Whether you like Barack or not, you gotta admit that it's fun having a front-row seat to history.
If Barack can actually bring this country together and create a governing majority based on progressive principles, then he will have truly made history. He could prove to be the much-needed anecdote to the failed Bush presidency. He'll fight for working families, just like he did in Chicago, and he'll restore America's image in the world.
It's truly inspiring to see so many different people from different backgrounds join a unified movement for change. While Barack himself is charismatic and inspirational, the most exciting thing about the Obama movement is the people. It's us. It's the folks who refuse to give up no matter what Rovian politics they throw at us. It's the ordinary folks doing extraordinary things. It's folks who have created the biggest grassroots donor network in history. It's the folks who believe that we have more in common than what separates us. It's the folks in red states like Texas who, despite the long odds, still have hope that we can take back our government for the people.
Pop Quiz: Which city was this Obama picture taken?
Answer: San Antonio, TX
Barack isn't just inspiring people in Iowa and New Hampshire, he's got us fired up in the Lone Star State. For those of you familiar with Texas, you know that Austin had the potential of putting together a 20,000 rally. But the fact that Barack came down to San Antonio in the unbearable Texas summer heat and still got hour-long lines is incredible. (Watch the video and get a taste of how we do rallies down here in San Antonio.)
The all-volunteer alamObama group put this rally together and has continued their efforts by phone-banking and traveling to Iowa to volunteer for the historic victory. Check out their Iowa blog. Without question, alamObama has quickly emerged as the strongest grassroots group in San Antonio, and they plan on staying involved in local Democratic politics for years to come. You'll definitely get to meet them at Netroots Nation this summer.
If you're still undecided, then just think about these awesome Texas volunteers who have worked so hard to take back their government. Being a progressive in Austin ain't so hard. But leading the charge in other parts of Texas requires courage, hope and grassroots committment. Barack has connected with people from all over the state and all over the country, and this people-powered movement is getting organized and demanding change. For example, just last month, our Fort Worth volunteers helped contribute to a huge upset in a our Texas special election. Our Obama volunteers aren't just "talking about hope". We're making it happen!
It's understandable that the Bush/Cheney regime has made us all cynical about changing our government, but we must sieze this historic grassroots opportunity. If folks in Texas haven't given up, then the rest of the country should jump onboard the hope train. Dean took the first step, and Barack has continued the people-powered movement. We've been challenged. Now it's our turn to volunteer and organize for progressive change at all levels of government. It's time for a new generation of activists to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. If this people-powered movement succeeds, then we will indeed have taken one giant leap for mankind.
For more photos, click here.
Thanks to all our wonderful Texas volunteers. Y'all have made the Lone Star State proud. If you live in these parts and want to join our local movement, then attend one of these statewide Meetups.
Fired up! Ready to go!