BARACK THE VOTE! Obama has inspired me to cast my vote for him in the GE.

[Zhade]

This took some time to decide, because while my opposition to clinton's lies and machinations is not in doubt, I was not ready to commit to Obama. Until yesterday, I was not in his camp; my criticisms and genuine anger at clinton were based entirely on her actions and not partisanship. I now support him with, I can say, a touch of optimism.

The main catalyst for this decision was, ironically, clinton's supporters. As I fought back against those who deny or actively promote her lies and chicanery here on DU, I began to wonder why they hated this Obama guy so damn much. So I started looking at him.

What I found is imperfect. But -- and this is key to my endorsement -- it's an imperfection that I feel can be molded through citizens applying gentle (or immediate, as needed) pressure to the soon-to-be-elected man who spoke so eloquently on race relations in America.

He feels genuine, a dangerous feeling to have about any politician. But he appears to be fairly honest and sincere, having stood up to manufactured out-of-context smears like the Wright non-scandal. He's not quite a DK, certainly, but a man who I think can be persuaded with sound reasoning and support to do what's right for this country, even if all he can do is forestall the long grim slide that's sure to come as payment for this country's sins.

Hey, it's not the rosiest statement of support, but long-time posters will understand how hard it is to me to commit to those who don't fully inspire me. Hell, I had a hard time voting for Kerry due to the war issue (sorry, blm) but did it anyway, and this progressive atheist ultraliberal queer medical marijuana patient will mark it for Obama in November.

(Trust me, I'm surprised too. I thought I was going to sit this one out.)

[Shae]

1. Cool.

He grew on me. Maybe will grow on you too.

[Zhade]

12. He's starting to, at that. I just have a very leery attitude regarding politicos.

I'd be ecstatic to find my optimism warranted and then some!

[Voice for Peace]

26. I'm almost the most cynical person I know about politics, and always have been.

I'm also allergic to crowds, cults, brainwash, groupthink, religion, chants, rallies, speeches, movements. Obama has taken me by surprise, completely.

[gateley]

2. I'm so happy to hear that, Zhade!

I feel a non-vote is a vote FOR McCain. And a McCain administration might not bode well for a progressive atheist ultraliberal queer medical marijuana patient. :7

:hug:

[FrenchieCat]

3. Thank you for the background story on your personal heartfelt journey

and your endorsement to support Barack. We needed you. :headbang:

[anonymous171]

4. Welcome aboard!

GOBAMA! :woohoo: :patriot:

[Ichingcarpenter]

5. I look at how kids react to him

they know a stinker before adults

Catch out how he treats his kids from his half sister
on iTunes called Roots plus her interview.

[Zhade]

6. Thanks, I intend to do a lot more digging to help in my support.

: )

[AZBlue]

7. Welcome and thanks for sharing your story!

It's always interesting to see how someone comes to a decision like this!

:hi:

[TTUBatfan2008]

8. I'm kinda new around here...

who did you support initially? Also, what does "DK" stand for? Thanks and cheers. :)

[Zhade]

11. DK = Dennis Kucinich, who I supported in the 2004 primaries.

Up until yesterday, I didn't support anyone.

[TTUBatfan2008]

13. Oh OK...

cool. I like Kucinich. Felt bad for him and the rest of the candidates during the debates, particularly when they showed him standing on a stool (I think that camera shot was intentional).

[Jim Sagle]

9. I'm inspired to vote for him in the GE as well - inspired by McCain..

[Zhade]

10. He is pretty frightening, isn't he? In fact, he's "nothin' but shit", to borrow a phrase.

NT!

[TTUBatfan2008]

14. Yes, this cannot be stressed enough...

I don't care if Obama denounced Ed Schultz. The fact is that McCain IS a damn warmonger and a hothead, which is a FRIGHTENING combination. If this guy is willing to cuss out fellow legislators over simple disagreements, imagine his response to 9/11 or Pearl Harbor. "Nuke the rest of the world" sounds like his solution. He flies off the handle too easily, but unfortunately the MSM doesn't really want to report this side of his personality to the people.

[Jim Sagle]

15. But a few well-designed ads could remedy that. Images are available...

[anonymous171]

16. I've seen that a lot lately. Do you when was it taken?

I've been wondering who he was yelling at.

[Jim Sagle]

17. No idea where or when that was taken. But there are other pix as well....

[Voice for Peace]

27. I think that was from a hidden camera in a stall in the men's room at the Senate.

[Scurrilous]

18. K & R

:thumbsup:

[AtomicKitten]

19. I gladly give this OP a K&R.

And welcome. :)

[Perry Logan]

20. It's breathtaking how many DUers think just the opposite of what you do.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5120659

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4779500&mesg_id=4779500

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4849238&mesg_id=4849238

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4922044&mesg_id=4922044

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4942967&mesg_id=4942967

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4964704&mesg_id=4964704

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4965088

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4965227

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4982708&mesg_id=4982708

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5036756

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5065868&mesg_id=5065868

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5156352&mesg_id=5156412

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5165104&mesg_id=5165104

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5180133&mesg_id=5181094

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5195072&mesg_id=5195072

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5204441&mesg_id=5204441

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5214352&mesg_id=5214352

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5226313&mesg_id=5226313

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5235825&mesg_id=5235825

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5304883

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5349292&mesg_id=5349292

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5392998&mesg_id=5392998

[H2O Man]

21. Very good.

Senator Obama is not going to solve every problem we face. But he has the potential to begin the shift in direction that we have been going in since 1980.

[cooolandrew]

22. Yes, his reasons seem very sincere and that is what counts for me.

[Whisp]

23. This is why I like Obama. He makes people feel like they are part of the solution.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5408230

"We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For"
By Caitlin Harvey - Apr 6th, 2008 at 3:15 pm EDT
Also listed in: Pennsylvanians for Obama

Supporters across the country have been inspired by Barack to put his message of change into action and get involved in their own communities. York, Pennsylvania Obama volunteer Laura sent us this report from a grassroots event that volunteers put together yesterday:

Thirty-four people of varied ages and diverse backgrounds came together yesterday to sweep a neighborhood in York, Pennsylvania. What these people shared in common was an understanding of Senator Obama's vision for a new kind of politics. What they shared was a sense of empowerment to take personal responsibility, not just to help Senator Obama win the Pennsylvania Primary, but to be a part of the real sweeping positive change that they absolutely believe an Obama Presidency will mean for our country.
{Our volunteering} is spurred onward primarily by people's realization of Barack Obama's message that "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek."

Armed with work gloves, trash bags, brooms, shovels and rakes, all donated by Penn Waste and York More Beautiful, the York City group convened at a Hess Station at the busy corner of College Avenue and Queen Street. Dividing into three teams, which respectively headed east, south and west into residential neighborhoods, the workers filled as many as ten large trash bags on some blocks. Several of the younger kids waved Obama rally signs, eliciting honks and cheers from passing cars. Neighbors emerged from their homes, appearing inquisitive and grateful. Some folks stopped to chat, to discuss the issues on their minds with this upcoming election. Information was disseminated and many new volunteers were directed to the Obama York Headquarters.
Most importantly, real connections were made within this diverse group of volunteers and within this community. When it came time to close the event just about everyone, though tired and hungry, lingered on that corner with a sense of camaraderie, connection, accomplishment, and real hope for the future of our country.

Find out about how you can make a difference in your local community by stopping by the campaign office nearest you and joining a Neighborhood Team!

[ClayZ]

24. K and R

[eridani]

25. I got to that place by taking off my policy wonk hat and putting on my party organizer hat

I'm far enough left that looking at both Clinton's and Obama's policies are of no help in making a decision. Obama has a slight edge on the war, and Clinton a slight edge on health care, but they really aren't all that different. Both are backed by the elite Wall Street heavyweights.

Look at party building, and it's an entirely different picture. They may both get big bucks from special interests, but Obama spends his on organizers, and Clinton spends hers on shitstains like Mark Penn.

Obama is using the DNC voterfile, established with a significant amount of time and money to catch up to the Repubs in tracking our supporters. Clinton is using her own separate database, which is utterly useless to down-ticket candidates.

Obama is building organizations in all 50 states, and Clinton is running a swing state 50% + 1 campaign. Obama has sponsored intensive training for organizers from the beginning, and is now formalizing that into an ongoing program like that of Wellstone Action. Clinton doesn't seem to care what happens to the party after the current state party heavyweights die off.

Obama is bringing many more newbies into the party. This is critical because just getting a Dem as president is nowhere near enough to head off the massive ecological/economic shitstorm we are facing. We must have large numbers of people prepared to do serious organizing for the public good, pushing from the bottom, as well.

Let's face it, fellow lefties--we've been out-organized by a someone who is a triangulating centrist on most issues that matter to us. However, that's where the people are now, and if we can't get some of these newbies to get more informed about our issues and decide to hang in there organizing for the long haul, we'll have only ourselves to blame.