Caroline, Oprah, Michelle...and Maria
As you may or may not know, on Sunday afternoon there was a rally for the Obama for President campaign at the UCLA campus in Los Angeles. By the time I remembered it was happening, Caroline Kennedy was nearing the end of her remarks as covered by CNN. But then they cut away for their regularly scheduled programming. Fortunately, C-Span carried the rally in its entirety. It was truly a wonderful event and I feel very lucky that I was able to watch it. Oprah followed Caroline. I admit I've had my issues with Miss O. lo these many years--my affection for her sometimes wanes. But after hearing her speak at the Obama rally today, I feel a lot of love for her because she so beautifully articulated what many of us who are strong, independent, feminist women try to say when we're explaining why we're supporting Obama rather than the female candidate. If you have 13 minutes to spare, I encourage you to listen..
Oprah quoted Toni Morrison, who said this of Barack Obama:
“In addition to keen intelligence, integrity and a rare
authenticity, you exhibit something that has nothing to do with age,
experience, race or gender and something I don't see in other candidates. That
something is a creative imagination which, coupled with brilliance, equals
wisdom.”
“If Barack Obama was a state, he’d be California. I mean think about it: diverse, open, smart, independent, bucks tradition, innovative, inspiring, dreamer, leader.” ~Maria Shriver
“I’m voting for Barack Obama not because he’s black. I’m voting for Barack Obama because he’s brilliant.” ~Oprah Winfrey
“Obama is a poem, lyric and filled with possibility.” ~Los Angeles Times endorsement
“I have never had a president who inspired me the way people tell me that my father inspired them. But for the first time, I believe I have found the man who could be that president — not just for me, but for a new generation of Americans.” ~Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg“I am convinced that Barack Obama is the one presidential
candidate today who can…salve our national wounds and both inspire and pursue
genuine bipartisan cooperation.” ~Susan
Eisenhower (grandddaughter of President Eisenhower and a life-long Republican)
“I
am proud to support Barack Obama, and look forward to him leading this country
toward a brighter, more hopeful future.”
~Ethel Kennedy
I have never been this excited about an election in my entire life--and never more excited to participate in a California primary. Watching that rally in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon right before the Super Bowl, I never felt more proud to be a woman listening to those four powerful, strong, very smart, dynamic women speaking their truth. I believe it's moments like those at the rally that will re-energize us as a country and give new meaning to the United States of America.
I ask only this--that if you're a voter in one of the 23 states or American Samoa that will be voting in primaries and caucuses on February 5th, that you not take your fear to your polling place, but instead bring your truth (whatever it is). Most importantly, please vote! (And if you're a Democrat Abroad, don't forget you have a week to vote!)
P.S. And if you haven't seen the "Yes We Can" song video that I put in the post below, check it out. ;)
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