and a County in the middle of the Bible Belt that usually trends brilliant red. Article in today's paper. Expect turnout and enthusiasm to be high on Feb. 5th
Obama backers say he transcends bordersBy Marti Davis
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The crowd didn't gather to talk about color Tuesday night. The people met to cheer on U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, their choice for the Democratic nomination for president.
"Every now and then a real human being sort of slips through the political process, and I think that's what happened here," said City Councilman Chris Woodhull. "When he talks about hope, he does it from his own personal experience and in a personal way that people understand."
Analysts have hailed Obama as the nation's first viable black presidential candidate, but most of his local supporters said that's not their main concern. "Part of me thinks the novelty of that's cool, but that's not affecting my vote whatsoever," said Ian Orr, a student at the University of Tennessee.
"I actually came into this campaign liking Rudy Giuliani. I thought he could unite the country. Giuliani fell flat, and Obama floated to the top for me."Orr, Woodhull and others met at the Downtown Grill and Brewery to watch the voting results roll in from the New Hampshire primary. "I think Obama crosses all lines and borders," said Rommie Hawkins, a contractor. "This gentleman has won in a predominantly white state and is on the verge of winning in another predominantly white state. I think the numbers speak for themselves."
Earlier in the day, the Rev. Harold Middlebrook, pastor of Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, said he "got goosebumps" thinking that Obama might make the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream come true for America. Last Sunday, members of his congregation burst into applause at the mention of Obama's name, then bowed their heads in prayer, he said.
"We prayed that America would come to the point where we could cross lines and elect people based on their ability rather than on race," Middlebrook said. "We prayed for righteous government and that this country would not become cynical."
Other black church leaders in Knoxville said Obama's early success seems to be energizing young voters, and they are optimistic that Obama can win support across racial and political lines. The Rev. Leroy Franklin, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, and Elder Phillip Hamilton of the Children of God Ministry said Obama's candidacy is likely the cause of mounting interest in voter registration. "We ran a voter registration campaign a few Sundays ago and everyone participated and registered to vote," Hamilton said, adding that young voters seemed especially energized. "They're realizing they really do have a voice," Hamilton added.
Dr. George Lyons, of First Calvary Baptist Church, said it's too soon to draw any conclusions, despite Obama's impressive early showings. "We have to see how all the primaries unfold," Lyons said. "I think the thing that's noteworthy is the role that previously unregistered voters have had on this race."
Middlebrook said he was initially skeptical of Obama's ability to win the nation's top job. "Six months ago, I had thought he could maybe make a good enough showing to be considered as vice president. Now I'm convinced he is electable," said Middlebrook, who is hoping to help organize Obama rallies here. Hamilton added: "He's run on his ability and character. He went out as a candidate for president, not as the first black man trying to get to the White House." Middlebrook echoed that sentiment, praising Obama for crossing race, class and even party lines to lift America's hope for its future.
"I think he's surprised the whole nation," Middlebrook said.
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jan/09/obama-backers-say-he-transcends-borders/
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