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!
great pics! love the energy.
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GOOOOBAMA! I was devastated to have to miss his appearance in Portland a few months back - they *would* have to schedule my performance review *that* particular morning! Thrilled that you guys got to see - and meet! - him.
Now we just have to convince Kulongowski that, when the will of the Oregon voters plants our state firmly behind Obama, our Governor should put his superdelegate weight behind him, too.
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Love the photos! Yes, it is an exciting time in our country right now. I'm finding it so helpful to read all I can about the candidates...the good, bad & even the extreme. Checking into each piece of information presented as fact, rumor, etc. It helps me build a better picture of each of them. I'm sure you're doing the same...checking it all out...good, bad, extreme.
Thanks for all you do here on your blog Ali. I know you get told this hundreds times a day but I have to say it too...your artistry & creativity are so inspiring!
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Thank you so much for sharing your Obama experience. Amazing, isn't he? We were able to see him in Ohio -- I haven't washed my hand since (hee,hee). My 5 year old daughter and I went door-to-door for him...seeing her enjoy politics is priceless!
Seeing that you are an Obama supporter makes me like you even more! :)
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loved your post,the times are surely amazing. the picture with simon on your shoulders is just the best. tena
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I thought that was the back of Simon's head I saw on the news the other night! They showed him up there waving his flag! Couldn't see his face, but I knew it was him!
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I haven't ever commented before, but I love reading your blog - it's so inspirational. I love the photos of your family and Obama...and the one with you, Simon, and Obama - all my heroes on one page!!!
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hi ali :)
things are quite different here politically in Australia but what an experience to be up close and personal with Senator Obama :) He's definitely one inspirational man!
What a beautiful shot of you and Simon with his flag!
Love and blessings,
Lusi x
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Hello to my Political Partner...
I am so loving the photos of your family with Barack and just the photos you took period...these are exciting times for our country.
Looking forward to what is to come
And THANK YOU...for all of your continued inspiration
See ya soon
Alraynita aka Al...your Political Partner (From Windy City Scrapbooking in Chicago)
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I live in NH and I have to tell you, it's not nearly the crowds as you experienced. Reason being....we have EVERY single candidate in the running at that point and many (uneducated) individuals have no idea who is who, therefore they vote for "who they know", regardless of their politic views. I feel you've experienced something much greater! Amazing really.
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Wow, how great these pictures will be if he becomes President! Great camera work.
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The editor of the Utne Reader said it so well:
"Obama has jolted us awake. The air is crackling again with the power of possibility, with the belief that there’s still some magic to be squeezed out of the American Dream. And that sensation is as real as it is unforgettable." What wonderful photos and an experience of a lifetime.
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I am so jealous - now that's the kind of stuff for scrapbooks - I am very hopeful my little boys will one day get to meet Barack Obama. Very cool
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Hey....you got to see him in September too. NO FAIR. Again...I chose Justin Timberlake next door. What an IDIOT I was!!!!
Those are fantastic photos. I have goosebumps on ym arms! Fingers crossed that Simon just met the future President of the United States:))))
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I just saw Chris, Simon and you in a YouTube video that is now on Obama's Web site! It's on the Oregon section and included with the May 16 post entitled "Oregon's Time is Now!" How very cool!
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Ahhhhhhhh! My husband would love to be there! Here in Singapore, we are following the elections as well and I too would love to have met Obama in person. Good for you and thanks for sharing all the lovely pictures!
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Rats! That photo blurred and I bet you were just a little peeved that it turned out that way. Knowing you, you'll be able to turn it into something cool anyway.
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Wow, that was a fabulous treat, to see real pictures of Obama. Even tho I live in Canada so obviously don't have a say in this process, I'm still SO interested! Obama is very compelling and has some fabulous ideas. I think and hope that he is the man who will help us all change the world. You must have been thrilled - how lucky for you that you were able to get photographs of such great memories! And blurred shot or not . . it's still fabulous!
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awesome photos thanks for sharing!!
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Victor said Obama before he said Momma (back in October)....you are so lucky to be able to meet him twice. One morning, while getting ready for the day, watching the news, Victor said "Obama hold you" (which in 2 year old speak means - I want Obama to give me a hug. We had our primary May 6th, so we were getting calls reminding us to go vote -- and we saved a couple of the ones from Obama himself -- which we all love to listen to. :)
Bob the Builder's theme song has new meaning these days in our house.
Hope you are well.
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Thanks for sharing your once-in-a-lifetime experience! Your photos are amazing - especially the first one of Barack Obama with the sunlight on his face. I am a big fan and supporter of Obama and love to see all the enthusiastic comments your post has generated. Yes we can!!!!!
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Wow, I'm so glad I ran into your blog (via someone else's blog in her signature at scrapgirls). What an awesome experience!
My toddler says "Obama" too! :)
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Blurry photos are cool. They show that the someone behind the camera was excited and genuinely in the moment. I love blurry photos!
What a cool opportunity to meet Senator Obama. Love the photo of him smiling down at Simon.
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Must admit that this has to be a cool experience. Such a great opportunity to be in the middle of it all and meeting candidates.
So what if you have a blurry picture here or there, at least you have the memories and of course, a blurry picture lol!!!
Thanks for the update
jflo
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