by Leora Falk
The Barack Obama fans and volunteers who gathered at Howard University for a self-described pep-rally for Obama were in for a suprise. As they walked from the metro station they prepped themselves for displaying a show of support without a showing from their candidate.
"What do you mean, we're not going to see him? We're not even going to see the debate?" one disgruntled student muttered. "No. We're just here to show how much we support him," her friend answered as the two of them joined others holding Obama '08 signs and wearing Obama t-shirts. But just as the cheers were getting softer and someone quipped she would like "an Obama water" Obama himself pulled up to the curb.
The crowd of jumped off of the wall they had been standing on and mobbed the candidate, holding up cell phones and cameras trying to capture a picture. "I'd like to thank the students from Howard University... just keep doing what you are doing" Obama said, barely audible over the screams before getting back into his car. Cheering fans compared photos and handed out stickers before walking to the building that would hold a simulcast.
But a small group who broke off and crossed the street towards the Hillary Clinton supporters. "They're not going to the debate," one Obama volunteer observed, "they are going to start a fight."
No violence broke out, but the volunteer giggled nervously.
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Comments
"Obama himself pulled up to the curb"
I hope it wasn't a no parking zone...if he gets a ticket he won't pay it till 2024.
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | June 28, 2007 8:59 PM
I am curious if anyone in the crowd asked St. Barack about his pro-amnesty vote on the immigration bill. Exactly how would amnesty for illegal immigrants be beneficial for African Americans?
Posted by: S. Sherman | June 28, 2007 9:52 PM
Barack Obama is the brightest and most articulate candidate for President we've had since JFK.
I'm not surprised in the least that the Republicans are trying to drag him thru the mud, they're afraid of him.
After 6+ years of George W Bush and his fellow Republicans divisive politics I look forward to voting for a real uniter like Barack Obama.
Posted by: Bruce | June 28, 2007 10:16 PM
When Hillary clinton hypocriticaly blames un - named people or forces for the HIV AID problem that is ravaging over a significant number of the Black community in USA, my anger boils to the brim. It is even more disturbing that the crowd which was largely made up of African American community gave her a standing ovation for this kind of comments.
To me this comment was an insult to the Intelligence of African Americans and African community as a whole.
Let us face the truth and real facts. HIV and AIDS actaully became the single biggest killer of African population during the period between 1992 and 2000. I challenge anybody who dispute this to look for relevant statistics with WHO, UN, UNICEF, etc. During this period Bill Clinton was the President of USA and Hillary Clinton was his wife.
Between the years 2000 and 2007, The world has seen a remarkable decrease of number of deaths related to HIV and AIDS and even its spread has significantly been controlled especially in Africa. This is because President George Bush unlike his predecessor Bill Clinton has commited alot of funds in fighting HIV and AIDS especially in Africa.
Let Hillary say what she has done in her efforts to fight HIV and AIDS both in USA and else where rather than engaging in populist politics and empty rhetorics.
Obama unlike Hillary has been pro active over this issue.
During his visit to Africa, not only did his Obama's wife find time to visit the AIDs ORPHANS at Nairobi women hospital in Kenya, but Obama actually had both himself and his wife tested for HIV at his late father's rural village of Kogera in Nyanza. This undertaking was extremly symbolic and down to earth.
Posted by: Anonymous | June 29, 2007 5:59 AM
At least one Obama fan over at the official Obama campaign blog thought Obama stunk up the room in the debate:
By Dawn from Arlington, VA 41 minutes ago
"My worse nightmare come true! After tonight’s debate, I think it’s going to be almost impossible for Senator Obama to wrestle the Black female vote from Hillary Clinton. I know he’s incredibly thoughtful, but he was cerebral when he needed to be inspirational! The audience wanted to love him, but he really let them (us) down. This was supposed to be a welcome home of sorts for Obama and instead he looked like a stranger in his own house. Hillary is 3 for 3 and well on her way to victory. I’ll be crying myself to sleep tonight."
Posted by: Bruce | June 29, 2007 9:10 AM
Bruce, like John D. have come up with an e-mail to prove their point. Well...why didn't you show it to us earlier we could have saved a lot of time with these debates. Proof positive from these 2 e-mails, Iraq is doing great and everybody is disappointed in Obama. One more item from the right that hasn't been mentioned enough...he has an unamerican sounding name. Debate over!!!!
Posted by: bill r. | June 29, 2007 10:32 AM
Obama ain't even close to being in the big leagues for a presidential run. Heck, I'm not even sure he could compete with Gov. Blablooeyavich. Heck, if it wasn't for the LIBune, Jack Ryan would be senator.
Can Barack run for dog catcher and win?
Posted by: John D | June 29, 2007 11:33 AM
"My worse nightmare come true! After tonight’s debate, I think it’s going to be almost impossible for Senator Obama to wrestle the Black female vote from Hillary Clinton. I know he’s incredibly thoughtful, but he was cerebral when he needed to be inspirational! The audience wanted to love him, but he really let them (us) down. This was supposed to be a welcome home of sorts for Obama and instead he looked like a stranger in his own house. Hillary is 3 for 3 and well on her way to victory. I’ll be crying myself to sleep tonight."
This is basically the exact same way that the Sun TImes summed up Obama's performance. If he can't even beat Hillary at an event focused on African AMerican Issues what chance does he have against her in a general election. Plain and Simple HIllary is by far the best candidate the Dems have and with each week it becomes more and more apparent.
Posted by: Vinny | June 29, 2007 11:50 AM