Obama's Amazing Waterfront Park Rally

Cast your vote for him, but you are being fooled. I will not vote for him, I believe he is all hype with no experience, sibstance or action. Further, I find is attitude towards working people and women offensive.

That is wonderfully written.

Touching article - thank you for writing.... it accurately describes the sentiments of us all!

Nice article. Good for you. I am not that excited about my candidate. Will be holding my nose in fact.

I am not voting for Obama. Disagree with him on the issues. I think all the attacks on his faith, that Rev., everything they brought in so far is bull. Love your article, I am happy he is bringing in all these young folks who do not want to even hear about politics in the process. I hope when people leave the rallies and all the hoop la la, they go learn about the issues and vote for a candidate on the issues. If Obama is your guy then, fine. It bothers me that people are voting hype. That is not to say all Obama voters don't know what's going on. On the contrary. Here on Gather (although I am new) they [Obama supporters] seem to have a better grasp than the others who most of the time are only talking about the Reverend, faith, and patriotism.

Just goes to show how many lost, wandering sheep there are out there on the political landscape these days. War really tends to bring out the crowds, and charlatans always draw the really overwhelming ones...........

I have to say that it was a VERY impressive crowd, and I enjoyed reading your article about it. Thanks

Thank you Elizabeth, he will be our new president and maybe, just maybe, I can be proud of my country once again.

Jealous. He skipped my state because of the idiots we have down here. Heard he is coming to Tampa. I won't be able to make it up there.

Excellent article. I would truly love to hear this man speak in person. I am more and more impressed with him and expect he'll do great things if given the opportunity.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for bringing alive Barack's rally to the computer screens of Gather.

Bret and the other naysayers can get all gall and wormwood. It won't make any difference in November ... and going forward.

I'm not ashamed I cried when his wife and kids got on that stage with him and you could feel the crowd's energy almost lift us up. 72,000 people (although first estimated by the fire marshal at 75,000) all feeling hope at the same time?

It makes you believe in the promise of America, all men (and women) created equal and hope that we can find a way to give everyone access to the same opportunities in life. I didn't feel the heat while he was speaking as I was so amazed to be privileged to be there in that place, listening to a man who will change history and perhaps politics for the rest of my lifetime.

I know you, Bret, are happy with your life. Good for you. There are a lot of other people, however, who feel our country has much greater potential than what is happening now and think Obama is the man to lead us there. You and I share only a cultural divide, as noted in both our writings. Good luck with your candidate.

Amazing. Good for you for being there. Wish I could. Looks so nice out there too.

They are talking about this on all networks. The officials are saying there were 65,000 inside, 15,000 out at least for a total no less than 80,000. Who can get 80,000 Americans to come out for you? Bono, Bon Jovi, and Obama!

Did you know this is the top most viewed article today? No. 1.

Wow... obviously, Kathryn, it is Obama who is the draw.:)

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I first "heard" about this on my morning commute listening to NPR'S Morning Edition. The description of the kayaks on the water trying to get close enough so they could hear him reminded me of a modern "sermon on the mount."

Now I reserve the right to disagree with him. I reserve the right not to vote for him. But I also reserve the right to be proud that there is actually a politician in the United States like him who can bring people together in a message of hope.

So did they feed you there? (We have only two stump speaches and five campaign promises but what good are those for so many?)

Thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth. I live in rural California and don't travel much so will never see a candidate speak in person but I'm 2/3 through his book The Audacity of Hope and I'm swinging more and more his way. I would always vote for him because the alternative is so bad but I'm becoming more happy to do so. I love how people refuse to listen and call it hype. Just because their candidate is all hype doesn't mean ours is.

Obama began as an idealist, but his years in the IL senate and as a US senator have showed that our country's government is formed in a clunky way that makes it difficult to get things done. He is a man with strong beliefs who is not afraid to listen to other's beliefs and work out a win/win situation. Only control freaks of the current ilk could dislike his inclusive, respectful policies. Too bad Hillary people seem bent on distorting his opinion of working people and women. Hello, he's the son of a single, working mother. Don't think for a minute he doesn't understand. But he also knows that the son of a single, working mother can run for president of the USA and be heard.
And so do I. I have been praying for a statesman of the likes of Kennedy and Lincoln. I believe Obama is that statesman, not a politician and that's why some can't get their heads around him.

Sandy F., you said this so beautifully, I can only say thank you for commenting on my article. Can anyone actually disagree with her assessment of Obama as the leading Statesman in America? I think not. His inclusiveness is beyond anything I've heard in decades... and I can tell you that most of us are sick to death of always 'fighting' for everything. Working together has always been the answer, but until Obama came along, no politician thought it was possible.

Now is the time... initial disbelievers... to join together and make America great again.:)

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Elizabeth, excellent article. Why does it seems only intelligent folks are voting for Obama?! This was fabulous and I think that park would have been an excellent place to be to listen to his speeches. I look forward to having Barack Obama as our next president! Salud.

Elizabeth I am not ashamed either. I support this man with all my heart, in all my prayers. As I listen to him talk, I get goose bumps. That's the spirit part of me that says yes, finally a positive, forward looking candidate for the White House. So many people are missing the point of this movement, the skeptics who don't really trust anyone, and always settle for what they think they know - experience isn't always the best route, sometimes ya gotta take a chance. This man looks Presidential, sounds Presidential, and even more importantly he is already proving to be a leader with all these people he has drawn in the cause of hope. Our rally here in Bozeman will be full to the brim as well. The young people at the University are excited. They aren't ashamed either.

It makes you believe in the promise of America, all men (and women) created equal and hope that we can find a way to give everyone access to the same opportunities in life. I didn't feel the heat while he was speaking as I was so amazed to be privileged to be there in that place, listening to a man who will change history and perhaps politics for the rest of my lifetime.
I absolutely agree and have convinced many folks from Louisiana to vote for him - Thank you again. Salud.

I love Rosa's comment that was made when I was posting the above comment!! Yes, I agree he sounds Presidential - and it's so refreshing to have an intelligent man in office! President Obama - it's already embedded in my mind! Salud.

So many people are missing the point of this movement, the skeptics who don't really trust anyone, and always settle for what they think they know - experience isn't always the best route, sometimes ya gotta take a chance

Amen!!!!! Thanks Rosa, Salud.

Christopher B., I don't recall seeing any food there, but there was plenty of water being carried around by volunteers and the EMTs from the fire department and emergency services. The heat probably kept most people from wanting to eat. None of us were hungry, truthfully, until we were walking back across the bridge to our car. Then we were so famished we drove straight to our famous "Burgerville", highlighted as a good place to eat (local and healthier fast food with canola oil, etc.) by the author of Fast Food Nation. That berry shake never tasted better, nor did those Yukon gold fries.:)

Sandy your statement brought on those goose bumps again. Not only was his mother a single working parent, but they had to do food stamps at one point. The naysayers have resorted to calling him an Elitist, which is laughable. He's as down home as they come.

Thanks Mariana, I believe this is a worldwide event. The world is watching and wondering if America can get it together. For so long the world looked up to us, and then along came Bush, and made us look like warmongers. This is he man who can change the image of America, and make us look sane again.

The comments from everybody are so wonderful and inspiring. This is such a great country and we have such great people, I almost feel weepy (again).:)

Rosa, I totally agree - Bush has embarrassed this country - we have to have an intelligent man in office - someone who knows about the Economy and knows how to pronounce foreign countries. The world has changed - it is not the "good Ole boy network" anymore.
We need to let Bent know about this article! Keep the thread going ! thanks rosa. Salud.

Ken Grishnak -

Obama still has to pick up Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana and Kentucky before the coronation begins.
How do you think he can do that (given that he got blown out in most of those states)?

I'm actually kinda pulling for Obama secretly.
His Socialistic policies will pull this country under, just like Jimmy Carter's almost identical policies did 30 years ago.

After all that, then we Conservatives won't have to worry about another Socialist President for at least another 30 years.

So we win no matter what happens.

Ah, Bret. Sigh.

Elizabeth as a Washington State delegate have you ever met Diane Sosne? Your article is wonderful, thank you for the heads up.

A second sense I have,tells me not to trust him.I'm praying Hilliary will get the nomination from the DNC...I do not trust Mc Cain,either,he's tooooo much like Bush.

Nice article,though.

Bret and Ann, I think we are the smart ones. I kind of want him to win too, so that I can sit back and laugh at all the ( so called intelligent ones who voted for him , as one comment on here said,,,,) and say, I told you so... You people dont care who he is associates with? You dont care that he has no experience in this field????

Must be the Kool-Aid crowd! How people think this man is bringing people together, I can't understand. He offends me so much, I will vote for McCain just to vote against him. The bigger the rallies, the more worried I become that people might actually elected this snake-oil salesman. His pal and speech writer is Deval Patrick, my governor. I campaigned for Deval and was inspired just like people are for Obama, well I was fooled. He has done nothing as governor except spend money on a new limo, redecorate his new office, hire political friends that aren't qualified, sign a big book deal in NY and campaign for Obama. He hasn't honored a single campaign promise and his only solution to deal with a growing state deficit was to try and legalize casinos. Then he left the state to work on his book deal during the key legislative votes. No, Obama is another charlatan that makes great speeches, but has no idea what to do if elected except stroke his amzing ego. He doesn't even know how any state are in the USA, his wife was not proud of American until people started bowing to her husband and his former spiritual mentor says "God Damn America." I do not trust him.

Thank you, Elizabeth!

Linda, Right on. Jim Jones got people to come too. Just make sure you drink the whole cup of kool-aid.

Wonderful, thanks for sharing.

Ah Vickey, did you just call me unintelligent. I'm offended now. Ya know, we're already hearing I told you so about W. I voted for him too, and was clearly disappointed, not to mentioned impoverished, and down to one vehicle because of his love feast with the oil companies. You better wake up and smell the coffee.

Many people are voting for Obama but won't say so publically. I don't know why the folks who aren't voting for him are so hostile - but then...that speaks for itself. Go Obama. Salud.

The free Koolaid is being handed out over at Fox News. Sheesh, you people need to expand your mind and switch between channels so that you at least get the full story instead of just fearmongering soundbites.

Oh by the way Elizabeth - I normally delete most mail but if you do another Obama article, please let me know about it. Salud.

lol Rosa. Salud.

Mariana, some feel disenfranchized because Hillary was just too divisive and couldn't get the nod. So they're gonna be spiteful and throw the election back to the dogs. Others watch too much FoxNews, and got caught up in the bash Obama campaign. These are less compassionate people in the country who bow to the likes of Ann Colter, who would call the rest of us Godless, and Rush Limbaugh who tries to get the country to cheat on an election that should be sacred in a democracy.

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Rosa - well, if that's what they do - then, they aren't very bright and surely nothing to worry about - Obama is going to win - he's doing a great job - and I see many folks changing over to vote for him. I think I got another Louisiana guy interested today so that makes me happy. Anyway, everyone have a great day! thanks for commenting back Rosa - we need to keep this thread going - Elizabeth is doing a great job~! Salud.

I'm very envious that you got to see him in person. He seems to have the kind of charisma that would really get a crowd caught up and excited.

It's traditional for the Dem candidate to have a stop in Hannibal, Missouri, where I live. We're only 17,000 in population, but we're known as "America's Hometown," and they stop here for the photo ops of the candidate in front of Mark Twain's boyhood home, etc. We got to see Al Gore and John Edwards, Leiberman and his wife when they were running. My girls went to the Kerry rally and got to meet some famous people traveling with him, like the lead guy of the Foo Fighters and some others. I sure hope the Dems keep the tradition and we get to see Obama before the general election.

I am sick of hearing how Obama doesn't have enough time in politics to be President. Bush was governor of Texas and that means he was qualified?

Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.

Mariana, it's suppertime out West, so I have to go feed the hungryman, but I will tell you, spitefulness and lack of compassion don't go over to big with me with me either. I do believe Obama felt compassion for Wright who was raised up in whole nother, not so pretty, era in America. And yeah, he's angry bout that, and some of the things he says are wrong, but not all of it....... but it certaimly doesn't mean Obama is angry and I've heard no hate speech from Obama. He is doing a great job, and I believe he will be our next President. I am amazed at the stories I hear about the young folks talking their parents into this change.

Amazing as Obama is, from a minority of comments here there are some who refuse to listen to what Obama actually says but instead rely on 30 second bits or Fox channel commentary that has been mislabeled as 'news'.

Move on, folks. Look at your life and what lies ahead of you. Anyone who doesn't have great big bucks right now should vote for Obama. The Republicans in power are not going to do one darn thing for anyone in the middle or lower classes, as it would be in direct conflict with their goals - enriching their CEOs and investors. You don't have to trust me if you are willing to look at what we have lost - both in income with inflation and with regard to benefits and opportunity - in the last eight years.

Bush and all his 'experience' has made such a big mess the entire world is holding its breath hoping Obama gets elected, which includes our allies and enemies. Why? Because America is still very powerful and what we do and how we operate affects everybody else and they would like to deal with someone who can actually think rather than react to some preconceived agenda powered by wealthy friends and backward thinking.

As the world watches I also hold my breath that the majority of Americans (and super delegates in the interim) have the common sense and enlightened self-interest to elect Obama.

You should have been in Eugene on Saturday, Elizabeth--he stopped by the local hospital unannounced, to chat with the nurses and get their feedback on healthcare issues. Then he went to a local ice cream parlor (the staff got a ten minute warning that he was on the way). If you were lucky enough to be there, you got to shake hands with Barack and Michelle and pose for a photo. Here's some photos online: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x6016623

Dang it, I can't make it show the whole url! Just google "obama eugene ice cream" and you'll probably find it.

Thanks for posting this to BEST ORIGINAL PHOTOS, ART AND WRITING FOR 2008.

If you've ever lived in the Pacific Northwest, you already know how Left Wing most of Oregon is................especially around the U of O..........Eugene.

I am not shocked at all to see large mobs of Lefties turn out in Portland for Obama. I bet not one tough question was asked of him the whole time he was there. For the Left, this was just a pre-coronation rally.

hi Rosa - ok feed the hungry man - mine is probably going to be the chef tonight! I dont have a TV up here - nothing but the Economist so I get the Brit view of things. I really love how Senator Obama has always taken the high road and I agree very much about Reverend Wright and the era he grew up in - remember I am from Southwestern Louisiana. I'm also working on a book about black women in the churches and I'm getting awesome stories. The book will be out in July. Anyway, being a white so called older woman from S.W. Louisiana, I am sure I am in the minority but I'm an independent thinker - I now live in Santa Barbara and also Eureka, Nevada - <--yea they love McCain but I'm doing my thing for Obama here too - believe me - in my own subtle way...
take care -
hello Elizabeth - just dropping by again. Thanks. Salud.

One of my daughters went down. She said it was amazing...bicycles locked all along the fence from Old Town all along the waterfront. People on the bridges...the boats, the kayaks and such. She parked down by the OHSU tram where she has a friend who lives in one of the high-rise apartments there. Made me wish I had been able to go.

Happy to give you a 10 :) Wish I could have been there! Made our filled to capacity rally with overflow in Bangor look like a little tea party. What a lavely picture of the whole family your husband got! Thank you for sharing your pictures and story.

I am envious. My sister went to a rally in Montana last month and said it was the single most powerful "event" she has ever attended.

Ah, Maggie, let's hope it will end up better than that.:) Remember, being a junior senator doesn't give one any power, no matter how good their ideas are. There are a few votes I didn't agree with Senator Obama on - one that affected me negatively professionally - but I take the good with the less-good for me.

Elizabeth Madrigal -

Austan Goolsbee, Obama's economics adviser has stated that the marginal tax rate will be 39-54% in an Obama Presidency. Currently, we have 28-33%.
The top tier is projected to start at roughly $72k...........at the 15% richest level of American taxpayers. The mid-range of 40-48% will start at only $38k.

That's significant, don't you think?
How will you adjust to that tax hike?

My Uncle Warren has just endorsed our future President Obama - I am thrilled - !! Salud.

Bret, I don't know how long you've been around, but the reality is that under this 'plan' we've got now, we have actually managed to sink the world's greatest economy. McCain is Bush-Third-Term and his plans to keep spending $400 billion a year in Iraq is what I call 'big government'. Why anyone thinks not paying appropriate taxes for services is good for the country, I do not understand. I am a numbers person for a living and I can crunch them.

So what is your source for these percentages, Bret? Limbaugh the comedian or somebody actually legitimate?

Obama pledged relief JUST YESTERDAY to the middle-income American and I believe him. The richest class of Americans now pays nothing - I see their tax returns all day long and they pay less than 99% of the rest of us Americans. Government is here for a purpose and it is to keep the robber barons from robbing the rest of us.

Appropriate and fair taxation of the highest income earners redistributes a bit of the wealth. With the capital gains tax treatment and other perks for non-wage earners and other investors, the W-2 person ends up getting absolutely screwed as far as paying for our portion of the cost of government.

The selfishness that is the biggest ingredient in our economy at present, Bret, is what makes me sick about the last few decades.

You may not want to pay for it, but the majority of Americans want children to have a good education, we want health care for our families and friends, and we want our bridges, our schools, our hospitals, our infrastructure and all the other things a society can provide brought up to a reasonable quality and level.

I am sorry you are from the 'I take care of only me and mine' school, Bret, because the majority of us are not going to be scared by 'big government' threats from sourpusses. There I said it. I am sick to death of people who are so damn selfish they think giving anything to the less fortunate somehow diminishes their very existence.

Get a life, Bret. We are paying for George Bush's policies, not Obama's. Our government's debt is skyrocketing, our annual deficits are beyond my ability to even comprehend, and all of this in less than eight years of Bush politics. From a $90 million surplus when Clinton left office to God-only-knows-what-it-is NOW national debt, I feel sickened.

Why you think your quality of life is going to be better if you hang on to every penny you earn like a scrooge, I do not understand. I have no fear of higher taxes. As a matter of fact, if I have to sacrifice for my country by taking some bigger bucks out of my pocket I will. Certainly higher taxation, when necessary to turn our country around, is nothing compared to the sacrifices our troops have made for us.

Tell me, Bret. Are you against getting post-service medical treatment and services for the returning Vets, or should they just take care of themselves or have their families foot the bill. Isn't that your philosophy? Let your kids die or even yourself if you can't pay the medical bills? Yes, that works SO well until your kid has a motorcycle accident and ends up with head trauma in a nursing home for forty years and we pay for that because you are long gone.

Obviously you think differently, so please let it go. Your fear-mongering is starting to sound awfully Republican, Bret.

I think it is significant, Bret, that you are so worried about your pocketbook that you are willing to let little children die from lack of medical care, poor girls and women go through entire pregnancies and births without pre- or post-natal care, Vets with PTSD come home from Iraq and Afghanistan and have to wait up to 15 months for mental health treatment. Of course, that is if they are not down-graded to a 'Stress Disorder' category on the advice of superiors in the VA System to cut costs, and then redeployed back to the middle east for a third or fourth tour.

Honestly, Bret, I cannot believe you think we can support our troops in this way without some tax financing to pay for things. But I would guess you do not have a loved one serving in the military, or a child in a university that will burden them with loans for ten years, or a six months pregnant fifteen-year-old, or a wife with Alzheimer's who needs $16,000 a month residential care.

Otherwise, Bret, you'd have to realize you cannot do it all yourself unless you are incredibly lucky and everything goes your way throughout your life. Maybe you'd rather go back to Canada, as you won't be very happy here when Obama is president.

In an interview with US News & World Report on April 11th, 2008, Goolsbee was quoted as saying the following in response to these questions by the interviewer:

Interviewer: Does Obama's plan for higher taxes and more government spending and regulation mean a return to big government?

Goolsbee: That isn't what Obama is putting forward. The single biggest item in his budget is tax relief for ordinary Americans. His point is that if we are cutting taxes and providing relief to people, not only should they be the people who need it but the people for whom it would be best for the economy to cut taxes. And that is ordinary Americans, because the squeeze on ordinary Americans is the thing that is pulling the economy down now. It's not that high-income people need to have their capital gains [tax rate cut from] 15 percent to 10 percent. They aren't the people who are struggling, and they aren't at the root of the economic downturn we are facing.

Interviewer: Does Obama want to raise payroll taxes or uncap the income limit to fix Social Security?

Goolsbee: What Obama has said is that the problem with Social Security is not a crisis, but that there are fiscal issues associated with the aging of the population. In his view, the place to start is with the regressivity issue of the payroll tax. It is my own view that the majority of Americans do not understand how the payroll tax works. How it is that a guy making $90 million a year is paying the same tax as a guy making $97,000 a year? I think that at best it would strike them as highly weird and at worst grossly unfair.

But he has not called for uncapping it completely, and there are several different ways to do it. But before anybody starts talking about cutting benefits, let's address that issue. It would also get the trust fund to last another 50 or 60 years. An increase in the payroll tax of 6 percentage points phased in over many years or decades doesn't strike me as a dramatic move. They have uncapped the top rates in Ireland, and they have grown extremely well.

So, Bret, I guess we read things differently and have very different sources of information. Stop the scare-mongering, as you don't have any credibility on that.

Yeah, Mariana T! That's wonderful news!

Does anyone else find it irritating that people attempt to misrepresent their opponent's words, positions and track record? This is so classless and is beneath the good Americans I know, respect and love. Obviously some people feel the need to hoard and abhor the concept of obligation to one's community. One has to surmise that all they are is their material wealth. Nothing else there to offer, which makes me feel sorry for them.

In 1933 a young, good looking and dynamic speaker rose to power in a modern, european nation. Crowds of peopel swooned at his feet. Everyone seemed to just love this guy. He had the respect and admiration of the leaders of other nations. The British Prime Minister went out of his way to get this carismatic man to sign a treaty that would assure everlasting peace and good will amoung all men. Funny how things work out, by 1944 this outstanding individual was living in a bunker without a friend in the world. And today.... nobody can even say his name without feeling disgusted. Be careful, personality cults are seldom a good thing, even if we in the United States really wish that Obama was George Washington and Santa Clause all at the same time.

Elizabeth, many good points raised here! Just jumping back to say thank you again. Salud.

Tica, with all due respect, you are repeating what Bush implied to the Knesset in Israel. It was offensive and certainly he was a jerk for using an occasion like that to promote his domestic political agenda. He made himself look like the small man he is.

Gratefully, Obama's is charming, charismatic and pleasantly enjoyable to watch and listen to as long as he is willing to talk. For the past 7.5 years I have listend to our idiot president, who drives me crazy mispronouncing worlds like nuclear (it is NOT nu-ku-lar), etc., and saying one stupid thing after another. He has been an incredible embarrassment and to imagine that the world might respect America again if we have a dignified president, thrills me to my toes. \

To hint and compare Obama to Hitler is such a terrific stretch it would be laughable if it weren't so awful an insult and horrid an implication.

Hitler was a warped, sick man and there is no comparison with Obama. That is just so over the top.

If we can't say he's a Muslim, then let's call him Hitler or Jim Jones or a chauvinist pig, etc., etc., etc. Talk about drinking the koolaid, turn off the Fox Infotainment and Rush.

Obama is not being 'worshipped', he is being admired as an amazing person with a very unique background, a healing set of humanitarianand fair American policies and a concept about leadership that is inclusive. Trying to make him into a monster or celebrity is to try diminish who he is.

With all due respect, Obama has made his own path and we are lucky that he wants to lead our nation. God knows most of us wouldn't want that job or touch it with a ten foot pole. Imagine the crap he's putting up with from every side because he is upsetting the status quo.

Those who are raking it in on the backs of Americans and other nations, as we exploit ours and their people and resources, won't go down easily. If you fall for that manipulation there is not much I will be able to do for you. Obama has never said turning this country around would be easy or without sacrifice on our part.

Months ago, I like many New Yorkers, waited for three hours to hear Obama speak in Washington Square Park. I experienced him as electric - the reincarnation of JFK. I wrote the following:

OSAMA MEET OBAMA

I confess: - for years I have felt increasingly dispirited about America. Hardly a day has gone by when there hasn't been news stories about greed, corruption, scandals, insensitivity, twisted logic, abuses of authority, "lying mendacity", cynicism, dirty tricks, torture, hypocrisy, dumbing down, bad taste, capitulating to the lowest common denominators, collective denial, thinly veiled rationalizations for justifying the worst of who and what we are; short sightedness, over simplifications and over generalizations failing to do justice to the obvious complexities facing us; crisis intervention often poorly executed instead of visionary planning and thoughtful discussion of possibilities; mis-appropriations of limited men and treasure; wastefulness; the negative consequences of the combined abuses of the military industrial complex, pharmaceutical cartel, oil industry, medical for profit insurance powerhouses and others, to name a few decidely and undeniable negative and disheartening facts about living in America in 2008.

Yes - I get it. So what else is new? And doesn't the rest of the world have their own negative list?

Yes - you are right. But in other times during my life the negatives have been balanced out with practical idealism, hope, vision, decency, humor, good taste, relative civility, cooperation, bi partisanhip, and the like.

So it is remarkably refreshing to watch - as we speak - the undeniable wave of electric dynamism sweeping this country as the Obama phenomena gains momentum day by day. The Press - both the reporters such as David Brooks, Gail Collins, and Bob Herbert to and common folks alike seem truly shocked in a good way by the power of the political earthquake that has happned in Iowa.

Representative of these comments is: " You'd have to have a heart of stone not to feel moved by this. An African -American man wins a closely fought campaign in a pivotal state. He beats tow strong opponets, including the might Clinton machine. He does it in a system that favors rural voters. He does it by getting young voters to come to the caucuses. THis is a huge moment. It's one of those times when a movement that seemed ethereal and idealistic became a reality and took on political substance." - David Brooks, op ed , NY Times - 1/4/2008.

"...The fact that it is a distinct possibility that a person of color could achieve the presidency is a major historic sea change. We are becoming a better nation and, perhaps, a more inclusive one." - Natalie Rosen - letter to the editor - NY Times, 1/05/2008

"... Shake hands with tomorrow. It's here. Senator Obama's victory speech was a concise oratorical gem. No candidate in either party can move an audience like he can. He characterized his stunning victory as an affirmation of "the most American of ideas - that in the face of impossible odds, people who love this country can change it. Mr. Obama has shown, in one appearance after another, a capacity to make people feel good about their country again. His supporters want desperately to turn the page on the bitter politics and serial disasters of the past twenty years. They have gravitated to a black candidate to carry out this task is ... momentous.... However this election turns out, Mr. Obama can be credited with a great achievement. He has drawn tons of people, and especially young people, into the political process. More than anyone else, je has re-energized that process and put some of the fun back into politics. And he's done it by appealing openly and consistently to the best, rather than the worst, in us." Bob Herbert - NY Times, 1/5/2008

Some Additional Thoughts

In responding to a cynical commentator I wrote:

Dana - Your hysteria aside - you apparently can't see the colorful display of a truly remarkable political, sociological, psychological, historical phenomena unfolding as we speak. There is a mighy wave been let lose that whatever the final outcome is defintiely good for America and the world.

Far from "an empty suit, inexperienced political hack" Obama daily demonstrates a synthesized reincarnation of the spirit of Lincoln, John and Robert Kennedy, the early Bill Clinton, Martin Lurther King and many others who have had real heart, authenticity, decency, humor, vision, fight, determination, and above all the character trait - most rare among politicans - integrity.

If the polls are accurate in New Hampshire Obama is already 37% to Ms. Clinton 27%. If this trend continues he will beat her decisively. And then next is South Carolina. Care to make any wagers on who will win there?

P.S. In the fight against terrorism I think America is creating a stealth weapon that is developing right in front of our eyes. The slogan for this weapon might be aptly described as:

An effective weapon to neutralize the propoganda of Osama is to elect Obama.

Five months later - Obama continues to transform political apathy, negative inertia, and cynicism into positive energy, hopefulness, and the promise of enlightened purposeful change.

Thanks for taking us along to see Obama, a political phenonenom.

You said it well, Gibbs.

Harness the energy of that crowd and imagine what we can do as a nation and in the world. The people of Portland, like the people of Iowa and North Carolina and everywhere in between, are ready to work for positive, purposeful change. It won't be easy, but a transformational leader like Barack Obama will bring out the best in all of us. The can-do attitude that puts people to work, the pioneering spirit that propels innovation, and an unwavering commitment to human rights may have had their light under a bushel for a few years, but that light won't be contained for long.

Great photos and story, Elizabeth. How exciting to be part of history in the making.

Good for you Elizabeth . . . very lucky and thanks for sharing this momentous experience. Now you too are a eyewitness to history in the making. The only thing Bretty has said correct (to my memory) in over a year . . . is that this was a pre-coronation rally. It SO was . . . because he's a shoe-in for both the nomination AND the win! The filthy, corrupt Booshie criminal cabal is on the way out. OUT. Finally. And the Neo-CONs hijacked the party SO badly, and bent this Nation I love over so brutally, that they will be watching this from the cheap seats for a LONG time to come. Already . . . entrenched Republican seats have been falling to Democrats. The time has come . . . and I'm not the only one seeing how overdue it is. Tell your husband . . . great shots.

Question: What was security like? Could you have taken in a large, professional digital camera, or were you restricted to point & clicks or cell cameras? How does the screening of 72,000 (fricken' wonderful) people get addressed?

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~

Incidentally . . . for all those berating the man for a LACK of experience . . . Rumsfeld was both the youngest and the oldest Secretary of Defense. Cheney has a LOT of experience too. Just sayin'!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~

I'm envious, Elizabeth, of the opportunity you had to hear Obama speak in person. I'm an Obama supporter, but sometimes I think his messages sound a little "too good to be true". I'd like to see the look in his eyes, his body language when he talks about certain topics.

I see this candidate as a man of long-term vision for the future of America ~ ALL of America, not just for the coveted throne in the Oval Office. (We've all heard the other Democratic candidate repeat, repeat, repeat how "I" will do this or that.) This is one voter that doesn't care diddly with "I" can do when "I" reach the White House. This voter wants to know what WE THE PEOPLE will accomplish when WE THE PEOPLE are led by an accomplished, self-made, intelligent gentleman from Illinois guides us through the steps of how WE THE PEOPLE can work our way back to indeed BE a United States once more.

Elizabeth- I envy you your experience with seeing Obama live at a rally. About 2 days from now I expect him to post the delegate number of 2026 and get Senator Clinton's congratulations. After that, a tough campaign that will be his to lose. Here's hoping he will not lose.

You allude to the fact that the challenges facing the USA are huge. I certainly agree. Many of those challenges are financial, due to the fiscal denial practiced in recent years. Our next president will face financial pandering pressures, because many of us are hurting and want the hurt to go away. Obama's position against the gas tax holiday is a good sign- and McCain's willingness to pursue additional tax cuts is a bad sign. In the bigger picture, our nation is doomed if we continue to borrow from our future selves. The solution is to let the Bush tax cuts expire in order to refill the government revenue "tub". We will also need to refuse to pull the plug to let the water drain out by increasing expenditures. The Iraq occupation, which drains billions weekly, needs to end for financial reasons as much as for the reason of saving soldier's lives.

The only valid question I have ever heard about Obama is: does he have the guts to say no to his supporters by holding the line on increasing government spending? Does he have the determination to slow spending- something the Republican Congress and President claimed they would do then totally failed to do?

Elizabeth ~ This is probably the BEST ARTICLE I have seen on OBAMA. There is no doubt in my mind that he will WIN. You've experienced HISTORY in the MAKING.

Blessings ~
Rene

Thanks Liz.
I also got to see Obama in person when he held a rally to a packed house at the First Mariner Arena in Baltimore. It was also my first time going to candidate's rally, and I concur that it certainly was one of the most inspiring experiences in my life thus far. It inspired me to write a comparison between Obama and another presidential candidate who's experience, like Obama's, amounted to cutting his teeth in the Illinois legislature followed by a short stint in Congress—Abraham Lincoln.
If you haven't read it you can follow this link and see how I think Obama will complete Lincoln's legacy.
It's a much more appropriate comparison than some of the absurd comments your readers have left. ¡Come on People! ¿Hitler? ¿¡Really!?
¡Brava, Liz!

I, too, have heard him speak (although in a smaller setting). There is a level of authenticity to Obama's politics that is simply lacking among other candidates - and others currently in office.

It's refreshing.

P.S. Props to Salvador for excellent photos!

Wow - I'm seeing some of my wonderful old friends on here! Hello Miz Diana!!! Great to see you!!! Hello Lisa - good to see you too! Ok, I think we have a winning team here...Ok in two minutes, Gather shuts down for three hours - I think!!! Keep President Obama in your minds! Salud.

Our next president will face financial pandering pressures, because many of us are hurting and want the hurt to go away. Obama's position against the gas tax holiday is a good sign- and McCain's willingness to pursue additional tax cuts is a bad sign.

Thanks Chris - one of the many reasons Obama should win over McCain. Salud.

Tica - are you comparing Hitler to Obama??? I don't even remotely get it - Salud.

How very exciting! I still remember the Bill Clinton rally my husband (then just boyfriend) and I went to at the Michigan State University belltower area back in 1991. It is really incredible to see someone in person. I enjoyed seeing all the protesters as well as his union supporters. It was an interesting mix of people and he gave an inspiring speech. I didn't take photos, unfortunately.

I really liked what Aunt Boni had to say, and I think it's worth repeating:

This voter wants to know what WE THE PEOPLE will accomplish when WE THE PEOPLE are led by an accomplished, self-made, intelligent gentleman from Illinois guides us through the steps of how WE THE PEOPLE can work our way back to indeed BE a United States once more.

I am with you Aunt Boni - this is what it is ultimately all about.

Obama's popularity will combine with the highest level of UNpopularity the GOP has ever seen to form the PERFECT STORM in November. A storm that will devastate the Republican Party so completely, it will take decades for them to recover.

Yes Mariana, I am comparing Obama to Hitler. Personality cults are very, very bad. Obama is as popular now as Hitler was in 1933. The American people know as little about min now as the German people knew about Hitler befor his rise to power. Hitler wrote a hugely popular book that aided his rise to power, just like Obama has done. Hitler pick a group of people that it was 'OK' to hate at the time. Obama has picked a group of people that it is "OK" to hate today. Want to pick someone to be the but of an ugly joke? Make it a blond or a "Polock" and you are the hit at your local comedy club. If you are white and stupid enough to quote the lyrics from some popular rap song, you are engaged in "hate speach" and could very well lose your job! Are Americans as stupid now as the German People were in 1933? God! I hope not! But we do seem to prefer elegant, empty headed speeches over substantive arguments. You hide and watch. When Obama gets the White House in a few months and finds the job to be very difficult, he will blame 'evil, rich, white men'. He will lead the charge on who we should be angry at ... and solve no problems. He as comfortable blaming Bush for everything that goes wrong after he becomes president, but he will NOT put America first! After all. this is a country built by 'rich, white, men', and I don't think he likes them very much. By the way, Hitler didn't like the rich jews who added so much to Germany's prosperity either.

If you think that I am a little paranoid just ask the survivors of the 'Waco Bar-B-Q' about how they felt when Clinton.... Oh EXCUUUUUSSSSEEE MEEEE! Janet Reno authorized tanks to tear down their homes! What a magnificent military triumph for the brave, compassionate democrats.

History has a tragic way of repeating it'self.

Tica, I certainly hope you come to terms with your paranoia and negativity. From your comments, it seems like you are suffering. I wish you nothing less than Hope & Joy.

Tica - What do you really think about Obama?