My cards (guts) on the table about what Obama means to me.

[lcdnumber6]

I just saw the news about his grandmother, and the emotional distance I have been trying to maintain throughout this race is gone. I'm not the oldest gal on the block, but I've been through 4 presidential cycles that I gave a damn about, and this one is really the clincher for me.

Funny, I wasn't involved in this presidential race until I went to the caucuses, where I, as an undecided Democratic voter, asked Clinton and Obama supporters why I should support their candidate on the issues that mattered most to me - the energy crises (yes, plural) and keeping USA competitive in science/technology. A barrage of Obama voters intelligently talked to me about Obama's record. So I felt comfortable enough to vote for Obama, although I had regrets that I turned my back on the first viable female candidate.

Then, Obama's name started to come up in science/technology books where his record demonstrated that he could craft innovative solutions to "my" issues, and I was impressed. So, Obama won over my intellect purely on his accomplishments as a Senator, even before I knew about all of his other outstanding credentials.

But then, as the primaries wore on and as the presidential race wore on, I started to notice something about him that stirred something else. His intention, his absolute knowing that this is the right time and the right place for him to help this country is palpable through the airwaves. And lord help me if he's the best actor in the world, but his sincerity about his desire to help this country is undeniable.

Then I started to have the most uplifting, down to earth dreams about Barack and Michelle. In these dreams, I drive Barack and Michelle around in my 1994 Ford Ranger, and we would have the most awesome discussions before I drop them off at a rally. Then I found out other people I know were having similar dreams. Kooky, yes. But there it is.

So, Barack's candidacy does not just mean to me "Yes We Can" on a superficial level of yes we can get the vote. His candidacy to me represents Yes *I* Can move beyond all of the hurt, all of the wounds, and come out of hiding after 8 long years to work hard to make this country better again. When when, WHEN Obama becomes President, I will be proud and ready to work hard beyond the election season for this country.

And of course the Fates have allowed me to be on a business trip in Chicago this week! Let's all meet in Grant Park tomorrow nite, in person or in spirit!

Namaste Lisa

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Namaste

It is a time when the old ideas, old concepts, are falling away. We all await the New tomorrow with President Obama.

[BrklynLiberal]

2. The entire world is awaiting the results of this election, and the vast majority are

on the side of Obama. I think everyone with a heart and a brain knows that we are on the edge of a new era. Obama is the person who can bring us into it, and thru it.
At this point he will be so much more than merely the President of the United States.

I am thrilled to be able to be a part of what may be one of the most historical events of modern history. This is not just because the US is electing a black man as President, but what that man represents to the world. That has nothing to do with the color of his skin. It is his intellect and compassion that will differentiate him from all those before him. He is a man of and for these times.

[lcdnumber6]

5. I was so happy when color fell away...

as an "issue" for several of the older folks in my family. When my folks realized that this man has got the goods on so many levels.

Hehe, early on I had brought up some to some friends how stereotype-shattering it would be (and good for global relations) if the US actually voted in a man with a middle name like Hussein...then I saw it in the Economist today!!! Of course they said it more eloquently...

[BrklynLiberal]

7. ...but you thoughtof it first!!!!

:-) :thumbsup: :hi:

[juno jones]

3. I have had dreams about meeting Barack and Michelle

It is so weird, I almost never dream of 'real' people, let alone political candidates, but there you have it! Glad to know I'm not the only one. :)

[Mira]

4. Namaste, Lisa - There are powers at work that we can only be awed by

because they are advancing something larger than we can conceive.
I know the whole world is watching in a way that has never happened before, but it is even bigger than that.

We will tomorrow redeem ourselves in the eyes of this world, and as I have watched the Obama campaign, and have witnessed the rallying behind him, and see the lines at the early voting places, the country has begun to redeem itself to me, where I, as a naturalized immigrant citizen,am making a new commitment to it with tons of love and a renewed sense of belonging.

K& R your wonderful post

[lcdnumber6]

6. I'm kicking

cuz I don't want people to pity Obama. I suspect he's emotionally stronger than the lot of us!

[BlooInBloo]

8. :))))))