Democratic Rally
Okay, one more political post before the election. Then I swear I'll get back to whining about my job. ;)
Saturday Night, Brian, John and I went to the Civic to see a Democratic Rally. We were drawn in by the promise of seeing Barrack Obama, and I don't think we were alone in that. I saw many people carrying copies of Obama's two books, and the Time magazine issue with him on the cover.
There was a carnival atmosphere. Very positive. A choir was set up by the main entrance singing patriotic and positive songs. Smiling people handed out pamphlets on various canidates. A few hawkers were trying to make money off of "Obama for president" buttons.
It was at its core a pep rally. Especially when Dennis Kucinich took the podium. Man was only missing the pom-poms. He jumped around, whipped the audience into an absolute frenzy, then stepped off stage. Brief is really appreciated in these things. :) I never had an opinion of the man before, now I'm just... dang what a little energy ball.
Marc Dann has cemented himself as my choice for attorney general. (Not just because his wife read my blog!) His speech was very positive. He didn't talk about his opponent, he talked about the job, and he was sincere and hopeful and emphasised transparency, accountability, that kind of thing.
Ben Espy was a good speaker too, he talked passionately about wanting to be a 'conscience for the supreme court of Ohio.'
O'Neill... man he was, well, he was a character! Very entertaining speaker. He talked about being a single father, "I know how to make four school lunches with five minutes to spare and to coach boys basketball and girls soccer at the same time, so pretty much I've got your warm fuzzies covered..." He struck me as one of the sort of people I'd have in my friends list... really individual. Made me wonder how he became a politician!
Speaking of judges, I don't know about you, but I always find the massive list of judges on the ballot confusing as sin. So here's a great, non-partisan website Alexandra pointed me to - it shows how the various bar associations feel about each of the canidates. And I don't know anyone I trust to know a good judge like lawyers. http://www.judge4yourself.com/ratings_2006_general.html
Jennifer Brunner was another good speaker. She wasn't over-the-top, she was relaxed and friendly, and said that she hoped that when she was secretary of state, no one would know her name - because she'd be doing her job right. She and Ted Strickland and Lee Fisher were all nice and non-partisan in their speeches. That's nice. They're not bashing republicans, even in front of a crowd that, quite frankly, would cheer at any elephant jokes.
Oh, not that there wasn't republican bashing from others. Lots of winks at the 'rare coins' debacle. But overall, it was a positive evening. All capped with Obamas "Audacity of Hope" speech, which was delivered in a relaxed, chummy 'we're just talkin' kind of way - amazing how some people can seem so relaxed in front of a huge crowd. But I guess that's why he's the Elvis of Democrats right now.
As the speakers all left the stage to go greet those who were in the overflow room next door watching the event on tvs, a mini-mob rushed the stage with books and papers and pens outstretched to the senator from Illinois.
I can't help but be filled with joy to see people excited FOR a politician instead of against. And it's because of a message of hope.
So, I hope I see a good number of people who where up there elected. Especially Marc Dann! His election race is a dead heat in the polls. *fingers crossed!*
Saturday Night, Brian, John and I went to the Civic to see a Democratic Rally. We were drawn in by the promise of seeing Barrack Obama, and I don't think we were alone in that. I saw many people carrying copies of Obama's two books, and the Time magazine issue with him on the cover.
There was a carnival atmosphere. Very positive. A choir was set up by the main entrance singing patriotic and positive songs. Smiling people handed out pamphlets on various canidates. A few hawkers were trying to make money off of "Obama for president" buttons.
It was at its core a pep rally. Especially when Dennis Kucinich took the podium. Man was only missing the pom-poms. He jumped around, whipped the audience into an absolute frenzy, then stepped off stage. Brief is really appreciated in these things. :) I never had an opinion of the man before, now I'm just... dang what a little energy ball.
Marc Dann has cemented himself as my choice for attorney general. (Not just because his wife read my blog!) His speech was very positive. He didn't talk about his opponent, he talked about the job, and he was sincere and hopeful and emphasised transparency, accountability, that kind of thing.
Ben Espy was a good speaker too, he talked passionately about wanting to be a 'conscience for the supreme court of Ohio.'
O'Neill... man he was, well, he was a character! Very entertaining speaker. He talked about being a single father, "I know how to make four school lunches with five minutes to spare and to coach boys basketball and girls soccer at the same time, so pretty much I've got your warm fuzzies covered..." He struck me as one of the sort of people I'd have in my friends list... really individual. Made me wonder how he became a politician!
Speaking of judges, I don't know about you, but I always find the massive list of judges on the ballot confusing as sin. So here's a great, non-partisan website Alexandra pointed me to - it shows how the various bar associations feel about each of the canidates. And I don't know anyone I trust to know a good judge like lawyers. http://www.judge4yourself.com/ratings_2006_general.html
Jennifer Brunner was another good speaker. She wasn't over-the-top, she was relaxed and friendly, and said that she hoped that when she was secretary of state, no one would know her name - because she'd be doing her job right. She and Ted Strickland and Lee Fisher were all nice and non-partisan in their speeches. That's nice. They're not bashing republicans, even in front of a crowd that, quite frankly, would cheer at any elephant jokes.
Oh, not that there wasn't republican bashing from others. Lots of winks at the 'rare coins' debacle. But overall, it was a positive evening. All capped with Obamas "Audacity of Hope" speech, which was delivered in a relaxed, chummy 'we're just talkin' kind of way - amazing how some people can seem so relaxed in front of a huge crowd. But I guess that's why he's the Elvis of Democrats right now.
As the speakers all left the stage to go greet those who were in the overflow room next door watching the event on tvs, a mini-mob rushed the stage with books and papers and pens outstretched to the senator from Illinois.
I can't help but be filled with joy to see people excited FOR a politician instead of against. And it's because of a message of hope.
So, I hope I see a good number of people who where up there elected. Especially Marc Dann! His election race is a dead heat in the polls. *fingers crossed!*