Is this New Hampshire?

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I think I am finally getting just a glimpse into what it would be like to live in New Hampshire or Iowa during the primary season in presidential election years.


Being in Oregon we rarely get much attention from presidential candidates in the primary. Our primary is coming up on May 20th (the only other ones left after us are Republican primaries in Idaho & New Mexico, a Democratic primary in Montana, and both parties primaries in South Dakota and Puerto Rico): the airwaves are congested in with political ads, the phone is ringing with pollsters on the other end of the line, and the candidates are actually visiting cities all across the state (and not just stopping in Portland).


Senator Obama was here in Eugene on Friday night speaking to a crowd of about 8000 at the University of Oregon. I just heard on the radio that he will be back to Oregon again this weekend. Senator McCain is here today. Senator Clinton was in Central Point on Thursday and in Portland at OHSU on Friday. President Clinton was in Pendleton last night and is traveling all over the state today promoting a "Bring Your Ballot" events (Oregon is the only state with a complete vote-by-mail system.). We are still hoping for the chance to see Senator Clinton here in town.


For our little family who is interested in the political process, government, public service, current events, history, etc, this is really quite exciting.


Before Senator Obama spoke on Friday night we had a chance to go behind the scenes with a small group and welcome him to Eugene.


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Chris got his book signed.


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Simon got to shake hands.


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I got a blurred shot to go along with my collection of blurred favorites.


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And Simon's favorite part of the night was acquiring this flag that he was able to wave like crazy (thanks Emily). He was super serious about his job as a flag waver and made sure that we were all cheering at the appropriate times.


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It's a pretty amazing time in the history of our country.


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On another note, I hope you all had a fantastic Mother's Day. We got to have lunch with my parents on the coast and dinner with Chris' here in town. We are pretty darn lucky: both our Mother's still love us and listen to us talk politics even though we are on opposite ends of the political spectrum (they definitely don't sit quietly though - lots of lively, interesting discussions).


Love you Mom!

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149 thoughts

  1. Abby says…
    05/12/2008

    It's great that Simon gets to grow up in the kind of environment where you are actually part of the politics, and not just an outsider with (seemingly) no voice. Glad you had a nice Mother's Day. Question: what font did you use for your title on the "The Story of the Tie" L/O? You've motivated me to capture into words + photo something funny my son said this weekend, and I'm going to shamelessly copy your layout, if you don't mind! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Bobbi Jo says…
    05/12/2008

    How cool!!! I love the picture of Senator Obama with Simon, Obama looks like he's genuinely interested in whatever it was that Simon was telling him. Thanks for sharing! Go Obama!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Bobbi Jo says…
    05/12/2008

    How cool!!! I love the picture of Senator Obama with Simon, Obama looks like he's genuinely interested in whatever it was that Simon was telling him. Thanks for sharing! Go Obama!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Elisa Bohm says…
    05/12/2008

    BA-ROCK the vote Ali!! So cool. Love his positive message. What an amazing moment. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Alecia Angell says…
    05/12/2008

    Glad to know you didn't let me down and you didn't even know I was rooting for ya! When I heard that Mr. Obama was going to be in Eugene, I just knew that you would be there and find a way to visit with him personally. So very cool! Isn't is a wonderful feeling that you helped you son witness history and he doesn't even know it yet!?

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  6. Anna-Marie Still says…
    05/12/2008

    My DH took my son to see him when he came to RI. He didn't get close like you did, but he got a behind the scenes look at all the media corespondants and the role they play in the primary speeches. Cool perspective too.

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  7. Nicky Anderson says…
    05/12/2008

    Wow-what an amazing time!!! Glad you were able to enjoy it and share with Simon.
    Happy Belated Mother's Day.
    My book has been shipped and I can't wait to get it in the mail!!!
    Nicky

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  8. alexandra says…
    05/12/2008

    Exciting stuff! And... fabulous photos - especially loving the one of Simon on your shoulders with the flag - one to frame!!
    Happy Mother's Day to you too, Ali!
    Best wishes,
    A.

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  9. Liz Ness says…
    05/12/2008

    Cool! Also, I just had to comment about that last photo...HOW PERFECT! Love the lighting, the emotion, the theme, and that Simon looks so much like you and Chris! It's a stirring (awesome) photo!

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  10. anna says…
    05/12/2008

    what an amazing moment in history for you all. Love the photos, happy belated mothers day
    anna x

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  11. tracy says…
    05/12/2008

    Presidential races are probably the worst thing about living in Iowa (worse than blizzards, ice and tornadoes by far). We hear way too much about all of the candidates. By the election you dislike all of the candidates and you realize that a vote is all about the lesser of two evils. And this year has been overly distasteful with the Dems fighting amongst themselves. We need another party to rise closer to the top so that elections don't divide our country so much. It's the reason the country has become less successful. Nothing gets done.

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  12. Jeane says…
    05/12/2008

    I am sure that I am one of the few conservatives who read your blog, am not for Obama, and am not liberal . . . hopefully that is ok too.

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  13. Creole Wisdom says…
    05/12/2008

    You and your family are so lucky. What a cool thing. I would have met Obama, but the lines were around several city blocks.. and you know, MN in October is pretty chilly. He inspires so many people. I admire him!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. Alexa says…
    05/12/2008

    It's a pretty exciting time for the whole world right now, American Politics has a huge impact outside the US. It affects us all!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. Sharon says…
    05/12/2008

    Ali - I really meant to post to you last week. I loved your photos plus words. I think that should be your next book. Very inspiring.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Lori Salyer Hudson says…
    05/12/2008

    Whether he becomes president or not (and I hope he does), you touched history! Wow, I am a little jealous.

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. kelly rae says…
    05/12/2008

    i'm not often jealous, but ali, i am SO jealous right now!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Heather H. says…
    05/12/2008

    Great photos. I too am a little jealous. When Senator Obama was here in MN there was a line through the city to wait to MAYBE get in to hear him speak. The republican convention will be held here soon and I'm a little nervous about what all that will bring to our cities.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Steph H says…
    05/12/2008

    I love that Simon gets to be a part of the process. Such a cool experience for him. I love his flag enthusiasm.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Kelley Popp says…
    05/12/2008

    Being part of the process of electing an official is the coolest thing about being a U.S. citizen. No matter which party you root for! The year 2008 will be one for the history books in regard to the process to be sure!

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  21. Amy K-P says…
    05/12/2008

    NICE! You get Obama, we on the east side got Bill Clinton. NOT fair!

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Sherri says…
    05/12/2008

    Since I am not a dem, I'd rather meet Ali than the Obama LOLOL! Glad you got to meet your *rock star* Nice photos - even the blurry ones are a treasure.

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. ElizabethW says…
    05/12/2008

    Don't forget Kentucky! Our Dem. primary is next week - the first time we've "mattered" too! Hoping to get a glimpse of both candidates.

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Teresa says…
    05/12/2008

    The whole blog was political BUT the photo of you with Simon on your shoulders was breathtaking ~ an absolutely fantastic shot!

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. lu says…
    05/12/2008

    I am freakin' dying! How cool is it you were able to get that close to a presidential candidate. Awesome.

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