Yesterday Barack Obama gave a speech on race, addressing the comments of his pastor Jeremiah Wright, of which (my favorite - Jon Stewart) had to say "At 11am on Tuesday a prominent US politician spoke to Americans about race as though they were adults." Obama's speech was powerful, it was honest and it was hopeful.
I think it is no secret that I wholeheartedly support Barack Obama. I don't expect all who read this blog to do the same, but as I thought about him this morning during my morning walk - I thought maybe I'd share with all of you just why it is my vote will remain firmly planted with Obama.
My reasons have almost solely to do with personal experiences with him. I have in the past known more then I do now about the politics of a candidate. What I know more of now is the kind of PERSON he is and that has turned out to be all that I needed.
My mom became passionately political 9 years ago. Fearful for what direction the country might be led with George W. Bush at the helm - she became involved. Her spirit was nearly crushed when he won a 2nd time - like many of us bewildered that the rest of the US couldn't see the damage he was creating. When Barack Obama began his run for Senate it literally felt like a reawakening. As his campaign grew here in Illinois the sense that something different had just entered the political room grew. I had the chance to meet him during the campaign when he came to Evanston to meet with local supporters. I waited in a group to meet him, going over in my mind what I would say to him when I reached him. I had expected him to say to me, "Thank you for your support," to which I would let him know what issues were most important to me this election. When I finally reached him he took my hand, looked me straight in the eye, smiled and asked, "How are you?" to which I replied, meek and startled "I'm fine." I tell this story a lot b/c I think it's funny, but also because I felt he meant it. Whether or not he did, when he asked me how I was, I believed he wanted to know and I felt connected.
My mom became an immediate and avid supporter of his campaign once he announced he was running for president. She was deeply saddened to miss a fundraising event at which he was to be present b/c she was too sick and too weak to make it. When at a meeting with her oncologist where she learned there was no further treatment available to her, she was asked what she was hoping for during the duration of her life. My mom replied, "One more summer, one more christmas...and to see Barack Obama in the White House." This quote was printed as part of her obituary that ran in the Sun Times - written by our dear family friend, Shamus Toomey.
About a week later we received a letter in the mail with "Obama Campaign" as the return address. Inside the envelope was a type written letter from Obama, expressing his condolences and acknowleding our loss and humbly appreciating the support of such a remarkable woman. We were amazed. We understood that it was likely Obama staff that put the letter together - it was still such an appreciated gesture. A week following a 2nd letter arrived. This one a hand written card from Barack Obama. Again expressing condolences - but HAND WRITTEN. Time had been taken to write this letter to us. We were over the moon and very moved. My sister mentioned how special these letters were not to only us but for her son Emmett - a letter from the almost president written to his mom and aunt! And then we realized how else this letter and his presidency would be important for Emmett - a president not only with an incredible message of hope and decency, but a president who looks like him.
My final story is one that took place more recently. As you know, by reading below, I went to NIU as a grief counselor and attended the very moving memorial service for the student's who had been killed. What you might not know is that Obama was also there. And the reason that you might not know this is that he did not make his presence known. He slipped in and on stage just as the memorial began. He sat silently near the families who lost their loved ones. He didn't speak and was referenced, but never pointed out. The camera never looked for nor found his face. He sat there in support - like the rest of us. And as the memorial ended he spoke individually with each of the familes and left. He did not speak to reporters and he took no attention for himself. I believe this is an act of humanity. This was not a campaign moment and he was fully aware of it. I do not believe that the other candidates would have been able to refrain from the spotlight.
I believe that he is a good man. Yes he is brilliant and political. But he is also decent and kind. Can you imagine it?
My mom didn't get one more summer. She didn't get one more Christmas. I am hoping like hell she will get her final wish.
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