor Eli Rivera knows the role that a strong community plays in keeping children out of trouble. A former Republican, Eli has switched parties because he believes that Barack shares his view of the importance of community in paving the road to opportunity.
“Prevention of crime starts in the home and neighborhood,” said Eli, “and as a government and community, there is a lot more that we can be doing.”
Read More >>
Today, we hosted seven roundtables for working women across the state to discuss Barack’s plan for reclaiming the American Dream for middle class families.
The participants of our roundtable discussion in Manchester
After a lifetime in public service, Barack knows that working families are getting increasingly squeezed by the rising housing, health care, education, and transportation costs. The stories shared by the women attending our roundtables today confirmed that heightened anxiety felt by parents working to stay ahead of the financial curve while spending less time with their kids.
In Rochester, Manchester, Londonderry, Concord, Jackson, Keene and Hanover, participants shared their worries about being able to save money for retirement given the rising cost of living.
Across the state, our participants agreed it’s time to do something about the fact that 75 million Americans don’t have retirement plans at work.
Barack’s plan will strengthen retirement security by automatically enrolling workers in portable retirement accounts and providing additional incentives for Americans to save. Employees will be able to opt-out by signing a waiver. This plan will better prepare families for retirement in New Hampshire, where only 42 percent of workers participate in employer-sponsored pension plans.
Read more about Barack’s plan to help working families.
Now in its seventeenth year, the Keene Pumpkin Festival is one of New Hampshire’s most well-known Fall traditions. The sight of 25,644 pumpkins stacked high and overlooking Keene from scaffolding at the intersection of Gilbo Avenue, Main Street and Railroad Square is inspiring in and of itself. But Obama supporters this year made their own presence felt with their carving artistry. These O’bama O’Lanterns not only help spread our message of change in a fun way, it goes to show how we have made ourselves at home here in the Granite State.
Yesterday, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle told voters at house parties across the state that Barack’s early opposition to the war is proof that he has the judgment to be president.
Speaking to undecided voters in Manchester, Hollis, Peterborough and Keene, Senator Daschle told crowds that he is looking for judgment, integrity and decency in the next president. Since the words and deeds of John and Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired him to enter public service, Senator Daschle said he’s been waiting 40 years for a leader capable of the same inspiration. Senator Daschle believes that Barack is that leader.
“He’s the only candidate that I’ve seen in decades that can inspire the next generation to enter public service and lead the country after my generation has left service,” Senator Daschle said.
At the Manchester house party, after Senator Daschle brought his opening remarks to a close, local resident David exclaimed, “I don’t think any candidate for president has received a more inspirational endorsement.”
Health care is an issue that touches every life. Each person has a story to tell about their family’s experiences with our health care system. The Obama campaign is hosting a series of health care policy nights to hear these stories directly from New Hampshire voters and to share Barack’s plan to provide affordable health insurance for all Americans.
We have already hosted events in Keene, Dover and Derry. Attendees appreciated the opportunity to share their frustrations and concerns with our broken health care system and get immediate answers about how Barack’s plan addresses those concerns.
Shirley attended a policy night in her hometown of Derry to hear more information on Barack’s plan for seniors. The undecided voter, who has just recently started following the presidential race, appreciated our campaign’s efforts in reaching out to voters about this important issue.
Ann, a local supporter who also attended the Derry policy night, felt that Barack’s focus on increasing affordability and expanding access as critical. “I think about my own experience and that of my family’s,” she said, “and cost is really the big issue we’re facing right now.”
We have more health policy nights scheduled in Nashua, Manchester, Laconia and Concord. Drop by one near you to share your experience.
Keene resident Kris Roberts grew up with the odds stacked against him. Raised on welfare in a single-mother household with nine brothers and sisters, his life could easily have been spent in obscurity, living paycheck-to-paycheck. His desire for something better led him to seek a commission as a Marine Corps officer. His experiences as a Marine have prepared him to be a leader in the NH State House, where the plight of his fellow veterans has become his primary focus. It has also led him to become a member of the Obama for New Hampshire Veterans Steering Committee.
This is his story.
Barack sees huge crowds wherever he goes, especially here in New Hampshire. But yesterday, Barack met with voters in smaller, intimate get-togethers, engaging in a more in-depth conversation about the future of our country.
At each stop, Barack told voters that progress on health care, the environment, and other issues will depend upon a president having the “urgency and willingness to take on the special interests.” Barack’s record of cleaning up government proves he has the experience and credibility to change the way politics works in Washington. He has walked the walk.
Eight local residents gathered for an early breakfast at Jesse’s in Hanover. Barack kicked off the meeting by promising to do more listening to voters in small settings because “people are feeling that their voices aren’t being heard in Washington.” The conversation ranged from health care to faith in government, and Barack listened closely as folks shared their stories.
After an hour-and-a-half with Barack, Michael, a Dartmouth medical student, said he felt very fortunate for the opportunity. He added, “I feel like he connects easily with people and listens intently to what you tell him.”
Around lunchtime, Barack met with six residents of Keene on the outdoor patio at Lindy’s Diner. Not even a summer burst of rain could sidetrack the free-ranging discussion on the full gamut of issues. Barack persuasively talked about how real change was not only a possibility, but an absolute necessity. “We’ve got a politics in Washington that isn’t working for the people anymore, and we’re going to have to build a movement to overcome the status quo.”
Karlene was part of the small group and confessed to me that Barack has “had me since his 2004 DNC speech. But every time I see him talk, I walk away amazed.”
After his discussion, Barack congratulated the Railroad Team, winners of this weekend’s Hoops.Action.Change. 3-on-3 basketball tournament. He signed basketballs for the players and shot around with them for a few minutes.
Despite the summer storm that drenched attendees as they entered the building, Barack was then enthusiastically received by over 350 at a rally inside the Keene Recreation Center. He fired up the crowd and spoke movingly about how change in America always comes from the ground up. He painted a picture of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama in 1961 as a time when millions of Americans watched their TVs, saw an urgent need for change in their country and rose up to demand that their voices be heard. As he does so often on the trail, Barack inspired the crowd with reminders of what we have already achieved in our history as Americans and dared them to dream of the fundamental change we can now accomplish together.
Barack ended his day with an energized crowd of nearly 800 in Nashua for a town hall in front of a pond lined by willow trees. As the sun began to set behind thin white clouds, Barack continued his dialogue with Granite Staters. As always, the crowd asked tough questions, demonstrating a sophisticated grasp of politics and policy.
Barack answered each question head-on offering detailed, honest responses. David from Nashua, and undecided voter leaning Barack’s way, loves Barack’s willingness to take so many questions from the audience. After listening to him speak thoughtfully on questions about terrorism, Iran and Iraq, he said, “he’s someone that I can really see as a true commander-in-chief.”
Barack knows that New Hampshire voters like to “kick the tires and take candidates out for a test drive,” and promised to return soon to keep listening to the urgent needs of every day citizens.
So Keene was a good time although it took a lot out of my wife and me. Our day started at five in the morning, doing our best to get clean, get dressed and get coffee before arriving at school for about an hour of prep time and relaxation. Students arrive, we teach the "teenager" as much as we all can handle, whizzing paper and concepts around till the final bell rings. It's now 2:15 P.M. Rachel meets me in the already empty hallway, locking up her room; we rush excitedly to the car and drive around the corner of the building to wait in line for 15 minutes. Students wave, we are stopped in a line of cars and we're sitting by the principle directing traffic; he wishes us luck and a safe drive.
We only have time to for some fast food, feeling guilty and gross we enjoy fries for what must be the first time in months, we try to steer clear unless necessary. The weather is rainy and it's a two hour drive, It's nice though because we get the chance to talk about our excitement and Barack policies and our personal hopes for the future.
We're supposed to be at the Spaulding gymnasium at 4:00 to volunteer and its 4:04 as we're pulling into the Keene high school. We rush in a little flustered, confused as to why there are no signs. The receptionist is packing up to leave and looks a little confused when we mention volunteering but directs us toward the gymnasium. As nice as it is to get a quick walking tour of another high school it becomes clear that something is amiss. We realize we're in the wrong place and franticly return to the car.
Phone calls to the Manchester campaign headquarters ... initially unanswered we assume they’re all in Keene. Rachel starts driving around the high school looking for clues and I call her mother who has computer access, no immediate luck. We talk, a little frantic, about what to do. Rachel’s mom calls back to let us know that we’re supposed to be at the college. At this point our Rachel is upset that it’s rapidly getting later, and we don’t know what to do. After a few more phone calls and eventually getting in contact with headquarters and then volunteer organizers we get cryptic directions and anxiously make our way to the college. Finally we’re here, it’s almost five, but we’re here.
We’re excited, confused and a little flustered; we’re not the only ones. As we look around we see that seems to be the theme. Organized chaos and “hurry up and wait” has us people watching, getting food from Panera, and finally directing the 2,000 plus spectators that arrive to their seats. Green tickets, general admission get the bleachers which overflow, and the blue tickets get the floor.
Over 13 hours have passed since Rachel and I got up that morning we’re physical tired, weighed down by burger grease but we’re excited. The seats are full and murmuring. The mixes of people, again, range greatly from veterans to those young and old; college students making up the majority.
Barack enters to funk, the energy is crackling, and everyone is smiling. Rachel and I drink in the words we finally get to hear from the horse’s mouth, in person. We hear the things we’ve been waiting to hear. Those words, the conversation he’s having with all of us is our reason for being active. It’s our responsibility to make a difference, to be a part of the change, the hope as it is Obama’s to lead us there. An hour passes and Barack wraps it up, taking a final question on healthcare, promising to have universal healthcare by the end of his first term in office. The crowd breaks and as an after thought, our Barack steps up to the microphone again and asks for our vote, but more importantly asks for our involvement. If not in his campaign, then in someone’s campaign. He reminds us that this is our country and our responsibility. He wishes us good night and the 2,000 plus pour out the doors and the press and fans swarm Obama. Rachel and I wait along for him to pass for a photo op, closer look and a handshake. As a prize or gift Obama has agreed to have his picture taken with groups of the volunteers. It’s exciting, and although it was awkward cramped in a stair well with 50 or so other volunteers, it was nice to get up close and have a, hopefully, historic memory made.
Our work almost done, Rachel and I help stack chairs and then bring a sign outside and wait for it to be picked up. It’s now 10:00 and we have two hour drive to get home, and another 5:00 morning, more papers, more concepts. We’re tired, but very happy, very excited to be doing our part by being a part.
I've got to say my wife and I are very disapointed with the weather today. First off we were planning on attending the Keene event, we left work early, got caught in the traffic of highschool students rushing home for the weekend and first time drivers (we're teachers). We hurried home to change and pick up our camera, the snow hadn't started falling yet in our area so we were clueless. That is of course until we got the message ... the event was cancelled.
Not only did this untimely storm come after a refressing taste of spring, it dashed our desires of a short road trip and a little hope and inspiration, the storm also came too late for a snowday. This would have been a great three day weekend.
Oh well ... as a consolation I hope convince my wife that this is an omen. An omen, that we were meant to have delicious thai food this evening. Wish me luck, I'm hungry!
