My Day on the Hoosier Campaign Trail
March 31, 2008
Kelly won the Hoosiers for Hillary contest and spent a day with Hillary on the campaign trail.
Friday was one the most amazing days of my life. My day started at six o’clock in the morning with a radio interview with one of the local Evansville stations. I then hit the campaign trail which started out on a small nine seat Cessna plane from Indianapolis to South Bend, where the I met the other contest winner and her daughter. We were then whisked off to Mishawaka for the first rally of the day.
Once there, we entered the girls locker room and I was pleasantly surprised by the people that joined us. First was an array of former and current Indiana elected officials (some that I had voted for) including Gov. Kernin and his wife Maggie (who said I had a beautiful smile), Joe Hogsett any many others. Then to my surprise, Sean Astin, star of Rudy and Lord of the Rings, was standing next to me introducing himself. It took a minute for it to settle in that it was really him!
In no time they were instructing us to line up in a semi-circle to greet the Senator. I was so nervous and excited. When she walked through the door she was so graceful and collected. She greeted each person and took a picture with them. When she reached me she shook my hand, looked me in the eyes and said "I really appreciate you being with us today." I could only respond with "I am honored."
The day then took off like a whirlwind. After the Mish awaka rally we were ushered to the motorcade to wait for the Senator to finish speaking with the press. When she exited the building I expected her to hurry to the motorcade, but instead she walked straight over to the crowd of people waiting outside because they were unable to get in and greeted several of them.
We then took off for Hammond for another rally, meet and greet, and press conference. From there we headed to the Gary airport for the flight to Fort Wayne. During the flight, Senator Clinton sat down with me and we got to have a personal conversation — this was very moving for me. I not only got to speak face to face with one of the greatest American iconic women of my lifetime but I was also able to share my stories with her and let her know why I was supporting her. This experience meant more than I can put into words.
After we landed Senator Clinton met with several residents of the local Fort Wayne community at Sarah’s Diner to sit down and discuss our struggling economy, health care, and the plethora of other financial and moral issues that are a focus of concern for all Americans. After our stop in Fort Wayne we were taken to Muncie for a rally. By this time it was already well after nine at night and we were still going strong.
Muncie was the last stop for the Senator and her very hard working staff. I was exhausted and ready to drop — I can only imagine how her staff felt doing this day in and day out. Even after our long day the Senator was still spirited, meeting and greeting her supporters and discussing essential issues.
This was an experience I will never forget and I am so thankful and honored to have had this opportunity. Everyone including the Senator was so accommodating and nice, which only made this experience better.
Your Stories: Brenda from New Mexico
March 31, 2008
Brenda is a retired Post Production Supervisor in the film industry and a mother from rural southern New Mexico. She remembers being young and listening to President Kennedy speak to the nation — it was the first time that she heard a politician speak, and described her reaction as one of full of the hope that politics can be used to bring people together and make things better. After he was killed in 1963, she says that she disassociated herself from politics for a long time. The first time that she heard Barack speak, she realized “we don’t have to give up on politics.”
We’ve heard many stories of children convincing their parents to support Barack, but Brenda’s story works in reverse. She called her son and had to convince him that this kind of movement doesn’t come along frequently, and that “we cannot let go of it.” She continues, “It makes me tear up every time I think of it… Now almost all my son’s friends are supporting Obama.”
When I asked what Barack’s inspiration could do to help the country, Brenda struck a broad note …
One of the biggest things is the change that he could make in a whole general sense. He brings a different view not just to politics, but to the American culture. His speeches are about us, about the American people. He doesn’t just carry on about what he did and who he is, that’s where he’s different. What I think would happen are very great changes.
Brenda believes that the strength of a campaign, and this campaign in particular, comes from the ground up. The first thing we must do to make lasting change in America is to engage ourselves in its politics. This belief has been and remains the cornerstone of our campaign. Many people have already given and shared their own story with us. If you would like to become a part of this campaign, and want to be eligible for a chance to have “Dinner with Barack,” please donate by 11:59 PM EST tonight.
Your Stories: Brenda from New Mexico
March 31, 2008
Brenda is a retired Post Production Supervisor in the film industry and a mother from rural southern New Mexico. She remembers being young and listening to President Kennedy speak to the nation — it was the first time that she heard a politician speak, and described her reaction as one of full of the hope that politics can be used to bring people together and make things better. After he was killed in 1963, she says that she disassociated herself from politics for a long time. The first time that she heard Barack speak, she realized “we don’t have to give up on politics.”
We’ve heard many stories of children convincing their parents to support Barack, but Brenda’s story works in reverse. She called her son and had to convince him that this kind of movement doesn’t come along frequently, and that “we cannot let go of it.” She continues, “It makes me tear up every time I think of it… Now almost all my son’s friends are supporting Obama.”
When I asked what Barack’s inspiration could do to help the country, Brenda struck a broad note …
One of the biggest things is the change that he could make in a whole general sense. He brings a different view not just to politics, but to the American culture. His speeches are about us, about the American people. He doesn’t just carry on about what he did and who he is, that’s where he’s different. What I think would happen are very great changes.
Brenda believes that the strength of a campaign, and this campaign in particular, comes from the ground up. The first thing we must do to make lasting change in America is to engage ourselves in its politics. This belief has been and remains the cornerstone of our campaign. Many people have already given and shared their own story with us. If you would like to become a part of this campaign, and want to be eligible for a chance to have “Dinner with Barack,” please donate by 11:59 PM EST tonight.
PA Road to Change: Barack Visits Marvel Ranch Diner in Reading
March 31, 2008
After visiting Wilbur Chocolate Company in Lititz, Barack headed to the Marvel Ranch Diner in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he shook hands with local folks and enjoyed some fries.
Folks were definitely surprised and excited to see him!
Stay tuned for coverage of Barack’s rally at Muhlenberg College in Allentown!
Spring to Action: Still Hard at Work, Still Growing
March 31, 2008
In communities across the country, our supporters have built grassroots networks and organizations that have been the backbone of this campaign. As the primary season begins to wind down, many of these supporters are still active, and many of these grassroots communities continue to thrive.
Next month, supporters will be hosting Spring to Action fundraisers and organizational meetings as we continue to build momentum in all fifty states. Long after the last primary vote has been tallied, these supporters are still hard at work, still growing this movement.
Fundraisers will be taking place all throughout the month of April, but today is the last day to create an official Spring to Action event.
Here are just a few of the grassroots events that are being organized in states that have already voted or caucused:
- An "Obamarama" gathering at a bar in Chicago, IL
- A "Party for the Future" in San Fracisco, California
- A "Black & White" Party in New York City
- A "Scramble for Obama" golf tournament in Cathlamet, Washington
And in Salt Lake City, Utah, supporters are kicking off their post-primary organizing efforts with a Spring Back Into Action fundraiser. The Utah for Obama grassroots group is raising money and recruiting volunteers to help for participation in several upcoming local events, including the Democratic county conventions, the Utah State Democratic Convention, Utah Pride, Earth Day, the 4th of July, and Pioneer Day.
If you haven’t already created a My.BarackObama.com account, there’s no better time than now. It free, it’s easy, and within minutes you’ll be able to connect with groups and individuals within your own community.
You can sign in now and create your own event or search for an event near you.
PA Road to Change: Barack Visits Marvel Ranch Diner in Reading
March 31, 2008
After visiting Wilbur Chocolate Company in Lititz, Barack headed to the Marvel Ranch Diner in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he shook hands with local folks and enjoyed some fries.
Folks were definitely surprised and excited to see him!
Stay tuned for coverage of Barack’s rally at Muhlenberg College in Allentown!
Your Stories: Brenda from New Mexico
March 31, 2008
Brenda is a retired Post Production Supervisor in the film industry and a mother from rural southern New Mexico. She remembers being young and listening to President Kennedy speak to the nation — it was the first time that she heard a politician speak, and described her reaction as one of full of the hope that politics can be used to bring people together and make things better. After he was killed in 1963, she says that she disassociated herself from politics for a long time. The first time that she heard Barack speak, she realized “we don’t have to give up on politics.”
We’ve heard many stories of children convincing their parents to support Barack, but Brenda’s story works in reverse. She called her son and had to convince him that this kind of movement doesn’t come along frequently, and that “we cannot let go of it.” She continues, “It makes me tear up every time I think of it… Now almost all my son’s friends are supporting Obama.”
When I asked what Barack’s inspiration could do to help the country, Brenda struck a broad note …
One of the biggest things is the change that he could make in a whole general sense. He brings a different view not just to politics, but to the American culture. His speeches are about us, about the American people. He doesn’t just carry on about what he did and who he is, that’s where he’s different. What I think would happen are very great changes.
Brenda believes that the strength of a campaign, and this campaign in particular, comes from the ground up. The first thing we must do to make lasting change in America is to engage ourselves in its politics. This belief has been and remains the cornerstone of our campaign. Many people have already given and shared their own story with us. If you would like to become a part of this campaign, and want to be eligible for a chance to have “Dinner with Barack,” please donate by 11:59 PM EST tonight.
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