Battling water bottles and chocolate chip cookies in bid for Obama

As I approached Cleveland High School Saturday, I soon realized how unprepared I was to advance to the next round as an Obama delegate. Some delegate candidates had real campaign yard signs. Another had branded water bottles emblazoned with a picture. Sill another had chocolate chip cookies packaged individually. There were candidates handing out cards chock full of poverty fighting accomplishments -- like volunteering as a nurse at a refugee camp. About all I can say right now at least is that I ride my bike to work.

It was like a high school election without the football stars and cheerleaders. So all this last month, it appears I should have been raising money and commissioning my own signs.

Of the more than 600 Obama delegates present, 37 would advance to the next stage -- roughly divided between men and women. And there were more than 200 vying to do so -- all giving 30 second speeches.

Still, despite my lack of campaign props, I thought I might as well push forward to see what I could make happen. I asked a lot of people to vote for me and everyone obliged except for one person who said she wanted to hear my speech first. By the time I spoke, however, most people had already filled out their ballots.

With just 30 seconds, I led with how I came of poltical age in 1984 when I had a job guarding the eternal flame at Arlington National Cemetery. That same year I worked on the Gary Hart campaign out of the national office. Ever since then I've been trying to get the right candidate elected and I've been disappointed....And so it went ending with the pitch that the only thing that ever makes a difference in elections is turnout, turnout, turnout -- getting everyone you know to get to the polls.  

In a blast from the past, I ran into an old colleague from my WashPIRG days back in 1986. Andrea was the state chair; I was an intern "lobbyist" -- pushing public interest bills before mostly skeptical state legislators. She went on to join Obama at law school. On Saturday, Andrea sounded as passionate as she did back in 86.

I still don't know if I made it through to the next round at the Congressional District Caucus. I kinda doubt it. There were so many people vying to go and so many ballots to count, that the results have yet to be finalized. Or if they were, no one has told me:)  I'm not holding my breath though.  

Most of all, it was fun to be there, mill around, meet neighbors, and talk politics for a day. Plus I got to hang out with my friend Don (also a delegate) whom I don't get to see very much.

Go Obama!