My father used to tell me that there was only one man he ever wanted as president. Only one man that he was excited to vote for. That was Robert Kennedy and unfortunately, he only got to vote for him in the California Primary.
I guess I never really understood what he meant, and I never believed that there would be a candidate I wanted to vote for.
This morning, I did something I’ve never even considered doing before. I made my first campaign donation.
And to put a little Deutschland into the post, I’ve been getting asked quite frequently by Germans whether America is ready to have a Schwarzer (black man) as president. I’m not sure what to make of this question, but I always answer, “Wir sind bereit” (we are ready).
I know I’ve got a lot of comments and emails to respond to, and I’ll get around to that soon. I had the stomach flu (Magen-Darm-Grippe, sounds so much more impressive in German) and now I’ve got a hungry baby, and I’ve got to call my family in Virginia and convince them to join the movement and get out to vote on Tuesday.
I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington …
I’m asking you to believe in yours. – Barack Obama
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Isn’t it exciting to finally look at a candidate and not feel indifference at best and creeping dread at worst?
Tammy and I went down to Munich on Tuesday to vote in the primary. You had to register with Democrats Abroad or be a registered democrat to participate. I wasn’t too thrilled about having to sign up with any party, but having the opportunity to vote for Obama (possibly my only opportunity) overcame my distaste.
Sarah said:
How about having a couple of candidates you can get behind on one side of the aisle, and another one you could respect on the other?
I’m trying to not get too excited about this whole thing; the skeptic in me points out regularly that these are politicians after all.
ConningInspiring me is their job.I am there with you. This is the first election that I have felt GOOD about the choices. I don’t feel like I have to chose the lesser of two evils. It’s great!!!
Yes, We Can!!!
Yes, yes, yes! I’ve been excited about Obama since he announced his candidacy, and my enthusiasm has only grown and grown.
I just heard on the news that JFK might have an “illegitimate” son kicking around in Canada, now that would be something… maybe he could run for President…ciao
Hi Christina G. You’ve been tagged for a little bookie-type meme, quick and easy. Drop in and find out!
@sarah: It is exciting. I wish I could have gone with you guys to Munich. Next time!
@cliff: What you say is true, but compared to all the other candidates, he’s the guy who least makes me feel conned. Maybe this just means he’s better at it, I dunno.
@maria & diane: I am so with you guys there. Yes, we can!
@rositta: I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a couple of kids running around that we don’t know about!
@swenglishexpat: done!
I sent in my absentee ballot awhile back with a big fat check mark next to Barack Obama’s name.
The thing that impresses me the most about him is the cultural awareness he expresses in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXzmXy226po
He basically lists off all of the problems we have in Iraq years before they happen.
-Kevin
Talked to my brother in Arlington this afternoon– they had Obama on the show this morning, but the executives at NPR freaked and pulled the interview from the feed because it “went against the rules on electioneering”, which seems slightly crazy to me.
I googled for “Germany, yes we can” and came across your site. I’m a german expat in nyc and feel just like you…. last week I voted the first time in the US and I even donated 5 bucks. (my mom said i’m crazy, i should let people with more money do the donation thing – but I feel really good about it!)
wish u all the best
J