Yes We Can!
I did something last night. I went to the Barack Obama political rally in Houston. With over 16,000 of my friends.
Let me preface with this - I have been a card carrying Republican since I was 18. I am proudly conservative. But, in the last four years a bad taste has formed in my mouth. So, I have become a campaign groupie.
You see, the same friend that went with me last night, went with me to see John Edwards when he came to town about 6 months ago. We have decided that the older we get, we are tending to be a bit more liberal in our outlook. I liked John Edwards at his rally (once he stood up on his box and I could see his tiny cute self) but he lost me on the Universal Health Care and I knew I couldn't vote for him.
Barack Obama has caught my interest. I didn't think he had the charisma. He does. Trust me. I was in a completely packed venue last night that could not have been more excited and full of energy. But, do you know what was really exciting? We were a true cross section of America. There was every color, every age and from what I could tell by superficial standards, every economic level.
I like what the man has to say. He talks of changing Washington and I for one, think its needs some changing. The status quo is not working any longer.
Obama talks of health care, especially for all children. His plan to pay for it is better than any other I have heard. Let's face it, the Republican "No Child Left Behind" has left many battered and in the dust. My friend who was with me works in the public school system. She sees it everyday.
Obama talks of hope and I know I could use a little hope for my country right now.
Obama talks of pulling all troops out of Iraq by 2009. That was when the tears were stinging behind my eyes and I stood. And clapped. Hard. I am a mother. A mother of one who will be graduating from college in 15 months as a second lieutenent in the U.S. Army. When he was a toddler I held his hand to keep him safe. I provided shelter, proper nutrition, and a good education to bring him up the best way I knew how. Even though he will be 21 next week, I am still out there protecting him in the only way I know how. If a vote for Obama means he will not go to war in a country where we seem to have lost our way, then I have switched parties.
Maybe its time for a change.
posted by DebbieDoesLife at
6:08 AM
15 Comments:
Can I just say how proud I am of you for listening to your conscience instead of your party, though not because I'm a Democrat. I've not crossed party lines with regard to President in a long time, but I've done it in other campaigns when the issues speak to my heart. I mean...I don't have a big issue with McCain. Even though I'm Pro_Choice, I appreciate his anti-torture views. However his threats to stay in Iraq (and add a war with Iran to the mix) fill me with horror. You're the second Republican I've spoken to today who says they're rooting for Barack Obama. We need change from the quagmire that has formed around the feet of the present administration. I'm with you, Debbie!
By
Anonymous, at 2/20/2008 10:27 AM
I saw "Definitely, Maybe" this past weekend. Isla fisher delivered a line or two so pertinent to this election. Go see the movie. Basically, I'm sorry to inform you, but it won't be different. It will be the same no matter who wins.
~Jef
By
Anonymous, at 2/20/2008 10:35 AM
Edge: I have seen the movie. I am usually the cynical critical one but honestly, I think Obama has a chance to do it differently.
By
DebbieDoesLife, at 2/20/2008 10:39 AM
I have been debating this with a more liberal friend of mine over the past few days. Basically, you've described my views and my feelings about Barak too. I didn't realize he was in Houston last night and I'm sorry I didn't go.
I too have never voted anything but Republican, and Barak has my attention. He got it when I read his book The Audacity of Hope. (Read it if you haven't...it's very interesting.)
Most of all, I want to see debates between McCain and Obama and see where I fall when it all shakes out. Someone needs to unite this country and I like to feel like someone like Barak may be able to do it. We have to have hope!
By
Crazy MomCat, at 2/20/2008 12:16 PM
Good girl. I'm pretty sure Obama's getting my vote.
Last night, two disc jockeys were on the air, talking about how Obama talks about "change" all the time, but he never describes what kind of change. And they joked...is it change for a dollar? A diaper change? What??
And I wanted to call the station and say, "Does it even matter, so long as it IS a change?"
By
Candy, at 2/20/2008 2:18 PM
Dallas is mightily abuzz over Barack, who was in town today for the local version of the 2008 revival. He ended up filling Reunion Arena -- how amazing is that!
By
Spamboy, at 2/20/2008 5:01 PM
I am a fan of John Edwards. I have reviewed his book as well as his wife, Elizabeth's on my blog
I think it's great that you are exploring outside the party listed on your voter's card.
I think too many people aren't really exploring the issues. They are just looking at party and personality.
By
Di, at 2/20/2008 6:48 PM
I was there, too! I wish I had known you were going, we could have met for dinner!
By
Beulah, at 2/20/2008 8:09 PM
How exciting. I mean it. This election has been so fascinating to me because of people like you who are completely changing their party loyalties and looking at the individual candidates. It makes me think there's hope for our country when all of us are really thinking about our choices in this next election.
By
Anonymous, at 2/20/2008 9:04 PM
I am the friend who is on the political quest with Debbie. I, too, have gradually been moving further and further from the right more to the center or left of center. Some people put down the Obama speeches as just words. But in my voting life, he is the first person who makes me feel good about participating in the process - that we can be part of making a difference. Hokey? Sentimental whim? Tell that to the 19,000 people in the Toyota Center last night. In my opinion, being willing to get behind big ideas is the only thing that has ever led to the kind of changes that we need. The title of Obama's second book is The Audacity of Hope. If hope is audacious, than count me in.
By
Anonymous, at 2/20/2008 10:08 PM
I have voted Republican most of my voting life. I did vote for Clinton once, but not twice! I have been disappointed in the Republican party too. Obama is dynamic and would be less polarizing than Hillary Clinton but I am concerned about his Socialist ideas. I just don't think Socialism works.
By
J. Hi, at 2/21/2008 9:08 AM
I think these politicians are becoming the rocks stars for the over 20 set, I found myself at a Hillary Clinton rally about a month ago and I believe in voting and paying attention, but I have never been a groupie before.
I worry about my boys too, while they are still too young for this war, I don't want to see them drafted, if it can be avoided.
By
Ditsy Chick, at 2/21/2008 1:42 PM
Wow, you've gone from young, handsome John Edwards to young, handsome Barack Obama. Who could have called that?
I suspect you also have a young, handsome dentist.
I fully understand your feelings about your son. But keep in mind, Barak Obama wants to pull troops out of Iraq--and deploy them in Afghanistan and perhaps invade Pakistan. The Pakistan which has nuclear weapons.
Here's my favorite Obama quote: "blahblahblahblah--change." Cue applause.
Of course it sounds better when he says it.
By
Anonymous, at 2/21/2008 3:54 PM
We watch and listen with eager anticicpation from our country, and wait to see who are neighbours of the south will vote in...
Cewrtainly different than our politics... That's for certain...
By
Pendullum, at 2/23/2008 6:31 AM
i am listening to obama's book on tape and he is quite dynamic on it.
he has a clear, strong voice.
*********
on his political thoughts i like he plan for change and his plans for healthcare. i do think he will make some positive changes if given the chance.
great post.
By
acaligurl, at 3/16/2008 2:42 AM
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