What a Joy getting to see Obama in Santa Fe. Tickets were slow in coming the 67 miles to Las Vegas, NM, but hanging around waiting for them was worth it. A well managed event, given the short planning time involved. The candidate was full of energy and hope -- and so was the crowd. Too bad no leaders from Las Vegas, NM, or San Miguel County, NM were there (at least not introduced, if there). We are VERY Democrat here, have been dragging a bit until recently.
After attending tonight’s rally at the Santa Fe Community College, it seemed like they should change their motto to Yes We Can—or maybe they will. The chants were deafening whenever Barack paused between his impassioned pleas for a politics where we are no longer trying to win elections through divide and conquer—but rather instead through bringing people into the political process—encouraging people to speak up—and working to bring a diverse set of opinions into the decision making process.
There have already been record turnouts so far in this Democratic Presidential Primary, and for the most part, it has been because of the enthusiasm young people have felt for Barack, the hope he inspires in them, and their shared desire to change the ways of Washington.
Barack spoke at length about young people and his plan to give a $4,000 dollar college credit for every student willing to provide community service and fulfill volunteer hours. The call to service was met with roaring applause.
Young people are the backbone of Barack’s campaign—and it’s clear that they want someone with the backbone to stand up against the status-quo and start providing real leadership and support to everyone who wants to continue their education and help re-build the American middle class.
The great part about young people getting involved is that they are using all of their resources to get informed and make their voice not only count—but make sure they are speaking for something they believe in. Several people were talking about our online polling location finder and our New Mexico Resource Center as great ways to let their friends know about Barack and how they can make a difference on Tuesday.
Barack just left Santa Fe—but I think he made an impression that will last a long time-- and from the looks of it, February 5th probably can’t come soon enough.
There is possibly a half mile long line of people standing outside waiting to get inside this massive gymnasium to hear Barack speak tonight in Santa Fe. Thousands upon thousands of people are lining the streets-- starting on the dirt roads that they parked on (the local parking lots are completely filled), all the way to the steps of the Santa Fe Community College. There are speakers outside blaring music and inspirational speeches from local leaders and several Obama field organizers who are talking about how to get involved and how to make a difference this Tuesday when New Mexico votes.
As I walked up and down the line—there were chants of Fired up Ready for Change—a different take on the traditional chant—but something that these Santa Fe residents seem to be extremely excited about. It’s nearly freezing outside—but it looks as though no one here even notices.
Barack should be on shortly and people are dancing and chanting to the music playing from the speakers. This is the first chance most of the people here have had to see Barack in person and there are smiling faces everywhere and the energy is not dying down—and probably won’t for a very long time. There is a large Si Se Puede sign hanging over the crowd and sporadic chants of Yes We Can are filling the auditorium.
Barack is going to change Washington and take it back for the people. Santa Fe is more than ready for change, and it looks as though thousands of people came here tonight to let Barack know.
We are excited to announce that Senator Barack Obama will be visiting New Mexico this Friday, February 1st. Barack will be hosting an Economic Summit at the Albuquerque Convention Center, and he will be holding a special rally in the Witter Fitness Center Gymnasium at the Santa Fe Community College.
Senator Obama already has strong support here in New Mexico, and we will be reaching out to supporters and undecided Democrats to let them know about Barack’s deep desire to change Washington and to bring people from all walks of life together to solve the problems that matter most to the American people.
We hope you can join us at one of these special events:
Get details and RSVP for Barack Obama’s visit to Albuquerque.
Get details and RSVP for Barack Obama’s visit to Santa Fe.
I created a New Mexico for Obama group on facebook. Below is the link.
Link
