Idaho Politics: Column
Obama in Boise: “This is Our Moment”
By Jill Kuraitis, 2-02-08
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| Caption: photos by Andrew Kuraitis | |
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“I can feel it, I can feel it!” was the thrilled chant of two young women on the floor of the Taco Bell arena as they joined the crowd of nearly 14,000 people cheering their demand for Sen. Barack Obama to take the stage. People young and old who filled three tiers of packed seats and standing-room in the giant venue swayed and jumped to the music, their energy and impatience making the air crackle.
And when former governor Cecil Andrus walked on to introduce the candidate, the cheer was like nothing I’d ever heard – until Obama himself appeared, and the place exploded with a volume just this side of painful. It was so wild you could have harnessed the power enough to light the city.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
I’ve seen the Stones, the Grateful Dead, Pavarotti, Baryshnikov, Sting and many world-class performances and speeches in my lifetime – some in venues much bigger than the Boise State arena – and never, ever have I felt something like today when a black Democratic senator with a funny name rocked the capital city of the reddest state in the union.
“And they told me there weren’t any Democrats in Idaho!” opened Obama, to another crack-the-seats cheer, “but I did not believe them, I did not believe them!”
Obama rode the wave of energy into a campaign speech with a variable cadence – at times a rolling line of spiritual music, at others the cheerleading voice of a coach explaining an exciting game plan.
Yet another explosion of human energy – the biggest of the event – came when Obama said, “no matter what happens in this election – the name George W. Bush will not be on the ballot. The name of my cousin Dick Cheney will not be on the ballot.”
“When it was announced we were cousins, that was really embarrassing. You know, when they do these genealogical surveys, you always hope you’re going to be related to somebody cool, like, oh, Willie Mays, or Paul Revere - now Dick Cheney, that’s a letdown.”
With the laughs still ringing and the timing of a preacher, he hammered his point home with, “The era of Scooter Libby justice, Brownie incompetence and Karl Rove politics will finally be over this year.”
More hysteria in the stands.
With his theme of “hope” Obama was clearly inspiring more than one generation. The Obama press outfit said about 40% of those in attendance were under 30, and from the counting and estimating done by reporters, that seemed about right. Obama said in his speech that in Iowa, people 30 and under voted at the same rate as people 60 and over - “which has not happened in a generation.”
Words like “hope” and “change” are thrown around a lot in political campaigns. In fact, “it’s time for a change” is the most widely used slogan in campaigning, and possibly the least specific. So what does “hope” mean when Obama says it? Why were these thousands of teenagers and young adults up at 6:00 in the morning - the middle of the night for most of them - standing in a freezing cold line for several hours to see this candidate?
Jason, 22, said he understood how it can sound like a cliche, but he feels real hope around Obama because “he’s so unusual, so different from any politician I’ve heard. He doesn’t even seem very politician-y to me, more like a great teacher.”
(Jason’s father, who didn’t want his name used, said he was a Republican. “Jason made me come with him. I have to say, I do like the guy better than any of the Republicans running. We’ll see, we’ll see.")
Two young women, both named Ashley, said this was their first-ever political event, “because we just can’t believe how the government doesn’t seem to get it,” Ashley #1 said. Ashley #2 agreed and added, “the whole country says, get us out of this damn war, and stop persecuting gay people, but everything just stays the same.” #1 again: “Obama is so, so different. I really believe he’s completely new and different.”
The two Ashleys came to mind when Obama said, “What we don’t need is the same old people doing the same old things in the same old ways.”
“I love Obama because he’s pretty new in Washington. Some people say he doesn’t understand it…but that’s why I like him,” said Tyler Branson, 24.
I thought of Tyler when Obama spoke of people who hadn’t wanted him to run. “There are folks who say I’m not experienced enough in the ways of Washington. They say we need to season and stew him a little bit more…and boil the hope right out of him!”
Annabelle Grayson, 52, was at the event with her 11-year-old granddaughter. “What’s wrong with Washington is the lobbyists,” she said before the speech. “Too much money, all that corruption, all those people who have no business being there.”
I thought of Annabelle when Obama went for the throat with, “Lobbyists – their days of setting the agenda are over. They have not funded my campaign….and they will not run MY White House.”
When Obama spoke of a minimum 40-miles per gallon standard for new cars, he said, “I didn’t say that in Sun Valley, I said that in Detroit, in front of the automakers, and I told them they had to change their ways. Well…there was silence in that room.”
But that’s what we need for a President – someone who doesn’t just tell you what you want to hear, but who tells you what you need to hear.”
44 minutes went by as I watched the crowd stay rapt and focused on their candidate. I noted the cheering never grew weary or obligatory or forced, and realized I was witnessing something so intangible, so “you had to be there” that there was little hope I could convey the feeling through words.
This phenomenon of Barack Obama - the person who has, at last, inspired people to stand up and say, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore” even in reddest Idaho, even at the expense of showing their neighbors they’re voting for a - gasp - Democrat- this is something different altogether. He isn’t just the candidate one likes better than the other one. He’s a whole new genre of political leader, all by himself.
As I stood behind the cameras and watched, I knew I should be more jaded toward a political candidate, having worked for many and seen many more. I knew that it might be seen as silly that I was swept up in Obama’s message and his inexplicable “differentness” from any political figure I’ve known, and I knew this column would read like a love letter. But I just didn’t care. Because Obama was saying people were tired of the politics of fear - and yes, I’m damned tired of it - and were yearning for the politics of hope and yes - please! I’d like some hope - and as the cheering rose and peaked, he ended with exactly what it felt like in that stadium: “This is our moment; this is our time…We will remake this country and together we will remake the world.”
[End of article]Only 1 of our group met the under 30 characteristic (he's 8) the others were 46 and 67 and we came prepared based on what we'd heard from other venues, to possibly not make it inside but after an hour spent in the near darkness of pre-dawn we got in just in time to find a seat in one of the behind the stage areas that they opened up because of so many people.
All I wanted was a reason to shout Yes We Can, otherwise it was great.
The thing about an Obama speech is that there are almost too many great moments to list. You did an outstanding job of hitting some of the highlights. That Hope-monger!
Comment By 6degrees, 2-02-08I arrived at the arena around 7:30 this morning and followed the line of the crowd all the way around Bronco Stadium to the east side and from there it took about 45 minutes to get inside the venue. Once there, I found a spot in the mid-level front row along the south side of the building. I spoke with the two couples seated on either side of me. One gentleman said that he informed his family, who are all Repubs, that he was getting up early this morning to go hear Obama speak. I asked him if they were going to write him out of the will :-). We got a good chuckle over that.
After the wonderful intro by Gov. Andrus, the electricity in the arena just exploded as the Senator took the stage. He is really quite a magnetic personality and his message of unifying the country is such a phenomenal relief after eight years of bitter partisanship. I only hope that when he takes the oath of office in January that he can follow through on his goals to reshape the American spirit and bring the change that we so desperately need.
Babylon.
Comment By jedediah redman, 2-02-08Sounds like an almost religious experience...
Comment By Diana Rowe Pauls, 2-02-08Thank you for such wonderful job covering the event... my mind went totally blank trying to describe it... I think for the first time in 8 years, ESPECIALLY SINCE "THE DAY" (those of you who know me, know which day I mean), I actually feel optimistic about the future of my family...
Comment By Sharon Fisher, 2-02-08It really was. What I told Jill was, if everybody in the U.S. could see this guy live, he'd win.
I've been running into people who saw him all day. I was in St. Luke's visiting a sick relative, and this other woman entered the elevator.
"A great day," she remarked.
You saw Obama, didn't you, I said.
and she exploded. "Oh, my God, he was so cool! Wasn't he great! I called up my husband and told him, 'We are *totally* voting for him!'"
It's been like that all day.
Some people were somewhat skeptical about how he'd put all his grand plans into effect -- and it's unfortunate that he didn't make sure that people also voted Democratic in their state and local elections -- but on the whole people were optimistic.
I heard 1,000 people were waiting outside when they shut the doors, and when I got there at 7:30 am, the line snaked through all of campus back through to the Albertson Library.
The Clinton campaign is already attacking Obama for his Boise remark assuring hunters that he won't take away their guns.
Yet another reason why Clinton is toxic for western Democrats.
And when former governor Cecil Andrus walked on to introduce the candidate, the cheer was like nothing I’d ever heard – until Obama himself appeared, and the place exploded with a volume just this side of painful.
Ohmigawd! I wanted to reach for the volume button. I could NOT believe it. The guy in front, a 40-something white dude leaped, freakin' LEAPED to his feet when Obama came out.
I talked to the people around me too. I watched people; I had binoculars (!) and scanned every once in awhile. People were so into listening.
"The Clinton campaign is already attacking Obama for his Boise remark assuring hunters that he won't take away their guns."
As for this above, when 'reporting' something like that supply a link because otherwise, like right now, I think it's bullsh*t.
This is awesome. My laugh of the day yesterday was when I heard that Obama sold out the hockey arena at Denver University plus filled two overflow gymnasiums. At the same time, Republican Mitt Romney was preaching his special brand of flip-flop and nonsense 3 miles away at a car lot on Evans.
Comment By Sharon Fisher, 2-03-08Obama on Face the Nation just called Boise and places like it the untold stories of his campaign -- that he had 13,000 people there yesterday when only 5,000 people had participated in the last caucus, and they ran a clip from Boise as well.
Comment By Sharon Fisher, 2-03-08Ha. And then leading into the commercial, they had the clip from the opening of the speech, when he said "So they told me there weren't any Democrats in Idaho" and the huge cheer.
Comment By Kitt, 2-03-08I found a clip on You Tube that caught somewhat the thunderous reception Obama got when he came out.
THAT's what I couldn't believe. When the guy in front of me, a 40-something, well-dressed, but kind of red-necked looking LEAPED to his feet screaming "Yeah! Yeah!" like we were at a football game, I knew why so many had shown up. They're sick - sick of the shit.
Very well put! I was a volunteer for the event and half of the fun was watching the people. Everyone was so excited and had such great energy about them; i have never seen anything like it! It was a very inspiring speech and just what we needed! I was so happy to see all of support that Barack received and glad that i was able to be a part of it! Remember to caucus on Tuesday in Idaho, Qwest arena for Ada County and Nampa Civic center for Canyon, other counties will have to look at the web site.
Comment By jedediah redman, 2-03-08Half of the fun?
I'm afraid that may cut right to the heart of the problem.
We are dealing with the serious business of electing a leader fo dig us out of the worst hole the country has been in since 1865; but we're approaching it like it was almost--but not quite--as important as the super bowl.
George Bush was elected in 2000 by a crowd who wished to repeal the New Deal, the Square Deal, and everything else accomplished between 1933 and 1980.
Our response seems so far similar to attendance at a Jimi Hendrix concert...
Chill out, Jedediah. You're taking it out of context.
I was a volunteer for the event and half of the fun was watching the people. Half of the fun of volunteering for the event was the people watching.
I think most of us, Aimee included, know this is SERIOUS business. Like Obama said, quoting Martin Luther King, Jr., there is "the fierce urgency of now."
I read as well now as I ever will, kitty.
And I detect the same hysteria now that elected JFK and would have elected RFK if he'd have stood for election. This nation has been on a kick to bring back the good times since the end of WWII.
The level of thinking going on has no connection to national or even special interests.
That the media corporations have determined who would participate in political debates is indicative of the depth of intellectual investment made by the electorate.
I've no reason to suspect the event in the Taco Bell Center had any more substance than the debates.
As a matter of fact that the Center is called the Taco Bell instead of the Morrison/Knutesen--or Simplot--or Albertson--or even Borah or Frank Church is indicative of the gravitas with which we are nominating a president.
Its the same depth of purpose I used to witness in the crowds standing on line outside of the tilt-a-whirl ride at state fairs across the nation.
I've an idea Mr. Obama supporters are pretty much the same crowd who used to wait all night for a ticket to listen to the Grateful Dead--or Elvis...
Jedediah, you sure are a busy man with all the blogging that you do!
Little history on Mr. Redman folks; he goes into a lot of political blogs to voice his opinions but when others try and debate intelligently and maturely with him, he tends to get a little personal!
I imagine that as a "progressive" for the last 40 years there will be no pleasing you on this blog. You believe in your candidates and views, just as the people who commented here believe in Obama. Its not hysteria, we all are quite aware of the problems in this country and the seriousness of this and any election. Even if we are tilt a whirl, Greatful Dead lovin hippies!! (Since you seem to be especially fond of the 60s)!
Dont you just love google....
Kitt,
Regarding Clinton's criticism of Obama's statement in Boise regarding hunters and guns: I learned about this from Mark Halperin's thepage.time.com where he linked to the Clinton campaign's website and that page is http://facts.hillaryhub.com/archive/?id=5693
Go look at it if you desire, but here's what it says:
Fact Check: Sen. Obama and Guns
2/2/2008 7:25:05 PM
Today, Sen. Obama went to Idaho to reassure voters there that he has consistently supported gun ownership, saying that he has "no intention of taking away folks' guns."
But the AP reported that in a 1996 questionnaire Sen. Obama said he "supported banning the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns." (Read the questionnaire yourself HERE.)
Which one of Sen. Obama's positions do you think the Republican nominee will tout in the fall?
The Clinton campaign are first rate street fighters. They will twist anything said to their advantage, in this case conflate hunting (usually done with rifles and shotguns) with handgun control. I think they want to drive a wedge at orthodox liberals or those not from the west who don't know the difference between a Saturday Night Special and a weekend cast n' blast.
Try not to swoon, Jill
Comment By Julie in Boise, 2-04-08Great write-up, Jill. I've been to two Obama rallies now (and seen a dozen more on TV) and yes, there are elements of religious fervor and rock-star passion. But the bottom line is something Kitt said above: People are sick of the shit.
And this doesn't just mean the last seven years of GWB. It also means the eight years before that - of the intense partisan rancor and gridlock we've lived with now for more than a decade-and-a-half and, in some ways, since the 1960s. This is why we need a president who is too young to have personally had a stake in the 1960s, and who can forge a working bipartisan majority to break the gridlock and get the country out of the rut we've been in since Vietnam and Watergate, and since the Kennedys and MLK were killed. It won't happen with either Hillary Clinton or John McCain. Both are too symbolic of the "culture wars" we've been fighting for the past 40 freakin' years!
There's a great saying among Democrats: If you want the country to move forward, put it in "D." If you want to go backward, put it in "R." But with the choice many of us have tomorrow, too many Democrats are tempted to leave the car in "N" with a vote for Hillary Clinton.
Despite Senator Clinton's great accomplishments and intellect and the fact that yes, she would make history as the first woman president, nominating Clinton would be a ticket to leaving our nation in neutral. I do believe she could win, but by a small margin that would leave our nation divided. She'd drive a high Republican turnout among a GOP electorate that's otherwise uninterested in their candidates. She'd possibly attract one or more third-party candidacies who'd split the vote and make a mandate - never mind a working majority - less likely.
The way forward is clear indeed. With the crowds and passion he's been inspiring in the reddest of the red states - and make no mistake, Boise is the campaign's Exhibit A - Barack Obama has the potential to win by a comfortable margin in November. He has the potential to put the 1960s behind us and to quiet - if not silence - the GOP noise machine and its media allies that have a stake in keeping us pissed off.
Obama is a hopemonger, but I hear grit and determination in his voice, and I know he will fight to make this a country that offers liberty and justice for all.
I'll just close by saying to Cindy F, the first commenter, that if you haven't yet seen the YES WE CAN video by will.i.am, check it out at http://www.dipdive.com. Be prepared to get goosebumps ... and to say YES WE CAN!!!
And from what prodigy does Aimee get her information about ol' jed?
I can only tell you the first year ol' jed voted was 1958. Since then he has observed a lot of the things you're reading about in your history books.
I'm guessing Obama may well be out next president; but I'm predicting if he is he will be crippled immediately by his cabinet; and finished off--as was Jimmuh--by the congress.
If you're voting for Jesus Christ make sure he has the magic powers with which you are imbuing him...
I had the Obama in Boise experience in YewGene, Oreygawn when McCarthy was in the race in 1968. He never became President.
I think that Bill Clinton will derail Obama. Bill has to protect his position as the First Black President.
I think Bill Clinton will derail Hillary as a candidate for President. His ego will not let his wife overshadow his legacy.
There is a monetary cost to Bill Clinton if Hillary becomes President. He will no longer be able to be the "fixer" and "influence peddler" of note, and the current never ending stream of money coming into his coffers at millions a month for being the gracious host of introductions will end. The guy who left the WhiteHouse with the furniture and $10 million in the hole to legal expenses for his multiple defenses of dalliances and lying to the people, is now worth hundreds of millions, and it is coming in by the truck load. He will not want to lose that income stream while he is at the top.
The wonderful story about America is that you vote in secret and can tell exit polls anything, pre-election pollsters anything. When you go behind the curtain, all your prejudices and bigotry can vote and not be accountable to anyone. That, and of course, the fact that in parts of America dead people, illegal aliens, multiple identity people, all vote too, and often. That is reprehensible and wrong, unless of course, the votes are for Democrats. Underage kids buy booze all the time, illegally, and illegal voters have their ballots counted in every election. That is what makes this all so fun. And, between elections, those antics provide lots of discussion and entertainment while Congress does little more than pose, prance, orate, and vacation.
Kudo's to Obama for coming to Idaho, and for helping put action into America's desire for change. But, also beware of what kind of change Obama wants.
For the biggest progressive issue of our time, universal health care, Obama falls short. Obama lets the healthiest Americans opt out, and deny their moral responsibility to their fellow Americans. In doing this, he betrays the ideals of the New Deal.
Universal Health Care is about our committment to our fellow citizens. It's about basic morality, and basic decency. It's a committment to take some of the extra most of us have, and give it to those who don't have enough.
If you don't support universal health care, then you don't support the purpose and objectives of the New Deal. It's that simple.
For example, take Obama's statement that "I think we need to make healthcare more affordable"; and replace "I think we need to" with "HMO's" , and you have the Republican response to Universal Health Care in the 1990's. They failed then, and Obama's Health Care Plan amounts to little more than government subsidies to HMO's.
Health care is about more than policy plans and cost adjustments. It is about a basic committment. That committment is reflected in the mandate for universal health care -- a committment for even the healthiest among us to care for those who are less lucky. Obama does not make that committment, and that makes me believe that he is more concerned with his political career than the welfare of the American people.
Sorry, but this concept is just so basic to liberalism and progressivism that I cannot believe so many young progressives are willing to set aside their ideals in favor of unproven rhetoric that betrays progressive principles.
Check it out
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/anthem.asp
Don't think I want someone who won't salute our flag, support our freedoms, member of the Humane Society, (protection of all animals) no hunting, no guns, etc. Check it out folks. Just sex appeal.
Damn straight, cindy!
Nothing more important than pledging ones allegiance to the flag!
Or standing at attention with one's hand on ones heart during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner!
And a member of ASPCA?--probably the ACLU also?
And a pinko at heart as well?
I'll bet Obama doesn't even wear a flag pin on his lapel..!
Another interesting site is votehelp.org.
"If I can't dance, it's not my revolution." ~ Emma Goldman.
Your going to lose Obama and Hillary so save your energy!! Will Ann Coulter be Hillaries running mate?
Comment By Kitt, 2-05-08Oh christonFriday.....
..... what the bus to Blackfoot stopped at The New West .....
~~~~~~~
Jedidiah - It's Kitt, not kitty, kitten or any other variation. Please don't be disrespecful.
Cindy,
Did you by any chance read that entire 'Snopes' piece? Apparently not. I rarely put my hand over my heart when the national anthem plays, and depending upon the singer or the musical rendition, I ofttimes get goosebumps.
You're worried about someone pledging allegiance to the flag when this goddmaned administration from the president on down, hasn't come close to keeping their pledge of office - which, btw, is a promise to uphold, protect, & defend the constitution.
~~~~~~
And thanks for the link, Barney.
I attended the event in Boise on Saturday, and I have to say I didn't have quite the same experience as the author of this article or some of the individuals who have posted here.
I am undecided between Clinton and Obama, and I was very excited for the opportunity to witness a moment in history as Obama took the stage in Idaho (I'm from Montana).
We waited more than an hour in line and were happy to do so. It got more exciting as we approached the arena doors. We were perhaps in the last group of 50 people to make it inside and find a seat.
I found Governor Andrus' speech to be a bit spontaneous -- like he winged it rather than had a plan of what he would say. I didn't think it was very inspired. People were certainly excited by some of the things he said, but I wouldn't describe the energy as too crazed.
I feel like the anticipation was more to do with the idea of seeing someone important in our neglected part of the country. I think people were curious and excited to be a part of the process...not necessarily Obama fans who were in love with his policy or could even explain his senate votes or stance on issues in any kind of detail.
That aside, he came out and people in my area stood, some stayed sitting. Those who sat asked those who stood to please sit down so they could see. People cheered loudly, but I did not have the same ear splitting experience as the writer. Not at all. It was an enthusiastic and warm reception, but was not crazed and loud. Not where I was anyway.
Obama shook the hands of some dignitaries near where came onto the floor, then took the stage.
Now, to be honest, I thought his speech was quite standard and not the inspiring experience I was expecting. I sort of get caught up in the whole electoral process (I've been known to get teary when I vote) so I thought I'd get caught up in hope and patriotism, etc. but that definitely did not happen.
Throughout his speech, people definitely cheered, in all the natural places, but it wasn't like a religious revival or something. It was, in my honest opinion, an ordinary political rally.
Sure he threw in some local comments about Boise State, Sun Valley, and local democrats. But other than those three comments, the speech was the standard rah rah about "we must support our veterans," "we must fund schools," "we must have affordable healthcare."
Um, yes. Everyone feels that way. That's been the subject of stump speeches since I started voting in the 90s.
I'm not older and jaded, and I'm not younger and naive/hopeful. I think I represent the 30-year-olds who have been voting for a while, have a sincere interest in policy and aren't caught up in the marketing.
I walked away feeling sort of, well, bored. I was willing to be moved, willing to have my heart strings tugged at. And they weren't.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the crowd was not excited and loud. But it wasn't loud enough to be painful!! Not at all!
And I've been to some loud and rowdy concerts!
I actually found myself day-dreaming and sort of getting bored...much to my surprise. As things ended, I didn't feel any electricity in people around me...people were in a good mood, happy, congenial, but people were not energized and over the moon like I think is being suggested. But that's just what I observed.
I was just so surprised that my experience and the experience of this writer were so different.
I don't want to be a buzz kill for those who are feeling inspired...but I just wanted to offer my point of view from the nosebleed section.
Thanks for covering the event!
Great Event! Thanks for covering it. The fact that so many people showed up for Obama is OVER the Moon. People are paying attention. It energizes our State so we can make a difference. People are tired of settling for "what we get". We need to take this momentum and roll into the elections. LaRocco is running for Craig's senate post. I spotted LaRocco on the stage behind Obama. Right ON!! The corrupt Idaho GOP needs to be challenged. Keep up the good work.
Comment By Rhiana, 2-05-08Cindy and Jedediah,
You want a flag pin on a lapel and a hand across a heart and that would make the perfect candidate? Boy oh boy are you two diluted! Oh, but the main reason I felt inclined to write....
Don't you two dare to undermine the cause of the Humane Society or the ASPCA by indicating that being affiliated somehow makes someone less of a candidate or person. Thank god Obama is a supposed member of the ASPCA and/or the Humane Society! That tells me he is a REAL HUMAN BEING - A being capable of thought and reason! Someone who understands that help is needed to fix the problems that irresponsible ass*@#! pet owners, breeders and the sick, demented general public have created.
Abuse, neglect, and abandonment of animals is not funny or excusable. Supporting these causes does not make someone a gun hater or someone who wants hunting to cease. Get your facts straight! The ASPCA stands for (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Just thought you might want to know that you are putting down a coalition that is “American” and looks to prevent “Cruelty”. Funny you two should be against that!
Gee, only 10+ Million Americans feel that this is a problem that they can help to solve. You two don’t have to do the right thing, but don’t criticize those who do.
Bad argument point Cindy and Jedediah – now go blog somewhere else where they want to read lies.
Look at my 'MOON' Obama.
Comment By jedediah redman, 2-06-08Ol' jed is appalled.
He has been chided for being disrespectful to kit.
And accused of dilution by Rhiana.
But where else can one find such a conglomeration of crusty old neo frontiersmen and artless naifs..?
he's great speaker.
Comment By clem from boise, 2-07-08Jedediah did you really say "dig us out of the worst hole we have been in since 1865" Things are not great right now but I assure you we are a lot better off in this country than in many an era. Maybe to you not being able to get a chai latte and only a skinny frappacino is a bad day but WWI, the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918/1919 that killed 600,000 Americans, The Great Depression, WWII, Vietnam yep all those were good times. Read some US history, quit your whining and go volunteer at a shelter, take meals to shut ins, clean up a park, tutor a child, run for office, make a difference.
Comment By jedediah redman, 2-07-08I didn't stutter, clem.
As an historian would you wish to challenge me with some specific historical data--or do you feel more comfortable slogging about in generalities?
You sound like a first semester sophomore...
> > > While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75 year old
> > >
> > > Texas rancher, whose hand was caught in a gate
> > >
> > > while working cattle, the doctor struck up a
> > > conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic
> > >
> > > got around to Obama and his bid to be our President.
> > >
> > > The old rancher said, "Well, ya know, Obama is a
> > >
> > > 'post turtle'."? Not being familiar with the term, the
> > >
> > > doctor asked him what a 'post turtle' was.? The old
> > >
> > > rancher said, "When you're driving down a country
> > >
> > > road and you come across a fence post with a
> > >
> > > turtle balanced on top, that's a 'post turtle'."
> > >
> > > The old rancher saw a puzzled look on the doctor's
> > >
> > > face, so he continued to explain. "You know he
> > >
> > > didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up
> > >
> > > there, he doesn't know what to do while he is up
> > >
> > > there, and you just wonder what kind of a dumb ass
> > >
> > > put him up there!."
> > >
> > >THIS Should get some Lake LOONS really AGITATED!!! POST TURTLE!! That's our Barry from Ho all right!!!
I can't comment...Obama makes me sick with all his hot air. Looks like John McCain will win in Montana and November as well that is all that counts. Obama is anti-hunting,anti-sporting arms and was rated poor by the NRA.
Comment By redhawk, 5-27-08Hi Ya'll
I am sure that by now you have become aware of a certain TROLL named Jejediah who blogs everywhere by paste and Copy metodology of nothing but what Big daddy Soros tells it to post...
Hi,
I really enjoyed reading your blog post, and I'd like to invite you--and your readers-- to join a national movement of positive bloggers for Obama: we've pledged to write a positive blog post once a week about Obama for the next 10 weeks.
It would be easy for you, since you are already a prolific blogger—and your blog will probably get a lot more traffic because we’ll all be linking to one another’s blogs and promoting the event. There's nothing more to it than the positive blogging you’re already doing, but the “10 Post Pledge” is really catching on, building the positive momentum of the Obama campaign all over the country!
Our goal is to get all 50 states represented and we're halfway there! but we can't do it without you!
check out the link to see the details and sign up: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44hfj
I hope you'll join us! You can see the interactive map showing 45+ bloggers in 25 states who are participating at: http://rubycrushonobama.blogspot.com
Ruby
I am For Obama running something more akin to his vast talents... Let's see.... cannot find any accomplishments... may be a training session cleaning Toilets might give him the Credibility that Stink is Stink no matter how one attemps to mask it with Eloquent but empty oratory...
Comment By Dean, 7-29-08The new NOBAMA bumper stickers are out. I will have to order a few hundred NOBAMA bumper stickers.
Comment By clem from boise, 7-29-08It seems that both Redhawk and Dean want to focus on what they feel Obama is lacking and not tout what McCain has to offer. My uncle Chuck has many of the same qualities as McCain; he's crotchety, doesn't know how to use a computer and lives of his wife's money.
McCain or Obama; where is a leader with experience and skills when we need one. How about we take a break from electing any Yale alums for a while too.
clem
It seems that prhaps your uncle has very positive qualities ..There is nothing wrong with having reached maturity, is smart enough to marry money, as opposed to "finding" funny money from " suspicious and under indictment sources".. so what is Negative about your uncle... He has EXpereince and God help us from Columbia and HAAVAAD grads... I'll take a Graduate of the Naval Academy!!!
" this is our Moment" Yes BEWARE AMERICA this is our moment to THINK it Through!!
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