Congratulations to the President Elect!

"Political opponents can have a little trouble seeing the best in each other. But I've had a few glimpses of this man at his best and I admire his great skill, energy and determination. It's not for nothing that he's inspired so many folks in his own party and beyond.

Senator Obama talks about making history. And he's made quite a bit of it already. There was a time when the mere invitation of an African-American citizen to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage and an insult in many quarters. Today, it's a world away from the crude and prideful bigotry of that time. And good riddance. I can't wish my opponent luck, but I do wish him well.

Whatever the outcome next month, Senator Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country and I congratulate him."

John Mccain

On Barack Obama October 16, 2008

I Can't Wait For Fall, Part 2

I have three reasons to be extra excited for this fall besides just the leaves changing color:

#2

The 2008 Presidential Election. I love election season. Ever since I was 10, I would follow the election in the fall and then spend election night eating Halloween candy and watching the results.

I have been reading the papers and listening to politics podcasts for months. Cheyn and I talk about the happenings all of the time. Per the national polls right now its Obama by a point, less than the margin of error. But big things are coming!

We get the vice presidential nominee's in the next week, the conventions, and then the debates. Who knows if one of the candidates will blow it, which way will the momentum go? What will be on America's mind in the next few months?

The big swing states look like Virginia, Ohio, Colorado and New Mexico.

I know we have people of different political persuasions that read this blog all you probaly know we're Obama fans. I like his intelligence, dispassion, and charm. I like his progressive ideas on the environment, education, and health care. I think it's time to move in a positive new direction, and think Obama is the man (check out funny video) to do it. At the same time I don't think McCain is all that bad for a Republican, he seems pretty moderate. Also he seems to have a lot of experience being 172 years old and having fought in the Civil War.

Now thats a good looking First Family

So whats your predictions Blog Readers?

Will the Republicans creep back and take the election like they did the past two times? Who will be the VP's? Will your state's vote be especially wooed by the candidates?

All this will be decided this Fall...

Our evening with Obama

Warning: This post is about politics and so if Obama or Democrats aren't your thing you might want to skip it.

Primary time has finally come to North Carolina. One of the bonuses of having NC still in play is campaign visits and rallies being held by the remaining Democratic candidates. We're Barack Obama supporters and were hoping he would hold an event around here. On Friday we found out Obama was going to speak at the UNC basketball stadium in Chapel Hill on Monday and so we got tickets.


I met Cheyn after work and we lined up outside the arena at about 5:00 pm. We waited in line for about and hour and a half. It started raining hard and we got pretty wet. They finally opened up the doors at 6:30 and we ended up sitting in row M up from the half court line. We could have went down on the floor but didn't really want to stand anymore. And then we waited. It added up to about four hours total for Obama to come out. We read the books we brought and watched the arena fill up. They threw t-shirts out and played optimistic and Americana themed pop music as we waited. You know "This is my Country," "Coming to America,""Keep on Rocking in the Free World." They had a cover band perform Motown songs for about an hour. Then they had a prayer and had the pledge of allegiance. Two NC Congressmen spoke. A former UNC basketball player Sam Perkins and a UNC student introduced Senator Obama.



And then Obama finally came out to speak.

Senator Obama talked about why he is running and the goals of his potential presidency. He didn't mention Hillary or refer to her at all in the speech. A couple of digs were taken at McCain's policy proposal for a gas tax vacation this summer instead of a long term solution to the energy crisis. He characterized McCain's run as a third Bush term, which I'm sure we'll head this often till November. Obama talked about wanting to run a campaign that transcends the traditional pettiness and solves the problems of the us "folks."

Here is a clip where he talks about avoiding special interest and what he wants to do:



And here is his summing up where he talks about how the election and campaign is on behalf of us.



Barack Obama is a heck of a speaker. I don't know if his optimism and hope for unity and a transcendent campaign will work out. Like most politicians I don't know if he can live up to his rhetoric. He isn't perfect. I don't even know if he will get elected when he is made the nominee. But I like the optimism and vigor he brings. His message is resonating with a lot of people including myself. He offers change and a fresh alternative to the status quo. Health care, the environment, diplomacy and resolving the conflict in Iraq all seem like they should be at he top of a nominees to do list. I've read his books and he has a gift of communication. I feel like he deserves a shot. I don't know if all his lofty goals will be reached but I think its the Obama's turn and he's a special candidate. So our blog we endorse Obama in 08. And you know maybe he can be the first presidential nominee I (Ryan) vote for that actually gets elected?

Watching the primaries from the sidelines

I'm pretty much addicted to election news right now. Cheyney and I talk about candidates before we go to sleep, watch results on the computer regularly, and religiously listen to NPR on the radio and through podcasts to get our needed fix. I love election year and feel like this is such an exciting election with the candidates so curious and personalities so distinct, who needs the writers strike to end? North Carolina doesn't get their day in the sun until May 06, 2008, so were just watching from the sidelines and are not able to vote yet like most of you already have.

A few thoughts (Ryan):

1. I feel like the choices are great. In 04 I voted Kerry but wasn't enthused. This year I am excited about most candidates. I don't mind McCain's politics as much as his irritability.

2. My thoughts on Romney have been all over. At first I was curious, then interested, then disenchanted. Mostly now I just feel bad for him. He is so disliked by the other candidates. He's a great man and leader and I hope he can find a worthy pursuit after the primary season ends. He just seems to miss a connecting factor with people. I think he's out of the run for VP too in my opinion, but my idea is for him to eventually become a Senator in Utah.

3. Most awkward Romney moment

4. I'm officially an Obama fan. His optimism and rhetorical skills are amazing and actually inspiring. I agree with most of his political stances. I was initially leaning Hillary until this speech showed a man who had found his voice and gave a vision that resonates with me. I like his lack of baggage and his unifying stance. I could listen to him speak for eight years. I remember the last lanky guy from Illinois with a mole near his nose worked out pretty well. Its worth a try at least, eh?