TPM: The Audacity of My Commute

[Renew Deal]

I woke early, in hopes of getting to the polls before work. A progression of household delays will force me to do so after work today. Still, I was in position to get to the office early enough to enjoy a cup of coffee before the rest of the organization gets in, and that seemed like a solid goal for me.

When I arrived to the subway station, a college student was at the top of the escalators handing out Obama literature and encouraging people to vote. I passed on the literature, stating that Barack already had my vote. The young man thanked me and I took the stairs down to the train stop.

That’s when I noticed something far out of the ordinary for my morning routine. My fellow commuters, who I see every morning and afternoon, were engaged in conversation with each other. Usually, this crowd of mixed age, race, gender and preference casually ignores each other. They stand or sit quietly. They bury their faces in books or newspapers. They close their eyes. Rarely do they interact. Today, they were discussing politics with their fellow strangers.

All of this was inspired by the young man at the top of the station encouraging votes for Obama. It appeared to me that a majority of my fellow commuters were receptive to that encouragement. People were shouting, “Yes We Can!” Others asked each other if they’d voted yet and if they knew where to do so.
<snip>

Lots more at: http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/02/05/no_tuesday_more_super/#comment-2588717

[NoBorders]

1. I like this story, regardless of the candidate

I just like the notion of strangers spontaneously discussing politics with each other, regardless of who they support.

[dkf]

2. Hillary won't sign a pledge to honor the constitution as President?

"One told me about a pledge to honor the constitution as President that Obama signed and Hillary refused. (I researched this when I got to the office, it’s true.)"

[displacedtexan]

4. Check the presidential oath, please.

And the oath she took as a senator.

[Renew Deal]

5. I noticed that.

:wtf:

[dkf]

6. Hillary won't sign the "American Freedom Pledge"...Obama did

Edited for American Freedom Pledge...

We are Americans, and in our America we do not torture, we do not imprison people without charge or legal recourse, allow our phones and emails to be tapped without a court order, and above all we do not give any President unchecked power. I pledge to fight to protect and defend the Constitution from assault by any President. The Constitution protects American Freedom. With checks and balances, and basic legal rights, it has prevented tyranny and safeguarded our liberty. Yet today, under the pretense of the "war on terror," the White House is dismantling the Constitution, concentrating power in the President and undermining the rule of law. THIS IS UN-AMERICAN. I hereby join the American Freedom Campaign to educate my neighbors about the threat and urge my representatives to confront and correct these abuses of our America.

[Coexist]

8. was that controversial?

[Coexist]

3. that is such a nice story.

I also like the one about Bill Clinton saying "this is the proudest moment of my life" voting for Hillary.

[Renew Deal]

7. kick

:kick: for my fellow commuters.

[lse7581011]

9. Proud to be #5 rec!