Jill Biden... She Didn't Have To Do It
Today, Saturday the 18th, there was a GOTV event here for all the Team Leaders and major Volunteers. The Obama Campaign wanted to train them all for Election Day. The key is organization. As I've said: it's all about the ground game. Always has been, always will be. I was planning to go. I wanted to badly to go. I was one of the few who knew the secret: Jill Biden was going to be there.
My first thoughts? "Holy fucking shit." Jill Biden. Like I always tell my friends, "when Joe Biden says his wife Jill is dropdead gorgeous, he's right and he means it." I wanted so badly to meet her. But at around 9:45 on the 17th, the day before, I was told that I needed to head the office. Out-of-state volunteers were coming to canvass door-to-door from Oklahoma. All the capable volunteers were going to the GOTV training, and I... I was stuck at the office.
I mean, I didn't object. I was upset. I mean, I wanted to go to the training, and I wanted to meet Jill. But instead, I had to head the office. After two weeks. With only a few hours of sleep. Believe me, it was frustrating. And tiring. And it'll all be worth it when I wake up on November 5th. But you know, it gets tough sometimes. People are jerks. We're all overworked. I feel like I've been working here for months when it's only been weeks. And covering the office while everyone else was at the cool GOTV event with Jill Biden was just... unfair.
Then my cell phone rang. Unknown number. I picked it up.
I said to her the only thing I could think of at the time, knowing she only had a minute to speak. I said, "Jill, I met your husband at a rally last Friday. Shook his hand. And I wanna tell you. I love you guys. I love you guys. You're awesome. And thank you. Thank you for everything you're doing."
Jill didn't have to do that. I was having a bad day. I missed her event. Her time was constrained. But people, that's what this is about. Barack, Michelle, Joe and Jill are real people, real like you and like me. Sometimes they seem like larger-than-life figures, but honestly? They just want to save this country like we do. Like I know I do.
Hey, Jill? If you ever read this, you need to know how you made my day. You are awesome. Thank you. I know it wasn't a big deal for you, but for me? I think it just gave me enough of a push to get me through these last couple weeks. I can do it. It's not that far off. Change is coming. I can feel it.
My first thoughts? "Holy fucking shit." Jill Biden. Like I always tell my friends, "when Joe Biden says his wife Jill is dropdead gorgeous, he's right and he means it." I wanted so badly to meet her. But at around 9:45 on the 17th, the day before, I was told that I needed to head the office. Out-of-state volunteers were coming to canvass door-to-door from Oklahoma. All the capable volunteers were going to the GOTV training, and I... I was stuck at the office.
I mean, I didn't object. I was upset. I mean, I wanted to go to the training, and I wanted to meet Jill. But instead, I had to head the office. After two weeks. With only a few hours of sleep. Believe me, it was frustrating. And tiring. And it'll all be worth it when I wake up on November 5th. But you know, it gets tough sometimes. People are jerks. We're all overworked. I feel like I've been working here for months when it's only been weeks. And covering the office while everyone else was at the cool GOTV event with Jill Biden was just... unfair.
Then my cell phone rang. Unknown number. I picked it up.
"Hi, is this Nathan?"She was calling me to tell me thanks for the work I was doing. She told me, "it's because of people like you that we're going to win on Election day." And she's right. But not just people like me. People like all of you who have gotten out there and volunteered. All of you who have sacrificed for this. All of you who have put your blood, sweat and tears into this campaign, and into our futures.
"Yeah, hi."
"Hi, this is Jill Biden."
I said to her the only thing I could think of at the time, knowing she only had a minute to speak. I said, "Jill, I met your husband at a rally last Friday. Shook his hand. And I wanna tell you. I love you guys. I love you guys. You're awesome. And thank you. Thank you for everything you're doing."
Jill didn't have to do that. I was having a bad day. I missed her event. Her time was constrained. But people, that's what this is about. Barack, Michelle, Joe and Jill are real people, real like you and like me. Sometimes they seem like larger-than-life figures, but honestly? They just want to save this country like we do. Like I know I do.
Hey, Jill? If you ever read this, you need to know how you made my day. You are awesome. Thank you. I know it wasn't a big deal for you, but for me? I think it just gave me enough of a push to get me through these last couple weeks. I can do it. It's not that far off. Change is coming. I can feel it.
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Nathan, I am so proud of you! Thanks for all you are doing and sharing it with us. So appreciated.
Day after day, week after week and so on, you always bring your heart, energy and wisdom here. Truly, the gift that keeps on giving! You reach out and help bond us all together.
(psst. Don't tell Raider and the others, but you're 'Auntie's' favorite.)
And Jill Biden would be lucky to meet you!
Strongly rec'd.
October 18, 2008 11:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for all of your hard work and for sharing this with us!!
October 18, 2008 11:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nathan,
Good on you... it's great to read these posts. I'm in south florida and working locally as we are a battleground state... I sometimes think I should be doing much more when I read stories like this. The great thing is that I really think I'm on the winning end of this... I'm meeting so many fantastic, energized and thoughtful people...
Keep up the good work and clearly, you deserved to hear from the "top"...
because their looking out for the "bottom"...
regards
Walt
October 19, 2008 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
You're doing us all proud.
October 19, 2008 12:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
thanks man. these are strange days indeed. your post brought a tear to my eye. seriously. emotional days. keep up the great work.
October 19, 2008 12:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
WOW!
Speechless!
But tearing up!
Joe is a class act. And he's lucky to have Jill!
October 19, 2008 1:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, Nathan...you're doing a great thing and I'm really glad she called to let you know she appreciates you! The stories you are going to have to tell your kids! Congratulations!
October 19, 2008 1:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
Chrono:
I'm so glad Jill Biden called you. It's great that someone you are working with recognized how valuable to this effort you are.
Have you considered sending the transition team your resume? (Think of the number of people here who would be happy to write you recs.) We'd love to see your dedication lead to an internship, or a part-time/summer job in the Obama/Biden White House while you finish your degree.
October 19, 2008 1:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
I...Hadn't thought of that. I wouldn't even know how to go about that. But I should definitely look it up. I would love to be a part of this movement after election day. I just love it. Even for all the crap that you get on a daily basis from certain people... I have made more friends in two weeks here than I've ever made in that amount of time. It's truly a wonder. It's because, you know, we're all working on this together. It's not about me, or you, or even Obama so much.
A friend of mine told me, "You can do this. There's only seventeen days left to go. Do this for Obama." My response? "I'm not doing this for Obama. I'm doing it for our country."
I have realized, as I believe Obama did long ago, that this is about our future. This is about our path for the rest of our lives. This election is bigger than me, or you, or Barack Obama. It's about all of us. Do I want Obama elected? Yes, of course. But I want him elected not for him, and not for his ambitions. Nor for myself and my own satisfaction. I'm past that basic "desire" to have my candidate win. I've become truly invested in the future of our country.
October 19, 2008 1:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
The big picture is what's important. It's very difficult to shift people's thinking toward a larger goal, but essential and worthwhile just the same. Thank you, Nathan, for your dedication, sincerity, and hard work!
October 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, Nathan for all the work. I personally appreciate what you and all those on the ground are doing for our country. I, too, want change. We really need it. But in the end, it's for all Americans who want a better life. I just really hope Obama and Biden can break through and move America in the right direction. Once again thanks for your work. It's very inspiring.
October 19, 2008 2:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
Nathan, don't feel bad. You are doing a lot more than we are. We go to a basement in downtown Chicago to phone bank for Obama every day My boyfriend and I, who have our own business, told ourselves a week ago we would go every single day between now and the election each for as long as our voices held out, but it's only 5-6 hours per day.
I hope you get an all expenses paid trip to the Inauguration. Hang in there! You are doing a lot more than we are. It's just 16 more days, and with the $150 million raised in September, there is much that can be done to ensure our victory in more states.
October 19, 2008 7:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
Nathan, I'm so glad you posted this. I'll make a point of thanking Mike and Ben who head up our campaign office when my dad and I go to canvass today.
They are putting in a lot of hours. They are also charged with trying to, inasmuch, herd cats at times. I, for one, have taken them for granted. Not anymore!
October 19, 2008 8:53 AM | Reply | Permalink
Nathan - not only are you a prince for doing this work, you are having one hell of an election - it's very cool.
I'm so happy for you. And I love hearing that what I see is what other people who are closer to the sitution see - they are real people. The Obamas, the Bidens -damn, these are real people who are really decent, sincerely good people.
October 19, 2008 10:14 AM | Reply | Permalink
My brother works for the campaign and met Jill Biden in Springfield, MO on Saturday.
Also got trained on the GOTV plan. Sounds very impressive.
October 19, 2008 11:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yep. She was there, too. People kept calling the office wanting to know where the "Jill Biden event was". And when I told them it was private, invitation only, they got pretty upset. ...Oh well. One reporter came in and asked me about it and said, "Well, don't they want to rally everyone?" and I said, "Obama's the one doing the rallies. He's in Kansas City and St. Louis. I don't know of Jill ever doing rallies." She thought for a second and said, "Well, neither have I."
After that, she stopped being upset. Haha!
October 19, 2008 11:30 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thought I left you a comment yesterday. Kudos, Nathan! And what a lovely way to thank you!
October 19, 2008 11:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Nathan, you just made me cry.
The Obamas and Bidens remind me so much of the Roosevelts in this regard: people believe they will be responsive to their needs.
October 19, 2008 12:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nathan, great post. You are right our leaders are real people who care. Leading like this is how you get the commitments from your followers not with pretty speeches.
Your story reminds me of when I saw Barack here in Atlanta in July and was holding up a 5 year old African American boy because he could not see or get close enough to shake hands. Barack grabbed my hand and missed the little boy. I yelled out "Barack you missed the little boy". He turned and stepped back a couple steps and shook the little boy's hand.
He didn't have to do that either but he and that told me as much about his real motives and personality than hos books and all the speeches ever will.
I want to send you a few bucks for your expenses. How can I do that??
I'll be near full time the next 2 weeks here in GA as well and we can do it here as well.
October 19, 2008 1:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm openly crying.
I cannot thank you two enough and John, what a beautiful story.
The aftermath of the second debate really got to me - I watched it on C-Span and C-Span stayed there for the entire time and filmed while for well over 30 minutes, Michelle and Barack went around and met every single member of that audience, shook their hands, answered questions - Dammit you can tell when you look in these people's faces that they are sincere and authentic.
The McLames left immediately. Didn't even nod on their way out.
October 19, 2008 1:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow, John. That's really a touching story. Thank you for sharing that. Really. I don't understand people, the cynics out there, when they talk of Barack's insincerity. I consider myself a good judge of character. I grew up in a house with a psychoanalyst for a father, so I grew up trying to read people, figure them out, etc. Barack is one of the few people, and few politicians, that I actually think truly wants to make a difference, and do the right thing. And yeah, he really is one of us.
As for sending me something... I appreciate the offer, really. Don't get my wrong. But I don't really have anywhere for you to send it to me. Read my post at the bottom there. I'm just in between houses on a regular basis... Gets difficult. My family wants to send me things, too, and can't, really. But it's only a couple weeks left. ...Almost there.
October 19, 2008 10:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Very cool! Keep up the good work. My friend works as a teacher with Jill Biden and I've just forwarded your post...who knows...she may very well see it. ;)
October 19, 2008 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks dude (Nathan). YOU are a true patriot! You work is REAL "Country First."
October 19, 2008 2:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great post, Nathan, and good for you for the call with Dr. Jill. An 08 to remember indeed.
October 19, 2008 7:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
two thumbs up nathan!!!!!!
October 19, 2008 7:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wonderful post Nathan, you are pertty inspiring yourself! Thanks.
October 19, 2008 8:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks to everyone. It really means a lot. Your words of support just make me work that much harder.
As for sending me things... Much as I appreciate it, I don't really have any place to live, I guess. I'm in between houses on a regular basis, and there's only a little over two weeks left. Though if you want to contact me, for whatever reason, you can email me at,
nathandonarum (at) gmail (dot) com
I'm surprised TPM doesn't provide an email link on someone's username? Oh well, I guess?
Again, thank you all. You're all wonderful! =)
October 19, 2008 10:26 PM | Reply | Permalink