If it felt like this for us, God knows what it was like for the rest of them.
Every moment of every day checking emails, planning, organizing, strategizing, devising and creating video content, sitting on conference calls, figuring out ways to win, to bring Hope and Action to America. For twenty-one months and for many more for some, it was their lives.
And it all hinged on what would happen on that one clear, temperate day in November.
Five weeks on – now that the dust has settled on the election and on the campaign, now that cabinet posts have been filled and economic advisers have been placed – it is both too late and too early to fully assess what happened on November 4, 2008. We’re in that odd time between History being made and judged.
But for those of you who enjoyed our blog and who offered support for our journey across the country in search of people to engage and stories to tell, here are the videos of that magical day.
At times, Drive for Obama was as much vacation as vocation, as much discovery as dedication.
Driving across the country we made musical pilgrimages to Memphis and New Orleans; we studied the Clinton and Johnson Libraries; we marvelled at Graceland and the Grand Canyon; we visited the far-flung metropolises of LA and San Francisco – and we fell in love with America all over again.
But we also spoke to people every day about why we felt Barack Obama was the right person to lead the country and the world at this perilous time.
We spoke to supporters and sceptics, and received mixed reactions. But almost everyone was proud that their country had inspired two people from thousands of miles away to engage in their process. To many, that in itself was a sign that this country was working again and turning the page on division.
Time and again we repeated the same message – that there is nothing more critical for our world than the election of intelligent, honest, fair-minded, progressive leaders.
That Barack Obama is a rare and timely political talent; a man of supreme judgement, vision and inspiration at a time of war, economic recession and global environmental crisis.
We repeated this message to people across the country, on the gas station forecourts and in the hostels from DC to California; to the sound of music on the streets of New Orleans and Nashville; from the bustling phone banks of local campaign offices in Louisiana and Arizona.
And on Election Day, November 4 2008, we awoke early and made our way to the National Obama Campaign HQ in Chicago. We made 300 calls to Indiana, and – along with the friends we made on the way – we helped win that state for Obama by an eventual 20,000 votes.
That evening, the joy and hope in Grant Park, Chicago, were palpable. This really felt like an essential moment on the journey of this country, and a turning point in History.
We’re sorry this last blog has taken so long. We are both now back in the UK, and – while we are immensely proud of what we’ve contributed to in our other home – in some way it has already been consigned to memory. To History.
But we’re grateful for the opportunities afforded us by America, and we’re as impressed as our passion always told us we would be with the beginnings of the fledgling Obama administration.
Our only complaint? That it hasn’t started yet.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
November 3, 2008: The Apprehension
The night before the election, I was a bag of nerves. The apprehension wasn’t made easier by the seemingly endless delay our Chicago-bound flight from Las Vegas, NV.
I tried to relax and kill time by reading and making phone calls, by going over and over the polls in the press that said this would be a handsome victory – but all I could think about were all the innumerous things that could go wrong.
Alex
I tried to relax and kill time by reading and making phone calls, by going over and over the polls in the press that said this would be a handsome victory – but all I could think about were all the innumerous things that could go wrong.
Alex
Sunday, October 26, 2008
It's Called Representation
At times like these, it's helpful to reappraise why our fervor and dedication to a Democratic White House, and specifically an Obama White House, are so fierce.
Because it doesn't realy matter what we think, so we went back out on the streets and gas station forecourts canvassing and asking the electorate whose policies best fit the American People's Hopes and Requirements?
In our experience, when we’ve spoken to people across America, in districts and cities and states from Brooklyn to DC to Tennessee to New Orleans and, now, California, their lives and their ambitions are directly reflected in the Obama campaign's policies and are often the polar opposite of the McCain dictat.
Obama's support of these people's needs is not Socialism, it’s not even Populism, it’s Representation, plain and simple.
And that truth, in spite of an economy in freefall; in spite of a $15 billion monthly war bill; in spite of a healthcare program that doesn’t protect the people who need it most; and, most reassuringly in 2008, in spite of the incendiary rhetoric of the McCain-Palin campaign – that truth is the basis of democracy and the tide of Renewal, Hope and Action that will sweep the most gifted leader of his generation to the White House next week and begin to repair our communities and our world.
Here are some of the eloquent tales and Hopes of some of the people we’ve been talking to on the road…
Introduction
Please repair the standing of the United States in the Global Community - Nathan, Louisiana
I want our granddaughters to go to college without bankrupting their parents - Mary, New York City
If there's going to be a change, it has to be Obama - John, Texas
Let's get beyond partisan politics in Washington - Tom, California
We need to get school-wise, job-wise
More better jobs...to support my kids
Because it doesn't realy matter what we think, so we went back out on the streets and gas station forecourts canvassing and asking the electorate whose policies best fit the American People's Hopes and Requirements?
In our experience, when we’ve spoken to people across America, in districts and cities and states from Brooklyn to DC to Tennessee to New Orleans and, now, California, their lives and their ambitions are directly reflected in the Obama campaign's policies and are often the polar opposite of the McCain dictat.
Obama's support of these people's needs is not Socialism, it’s not even Populism, it’s Representation, plain and simple.
And that truth, in spite of an economy in freefall; in spite of a $15 billion monthly war bill; in spite of a healthcare program that doesn’t protect the people who need it most; and, most reassuringly in 2008, in spite of the incendiary rhetoric of the McCain-Palin campaign – that truth is the basis of democracy and the tide of Renewal, Hope and Action that will sweep the most gifted leader of his generation to the White House next week and begin to repair our communities and our world.
Here are some of the eloquent tales and Hopes of some of the people we’ve been talking to on the road…
Introduction
Please repair the standing of the United States in the Global Community - Nathan, Louisiana
I want our granddaughters to go to college without bankrupting their parents - Mary, New York City
If there's going to be a change, it has to be Obama - John, Texas
Let's get beyond partisan politics in Washington - Tom, California
We need to get school-wise, job-wise
More better jobs...to support my kids
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A Personal Reflection: The Global-American Condition in 2008
The theme that I keep going over in my head is the one that’s been articulated here already, that this is America in 2008, that even if our efforts are unappreciated by some, then they are wholeheartedly supported by others – that we are witness to the Global-American condition in this critical, historic, iconic year.
In recent days, we have been exposed to the great American dichotomy; of a work always intentionally and admirably unfinished, of impossible ideals grasped for, of the diversity in background and opinion that encompass the creed: E Pluribus, Unum; that though America is comprised of people from every extreme of life’s spectrum, the overall national direction can be unified if it holds to the fundamental belief that all men are created equal.
Yes, even now we are largely outsiders to this process, observers to the sensitive makeup of a nation much more than we are participants, but we feel we can make a small impact with the work we do – that if one person we connect with votes for Obama even in part as a result of a conversation we’ve had with them, then rather than wasting our time in an arena in which we are not wanted, we’ve invested it with passion and precision.
I understand that there are issues at stake in this election that are unique to Americans, that this is their business first and foremost.
But if Drive for Obama can achieve anything towards its ends, then it’s the espousal of an international interpretation on the incredible process of American democracy, a forwarding that these issues affect us all.
For me specifically, it’s been a steep learning curve. The profound feeling during the first two weeks was that Drive for Obama was preaching to the choir; connecting with people, yes, but connecting with people who already agree with us, who are already dedicating their time to registering voters or knocking on doors and spreading the message, making sure that it is heard and that national opinion is given its just platform.
But, irrespective of what we would like to believe and what we hear from the campaigns, politics is – by definition – a partisan practise. People are ideological and vociferous in their long held views..
That's only right. There is nothing wrong with being ideological. People need to have convictions and people need to hold firm to the ideals that they believe will best benefit themselves and their families in the lives they choose to lead. That is the beauty of the democratic process and the genius of Jefferson’s Bill of Rights. And that is why we are afforded the privilege of doing this.
But when the differences that divide people are encouraged by national leaders – rather than the similarities that unite the common hopes everyone shares – the fracturing results are clear to see.
In recent days, we have been proxy to some of the vitriol espoused by the McCain-Palin campaign. I will not go into specifics here, but the hate-mongering that started at the Republican rallies is seemingly, in small number of specific constituencies, getting through and influencing the mindset of a small part of the electorate.
McCain and Palin’s tactics constitute fear-mongering of the darkest and most damaging kind. Yes, they are the results of a desperate campaign, and they will not affect the outcome of the election.
But hearing these comments on the streets, what concerns me is that the well of American fairness and tolerance is being poisoned by an element of the Republican campaign for political purposes, and that that may have severe consequences for the next administration.
The next President is going to have to deal with Honest to God battles. The global economy is in turmoil, war proliferates and our planet is burning.
My concern is that, as a direct result of the incitement of the McCain campaign, whose ads are not just negative or critical in political or ideological terms, not just demonstrating disagreement on the issues at stake, but are incendiary and downright dangerous, my concern is that the American and global social fabric(s) may require severe repair after this campaign, at a time when I thought cosmetic issues were being overcome.
My sincere hope, however, and my ultimate belief, is that the negative attacks will have little influence on the outcome of the election, and that an Obama presidency will confront and tackle these issues, and debate them in the open as a sincere assessment and addressing of what our world wants to be.
That is my hope and that's why we are spending time trying to connect with voters, for no other reason than to give voice to this message of Hope.
Alex.
In recent days, we have been exposed to the great American dichotomy; of a work always intentionally and admirably unfinished, of impossible ideals grasped for, of the diversity in background and opinion that encompass the creed: E Pluribus, Unum; that though America is comprised of people from every extreme of life’s spectrum, the overall national direction can be unified if it holds to the fundamental belief that all men are created equal.
Yes, even now we are largely outsiders to this process, observers to the sensitive makeup of a nation much more than we are participants, but we feel we can make a small impact with the work we do – that if one person we connect with votes for Obama even in part as a result of a conversation we’ve had with them, then rather than wasting our time in an arena in which we are not wanted, we’ve invested it with passion and precision.
I understand that there are issues at stake in this election that are unique to Americans, that this is their business first and foremost.
But if Drive for Obama can achieve anything towards its ends, then it’s the espousal of an international interpretation on the incredible process of American democracy, a forwarding that these issues affect us all.
For me specifically, it’s been a steep learning curve. The profound feeling during the first two weeks was that Drive for Obama was preaching to the choir; connecting with people, yes, but connecting with people who already agree with us, who are already dedicating their time to registering voters or knocking on doors and spreading the message, making sure that it is heard and that national opinion is given its just platform.
But, irrespective of what we would like to believe and what we hear from the campaigns, politics is – by definition – a partisan practise. People are ideological and vociferous in their long held views..
That's only right. There is nothing wrong with being ideological. People need to have convictions and people need to hold firm to the ideals that they believe will best benefit themselves and their families in the lives they choose to lead. That is the beauty of the democratic process and the genius of Jefferson’s Bill of Rights. And that is why we are afforded the privilege of doing this.
But when the differences that divide people are encouraged by national leaders – rather than the similarities that unite the common hopes everyone shares – the fracturing results are clear to see.
In recent days, we have been proxy to some of the vitriol espoused by the McCain-Palin campaign. I will not go into specifics here, but the hate-mongering that started at the Republican rallies is seemingly, in small number of specific constituencies, getting through and influencing the mindset of a small part of the electorate.
McCain and Palin’s tactics constitute fear-mongering of the darkest and most damaging kind. Yes, they are the results of a desperate campaign, and they will not affect the outcome of the election.
But hearing these comments on the streets, what concerns me is that the well of American fairness and tolerance is being poisoned by an element of the Republican campaign for political purposes, and that that may have severe consequences for the next administration.
The next President is going to have to deal with Honest to God battles. The global economy is in turmoil, war proliferates and our planet is burning.
My concern is that, as a direct result of the incitement of the McCain campaign, whose ads are not just negative or critical in political or ideological terms, not just demonstrating disagreement on the issues at stake, but are incendiary and downright dangerous, my concern is that the American and global social fabric(s) may require severe repair after this campaign, at a time when I thought cosmetic issues were being overcome.
My sincere hope, however, and my ultimate belief, is that the negative attacks will have little influence on the outcome of the election, and that an Obama presidency will confront and tackle these issues, and debate them in the open as a sincere assessment and addressing of what our world wants to be.
That is my hope and that's why we are spending time trying to connect with voters, for no other reason than to give voice to this message of Hope.
Alex.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Texas Hurricane
Tonight, we inadvertantly drove into the eye of what the weatherman described as 'a hurricane.' Whoopsy.
Tucked away in our Odessa, TX, motel now, after some canvassing of the doorman as we arrived at midnight, we can laugh, but it was a bit scary at the time!
By the way, this is what Texan hurricanes normally do to things in their path...
Houston, TX. 10/10/08.
Tucked away in our Odessa, TX, motel now, after some canvassing of the doorman as we arrived at midnight, we can laugh, but it was a bit scary at the time!
By the way, this is what Texan hurricanes normally do to things in their path...
Houston, TX. 10/10/08.
The South
Raleigh, NC.
The night of the Biden-Palin debate, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
The McCain cups in 7/11 are very unpopular, Austin, TX.
Our reading, viewing and listening materials on the road and in the motels, Austin, TX.
Messages of Hope From Around The World (III)
Alex and Russell, I have checked out your blog and now your facebook site. What you two are doing is absolutely amazing. THANK YOU for rallying support for Obama/Biden! I see victory on the horizon. Safe travels.
Nicole Vaughan, Charlottesville, VA
Just thought I'd drop you a line to say I've been keeping up to date with your travels on the blog and I think what you're both doing is fantastic. I'm hugely envious! I've got about a hundred questions to ask about it but these can keep until we meet up sometime in the hopefully not too distant future! Keep up the good work and fingers crossed for a positive result in November!
Simon Swaine, Sheffield, UK
Nicole Vaughan, Charlottesville, VA
Just thought I'd drop you a line to say I've been keeping up to date with your travels on the blog and I think what you're both doing is fantastic. I'm hugely envious! I've got about a hundred questions to ask about it but these can keep until we meet up sometime in the hopefully not too distant future! Keep up the good work and fingers crossed for a positive result in November!
Simon Swaine, Sheffield, UK
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Joey's Message
Last night we met a young Democrat named Joey, originally from California but currently in New Orleans.
Joey asked us to remind Barack supporters that the iconic 2008 Obama t-shirts, caps and pin-badges will be prohibited from the polls on election day, as they are deemed electioneering tools by the Federal Commission on elections.
'The day before the election, we can wear them in support,' he said, 'the day after, in celebration.'
He also said 'you guys, and the international support for the Obama campaign in general, are a huge part of this movement...you're making a big difference on the ground in terms of perception. Thank you for your contribution.'
Joey asked us to remind Barack supporters that the iconic 2008 Obama t-shirts, caps and pin-badges will be prohibited from the polls on election day, as they are deemed electioneering tools by the Federal Commission on elections.
'The day before the election, we can wear them in support,' he said, 'the day after, in celebration.'
He also said 'you guys, and the international support for the Obama campaign in general, are a huge part of this movement...you're making a big difference on the ground in terms of perception. Thank you for your contribution.'
The Connection Card
As we meet people and speak with them across America, we realized we needed a hook to draw them into our campaign.
Just as we were about to print some amateur cards, a package arrived for us in New Orleans.
We've already starting using these, as you can see from yesterday's video, and people are responding really well.
Special thanks to Drive for Obama's Guardian Angel for these, and for spoiling us generally in our mission.
Just as we were about to print some amateur cards, a package arrived for us in New Orleans.
We've already starting using these, as you can see from yesterday's video, and people are responding really well.
Special thanks to Drive for Obama's Guardian Angel for these, and for spoiling us generally in our mission.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
New Feature - Voices for Obama
We've been out canvassing on the streets of New Orleans, LA, today, and it's thrown up some fascinating insights that we'd like to share with you.
So, every day for the next four weeks in the final run-up to the election on November 4, we are going to publish some of the most interesting conversations we have with Americans as we continue through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and into Illinois working for the campaign.
We'll be engaging with people on the gas station forecourts, at small and large events, in people's homes and at their places of work.
We hope to bring you some films as diverse in background and opinion as those people we've already met journeying through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Louisiana and we hope many will be as creative as this one...
So, every day for the next four weeks in the final run-up to the election on November 4, we are going to publish some of the most interesting conversations we have with Americans as we continue through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California and into Illinois working for the campaign.
We'll be engaging with people on the gas station forecourts, at small and large events, in people's homes and at their places of work.
We hope to bring you some films as diverse in background and opinion as those people we've already met journeying through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, DC, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Louisiana and we hope many will be as creative as this one...
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The Car
Many people have been asking about our car. Initially, we had a 1988 BMW. We'd fallen in love with it. We'd each written a favourite quote from an Obama speech on the hood, we'd designed a 'Drive for Obama' motif, which adorned the back bumper, and our closest friends had scrawled messages of Hope and support across the back.
We were going to ask each person we spoke with along the route to add their own message or comment, to try and make the car a piece of 'art.'
Sadly, our dream machine never made it out of New York. We couldn't register it in time. Oh, and it wouldn't start. Oh, AND the key snapped in the door, so we couldn't even get in it.
Plan B was the somewhat less romantic Pontiac G6, a plain white hire car we picked up on Day One in New Jersey.
Still, as we drive and make contact with local campaign offices, we are accumulating new things to garb it with. We hope the bumper stickers from Louisiana and the other states we volunteer in will wash off come return day!
But we are taking the message to the road...have a look!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Week One - Four left to win this thing...
Please don't laugh at our fire. Honestly. It took ages to light - in the end we had to use 'Bod' antiperspirant spray to ignite it. Then, well, it went up.
Aside from burning ourselves in campsites up mountains in Tennessee, here's a few of the other things we got up to in Week One and how we feel about stuff.
Messages of Hope From Around The World (II)
As the Economist pointed out this week, only Americans can vote in American elections. In view of the current UK coverage, one would be forgiven for overlooking this detail. So what are we doing as we idle away our politically impotent hours this side of the Atlantic? We are watching our representatives on the ground. And you are doing a great job.
Bridie Layden, London, UK
The way you speak about everything, the elections and your affections for the cities, you sound like an American. Not in accent, but in aspirations and passion. We're really proud of you.
Rosanne Diaz, Liverpool, UK
Many a job-hunting hour has been passed looking at the blog instead. Keep it up, guys. You will do what is hard, you will achieve what is great. Don't come home until he's in!
Joe Kenyon, London, UK
Have become addicted to the driveforobama blog! What an amazing adventure they are having. We are enviously watching from Grainthorpe!!
Rachael Meese, Lincs, UK
Bridie Layden, London, UK
The way you speak about everything, the elections and your affections for the cities, you sound like an American. Not in accent, but in aspirations and passion. We're really proud of you.
Rosanne Diaz, Liverpool, UK
Many a job-hunting hour has been passed looking at the blog instead. Keep it up, guys. You will do what is hard, you will achieve what is great. Don't come home until he's in!
Joe Kenyon, London, UK
Have become addicted to the driveforobama blog! What an amazing adventure they are having. We are enviously watching from Grainthorpe!!
Rachael Meese, Lincs, UK
The Pilgrimage(s)
The long American highway is a desolate and lonely place. Endless tarmac, silent gas station forecourts and the relentless anaemic hue of soul-berating Burger Kings permeate the landscape with a slow, unforgiving mundanity.
Lone truck drivers pit their solitary hopes on the Teddy Pickers – whose prizes stare their beady eyes zombily into nothingness – grasping for the thrill of everyday excitement and interaction denied them by the open road. These rest points are their hermitage; where they thumb at inane glossy magazines to distract from their toil.
But for us it’s different. Over Karaoke in Nashville, TN, one guy who heard of our adventure and our involvement in 2008’s iconic America, summed it up: ‘you guys are living the dream.’
And we are. Aside from Drive for Obama, this journey is our exploration of the country that’s been our home for over a year and one that’s fascinated and inspired us all our lives.
And so, in the midst of an ever-thrilling and exhausting campaign trail of repeating our message and engaging with individuals about why this year and this election matter more than any other, it’s also a pilgrimage to the music and politics on which we were both reared.
Nowhere has this been more pertinent than in Memphis, home of Elvis Presley and the Blues, and the place of Martin Luther King’s last steps forty years ago on that long march for justice that still continues in 2008.
Today, we were enthralled at Graceland, disappointed by the flat refusal to record music at Sun Studios and subdued all over again at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King fell and which is now the fitting home to the National Civil Rights Museum.
Last night, we met a guy called Richard Johnston, and agreed he conjured the most universal and impressive music either one of us had ever encountered, from two broomstick handles and a cigar case, and a foot that simultaneously played kick drum, hi-hat and snare. In Memphis or through the internet, you've gotta check him out...
Tomorrow, the search for understanding and symmetry continues, into Little Rock, AR, and the Clinton Library.
As we travel, we are aware that the innards of our white saloon hire car are, frankly, not a relaxing place.
If there’s rest bite from the mountain of discarded Cheetos, it’s only for the occasional scattered Skittle or two-day-old coffee cup. If there’s refuge from the constant hum of spiky drumbeats through cheap speakers, it’s only for the more painful lament of a King or Kennedy speech.
But as we are reminded by every Obama bumper sticker on the freeway, every lawn placard, or each person we speak to whose raised eyebrows wither to knowing nods of approval as we explain why we are doing this, or every symbol of Hope delivered here by past generations, we cannot forget Mike’s words:
‘You guys are living the dream. Keep doing what you’re doing. We need you.’
Lone truck drivers pit their solitary hopes on the Teddy Pickers – whose prizes stare their beady eyes zombily into nothingness – grasping for the thrill of everyday excitement and interaction denied them by the open road. These rest points are their hermitage; where they thumb at inane glossy magazines to distract from their toil.
But for us it’s different. Over Karaoke in Nashville, TN, one guy who heard of our adventure and our involvement in 2008’s iconic America, summed it up: ‘you guys are living the dream.’
And we are. Aside from Drive for Obama, this journey is our exploration of the country that’s been our home for over a year and one that’s fascinated and inspired us all our lives.
And so, in the midst of an ever-thrilling and exhausting campaign trail of repeating our message and engaging with individuals about why this year and this election matter more than any other, it’s also a pilgrimage to the music and politics on which we were both reared.
Nowhere has this been more pertinent than in Memphis, home of Elvis Presley and the Blues, and the place of Martin Luther King’s last steps forty years ago on that long march for justice that still continues in 2008.
Today, we were enthralled at Graceland, disappointed by the flat refusal to record music at Sun Studios and subdued all over again at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King fell and which is now the fitting home to the National Civil Rights Museum.
Last night, we met a guy called Richard Johnston, and agreed he conjured the most universal and impressive music either one of us had ever encountered, from two broomstick handles and a cigar case, and a foot that simultaneously played kick drum, hi-hat and snare. In Memphis or through the internet, you've gotta check him out...
Tomorrow, the search for understanding and symmetry continues, into Little Rock, AR, and the Clinton Library.
As we travel, we are aware that the innards of our white saloon hire car are, frankly, not a relaxing place.
If there’s rest bite from the mountain of discarded Cheetos, it’s only for the occasional scattered Skittle or two-day-old coffee cup. If there’s refuge from the constant hum of spiky drumbeats through cheap speakers, it’s only for the more painful lament of a King or Kennedy speech.
But as we are reminded by every Obama bumper sticker on the freeway, every lawn placard, or each person we speak to whose raised eyebrows wither to knowing nods of approval as we explain why we are doing this, or every symbol of Hope delivered here by past generations, we cannot forget Mike’s words:
‘You guys are living the dream. Keep doing what you’re doing. We need you.’
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
September 27 - The Rally - One Year On
People that speak to me for any length of time will know my distain for doubling back. For anything, for any reason. To me, it just points to poor planning and in some way admitting defeat.
For example, if I’m out shopping with the intention of picking up a few things and, say, deodorant is top of the list, and I realize on the way back to the car that I forgot it, I will happily continue home and maybe smell a little less sweet rather than make my shopping trip last an extra 10 minutes.
So, when we’re only four days into a cross-country adventure, it takes something very special to make me turn the car around and back the way we’ve come.
But here we were, a year to the day that both Alex and I saw Obama speak for the first time at rally in Washington Square Park in New York City (by the way, an interesting fact for you, Obama has been on the campaign trail longer than Sarah Palin has been Alaska’s governor) to discover that a joint Obama/Biden rally had been hastily scheduled 50 miles back north from Richmond, VA, in the small town of Fredericksburg.
When opportunities like this crop up, it makes the extra 100 miles added to the trip seem rather insignificant.
By way of repaying the kind hospitality we’d received the night before, we took Kelly (who’d kindly given us a place to sleep) and Aaron and Emily (who’d hosted the debate watch party), with us to Fredericksburg and joined the ever-expanding line.
I should point out that at no time before we entered did there appear to be signs of impending rain. The sun was shining, the temperature was somewhere in the mid 80’s and if anything the concern was with how sunburnt and clammy we’d get outside all afternoon. Just then, it began to rain. A Lot.
It began lightly, but soon all hope that it was just a passing shower was shattered by the crack of thunder that echoed across the University quadrangle.
Eventually, as the darkness began to creep across the campus, the stage lit up like a beacon and Joe Biden and Barack Obama emerged onto the stage to rapturous applause, abating any fears that the rain might quell anyone’s enthusiasm.
Joe spoke first, berating John McCain for his performance at the debate the night before: ‘John McCain was wrong, Barack Obama is right’ came the call repeated again and again. It was a scathing response to the insidious advert the McCain campaign released during and immediately after the debate, in which they had used Obama’s own words that ‘John McCain was right’ [about certain policy matters] as ‘evidence’ that he is not ready to lead this country.
The majority of the polls and pundits gave the debate to Obama, made all the more impressive because the focus was intended to be John McCain’s strong point, foreign policy.
Obama took the microphone from his running-mate and launched into an enthusiastic version of his stump speech, buoyed by his debate success and making references to McCain’s weaknesses from the night before.
A mere five minutes into Obama’s speech the rain began to fall again. In grateful recognition of the crowd, Obama lithely took off his jacket, claiming he would love to pay for everybody’s dry cleaning, ‘but we need the money for the campaign…consider it a modest contribution’ - one the estimated 26,000 people were happy to pay. As Joe Biden stepped forward to take the jacket from Obama’s outstretched hand, he offered a baseball cap in return. Obama casually refused, coolly saying 'I don’t need a hat, I’m gonna give Joe Biden the hat.'
Eloquent as ever, Barack tied the relentless rain into his closing remarks:
‘We've stood out in the midst of storms and bad weather – but in each of those moments, we've risen to meet the challenge, because we've never forgotten that fundamental truth that here in America, our destiny is not written for us, but by us.’
Tempered by the storm but encouraged and filled with optimism once more, on this quiet Saturday evening, we left Fredericksburg determined that this message would propel us to North Carolina, Tennessee and a result come November.
For example, if I’m out shopping with the intention of picking up a few things and, say, deodorant is top of the list, and I realize on the way back to the car that I forgot it, I will happily continue home and maybe smell a little less sweet rather than make my shopping trip last an extra 10 minutes.
So, when we’re only four days into a cross-country adventure, it takes something very special to make me turn the car around and back the way we’ve come.
But here we were, a year to the day that both Alex and I saw Obama speak for the first time at rally in Washington Square Park in New York City (by the way, an interesting fact for you, Obama has been on the campaign trail longer than Sarah Palin has been Alaska’s governor) to discover that a joint Obama/Biden rally had been hastily scheduled 50 miles back north from Richmond, VA, in the small town of Fredericksburg.
When opportunities like this crop up, it makes the extra 100 miles added to the trip seem rather insignificant.
By way of repaying the kind hospitality we’d received the night before, we took Kelly (who’d kindly given us a place to sleep) and Aaron and Emily (who’d hosted the debate watch party), with us to Fredericksburg and joined the ever-expanding line.
I should point out that at no time before we entered did there appear to be signs of impending rain. The sun was shining, the temperature was somewhere in the mid 80’s and if anything the concern was with how sunburnt and clammy we’d get outside all afternoon. Just then, it began to rain. A Lot.
It began lightly, but soon all hope that it was just a passing shower was shattered by the crack of thunder that echoed across the University quadrangle.
Eventually, as the darkness began to creep across the campus, the stage lit up like a beacon and Joe Biden and Barack Obama emerged onto the stage to rapturous applause, abating any fears that the rain might quell anyone’s enthusiasm.
Joe spoke first, berating John McCain for his performance at the debate the night before: ‘John McCain was wrong, Barack Obama is right’ came the call repeated again and again. It was a scathing response to the insidious advert the McCain campaign released during and immediately after the debate, in which they had used Obama’s own words that ‘John McCain was right’ [about certain policy matters] as ‘evidence’ that he is not ready to lead this country.
The majority of the polls and pundits gave the debate to Obama, made all the more impressive because the focus was intended to be John McCain’s strong point, foreign policy.
Obama took the microphone from his running-mate and launched into an enthusiastic version of his stump speech, buoyed by his debate success and making references to McCain’s weaknesses from the night before.
A mere five minutes into Obama’s speech the rain began to fall again. In grateful recognition of the crowd, Obama lithely took off his jacket, claiming he would love to pay for everybody’s dry cleaning, ‘but we need the money for the campaign…consider it a modest contribution’ - one the estimated 26,000 people were happy to pay. As Joe Biden stepped forward to take the jacket from Obama’s outstretched hand, he offered a baseball cap in return. Obama casually refused, coolly saying 'I don’t need a hat, I’m gonna give Joe Biden the hat.'
Eloquent as ever, Barack tied the relentless rain into his closing remarks:
‘We've stood out in the midst of storms and bad weather – but in each of those moments, we've risen to meet the challenge, because we've never forgotten that fundamental truth that here in America, our destiny is not written for us, but by us.’
Tempered by the storm but encouraged and filled with optimism once more, on this quiet Saturday evening, we left Fredericksburg determined that this message would propel us to North Carolina, Tennessee and a result come November.
Messages Of Hope From Around The World
**********Please send us a message and we'll post it here...or post your own blogs and get some conversations started!**********
I LOVE that you're doing the drive for Obama! You boys stay safe, have fun and keep up the good work.
Ekama Ivara, London, UK
The drive looks awesome! I check the blog daily for updates. November 4th is going to be huge.
Ed Hayne, Geneva, Switzerland
Good luck on the drive, spread your incredible passion and point the people of America towards the outcome the world needs!
Ranil Pilimatalawa, London, UK
Presenting us with a countdown clock: After I heard Obama's convention speech, I knew I had to get you something. Good luck.
Julia Ferguson, New York, NY
Just read your blog, sounds amazing what you're doing. Take care, drive safe.
Louise Mills, Leeds, UK
Enjoy every speeding minute and be patient when it's slow. We'll be jealously looking on from London. Good luck!
Jake Hayman, London, UK
I LOVE that you're doing the drive for Obama! You boys stay safe, have fun and keep up the good work.
Ekama Ivara, London, UK
The drive looks awesome! I check the blog daily for updates. November 4th is going to be huge.
Ed Hayne, Geneva, Switzerland
Good luck on the drive, spread your incredible passion and point the people of America towards the outcome the world needs!
Ranil Pilimatalawa, London, UK
Presenting us with a countdown clock: After I heard Obama's convention speech, I knew I had to get you something. Good luck.
Julia Ferguson, New York, NY
Just read your blog, sounds amazing what you're doing. Take care, drive safe.
Louise Mills, Leeds, UK
Enjoy every speeding minute and be patient when it's slow. We'll be jealously looking on from London. Good luck!
Jake Hayman, London, UK
Monday, September 29, 2008
Name That Crop – The eccentricity of a Marriage for Obama
By way of context, Alex has taken 5 photos in four minutes. Of shacks. Or barns. He thinks they’re earthy. Seasick Steve is crooning bluesily on the speakers.
Alex: ‘Someone needs to buy Seasick Steve a new guitar. I mean, he’s a supremely talented guy, but he’s only got two strings on his guitar and they’re 50 years old. Someone needs to buy him a new guitar, or some new strings, is all. Someone should also buy him a razor. Then he could have some success and recognition on the hit parade.’
Russell: ‘You should work in A & R.’
Alex: ‘You should work in CVS…Ooh! Name That Crop…’
Russell: ‘Oh, man. Drivetime in your family must be a hoot. And since the last four Name That Crops were cotton, I’m gonna go with cotton.’
(Russell cracks knuckles)
Alex: ‘Do you have to do that? It’s not cotton.’
Russell: ‘Rapeseed?’
Alex: ‘Truth is, I don’t know what it is. I only know cotton. Ooh! Name THAT crop…’
Russell: (Exasperated) ‘I really don’t know.’
Alex: ‘Come on, mate. This is one you DO know.’
Russell: ‘I don’t.’
Alex: (Exasperated) ‘It’s COTTON!’
Russell: (Beat) ‘You missed a photo of a shack.’
Alex: ‘Someone needs to buy Seasick Steve a new guitar. I mean, he’s a supremely talented guy, but he’s only got two strings on his guitar and they’re 50 years old. Someone needs to buy him a new guitar, or some new strings, is all. Someone should also buy him a razor. Then he could have some success and recognition on the hit parade.’
Russell: ‘You should work in A & R.’
Alex: ‘You should work in CVS…Ooh! Name That Crop…’
Russell: ‘Oh, man. Drivetime in your family must be a hoot. And since the last four Name That Crops were cotton, I’m gonna go with cotton.’
(Russell cracks knuckles)
Alex: ‘Do you have to do that? It’s not cotton.’
Russell: ‘Rapeseed?’
Alex: ‘Truth is, I don’t know what it is. I only know cotton. Ooh! Name THAT crop…’
Russell: (Exasperated) ‘I really don’t know.’
Alex: ‘Come on, mate. This is one you DO know.’
Russell: ‘I don’t.’
Alex: (Exasperated) ‘It’s COTTON!’
Russell: (Beat) ‘You missed a photo of a shack.’
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Kelly and Joe
Friday, September 26, 11pm
Only after the end of the debate did we stop to think, after what had been an incredibly busy and rewarding day. And we quickly realized that we had no bed for the night and faced sleeping in our car for the first time.
It was then that Kelly and Joe, two guests at the Richmond debate party kindly offered that we stay with them, about a mile up the road.
On route, we stopped to buy them some ice cream and beer to say thank you, ignorant at the time to the fact that Joe cannot drink beer. Or eat ice cream.
Nevertheless, we had a great evening, sat out on the porch in a folksy, studenty part of Richmond, discussing the Obama campaign and what Drive for Obama is trying to achieve, and speaking about the differences and similarities between our two home countries, Britain and the US.
It was a privilege and a pleasure to sit out for 3 hours with Kelly and Joe, and they are joining us this afternoon on our jaunt up to Fredericksburg, VA, for the Obama-Biden rally this afternoon, which we’re all really looking forward to.
The Debate
Friday, September 26, 9pm
Last night, we were invited to join Richmond, VA, precinct captain Aaron Rabinowitz and his fiancé Emily at their home to watch the first Presidential debate.
After an arduous drive in the dark and rain from DC, we arrived just in time for the candidates to be announced.
Our view is that while John McCain looked decidedly uncomfortable and Obama looked positively Presidential, neither candidate was able to land a knockout blow on his opponent.
McCain looked tired, bitter and unengaged at times, and was contemptuous of Barack’s calm thought and statesmanlike assessment of the perils of our time.
It was encouraging to see Aaron’s family, friends and members of the local community at the watch party, and we thank them for their hospitality.
Last night, we were invited to join Richmond, VA, precinct captain Aaron Rabinowitz and his fiancé Emily at their home to watch the first Presidential debate.
After an arduous drive in the dark and rain from DC, we arrived just in time for the candidates to be announced.
Our view is that while John McCain looked decidedly uncomfortable and Obama looked positively Presidential, neither candidate was able to land a knockout blow on his opponent.
McCain looked tired, bitter and unengaged at times, and was contemptuous of Barack’s calm thought and statesmanlike assessment of the perils of our time.
It was encouraging to see Aaron’s family, friends and members of the local community at the watch party, and we thank them for their hospitality.
The McLaughlin Group
Friday, September 26, 3pm
This afternoon we had the privilege of going behind the scenes at the longest running and most eminent political roundtable on American TV, The McLaughlin Group, in Washington, DC.
Host and moderator John McLaughlin was formerly speechwriter and Special Assistant to the Nixon and Ford Administrations and his show has run in its current format since 1984, paving the way for similarly formatted shows around the world.
John’s guests this afternoon included Monica Crowley, Mortimer Zuckerman and Eleanor Cliff.
Mr McLaughlin and all of his guests gave lively, insightful and eloquent assessments of the week’s proceedings on Capitol Hill, often criticizing John McCain for his ‘roll of the dice’ in suspending his campaign in the wake of the economic crisis, calling it a ‘stunt’ and ‘reckless showmanship.’
Later today in DC, we heard another high-profile Republican refer to Sarah Palin’s interview with Katie Couric this week as ‘shocking, a disaster’ because ‘she doesn’t know anything.’
Barack Obama will bring this dangerous Roulette politics to an end and bring an altogether more thoughtful and considered approach to the White House.
This afternoon we had the privilege of going behind the scenes at the longest running and most eminent political roundtable on American TV, The McLaughlin Group, in Washington, DC.
Host and moderator John McLaughlin was formerly speechwriter and Special Assistant to the Nixon and Ford Administrations and his show has run in its current format since 1984, paving the way for similarly formatted shows around the world.
John’s guests this afternoon included Monica Crowley, Mortimer Zuckerman and Eleanor Cliff.
Mr McLaughlin and all of his guests gave lively, insightful and eloquent assessments of the week’s proceedings on Capitol Hill, often criticizing John McCain for his ‘roll of the dice’ in suspending his campaign in the wake of the economic crisis, calling it a ‘stunt’ and ‘reckless showmanship.’
Later today in DC, we heard another high-profile Republican refer to Sarah Palin’s interview with Katie Couric this week as ‘shocking, a disaster’ because ‘she doesn’t know anything.’
Barack Obama will bring this dangerous Roulette politics to an end and bring an altogether more thoughtful and considered approach to the White House.
Media Outreach
Friday, September 26
12noon
We met with Holly Yeager
Holly is Senior National Politics Reporter for the Washington Independent and formerly worked for the Financial Times. In 2008, she has been a correspondent on the Primary process and recently published a profile on Michelle Obama in ‘O’ Magazine.
Along with her gorgeous daughter Claire, Holly gave us some expert advice and contacts with regard to expanding our networks to University communities and the Democratic base. Thanks, Holly.
1.30pm
We met with Jon Decker and Tom Rowe of Thomson Reuters
Jon and Tom gave us some expert advice on improving our blogspot from a visual and formatting perspective. Driving between Dc and Richmond Friday, Russ and I discussed their suggestions at length, and have a plan to implement the guys’ suggestions.
12noon
We met with Holly Yeager
Holly is Senior National Politics Reporter for the Washington Independent and formerly worked for the Financial Times. In 2008, she has been a correspondent on the Primary process and recently published a profile on Michelle Obama in ‘O’ Magazine.
Along with her gorgeous daughter Claire, Holly gave us some expert advice and contacts with regard to expanding our networks to University communities and the Democratic base. Thanks, Holly.
1.30pm
We met with Jon Decker and Tom Rowe of Thomson Reuters
Jon and Tom gave us some expert advice on improving our blogspot from a visual and formatting perspective. Driving between Dc and Richmond Friday, Russ and I discussed their suggestions at length, and have a plan to implement the guys’ suggestions.
Anthony
Friday, September 26, 1.00am
It was at 1 in the morning, we were tired, and we’d just arrived back to our hostel in DC, relieved to be out of the rain and relieved to have escaped a Karaoke night in Adams-Morgan relatively unscathed.
Idly, we struck up a conversation on the Hostel porch: we want to hear people’s views on his process, and we want to encourage people to be forthcoming with their opinions.
But this anger was directed with purpose. He was poking and prodding, fisting at my Obama t-shirt aggressively.
‘Look at these teeth. You thing they’re real?’ came the probing. ‘No way. Caps, every one. From firefights. Two different tours in Iraq.’
‘I’ve seen things you don’t even want to know about. In combat, I’ve been knifed in the kneecap and shot through the leg, I’ve seen my buddies die, and I’ve my front teeth knocked out by the butt a rifle.’
‘And you know what…? Obama’s my boy.’
‘My brother’s going to serve out there next month. This war needs to end. Ain’t no point to it. And so my Mom and all my family’s voting for Obama too.’
And with the beer we shared with him and the stories he told us and the Hope he spoke of for the future should Barack win, Drive for Obama had its first tale of America in 2008.
A & R
It was at 1 in the morning, we were tired, and we’d just arrived back to our hostel in DC, relieved to be out of the rain and relieved to have escaped a Karaoke night in Adams-Morgan relatively unscathed.
Idly, we struck up a conversation on the Hostel porch: we want to hear people’s views on his process, and we want to encourage people to be forthcoming with their opinions.
But this anger was directed with purpose. He was poking and prodding, fisting at my Obama t-shirt aggressively.
‘Look at these teeth. You thing they’re real?’ came the probing. ‘No way. Caps, every one. From firefights. Two different tours in Iraq.’
‘I’ve seen things you don’t even want to know about. In combat, I’ve been knifed in the kneecap and shot through the leg, I’ve seen my buddies die, and I’ve my front teeth knocked out by the butt a rifle.’
‘And you know what…? Obama’s my boy.’
‘My brother’s going to serve out there next month. This war needs to end. Ain’t no point to it. And so my Mom and all my family’s voting for Obama too.’
And with the beer we shared with him and the stories he told us and the Hope he spoke of for the future should Barack win, Drive for Obama had its first tale of America in 2008.
A & R
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Bailout Bill...
This afternoon, representatives from both sides of the aisle reached a ‘fundamental agreement’ on the $700 billion plan to bail out the failed Bush economic programs.
Today’s decision is an unprecedented and somewhat reckless judgement that, coming in the middle of this most critical of election campaigns, has once again shown us the candidates’ policies and personalities in their truest lights and in starkest contrast.
While McCain holds that the economy has been ‘fundamentally strong,’ Barack is running to reverse the Republican tax breaks for the most profitable corporations, in favour of supporting working American families who feel this pinch the hardest.
McCain’s invitation through President Bush to attend bipartisan crisis talks is a clear political stunt, and the Senator from Arizona’s manoeuvring on the first Presidential debate tomorrow night is cowardice posturing as leadership.
But what McCain doesn’t get is that at this time, we need to see our leaders, we need accountability and we need to hear their proposed resolutions to the crisis.
Obama is ready to debate the issues at stake in this election and to tell the country ‘not just what they want to hear, but what they need to know’ tomorrow night.
Drive for Obama has today had the privilege of witnessing the unfurling of this historic electoral and economic high-drama at first hand.
In the Senate chamber, we heard the senior Senator from New York, Charles Schumer, talk of these ‘painful experiences’ are a natural ‘rendezvous with reality’ resulting from the ‘Bush debts,’ and that the failed Republican programs have been ‘not a natural disaster or economic inevitability, [but] a human failure.’
Earlier, we had the opportunity in the rotunda of the Capitol Building to say a brief hello to ‘the other candidate.’
And tomorrow night, following some exciting appointments we have in DC in the afternoon, which we will let you all know about over the weekend, we will be with the Obama campaign’s Richmond, VA, precinct captain, Aaron Aronowicz, and his family at their home to meet local Democrats and discuss what we’re all doing to make sure this election goes the way it must.
Alex
Day 2 - Washington, DC
So we woke up, first full day on the road and in DC, to the news that George Bush had invited both John McCain and Barack Obama to town today to discuss the ongoing financial crisis. Though exactly how much of this discussing would be done by old George is up for debate.
Never did we expect to be so close to either candidate so early into our drive! With Obama and McCain both meeting in the White House this morning and our hostel being a mere 5 minutes down the road it would seem churlish for us not to wander down and try and at least say “hey mates”.
So via a cheeky coffee we went and sat just far enough outside 1600 Pennsylvania Ave to satisfy the secret service but close enough see catch and comings and goings. Turns out after an hour and in-between various phone calls about the most exciting thing to go past were the various tour groups on Segways.
Proof that at least one of us was making calls
and that hordes of people really to drive around DC on these rather lazy and hideous contraptions…
Thinking that was the end of our brief attempts to at least spy the candidates on their stint in DC we moved on from the White House to The Capitol for a guided tour and to sit and watch the Senate try and settle the impasse over arguably one of the most important pieces of financial legislation of the last 10 years, the $700 billion financial recovery package.
By the way did you ever wonder how the figure of $700 billion was decided upon? Apparently according to a treasury spokesperson “It’s not based on any particular data point. We just wanted to choose a really large number.” Makes you almost want to give Paulson the complete lack of accountability he asked for doesn’t it.
Anyway we arrived at the Capitol and started out tour, all completely standard. But after 5 minutes as we stood underneath the giant dome in the centre of the legislative wing of government learning about The Apotheosis of George Washington there was an increased amount of chatter coming from down the hall towards the Senate. This was followed by a rather large security contingent who came and cordoned off entrances and exits to the dome sections of the building and a few seconds later came John McCain followed fervently by the press gaggle eager to ask him why he had decided to suspend his campaign.
Now I know Alex likes to think of himself as somewhat of a wordsmith but it turns out that with a camera, in a high pressure situation, the man fails miserably, still there is McCain in all his blurry glory... If he does the same thing with Obama its going to be really awkward.
Never did we expect to be so close to either candidate so early into our drive! With Obama and McCain both meeting in the White House this morning and our hostel being a mere 5 minutes down the road it would seem churlish for us not to wander down and try and at least say “hey mates”.
So via a cheeky coffee we went and sat just far enough outside 1600 Pennsylvania Ave to satisfy the secret service but close enough see catch and comings and goings. Turns out after an hour and in-between various phone calls about the most exciting thing to go past were the various tour groups on Segways.
Proof that at least one of us was making calls
and that hordes of people really to drive around DC on these rather lazy and hideous contraptions…
Thinking that was the end of our brief attempts to at least spy the candidates on their stint in DC we moved on from the White House to The Capitol for a guided tour and to sit and watch the Senate try and settle the impasse over arguably one of the most important pieces of financial legislation of the last 10 years, the $700 billion financial recovery package.
By the way did you ever wonder how the figure of $700 billion was decided upon? Apparently according to a treasury spokesperson “It’s not based on any particular data point. We just wanted to choose a really large number.” Makes you almost want to give Paulson the complete lack of accountability he asked for doesn’t it.
Anyway we arrived at the Capitol and started out tour, all completely standard. But after 5 minutes as we stood underneath the giant dome in the centre of the legislative wing of government learning about The Apotheosis of George Washington there was an increased amount of chatter coming from down the hall towards the Senate. This was followed by a rather large security contingent who came and cordoned off entrances and exits to the dome sections of the building and a few seconds later came John McCain followed fervently by the press gaggle eager to ask him why he had decided to suspend his campaign.
Now I know Alex likes to think of himself as somewhat of a wordsmith but it turns out that with a camera, in a high pressure situation, the man fails miserably, still there is McCain in all his blurry glory... If he does the same thing with Obama its going to be really awkward.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
41 Days...
As a result of decisions made by the Republican adminsitration during the past 8 years, we are overstretched in two foreign wars, and continuing to invest in tax and energy policies that are crippling our interdependent global economy. The Republican executive has this week requested a further 700 billion tax dollars in an attempt to rescue its failed economic program.
With this is mind, we are leaving New York City tomorrow, September 24, to bring our own personal message of Hope and Action to the country that has been our home these past 13 months.
After many false starts, innumerous disappointments, and much rethinking, we finally have a car, a flexible itinerary and contacts within the grassroots campaigns that have brought Barack Obama to this historic moment.
But, as far as the movement has come, the most important work remains ahead of us.
As we travel the route below, we will be volunteering, canvassing, attending local events and engaging with Americans across some of the 'Reddest' states in the country, including Tennessee, Louisiana, Arizona, Alabama and Texas.
Our first formal appointment is in Virginia, where we will attend a Presidential Debate Watch Event on Friday night.
Virginia is now one of the most critical swing states, whose 13 electoral votes went to Bush in 2000 and 2004, but where Barack is currently within 1.3 points of securing a stunning swing that could win him the Presidency.
Further along the route, we will try to maxiimize the visuals with t-shirts, pin-badges and attending as many cultural events and rallies as possible.
As we travel, we will be keeping a video journal, and publishing the stories of Hope and Action we see and hear. We hope to be able to get some local press along the way, to expand the scope of our outreach.
And we need your help. Please forward the link to this Group to your freinds and family. Please put us in touch with anyone you may know at any level of the state or national campaigns. And please leave suggestions, ideas and comments where you can.
With this is mind, we are leaving New York City tomorrow, September 24, to bring our own personal message of Hope and Action to the country that has been our home these past 13 months.
After many false starts, innumerous disappointments, and much rethinking, we finally have a car, a flexible itinerary and contacts within the grassroots campaigns that have brought Barack Obama to this historic moment.
But, as far as the movement has come, the most important work remains ahead of us.
As we travel the route below, we will be volunteering, canvassing, attending local events and engaging with Americans across some of the 'Reddest' states in the country, including Tennessee, Louisiana, Arizona, Alabama and Texas.
Our first formal appointment is in Virginia, where we will attend a Presidential Debate Watch Event on Friday night.
Virginia is now one of the most critical swing states, whose 13 electoral votes went to Bush in 2000 and 2004, but where Barack is currently within 1.3 points of securing a stunning swing that could win him the Presidency.
Further along the route, we will try to maxiimize the visuals with t-shirts, pin-badges and attending as many cultural events and rallies as possible.
As we travel, we will be keeping a video journal, and publishing the stories of Hope and Action we see and hear. We hope to be able to get some local press along the way, to expand the scope of our outreach.
And we need your help. Please forward the link to this Group to your freinds and family. Please put us in touch with anyone you may know at any level of the state or national campaigns. And please leave suggestions, ideas and comments where you can.
The Route
Wednesday 24-Sep NYC - Washington, DC
Thursday 25-Sep Washington, DC
Friday 26-Sep Richmond, VA
Saturday 27-Sep Chesepeake Bay, VA
Sunday 28-Sep Raleigh, NC
Monday 29-Sep Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NA
Tuesday 30-Sep Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NA
Wednesday 1-Oct Nashville, TN
Thursday 2-Oct Nashville, TN
Friday 3-Oct Birmingham, AL
Saturday 4-Oct Birmingham, AL
Sunday 5-Oct Mobile, AL
Monday 6-Oct New Orleans, LA
Tuesday 7-Oct New Orleans, LA
Wednesday 8-Oct New Orleans, LA
Thursday 9-Oct Houston, TX
Friday 10-Oct Austin, TX
Saturday 11-Oct Dallas, TX
Sunday 12-Oct Dallas, TX
Monday 13-Oct El Paso, TX
Tuesday 14-Oct Abilene, TX
Wednesday 15-Oct Tuscon, AZ
Thursday 16-Oct Phoenix, AZ
Friday 17-Oct Phoenix, AZ
Saturday 18-Oct Yuma, AZ
Sunday 19-Oct San Diego, CA
Monday 20-Oct San Diego, CA
Tuesday 21-Oct Santa Maria, CA
Wednesday 22-Oct Los Angeles, CA
Thursday 23-Oct Los Angeles, CA
Friday 24-Oct Los Angeles, CA
Saturday 25-Oct Monterey, CA
Sunday 26-Oct San Francisco, CA
Monday 27-Oct San Francisco, CA
Tuesday 28-Oct San Francisco, CA
Wednesday 29-Oct Yosemite National Park Campsite
Thursday 30-Oct Death Valley National Park Campsite
Friday 31-Oct Death Valley National Park & Las Vegas, NV
Saturday 1-Nov Grand Canyon National Park Campsite
Sunday 2-Nov Las Vegas, NV
Monday 3-Nov Las Vegas, NV - Chicago, IL
Tuesday 4-Nov ELECTION DAY
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Welcome to Drive for Obama
In a crucial and historic moment earlier this year we saw Barack Obama clinch the Democratic nomination for the Presidency of the United States. From September this year, we are taking his message on the road. We will spray our car in Obama colours, and encourage more and more people to engage in this incredible process.
We believe that there is nothing more critical for our world than the election of intelligent, honest, fair-minded leaders and that Barack Obama is a rare and timely political talent; a man of supreme judgement, vision and inspiration at a time of war, economic recession and global environmental crisis.
Across America and the world, people are reconnecting with a politics we can all participate in and be proud of. Through Barack Obama's extraordinary Primary campaign, we have been brought into the political process in record numbers, inspired and united by the messages of the Hope and Progress we are convinced are within our reach.
We aim to take this message across America as “Drive For Obama” this fall. Planned as an exploration of the country that has been our home these past 12 months, this is an opportunity for us to connect with Americans from all walks of life, to meet and talk with them in this extraordinary election year.
The project is intended to be a fun, exciting and creative way of traveling, engaging on the issues and learning more about Obama, his message and his campaign at every level across the States and to discover and tap into people’s aspirations for the future.
For these reasons, we need your help. This has always been a movement of the grassroots, so we invite you to contribute and join us along the way, however you see fit. We need your artwork, thoughts, music, ideas and comments to make this work. We need you to forward this message to your friends, so we can let everyone know how we’re getting on.
More details will emerge here over the coming weeks and months as we press towards our provisional New York departure date of Monday, September 22, culminating in Chicago, Obama’s hometown, in time for the big night on November 4.
We hope you will join us at this critical time for the campaign and the world.
Warmest regards,
Russell Honeywell and Alex Smith.
We believe that there is nothing more critical for our world than the election of intelligent, honest, fair-minded leaders and that Barack Obama is a rare and timely political talent; a man of supreme judgement, vision and inspiration at a time of war, economic recession and global environmental crisis.
Across America and the world, people are reconnecting with a politics we can all participate in and be proud of. Through Barack Obama's extraordinary Primary campaign, we have been brought into the political process in record numbers, inspired and united by the messages of the Hope and Progress we are convinced are within our reach.
We aim to take this message across America as “Drive For Obama” this fall. Planned as an exploration of the country that has been our home these past 12 months, this is an opportunity for us to connect with Americans from all walks of life, to meet and talk with them in this extraordinary election year.
The project is intended to be a fun, exciting and creative way of traveling, engaging on the issues and learning more about Obama, his message and his campaign at every level across the States and to discover and tap into people’s aspirations for the future.
For these reasons, we need your help. This has always been a movement of the grassroots, so we invite you to contribute and join us along the way, however you see fit. We need your artwork, thoughts, music, ideas and comments to make this work. We need you to forward this message to your friends, so we can let everyone know how we’re getting on.
More details will emerge here over the coming weeks and months as we press towards our provisional New York departure date of Monday, September 22, culminating in Chicago, Obama’s hometown, in time for the big night on November 4.
We hope you will join us at this critical time for the campaign and the world.
Warmest regards,
Russell Honeywell and Alex Smith.
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