I am just going to take this opportunity to recognize the enormous and fantastic effort put in by the various office managers, organizers and precinct captains all over the country, as well as toss in a couple of other thoughts.
There is almost nothing that can be said or done that can provide the thanks we all owe these mighty warriors for good. I know the local organizers here in Christiansburg, VA, Adam and Kelly, are probably far too busy to read this, and that may well be true for most of the rest of these folks. The work all of these folks have done, managing hundreds of random volunteers, ensuring very aggressive goals are met, distributing literature, signs, and everything else, dealing with personal issues, legal issues and all the rest are clearly signs of not just a well-organized campaign, but also of extreme personal dedication. Sleep? Sleep is for sissies!
But I say, here and now, and as loudly as possible:
Three cheers for all of the Obama volunteers, office managers, precinct captains, and every other person involved in making sure this has happened, regardless of the results tomorrow:
HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!
HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!
HIP HIP HOORAY!!!!
On the second and much sadder occurrence today, that of the passing of Barack's grandmother, I think the timing is simple: she has gone to heaven to canvass the angels and the Great Spirit (however you might choose to worship or beleive) to bring to us all the spirit to vote in the best leader this world has seen in a generation. To go to those who are undecided or have doubts and questions about their candidate to be inspired to vote for hope rather than fear, for unity rather than divisiveness, for inspiration rather than negativity, for prosperity over bankruptcy, for life, health, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for everyone in this nation. For love rather than hate.
And finally, in a very different tone, I want to end on a story from my journeys today. Toward the end of the day, I walked up to a house and saw a beautiful black lab run toward the fence, wagging his tail and happy to see a visitor. A few seconds after that, a young man carrying his 2-2.5 year old son in his arms appeared to see what was up. I walked over, handed him the handout, and said, "I have a souvenir for you". He smiled and took it, and as I turned to leave, his little boy, in that inimitable, barely having learned to talk, child-like way said, "Wha's that?" The man said "It's something from ...", then suddenly spoke louder, projecting to me walking away in his driveway. "Who is that a picture of?" And once again the little voice piped up, "Bock O- bam- a ". Cutest thing I've ever heard. I turned and laughed, and thanked him for the extra boost of energy.
So, just remember the local leaders, Toot, and the future of this little child and yours as you go out tonight and tomorrow to pull in that one more vote.