March 21st, 2008

Some friends and I went to see Barack Obama speak at the UofO on this day a few weeks ago. I took a notebook to chronicle the event. Many people contributed. In their notes and scribbles, their hopes and fears are outlined. Their skepticism for politicians in general is tempered by their awe and respect for the great Barack Obama. Here are the real entries by real people, unabridged. Find out who this guy is and who the people are who would wait for hours in a line to see him. (Names sometimes omitted.)

• Rainbows have colors
• A neglected poodle left out in the heat is not a hot dog
• Why does Hawaii have interstates?
• I <3>

What do you get when you cross an apple, Ron Jeremy, and the end of a monkey? Fruit-cock-tail

What does a man with a foot long cock eat for breakfast? I like eggs, toast, and a glass of milk.

3:42 pm So I'm sitting here on the sidewalk enjoying a wonderful lunch/dinner of crackers & cheese along with honey roasted nuts. I'm looking forward to tonight, I hope this experience will make a positive impact on my future decision(s). We got 3 plus hours to go... tick-a-tock tick-a-tock

4:48 we miss Annette & Melissa...come back soon PLEASE

Reaction
What a great event! I am extremely satisfied with the support by our generation. OBama stands for many important issues, and I hope he has the opportunity to lead our country like no other president. His speech was amazing and he brings hope to the U.S. Now everyone, get educated & go out and fight for what you believe in!

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Why are you here? What are your thoughts?

Will Obama put me into some sort of mind controlled trance? 'cause that's what I want.

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O-bama. O-MG! O-regon. I'm peeing myself! I'm here! OMG! This is an historic moment. I got a crush on Obama. He's the best candidate, and I'm looking for some magic tonight! 3:37pm 3 1/2 hours 'til the doors open!

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3:54pm Obama line count - Eastside 550 Westside - rumored to be longer @ 4 per person hold 4400 total unofficial count

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4:59 1/2 So, one hour down like 4 more to go! I can't wait to see Obama! I'm thinking about stalking Obama but have not made up my mind! Time will tell. Bye for now!

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Danny registered to vote at his current address. Rock rock on!

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"I like excited old people!" -Josh

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"9/11 was an inside job" said a sign a guy was carrying across the street. "Yeah!" I said. "I know, it sucks!" he said. And that was that. - approx. 5pm

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Obama is young, energetic, and makes you want to stand up and say "Freakin A Go!"

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Canvasser for the ballot initiative - today I'm following Obama & talking to people. Good day.

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Hello future voters of my bloodline. I am here with my one true best friend/sister Annette, and we are rockin' our youth and our idealistic attitudes - if you ever become anything but liberal/democratic, may God have mercy on your soul. GO OBAMA!! p.s. we are all freakin' adorable

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"Been following Obama since Iowa" It's been an awesome ride, I don't want to ever get off!!!

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To finally have a president that stands up for the enviromment!
(Annette: Look he likes the environment! Josh: But he can't spell it!)

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Josh: "Some people have so much, I don't know, hope or something!"

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Love Obama's UNITY message! Time heal the nation.

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I've never seen Obama speak, what a good time.

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Some say "It's time for change" is just a pointless saying. They say "what chang?" You look around and this awesome crowd tells you! We want control of our future. We want an end to this vile and pointless war! We want freedom and a better economy! We want change from the rich to the poor! This awesome crowd is here for Obama! Yah!!! Finally this eloquent and brave man, while even being a politician, is here for us!

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I brought my 3 kids to this historical event in the first place because we come from a country that suffered 18 years of dictatorship, CHILE, with Pinochet and if this is a great experience of what freedom and democracy can be. Secondly, we are excited to see in the U.S. a president that understand and can represent minorities. And thirdly this is very very cool!! Thank. Also, it was a great chance to share our chips with you. Obama's real are you!!!

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"Times like these...times like those" did it in the 60's - really special to be here doing it again with my son Kris. Change CAN happen.

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I am volunteering today because we are blessed with a democratic system and inherent in that is a responsibility to others in our country and the world! <3 :)

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"Barack Obama's latest speech was almost touching & a little appealing. I do not support him though. I'm green & for Nader! Actually I may ride home & smoke..."

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I'm 58. Not since Bobby Kennedy have I felt so inspired & hopeful

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Keep up the good work Obama is a great relief in politics - listen to KRVM all music all the time

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34 yr old female - I think Obama is a legend in the making!

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I am Kenyan. I know Obama's family in Kenya.

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Obama fucking rocks.

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Obama 2nd time today...love him

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Reporting on Obama event...once in a lifetime opportunity KMTR

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Annette made the Obama event very entertaining!

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Mac Court is ghetto. People are crazy. (LOL WUT?)

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Well...I was undecided for awhile on the Obama/Clinton issue...but, when Clinton tried to shadily grab Florida & Michigan votes I turned to Obama!! He seems more fair, ethical & the least like a politician...if there is such a thing and...I'm on the campaign trail myself Mann/Nickerson '08!! It's a difficult path, but worth it (I hope). This is a monumental time in our lives & hopefully we will witness great changes.

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I'm going to fill the bubble in by Obama's name. Isn't that neat?

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Stuff! And things! Obama's pretty cool, but he'd better not be late!

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Dreams from my father (1995)

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Hello, my name is Kevin 51 year old white male inspired by rhetoric of Barack. His Tuesday speech in Philadelphia was "out of the park" it brought tears to my eyes for its depth & compassion. I have been following his life & passion for several month and have been truly moved by his openness on the political scene. When someone speaks to you "not at you" it is wonderful. Thank you Mr. Obama the next POTUS.

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We finally got in what a relief. I was willing to abandon everyone to enter, luckily all of your group made it through! Finding seats was crazy & apparently emotional for a few of us, but the seats we ended up with were worth a couple tears!!! P.S. screw those UofO ground level elitist tardy bastards!! 8:02pm

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Very happy to get in! Was worried-now VERY EXCITED. Originally from South Mississippi ART TEACHER Here to feel the energy of the crowd and soak up the experience- Took a pic of the bomb squad truck.

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Hi - I'm sitting behind you @ Mac Court. I'm so excited that Barack is going to be HERE. I thought I'd just have to watch speeches on YouTube forever. I really hope we can hear him, but it seems like we will be able to. I lost my friends along the way, so I'm here solo, so I get to focus 100% on Barack-who is so inspiring! Yay for Barack, make all your friends vote! -architecture student

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Annette: They're closing the door!
Josh: Because he comes out of the floor!

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Wow! What incredible powerful, positive energy. After so many years of being disappointed over & over again by the leadership in this country, we finally have a leader who we can believe in, who has the integrity to do what is right and who can unify the people toward change that will benefit us all. Tonight, preparing to see Barack Obama in person is an incredible moment in time. Let's make it happen & send him to the White House. It IS up to US.

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I think this event is a powerful expression of our democracy. Our country is lucky to have such an inspiring candidate in Obama. My children, ages 10 & 15, will always remember this evening. Obama truly gives you "hope" our country can turn things around.

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My wife dragged me here. No, seriously... These events are for optimists, for people who still believe in the greatness of our country and our ability to move mountains when we are inspired by visionary leadership.

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This is what democracy is all about. Its very exciting to bring my kids to hear such an inspirational candidate.

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In 1968 I saw Bobby Kennedy while visiting California - since that time no politician has touched me like I am now touched by Barack Obama. Here with my wife and two kids on this historic occasion.

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My 13 year old daughter talked me into it, but it is cool.

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hi, I'm the 13 year old daughter - it actually didn't take much convincing I think he secretly wanted to come, so far it's pretty awesome but everyone has been waiting WAY too long seriously we need a system! Plus the mikes kinda suck...looking forward to seeing Obama though!!!! :)

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I want to see if Obama is the first candidate for the people rather than a few people. Will he help change U.S. policy for the benefit of all people?

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Obama's book "Dreams from my father" and his speeches have really inspired me. I think he is one of a kind and this is his time!

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Whatever else may be said of him, he is a phenomenon. A magnetic personality who I feel privileged to see.

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Hello Barack - may the wind always be at your back.

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Obama is risking it all to give our country a chance again to be a great nation. I believe that he really believes "All men (women) are created equal" and he wants to create the conditions so more equality exist in this country & the rest of the world. If he is gonna risk his life for us, we've got to think about what we're willing to do to bring the ideals that created this nation to fruition. Let's do it. :)

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Barack Obama is putting America on trial. Which America do we want to be? The fearful one George Bush and John McCain and Hillary Clinton are so sure we are - or the diverse, hopeful, rational, forward-looking one that Barack Obama believes we can be? The choice is ours. But if America turns its back on the blessing of this great man, appearing at our moment of need...we'll have nobody to blame but ourselves for the destiny we have chosen.

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ABCD Goldfish?
LMNO Goldfish.
SARZ Goldfish. CM?
(What?)

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I was once skeptical of Obama's plans, his persona, his motives for running, and everything in between. Now, I feel energized, rejuvenated, and excited to be able to assist in America's first revolution since the one that set us apart from Great Britain! Obama is a candidate who I feel can be the first politician to live up to his campaign promises. If he gets elected it will be a historic moment not because he's the first Black president but because he will be the first politician ever to actually be an honest, positive, uncorruptable presence in the oval office. OBAMA 2008! A true awakening of our hopes for change.

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REACTIONS

Holy S**t!! That was spectacular! I'm moved & motivated & believe in change WE ALL can make happen!!

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This is an old person car, everything turns on automatically. - Annette

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I felt bad for giving my support for a candidate that I knew very little about, but it seems fate or the cosmos or just THE WORLD guided me toward this positive power within a man. I will no longer let myself be distracted, giving my focus and power to share with others and better assist myself, my community, my state, my nation, and my planet. Empowerment: a gift from B. Obama 3-21-08 Eugene OR 10:44pm

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@ the Shari's, with Matt and Adam, back in the Cor, 11:42pm

Amazing. Inspiring. NOT owned by corporate interests. NOT in it for himself. CARING. GOOD PLANS AND IDEAS. For as incredible as he is, it's weird that it's such a foreign concept to have a GOOD, GENUINE candidate for pres. He's MY candidate. For students. For the environment. For everyone. Everyone for Obama. '08. - Annette

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I have never been so overcome with emotion simply from someone talking! He gives me hope for tomorrow! I pray nothing happens to him!

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First of all - Annette is my lover!

My experience today was different from the rest of you. I support Hillary Clinton. I don't really have strong feelings towards Obama but however I believe he is a good guy. I was at a potluck for Alternative Spring Break because I am a good person like that. I was riding downtown (Corvallis) and I passed American Dream Pizza where Obama was getting dinner. It was exciting to see that he was in town. What I noticed was that people are very active politically. It really hit me that it is really important to people. They were throwing themselves at him and looking in on him as he was eating. What I realized from today is how active people are. I wish I could have gone to hear him speak because I would love to hear that perspective.

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To believe in the beauty of the unadulterated hope - is quite the awe-inspiring moment that power the movement for change. -Alisha

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What an amazing day! I feel so inspired and filled with hope for the future! Obama rocks!

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After a week of reflection, I've come to the realization that we truly can make a difference on the direction of this country. Barack said that it's so easy to be negative and be against something. It is much harder to support something and take a stand. I'm challenging myself to do that, I hope others who read this will do so too. Barackus with your caucus out baby!!