Is this New Hampshire?
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I think I am finally getting just a glimpse into what it would be like to live in New Hampshire or Iowa during the primary season in presidential election years.
Being in Oregon we rarely get much attention from presidential candidates in the primary. Our primary is coming up on May 20th (the only other ones left after us are Republican primaries in Idaho & New Mexico, a Democratic primary in Montana, and both parties primaries in South Dakota and Puerto Rico): the airwaves are congested in with political ads, the phone is ringing with pollsters on the other end of the line, and the candidates are actually visiting cities all across the state (and not just stopping in Portland).
Senator Obama was here in Eugene on Friday night speaking to a crowd of about 8000 at the University of Oregon. I just heard on the radio that he will be back to Oregon again this weekend. Senator McCain is here today. Senator Clinton was in Central Point on Thursday and in Portland at OHSU on Friday. President Clinton was in Pendleton last night and is traveling all over the state today promoting a "Bring Your Ballot" events (Oregon is the only state with a complete vote-by-mail system.). We are still hoping for the chance to see Senator Clinton here in town.
For our little family who is interested in the political process, government, public service, current events, history, etc, this is really quite exciting.
Before Senator Obama spoke on Friday night we had a chance to go behind the scenes with a small group and welcome him to Eugene.
Chris got his book signed.
Simon got to shake hands.
I got a blurred shot to go along with my collection of blurred favorites.
And Simon's favorite part of the night was acquiring this flag that he was able to wave like crazy (thanks Emily). He was super serious about his job as a flag waver and made sure that we were all cheering at the appropriate times.
It's a pretty amazing time in the history of our country.
On another note, I hope you all had a fantastic Mother's Day. We got to have lunch with my parents on the coast and dinner with Chris' here in town. We are pretty darn lucky: both our Mother's still love us and listen to us talk politics even though we are on opposite ends of the political spectrum (they definitely don't sit quietly though - lots of lively, interesting discussions).
Love you Mom!
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149 comments
Wow. Neat shots! At least you got to actually talk to Senator Obama. He was in Chapel Hill, NC about two weeks ago, and my husband and I went to see him at the Dean Smith Center at UNC. Thanks to my "telephoto" lens (this went to 150 mm) we were able to get a couple of good shots of him onstage. Then afterwards, he was shaking hands with a lot of well-wishers and my husband was able to get some really good close-ups of him. It was an incredible experience.
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Beautiful photos!!! Awesome event & experience.. We got to see President Clinton in Baker City yesterday... we live on a ranch 17 miles away and were in town for our Mother's Day luncheon! I share your 'awe' of the moment! And, we are (dare I say) Republicans! We held up our two kids on our backs so they could see... Our kids, who are 9 & 10 have been watching the debates with us, following who dropped out, who is in (all of this for both parties) and taking it all in.
It is an exciting time - for everyone!
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Ahh, Barack Obama... All my fingers and toes are crossed in hopes of his being elected! He seems to be the only one with potential for revealing commonalities among people and dedicated to mending foreign relationships.... I found some comfort in reading that your family spectrum is broad in terms of politics. Sometimes I feel like the "freak in the family" and find it so hard to have meaningful conversations with my dad without the blood pressure creeping up! But on the flip side, my 5-year old son prances around chanting "Mama for Obama!"
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Ahh, Barack Obama... All my fingers and toes are crossed in hopes of his being elected! He seems to be the only one with potential for revealing commonalities among people and dedicated to mending foreign relationships.... I found some comfort in reading that your family spectrum is broad in terms of politics. Sometimes I feel like the "freak in the family" and find it so hard to have meaningful conversations with my dad without the blood pressure creeping up! But on the flip side, my 5-year old son prances around chanting "Mama for Obama!"
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That is so cool - how exciting to get to meet Obama as a family and how cool for Simon! Obama has done so much to energize the elections.
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How awesome for you and your family to meet Senator Obama! Sounds like you had a great Mother's Day weekend. Take care.
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I live in Kentucky (which also has their primary on the 20th) and it has been very exciting around here! We are used to not having a say in who gets nomiinated, and now the candidates are bending over backwords for us. I am going to see Obama tonite at a rally and I am VERY excited. I have ben waiting for a chance to see him in person.
Thanks for sharing your pictures!!
Michelle B.
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Lucky, lucky YOU guys! I think that's TWICE you've been able to meet him, isn't it? GO OBAMA!!!
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Lucky, lucky YOU guys! I think that's TWICE you've been able to meet him, isn't it? GO OBAMA!!!
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Oh Ali, I teared up seeing the picture of Obama with Simon. What a wonderful picture. So very envious; I'd love to meet Obama. He is going to change this country. Can't wait. :)
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It's great that Simon gets to grow up in the kind of environment where you are actually part of the politics, and not just an outsider with (seemingly) no voice. Glad you had a nice Mother's Day. Question: what font did you use for your title on the "The Story of the Tie" L/O? You've motivated me to capture into words + photo something funny my son said this weekend, and I'm going to shamelessly copy your layout, if you don't mind! :)
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How cool!!! I love the picture of Senator Obama with Simon, Obama looks like he's genuinely interested in whatever it was that Simon was telling him. Thanks for sharing! Go Obama!
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How cool!!! I love the picture of Senator Obama with Simon, Obama looks like he's genuinely interested in whatever it was that Simon was telling him. Thanks for sharing! Go Obama!
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BA-ROCK the vote Ali!! So cool. Love his positive message. What an amazing moment. Thanks for sharing.
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Glad to know you didn't let me down and you didn't even know I was rooting for ya! When I heard that Mr. Obama was going to be in Eugene, I just knew that you would be there and find a way to visit with him personally. So very cool! Isn't is a wonderful feeling that you helped you son witness history and he doesn't even know it yet!?
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My DH took my son to see him when he came to RI. He didn't get close like you did, but he got a behind the scenes look at all the media corespondants and the role they play in the primary speeches. Cool perspective too.
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Wow-what an amazing time!!! Glad you were able to enjoy it and share with Simon.
Happy Belated Mother's Day.
My book has been shipped and I can't wait to get it in the mail!!!
Nicky
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Exciting stuff! And... fabulous photos - especially loving the one of Simon on your shoulders with the flag - one to frame!!
Happy Mother's Day to you too, Ali!
Best wishes,
A.
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Cool! Also, I just had to comment about that last photo...HOW PERFECT! Love the lighting, the emotion, the theme, and that Simon looks so much like you and Chris! It's a stirring (awesome) photo!
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what an amazing moment in history for you all. Love the photos, happy belated mothers day
anna x
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