I was with my husband and 11 year old daughter at the Barack Obama rally in Ames, IA, on Sunday. She wanted to go - and when we asked her why, she said it was to see possibly the first black president... that was great.
The rally was amazing - with all the excitement and energy. I got on board some time ago, but I can imagine the rally inspired many more. There were so many people. I have seen a few posts where people have suggested that if everybody that signed up at BarackObama.com donated even $10 - the campaign would be off and running - I think this is a great idea.
As far as the critics - it seems the primary criticism that I have heard in the media about Barack has been he is not as experienced as some politicians. I have appreciated his response to this - as he has stated that Rumsfeld and Cheney have lengthy political resumes. Most of us can agree that even the most experienced politicians have failed this country on various levels. I am fairly sure that the years of experience do not mean as much as the quality of experience... And Barack's greatest asset may be his experience as a community organizer. He knows what it means to work at the community level for change. Perhaps this is why he is so clear about the real similarities that exist between many democrats and republicans. I was most inspired by Barack when I heard him speak about how this country often likes to imagine some huge crevice separating democrats and republicans, when the truth is we probably agree about more things than we disagree about.
There are often times that I do not agree with my husband, who I have been with for 17 years... so the idea that I would agree with everything a political candidate puts forth is silly. But to believe in what a candidate stands for and represents, and to understand their primary values and the agenda that they support - what they desire for this country.... I can do that with Barack. I feel strongly that he IS the best person to lead this country. And I believe he will surround himself with others that share his vision for the direction this country needs to take.
The decision to support Barack Obama was not entered into lightly. I have three children that will soon be in college and high school; they will be making and finding their own way, determining their values, and seeking new opportunties. And I want them to be inspired by the leadership in this country, not ashamed.
