The Civil War ("War Between The States") Ends Tonight
It's no secret to TPMCafe readers that I believe that -- in addition to all his other qualities that make Barack Obama the best Democratic nominee in the party's history -- Obama's racial background is of incredible significance. My wife, a public school teacher and counselor, reports that, for months now, she has seen the inspirational effect on African-American children (especially the boys). But she also notes the excitement among kids in general, telling me about one white kindergarten kid with Down syndrome, who hardly talks, but when he happened to see the young tall slender gym fair-complexioned gym teacher, started shouting "OBAMA." Nothing else, just the name. And then a big smile.
We will know later tonight just how transformational this moment is. I am glad the media gets it, with crews stationed tonight at both the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and the Dexter Avenue Church in Montgomery. Anyway I first wrote about this in December 2006. That was about the time I was accosting Obama on the street (I'm on Capitol Hill) and in the Russell Building to tell him to run for President. I was, I'm sure, one of hundreds of random folks doing this to the guy. The last time I did it, he told me to "give it a rest, will ya." So I knew there was hope.
And here we are. Off to temple to pray (and, no, I'm not religious. But sometimes....)
.
I've had a dream . . .
~OGD~
November 4, 2008 7:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Back from synagogue. Decided to go vote first thing.
The line was 2 hours. Will try later. I've voted at the same polling place since 1984, always before work. Never more than 3 people on line ahead of me?
Who are these people?
Don't know. But they sure didn't look Republican. True, my state is safe blue. But if Dems are coming out in the bluest of blue states, what can it mean for the swing states?
November 4, 2008 7:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
I believe you have a great new Rabbi in Gil Steinlauf.
November 4, 2008 8:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is why I voted 10 days ago.
November 4, 2008 9:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
MJ, what do Republicans look like? :-) Some of the people you'll see in line in blue states are Republicans who will vote for third parties (Bob Barr), but are rooting for BHO. As a long-time Republican, I wish it had been Colin Powell who had become the first African American President --just as you accosted Senator Obama, I once accosted Secretary Powell, and asked him to run -- but since that is not to be, I wish all success to Senator Obama. This is a moment that is good for all Americans.
November 4, 2008 12:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was told the really adamant Republicans are reddish in color, they have horns and they carry a pitchfork.
A world leader claims they smell like brimstone.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ny-woun214900180sep21,0,6845709.story
November 4, 2008 1:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was watching CNN last night, and one of the films being broadcast, showed a man at the booth, and he was looking around the room.
Could the Republicans, send shills into the lines and then very, very slowly go through the motions of voting, only as running a blocking maneuver, in hopes of discouraging voters, fearful of long lines and waits.
No law against that is there?
November 4, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well here in the Denver metroplex, I also got the impression a lot of the 'extra' people in line to go vote this year were not members of the GOP. Even if a lot of Obama people mailed ballots in early, I don't think he'll run out of supporters in the lines outside librarys and courthouses. Some folks votting after work may even decide after all the huppla all day long that they don't want to be one of "those people" who tried to keep Obama out of office.
November 4, 2008 11:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think that an unbelievable amount of people are inspired and thrilled with the opportunity in front of us...
I was an undecided in the Dem primary in the beginning, having been a huge Bill Clinton fan. I still remember the night it became a no-brainer. I was up late, watching political news, and they broke in with Barack Obama giving a speech. I listened quietly to the speech in its entirety and by the end I had started to cry. Catching myself, I cleared my throat and mumbled: "Wow, helluva speech."
All was settled in my mind. Smart, capable, thoughtful and ready to work for people from day one. Sign me up!
November 4, 2008 3:46 PM | Reply | Permalink