A day of hope and excitement in Alexandria

Obama delivered his latest stump speech, which is similar to his remarks at last night's J&J dinner.  But, in contrast to last night, he had more time to develop his themes, explain further his advantages in electability and ability to change Washington, and provide a brief Q&A with audience members that provided the best moment of the day.  
As usual, Obama drew a large crowd of people hoping to watch this phenomena in action.  The line grew into the length of several football fields, and the campaign had to set up two overflow rooms.  Some people left once the main room filled up, including a young lady who was very excited to see Obama (her father wasn't willing to wait).  So I'm hoping that there weren't too many undecided voters that departed with a disappointed feeling.  However, we were told later that the overflow rooms did get some important visits -- more on that later -- so the undecided voters that stuck it out did get rewarded.

I entered an arena already packed to the hilt.  I spent some time speaking with some supporters before the speeches began.  Virginia and Roberto Catacova were there with their face painted children and Roberto's sister Yahmel.  Roberto is supporting Obama because of his ability to bring a change in our politics towards more unity.  His sister, who arrived at 10:30 in the morning to secure a place in line, noted that it was the "first time in [her] adult life that she was inspired" by a candidate, and is impressed how Obama is offering solutions to our problems.

The crowd was charged up by the volunteers, who encouraged everyone to chant "Fired Up!" and "We want Obama!" The arena was packed to the rafters and charged up by the time Bill Eulie kicked things off with a nice first speech that introduced the venue and explained his endorsement of Obama.

After a campaign official called spoke briefly about the need for volunteers, Jim Moran spoke about his decision to endorse Obama this morning.  Declaring Virginia "Obama country," Moran discussed how his dream of a Democratic president who won't compromise progressive principles to appease conservative Republicans will be fulfilled by Obama.  Noting the contrast between the GOP candidates who have embraced the failed policies of the current president, Moran believes that Obama can deliver a "more perfect world."

A supporter then spoke briefly about Obama, and was ready to make an introduction.  A funny moment then occurred, the crowd became excited when she started discussing the person she was about to introduce -- a person who appreciates multiculturalism and such -- as they though Obama was seconds from rushing on stage.  However, she introduced Governor Kaine, and the crowd gave out a slight groan before quickly shifting to loud cheers.  They were ready for Obama, but had to wait a little longer.

Fortunately, Kaine was quick and rousing.  He charged up the crowd, explaining that he and Obama had just visited the "overflow room" and the "overflow of the overflow room."  Enthusiastically introduced Obama as a "uniter," Kaine lauded Obama's qualities that drew the Governor to endorse Obama a year ago.  Declaring Obama "listo," Kaine also  described in fluent Spanish Obama's background as an organizer in Chicago to highlight how the Senator has always been one walking with the people.  He concluded with a plea that Virginia become a "part of the big momentum story" this Tuesday that could provide Obama with "unstoppable momentum" should he win Virginia.  With that, he introduced the man of the hour.

Obama made his way to the stage as the crowd erupted.  After a greeting with Kaine, he thanked his supporters and volunteers in the state, singling out Kaine and Moran.  The crowd was still standing until Obama jokingly told everyone to "take a load off."  

His campaign speech was one that many have heard before, so I'll just talk about the highlights.  He discussed the "fierce urgency of now" and explained that his "belief in the American people has been vindicated" that they would embrace the need for change now.  He noted that the impressive Democratic turnout wasn't just to register their opposition to the current administration, but to also show that they are for something.  His job, Obama said, is "to convince you that change is possible if you are ready for change."

Obama discussed many of his proposals and ideas, including some specifics I hadn't heard yet.  He stated that he'd like to provide $4000 per year to college students toward their tuition in exchange for community service -- an idea that received an explosion of enthusiasm from the crowd.  He highlighted the need for minimum wage to rise with inflation because "if you work in this country you should not be poor."  He talked about capping green house gas emissions, improving the treatment of veterans, and better support for teachers.

He hammered the need to end the war by 2009, stressing his opposition to the invasion.  However, Obama didn't just dwell on this past judgment and the need to leave Iraq.  Rather, he hopes to "end the mindset that got us into this war."  Noting his willingness to meet with opponents of the country, Obama quoted John Kennedy in saying that we should "never negotiate out of fear, but never fear to negotiate."  

Obama also noted that he doesn't believe that a contradiction exists between the nation's safety and security and our standing in the world, noting the problems with Guantanamo and the suspension of habeas corpus.  His exclamation that he has taught the Constitution, believes in the Constitution, and will obey the Constitution as president was met with a loud reaction.  

He then highlighted his desire to have a "robust debate" with John McCain.  He honored McCain's service to the country and called him a "genuine war hero."  However, he blasted the Republican for saddling himself to the current president's failed economic and foreign policies.  Because of this, Obama declared himself the best Democratic candidate because he presents the clearest contrast to McCain's status quo candidacy.  The crowd roared when Obama asked whether this year's campaign should be a part of the past or a part of the future.

Obama wrapped up his speech by providing his explanation that hope isn't "blind optimism" or being ignorant of the obstacles in the way of progress.  Rather, he stressed that hope is the opposite, that it takes full stock of the difficulties ahead.  He finished the speech by listing off the hope inherent in our history -- from the Revolutionaries to the civil rights fighters -- to illustrate how hoping for progressive ideals means fighting for them too.

The Senator then took several questions from the audience.  

1.  His first questioner asked how to argue for his candidacy to undecided Virginians.  Obama stressed that Clinton was "smart, capable, and a vast improvement over the incumbent."  However, he stressed that her candidacy would be another  battle where the base of each party cancels each other out, leaving a battle for a sliver of voters in the middle (who all seemed to live in Florida and Ohio).  Obama said he presented a chance for a working majority for progressive change built on his ability to appeal to independents and crossover Republicans, in contrast to Bill Clinton's White House that saw major Democratic loses in Congress and in state houses everywhere.  With a working majority in Congress, he could deliver on policy proposals.  And Obama pointed to the recent polls showing his strength against John McCain as evidence of his point.

2.  A gay veteran asked about overturning "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," which Obama agreed with doing.  The Senator stated that this policy "makes no sense" and that he would work to end it with a panel of respected military leaders as President.

3.  A TC Williams students asked about mending relations with South America, which allowed Obama to explain why he'd like to meet with leaders like Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro:  ignoring enemies hasn't brought about real solution to these international impasses.  In addition, he noted that ignoring their nations and not treating Latin American countries with respect is allowing China to take advantage with investments and trade alliances.  Obama proposes an "alliance for progress" that included strengthened trade ties, negotiations about human rights, and a development of a "relationship of mutual dignity and respect."

4.  An immigrant from the Ivory Coast asked about bringing hope to Africa.  Obama stresses that America and other nations needed to help develop better leadership on that continent, while creating the same mutual respect he discussed about Latin America.

5.  The moment of the day came from a Hawaiian transplant who explained that her son was infatuated with Obama (and she had brought him to see the Senator) while her husband was out campaigning for Hillary Clinton that day.  "I'm torn," she declared, begging the Senator to explain why she she vote for him.  

With that Bill Eulie walked over and hoisted her young son up and onto the stage next to Obama.  The Senator asked her to take a picture of them and said "show that to your husband."  The place erupted, and I have a feeling Obama secured her vote in that flash of that camera.  Regardless, he pleaded his case by setting forth the three questions he asked himself before running.  The first two -- can my family withstand a tough campaign and can he win -- were questions he had answered in the affirmative.  

But his final question -- "why should I run?" -- was his pitch.  He had decided that his "ability to bring people together" to achieve his progressive goals was the clincher for him.  For example, everyone wants affordable health care, but he can bring the working majority to achieve that goal.  In addition, he thought he was best positioned to end the reign of lobbyists in Washington, noting how his record of passing ethics laws in Congress and avoidance of PAC and federal lobbyist donations contrast with Clinton's donor base.  And, he also stressed his ability to talk to people directly, telling what they needed to hear rather than what they wanted to hear, like he did when proposing fuel efficiency standards at a meeting of auto executives in Detroit.  Finally, Obama noted that he thought he'd bring a unique credibility to the office when dealing with the world given that he'd lived abroad and knows the people in the countries, rather than just knowing their leaders.

And, he joked, he's also from Hawaii, so that should matter to her as well.

6.  The final question was from a high school teacher, who asked for Obama's ideas about bringing more mentors into the lives of his students.  Obama proposed that anyone that committed to teaching out of college should have their debt repaid.  He also made other proposals about strengthening teacher relationships, but he also called on parents to be more responsible.  However, he also noted the difficulty for some working parents to be present at all times, and made some proposals on how to address this issue.

So, with that, Obama finished up as loud cheers echoed throughout the rafters.  A long walk to the car, and a long drive home, allowed me to reflect on the day.  Obama had matched his television and YouTube appearances for me -- his presence in real life matches those moments in video.  However, I was most struck by his quick command of facts and arguments in the Q&A session, as well as his quick humor and wit when presented with a heartfelt plea for advice.  And, of course, I was struck by the enthusiasm he created when seeing the "movement" first hand, as I saw the line outside grow larger, the crowd outside grow louder, and his momentum grow stronger.    

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