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something so small demonstrated something so big today.
After having soared in popularity, after having gained notoriety on the world stage, after having drawn crowds of over 80,000, Obama canvassed a neighborhood in some small town in Ohio today. Just went door to door, introducing himself.
No cameras, no crowds, no reporters. Nothing. Just him and a local volunteer.
The beauty of this moment was that it was so anonymous, unassuming--it almost looked like he was part of the community, someone going around collecting money for the local little league.
Here was a man running for the highest office in the land doing something so simple and so fundamental, just three weeks before the election.
It's rare that something so small demonstrates something so big.
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A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
October 13, 2008 11:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whistle-stop, kinda.
But there were cameras, I saw a picture of him doing it.
October 13, 2008 11:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I should have said there were some cameras, but it was if there weren't.
October 14, 2008 12:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Yes... that was lovely...
There were cameras... but it was subtle...
Also, I saw footage of him talking one on one to a 19 year old college student who was on the verge of tears because she was close to getting her degree (Nursing?) and was worried about being able to afford the next year...
Obama assured her he'd work on making sure she got her degree...
And then he HUGGED her! Not just a McMaverick cold tap on the shoulder... but a real life, warm hug.
That, too, was lovely.
October 14, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
You know one of the defining features of Senator Obama's leadership.. is that often someone in his audiences will yell 'I love you' and he will say 'I love you back'. He cares about the people he is serving, undoubtedly even the people who don't think they love him and he is grateful. He is a leader by example.
An old clip of Joe Biden I saw on CSpan when he was first announced as Senator Obama's VP showed him talking to reporters. He said, 'I will tell you how you can recognize a leader. A leader changes attitudes.'
We are truly, truly blessed to have these two men willing to lead our country. I am amazed and astounded by the campaign Senator Obama has won. If it is a reflection of what is to come in his presidency, and I believe it is, we have every reason to be hopeful.
October 14, 2008 12:55 AM | Reply | Permalink
Amen. I so agree. There was someone who wrote about a leader "loving" people and applied that to Obama. It was someone famous.
I love da google!
Here it is. Alice Walker. In The Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/20/uselections2008.barackobama
Title: What our country desperately needs is a leader who loves us
October 14, 2008 1:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think what would blow the minds of the yahoos who "hate" Obama, is that he loves them, too! Kind of like Jesus, but you're not supposed to make those comparisons, because it sounds like you're saying Obama is the Messiah.
October 14, 2008 10:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
How right you are.
October 14, 2008 6:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is not the first time we've seen evidence of Obama's human kindness; see, for example:
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/06/just-a-man-and-a-boy-but-oh-wh.php
Nor will these be the last examples. Imagine having a president whose conduct we respect, like and admire!
October 14, 2008 10:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
And don't forget the lady in Norway, I think, whose luggage he helped pay for. She was a total stranger and he did that on the spur of the moment as a young man. He just happened to be behind her in the check-in line.
October 14, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
I too agree, it was a good thing for Obama, it showed his humility and caring. Instead of waiting for the masses to come to his rally, he took the message to them.
In fact that model of going to the people, was instrumental in spreading, the early Christian message. Look at it now and it’s power.
(Luke 9:2-6) . . .And so he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God and to heal, 3 and he said to them: “Carry nothing for the trip, neither staff nor food pouch, nor bread nor silver money; neither have two undergarments. 4 But wherever YOU enter into a home, stay there and leave from there. 5 And wherever people do not receive YOU, on going out of that city shake the dust off YOUR feet for a witness against them.” 6 Then starting out they went through the territory from village to village, declaring the good news and performing cures everywhere.
October 14, 2008 10:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
It's the little things in life. There's nothing bigger.
October 14, 2008 3:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think it's great that Obama didn't take cameras with him. Classy.
October 14, 2008 4:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm curious. What would you do if you opened your door to find Barak Obama on the other side? What would you say?
I'd cry. And say thank you.
October 14, 2008 5:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
That's what I did when I shook his hand in Feb. All I could say was "Thank you" with tears in my eyes.
October 14, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Every single time I see this post, I love it just as much!
October 14, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink