I do not need to rehash the fact that Sen. Obama has inspired more Americans than any other politician in my generation; possibly generations. We all know that here. But chances are that not many here have heard the story of nine year old Sam Jensen, a third grader from Valley City, North Dakota. I do not know Sam, and had never heard of him before today. But, after reading this, I feel that I need to take it upon myself to share it with my fellow Kossacks.
Sam's story is like none I have ever heard before. Today's Valley City Times-Record (story halfway down the page) tells of Sam's journey to becoming a strong supporter of Obama. At age 9!
The thousands of adult Barack Obama fans weren’t the only ones anxious to see him, listen to him and shake his hand on Friday night in Grand Forks.
Nine-year-old Sam Jenson, a third-grader at St. Catherine School in Valley City, couldn’t wait to get to the Alerus Center.
He’s been a long admirer of the popular Democratic presidential hopeful. Well, probably not as long as some adults, but then he isn’t that old either to have even heard about the popular senator from Illinois until recently.
His mother, Colette Jenson, said Sam became interested in politics about a year and a half ago, but really became an Obama fan last May.
Wow. Who gets involved in politics at 7 or 8? More about Sam...
Sam insisted his mother drive him to Fargo to the Democratic headquarters so he could contribute the $40 he had gotten at Christmas time to his hero, Obama.
Valley City to Fargo is about an hour drive. And if the fact that Sam knew there was an office there is amazing enough, the fact that he would want to spend his savings on a politician certainly is.
I'm pretty sure that when I was nine, I was spending my money on baseball cards and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Along with the keynote speech that Obama gave, there was also a $100 reception with our congressional delegation (Sens. Conrad and Dorgan, and Rep. Pomeroy), as well as the now infamous introduction by Ed Schultz, with all proceeds going our state party.
(I was there as well, and at the time, I thought nothing of it. Ed was just firing up the crowd. And does he ever give a fiery speech. I was gonna write a diary about my weekend at my first convention, and my experience as a delegate. But after a long weekend of partying, didn't really feel up to the task).
Back to Sam's story...
The Jensons have taken some razzing from different people and at school. Even Sam’s grandpa (Colette's father, a lifelong Republican), teases his grandson. They have fun with it, she says. But, Sam’s grandpa did give him $100 so he could get into the social held for Obama in the ballroom. Tickets were free just to get into the Alerus Center, but there was an admittance fee to get into the social. Sam was ready to meet him. Sam had gotten all dressed up in his suit and tie.
It all paid off for Sam. He watched for Obama, and he got to shake Obama’s hand ... not once...but twice.
There's a picture in the article of Sam all dressed up, holding up an Obama sign at the convention. Definately worth a look.
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I have read many other stories in these parts about Obama inspiring little kids, have enjoyed them all, and passed them on to family and friends. So I hope that you all enjoyed Sam's story, and could maybe pass it on, if you see fit.
Peace