Politics

This movement is real

The presidential primary in Oregon has officially kicked off. On short notice, Barack Obama spoke at events in the states three largest cities on Friday, including a morning event in Portland with over 13,000 people where New Mexico Governor, and former presidential candidate, Bill Richardson endorsed him. Another 4,000 attended a town hall meeting in Salem, while another 10,000, including myself, joined him in Eugene. This morning, Obama visited Medford where another several thousand people met him for his final Oregon stop on this particular trip.

It’s one thing to hear of these huge crowds on CNN — it’s entirely different to experience it.

Upon hearing the news of Obama’s Eugene appearance early Thursday morning, which would take place at 9:00 p.m. Friday night, with doors opening at 7:00; I decided that I would head down to the arena around 5:30 — allowing me to watch the first half of Oregon’s NCAA Tournament first round game. At 2:00 Friday I received a call that the line was already several blocks long. Worried I wouldn’t get to see Obama, I jumped into the car and got in line.

The boy scout in me reminded me to always be prepared, so knowing I’d be standing in line for several hours I loaded the iPod with a couple tv shows and a movie, grabbed a very old Walkman so I could check in on the basketball game, the book I’m working through, the newspaper, and a magazine. However, it wasn’t long before I was joined by several family and friends. I didn’t use a single item, with the exception of the radio which was used to occasionally check the score for everyone around us.

The line grew quickly, and it felt like what democracy must have been like for the ancient Greeks. With people showing up, just because of word of mouth — the crowd seemed to grow exponentially. Cars would pass, roll down their windows and ask “what’s going on?” And then nod with approval when told “Obama is here tonight!”

There was a buzz like I’ve rarely experienced, and never in politics. It felt much like the anticipation of a huge win over a Michigan or Oklahoma, like the Oregon football team has been fortunate to have in the last several years — but yet, it was vastly different. There was hope and expectation of something great.

The hours literally felt like just minutes, and soon we were inside the arena. The group of people I was with got to sit behind Obama (not TV behind, but to his back and off to the side). We were relatively close compared to most.

Apparently people who were in line around 4:30 were turned away. There as no more room. However, to Obama’s credit, he met with 3,000 or so people who stayed anyway, and gathered in a nearby soccer field to listen to the speech from outside Mac Court.

Obama’s speech was his typical stump. If you’ve seen any of his many speeches on CNN or any of the cable networks, you’ve likely already heard what was said last night. However, even though it wasn’t fresh content, being in the same venue as such a great orator — and with a crowd of people so ready for change — gave goosebumps.

I did not get to personally meet or shake hands with Obama, but I want to share the experience of a woman who spoke with Obama in Salem, as shared through her diary on Daily Kos:

I met Barack Obama today. Today was the 10th anniversary of our marriage, and rather than go out to a fancy restaurant for dinner, we decided to take our kids to witness history in the making. My family (Husband, Daughter-16, Daughter-14) and I attended the event in Salem, OR today, arriving at about 8:30A for the announced 11:30 doors open time. …

As Obama worked his way down the line, he efficiently glad-handed, smiled and thanked supporters for coming. When he got to us, my youngest shook his hand and thanked him for running. He said, “You’re very welcome.” I was next- I reached out to shake his hand saying, “Senator Obama, please talk more about the economy and the mortgage crisis. My mother is losing her home to foreclosure.” Obama stopped in front of me, still holding my hand. “What is the situation, how did it happen?” he asked. “She is moving in with us,” I responded, “She got into a bad loan, high rates, and couldn’t keep going when the economy tanked.” He asked, “Have you been able to get any help locally?” “No.” I said. Obama then talked about a number of non-profit organizations that could assist with the situation, and wished us luck in getting things settled. And he thanked me for coming out today. All the while, he held my hand, looked me right in the eye, and really listened. It was really amazing. I was teary-eyed and a bit shell-shocked when it was over.

My oldest was next. She shook his hand, and asked, “Senator Obama, what do you plan to do about the situation in Darfur and the refugees in Chad?” His response was immediate and unwavering. “We need to get conflagration troops on the ground, and a no-fly zone over the camps in Chad.” Then he shook her hand again. I was so proud of my girls! They officially granted Obama “Rock Star” status on the spot.

That in itself is what makes Obama so different. His willingness to stop, listen, inquire, and then give advice to those who’ve been disenfranchised from government.

Overall, Friday was a fantastic experience. I was fortunate enough to get to spend it with my mother, my grandfather, my pastor, a couple of close friends, and several other friends who I haven’t seen in ages — but bonded with because of this man and this movement.

For all those doubters out there: This movement is real.

Tags: 2008 election, Barack Obama