Is this New Hampshire?
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.
Chris got his book signed.
Simon got to shake hands.
I got a blurred shot to go along with my collection of blurred favorites.
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.
It's a pretty amazing time in the history of our country.
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!
Wow, what an awesome experience for all of you. I'm very jealous!
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The first photo is amazing!!! Very jealous in Ohio!
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I totally agree that it is an amazing time in our country's history. I have never been moved by a presidential candidate more than when i hear Barack Obama speak. It is not just what he says but the fact that every word comes from the heart. Thanks for sharing his path through Oregon.
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Those are gorgeous shots Ali! I took my 6 yo out of school to hear Senator Obama when he was in PA last month. I'm so grateful to be able to share this experience with him and to see it through his eyes. Yes we can!
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Isn't he awesome! He is such a great speaker and he gives American's a sense of hope which I love! I live in Des Moines and saw his New Years Day...
I love the blurred picture because it shows the crazy fun of the day!
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Ali,
Love the photo of you and Simon. Simon holding the Flag, what a patriot. The Flag always brings a tear to my eye. thanks for sharing.
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I have to say that the last picture is my favorite, it really shows how you and Simon were feeling that night! What an amazing experience!
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that is so awesome.
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I got the chance to see him and shake his hand on Friday in Portland and I am still on cloud 9..... he is an amazing man! Great pictures!
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Oh you lucky lucky girl! And Simon got to shake his hand! Those were beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing
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Wow, lucky you!! I'm so jealous. Thank you so much for sharing these pictures!
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I personally don't find much exciting at all about turning my nation into the United Socialist States of America, and getting taxed into oblivion. Things are just going to go from bad to worse, given the three choices that we're facing.
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Another jealous reader! I would love to see Obama speak in person. And I would love for him to be not only our Democratic candidate! What a great experience for all three of you!
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In Simon's eyes and expressions, I see my sons when they were that age (now 23 and 30!). Takes me back. How I miss those days.
Good for you for being so involved in the process!
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This totally ROCKS Ali. What a great experience to have been able to meet and greet and also get wonderful pictures with our "next President" *YES, I am for Obama 150%* What a great thing to look back on, for Simon to look back on for many years to come!!! So jealous right now but so happy and glad for you all.
Simon looks super cute and just lot in such amazement in the pictures. To cool!!!
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How wonderful and exciting for all of you!! Your husband looks happy, he will look back on these photos and cherish them. When my husband was in the military, he got loads of presidential photos and we look at them every now and again. They are really cool to have.
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Wow, how exciting to have a chance to meet Barack Obama. He has my vote and my money! This is the first year I have ever donated a large amount of money (for me) to support a candidate. And I have been voting for 35 years!!!! I hope he wraps up the Democratic nomination soon. I really believe he is the future of this country!
Kate
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All this time I have been reading your blog, loving you layouts in my favorite magazines, and aspiring to your visual style...I never knew you were just a few hours south of me here in Oregon! Perhaps I should pay more attention.
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What an awesome experience, thanks for sharing.
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i was at the rally friday too... found it very inspiring and exciting that we (little Oregon) get to count this time around!
stubbled upon your blog a few weeks ago... love it... funny how you find people so close through the internet which is so big!
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How utterly amazing that you all got to meet with him and interact with him!!!! I love the pic of Barack smiling down with amusement and delight at Simon, what an amazing keepsake and a snippet of History in the Making!
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OH, what great pictures an so great to experience for you!!! I have always been interested in politics, and the elections in America is always a big thing. You know, American politics has so much impact on us over here in tiny Norway too!!!
So great for you to be a part of this!!!
Good luck with the elections this year ;)
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That is a truly beautiful photo of you and Simon there. Now that is a moment in time - captured.
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WOW! you are sooooo lucky and man, if I could just be Simon! Don't ever wash that hand little man! :)
Stacie
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I had the amazing chance to see Obama speak in Indiana. He truly is leader, that this country needs. He puts me to my feet (the first politician to do that!). We (myself and my children)went canvasing last Sat. morning before the primary here in Indiana. It was an awesome experience. I also choose to take them out of school on Tuesday to work the polls with me. On his own ... My 7 year old son addressed a lady coming into vote, he handed her a Obama brochure and said "If your voting for Hillary, maybe this will change your mind." :) I thought I would just loose it!! Couldn't believe what came out of his mouth! Of course.. we will be planning more campaign volnteering in October.
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