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
Presidential races are probably the worst thing about living in Iowa (worse than blizzards, ice and tornadoes by far). We hear way too much about all of the candidates. By the election you dislike all of the candidates and you realize that a vote is all about the lesser of two evils. And this year has been overly distasteful with the Dems fighting amongst themselves. We need another party to rise closer to the top so that elections don't divide our country so much. It's the reason the country has become less successful. Nothing gets done.
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I am sure that I am one of the few conservatives who read your blog, am not for Obama, and am not liberal . . . hopefully that is ok too.
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You and your family are so lucky. What a cool thing. I would have met Obama, but the lines were around several city blocks.. and you know, MN in October is pretty chilly. He inspires so many people. I admire him!
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It's a pretty exciting time for the whole world right now, American Politics has a huge impact outside the US. It affects us all!
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Ali - I really meant to post to you last week. I loved your photos plus words. I think that should be your next book. Very inspiring.
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Whether he becomes president or not (and I hope he does), you touched history! Wow, I am a little jealous.
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i'm not often jealous, but ali, i am SO jealous right now!
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Great photos. I too am a little jealous. When Senator Obama was here in MN there was a line through the city to wait to MAYBE get in to hear him speak. The republican convention will be held here soon and I'm a little nervous about what all that will bring to our cities.
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I love that Simon gets to be a part of the process. Such a cool experience for him. I love his flag enthusiasm.
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Being part of the process of electing an official is the coolest thing about being a U.S. citizen. No matter which party you root for! The year 2008 will be one for the history books in regard to the process to be sure!
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NICE! You get Obama, we on the east side got Bill Clinton. NOT fair!
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Since I am not a dem, I'd rather meet Ali than the Obama LOLOL! Glad you got to meet your *rock star* Nice photos - even the blurry ones are a treasure.
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Don't forget Kentucky! Our Dem. primary is next week - the first time we've "mattered" too! Hoping to get a glimpse of both candidates.
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The whole blog was political BUT the photo of you with Simon on your shoulders was breathtaking ~ an absolutely fantastic shot!
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I am freakin' dying! How cool is it you were able to get that close to a presidential candidate. Awesome.
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Wow, what an awesome experience for all of you. I'm very jealous!
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The first photo is amazing!!! Very jealous in Ohio!
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I totally agree that it is an amazing time in our country's history. I have never been moved by a presidential candidate more than when i hear Barack Obama speak. It is not just what he says but the fact that every word comes from the heart. Thanks for sharing his path through Oregon.
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Those are gorgeous shots Ali! I took my 6 yo out of school to hear Senator Obama when he was in PA last month. I'm so grateful to be able to share this experience with him and to see it through his eyes. Yes we can!
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Isn't he awesome! He is such a great speaker and he gives American's a sense of hope which I love! I live in Des Moines and saw his New Years Day...
I love the blurred picture because it shows the crazy fun of the day!
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