Obama owns southern Oregon

[FightingIrish]

I’m back at my office after the Obama town hall. My voice is hoarse, my hands are numb from clapping and my eyes are crusted with tears. What an absolutely amazing event. I’m in a pretty conservative part of Oregon and he turned out a crowd that was beyond comprehension. The venue had very limited seating and many had to watch the event televised in an overflow room and many more had to be content to see him outside. He spoke at a gymnasium in a downtown facility for disadvantaged youth. The venue is in a pretty rough neighborhood, at least by southern Oregon standards. He walked the streets before his appearance and met some of the locals who were astonished to have this happening in their part of town.

Home town hero, Tony McPeak spoke briefly to a very appreciative crowd. He lamented Bill Clinton’s unfortunate comment yesterday and then introduced Barack Obama. Even though my early arrival still had me pretty far back in the line, I had a great seat less than thirty feet from him. Even though I have heard his speeches, this one seemed brand new and relevant to his audience. He took a number of questions which he answered without hesitation and without equivocation.

I went in an Obama supporter, but I know from talking to several people on the way out, that he won some converts today. I saw several people who I know to be Republicans and they even had Obama buttons on. I spoke with some of our local veterans who supported John Kerry in 2004 and they are ready to reorganize step up for Obama.

If I ever had any reservations about his relative youth, today I saw a man who transcends age as well as race. I want this guy answering the phone.

[Poll_Blind]

1. "I want this guy answering the phone." Indeed! n/t

PB

[sandnsea]

2. He's reclaiming that phone call

That's what struck me when I watched the Eugene event, I didn't go, saw it on TV. But I really noticed that he is taking that phone call away from Hillary and I think we need to help him. I'll try to find a copy of a recent speech and transcribe it so we can use it.

I also want to register so goddamn many OR voters that she could win PA and we'd still knock her out of the national popular vote!

We've got until April 29.

[nancyr]

3. Eugene rally.

I can't even begin to describe how great the rally in Eugene was! Probably the most exciting thing I've ever been involved in, and I'm pushing 70. I've never felt this sense of optimism before. Usually I compromise by casting my vote for the lest offensive nominee, but not now. This is definitely not politics as usual. People are desperate for a change and a new direction, and I feel Obama is the right person at this crucial time.

[Qutzupalotl]

4. Can you pick up KLCC?

If so, turn on your radio or listen live to the replay:
http://www.klcc.org/Page.asp?NavID=130

I was there too, WAY in the back! We just made it!