Yesterday Chris, Aaron and I were privileged to attend Barack Obama's rally at the OKC Farmer's Market. I broke loose of the boys early on since we of short and stubby stature have a better shot at a decent vantage point when unincumbered by tall people. I'd like to give a special thanks to all the very kind, very tall men who offered to help me move up in the crowd.

One of the things I appreciated most about the rally was the climate of friendliness and community that was present among both staff and attendees. Despite the fact that we were packed in like cattle with what seemed like heat lamps above us, I never heard an ill tempered comment or witnessed any rude behavior. People easily joked and conversed with their neighbors. If I was a new age hippie, I would tell you that the room was filled with a positive energy (I might also say something about auras and spirit and...what is that smell?! Patchouli?).

And that's what this whole campaign is about–community... "the people"... Us. Sen. Obama's aim is to create a stronger community amongst the American people, focusing on ideas and issues that are universal concerns.

But nearly every campaign lays a claim on these ideals, right? It seems naive to believe that the best interest of the nation could truly be at the heart of a campaign, as opposed to the candidate's personal ambitions and desire for power. But when Sen. Obama says it, for some reason I believe it. I'm not the only one either. And like Sen. Obama said yesterday during his speech, "Every time the American people decide that things need to change, they change. When a million voices come together and make a decision that we're going to have change, we're going to have change."

It's been said many times that the people who are most appropriate for the role of president would never even consider the position because of the vanity and ruthlessness required. What other politician in recent memory could be described as "genuine", "honest", or "sincere"? How about "humble"? Sen. Obama is all of these things. Finally, a decent man has stepped up to the challenge. Sen. Obama is willing to put himself on the line because of, what appears to be, a genuine desire to change the United States for the better.

We don't admire him because of his celebrity or his "rock star status". We don't rally because we think he's physically attractive. We stand beside Sen. Obama because, in order to lead a nation, we understand that it takes much more than these superficial qualities. After all, wasn't it the election of charm and "good looks" that got us stuck with the last guy? At least this time around, maybe the soccer moms will be on our side.

I'll be adding links to accounts and pics from the rally as I find them. If you have anything to share please let me know in the comments!

• AP News Wire story from ABC News
• OklahomaObama.com
• BarackObama.com
• OK Blue Notes Official weblog for the Oklahoma Democratic Party
• Democrats of Oklahoma Community Forum Obama Rally Thread
• Photos from Flickr:
feelingismutual (me), tjsinokc, tamihollidayelder, fierce bunny

Labels: barack obama, event, flickr, life, oklahoma, politics

posted at 12:15 PM

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2 Comments:

Soccer mom here. A little curious about venue choice. Dig it, just curious. Yeah, no, Hell Yeah for change, authenticity and community.
Thanks for your take.
Peace

By  Anonymous, at 3/22/2007 7:06 AM  

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gas detector
motion detector
smoke alarm
soccer table
foosball table
WOW Gold

By  Anonymous, at 8/09/2007 8:07 PM  

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