NOT IN BROOKLYN ANYMORE
Last night I had the luck to have a visit to New Mexico to see my cousins and uncle in Albuquerque with a trip by Obama to the state and we went to the rally at the UNM campus with 40,000 others. New Mexico is one of the few states still in play and it's being heavily visited by both Reps and Dems. McCain was here earlier in the day yesterday and could barely muster 1000 at the New Mexico State Fair. What was most interesting for me, though, was the festive atmosphere for Obama--mostly young people and hawkers selling buttons and t-shirts as at a rock festival. What happens on November 5 to this energy?
That's where the movement building comes in. There is no way that Obama will be all things to all people on November 5th. We all know that. He is offering hope for a New America-so, so desperately needed--and my cousin looked at her 4 year old and 9 mo. old last night after the rally and said to me, "I'm so glad to think that they may grow up in a world influenced by Obama...." but that part is really up to all of us. On November 5th, we need to figure out this new progressive America--how to adapt to this 21st Century reality and how we will incorporate hope into the hard pragmatism of politics which are going to be difficult no matter how we cut it.
I think the most important thing is to look locally at the most talented and effective progressive democrats and make sure they make their way into public office. We need to use this momentum to groom the next generation of national democratic politicians. The GOP started this in 1993 and it was very effective for them as a follow up to Clinton. Assuming Obama wins we must start thinking and acting now with an eye on 2012 and 2016. Vote, contribute time and money, think national, act local.
October 26, 2008 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know exactly when this year's election got my attention. It wasn't Barack Obama, whom I admired but thought would be ploughed under by the Clinton machine. It was Michelle Obama on my television, rallying Iowans to go caucus.
She was saying something like this: "We aren't just asking you to get involved this week. We're asking you to stay involved right through the general election and beyond. When it comes time to pass health care, we're going to need all of you help us push back against the special interests."
The Obamas and the key campaign staff have been preparing to govern all along. Their first steps in the campaign were already about November 5 and January 21, about using the generational change and the social-networking opportunities as levers to get different results out of Washington.
It's going to be real work, vastly harder than the campaign has been. But as I look back across this year, I see both the popular energy and the political leadership to get real results. I look at this year, and I see next year as an opportunity for true and mighty change. Less than we dream right now, but more than I have believed possible in any political year of my adult life time.
Yes, we can.
October 26, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
One way in which it's going to be hard, but made somewhat easier, is that more people are going to be introduced to the culture of collaboration.
from "The Seven Samurai": "A samarai does not seek guarantees of victory, but only opportunities to serve."
That's not a philosophy exclusive to the samurai warrior; it's the conclusion of a person who has truly achieved adulthood and recognizes the responsibilities inherent in that achievement.
Self-care is important, so learn to pace yourself.
We're here for you.
October 26, 2008 5:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Re: New Mexico is one of the few states still in play
Not from what the major poll sites show: Obama has an (average) ten point lead there.
Current states with narrower margins (whether favoring Obama or McCain) are NV, CO, MT, ND, SD, MO, IN, OH, WV, VA, NC, GA and FL. Note that every one of these was a "red" state in both 2000 and 2004.
October 26, 2008 7:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think this is an excellent point. All great presidents have challenged Americans to achieve something for the greater good. George Bush could have taken the unity of 9/11 and used it to really accomplish great things, lifting up the worlds poor and promoting peace - he told us to go shopping while he prepared for war.
My greatest hope is that President Obama will appear before the American people and make a call to action - not a 1000 points of light feel good fuzziness but a specific goal with a framework for progress.
I'm not sure what that is - I see too many needs, Education, energy, health care - but a leader has a way of calling people to a cause at the right time. I am praying that Mr. Obama is the leader I think he is.
October 26, 2008 8:18 PM | Reply | Permalink