This is my first diary. So please be nice.
I've frequently considered writing one, but I've always been intimidated by the high levels of political knowledge, professionalism and the superb writing skills exhibited by so many other writers to be found here.
But, I'm SO EXCITED about what I am privileged to be able to experience tomorrow night that I wanted to share my enthusiasm.
I'm going to meet and shake hands with Senator Barack Obama!
Here's how it came about:
I gave the Obama campaign a little cash after he won in Iowa and supplied them with my name, phone number and other contact information. Today, I received a phone call from his campaign asking me if I would be able to meet up with other Obama supporters as a show of support (and to impress the media) in front of the Kodak Theater here in Hollywood where tomorrow night's debate is being held.
The woman who called was an Obama volunteer and we chatted for a while about the campaign and about how important next Tuesday will be. First, I agreed to show up for the rally outside the theater. Then, I got to thinking about it and asked her if there was any way that I could meet the Senator if I gave a donation to the campaign. Kind of selfish of me, I suppose. "I'll give if I can meet the man." I felt a little guilty about that, but no so guilty that it prevented me from making the request. She said she'd have one of the fundraising people call me back.
Mind you, I am not a particularly wealthy man. I've done OK financially, and, being gay, have no kids or wife to support. My money is my own to save or waste, keep or give, and I've worked hard for a long time to earn what I have. I decided to give more than any reasonable person would say that I could afford. The Democratic cause is one in which I fervently believe and have supported for my entire adult life. (Believe it or not I was a Goldwater Girl like Hillary back in the day, but that's another story for another day!)
Talk about a well-run campaign. I got a call back in about 15 minutes from an Obama campaign fundraising person. (Another woman: who says Hillary gets all the enthusiasm from female voters!)
I decided today, on the phone with that wonderful, friendly Obama volunteer, to open my wallet, give them a credit card number and donate the maximum Primary Campaign amount allowed by law. Who says money doesn't buy access? I'm now going to be a VIP guest at a reception for Obama after the debate and will get to meet and greet him. I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW EXCITED I AM!
I know that makes me sound like an "Obamabot," but I'll wear that badge with honor, thank you very much. He's the one. He can lead, he inspires, he can bring us together and he can heal this country and our relationship with the rest of the world. I feel it in my soul.
I'm a little too weary and a little too busy running my business to walk precincts, work the phones or go to rallies. I did that in the 80's and 90's. And so I give cash so that ads can be bought, staff can be paid and younger, more vigorous people can do the genuine heavy lifting. (Although I do, of course, talk to my friends and family and do my best to win them over to our side.)
Of course I'm bragging that I get to meet the Senator who may very well be our next President. But I thought it would be of some small interest to some of you. A personal story about how, unfortunately, politics and money really do go hand in hand, and about how a great man has moved someone deeply. America gave me a chance to succeed and I'm giving back to America in the best way I know how - by supporting Senator Obama.
But most importantly, I'm appealing to all of you to do what you can, give what you can, talk to anyone you can, and pray that this man goes the distance. And, I urge you do do something NOW. Time is of the essence.
Click Here to Donate to America's Future
Now, I'm going to go digging through my closet and try to find something decent to wear tomorrow night. I'm "fired up", but if I'm going to be "ready to go" I’ve got to go do some ironing.
P.S. I don't know anything about TAGS. If someone can go edit my tags for me I would appreciate it SO much.