Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Yet another reason to make handknit socks

I went to see Barack Obama speak yesterday in Chester, PA. I arrived at the crack of dawn to volunteer, and we stood in the rain, wind and cold for hours. However, I am happy to report that the only part of me that was not freezing and miserable were my feet, due in part to my handknit wool socks...



As I helped an elderly black woman with a walker to the handicapped seating section, we chitchatted about the weather, and I said casually, "I'm sure Obama will be worth the wait." She said, quite seriously, "I've waited 65 years for Obama." Being part of that, seeing a crowd full of young and old, black and white and hispanic and asian, college students and senior citizens, parents bringing children so they can own a piece of history, it was a remarkable experience and one I'll treasure.

21 comments:

Kathy said...

Bless you for being one of the dedicated that I saw standing there in the rain yesterday! At the same time the other candidate canceled his rally due to the rain!!! Maybe they need a few more sock knitters on their side.
I VOTED EARLY! GO-BAMA!

Anonymous said...

So glad you got to be there. You've worked hard for this election, and I'm very, very proud of you.

Ali P said...

We took pictures of ourselve with Obama bumper stickered cars in the parking 'field' at Rhinebeck. Was cool for us, being Canadian and all and having no say in your presidential elections. Hell, we practically have no say in our own (total crap voter turn out up here two weeks ago).
That lady's comment about waiting 65 years almost made me cry.

Anonymous said...

You were there? I've seen the amazing pictures of the dedicated people slogging out there in the rain to see the Amazing Obama speak. I love reading first hand accounts of Obama rallies. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Happy Knitting and Go Obama!

Kathleen Dames said...

I got chills reading the lady with the walker's comment.

CrazyFiberLady said...

How amazing that must have been. Nothing beats nice warm socks, except maybe the comment by that lady. Bravo.

I'm happy to report I just put my Obama magnet on the back of my car.

Anonymous said...

The older lady's comment is probably the most poignant one I've read so far about Obama. It brings home what he's all about. I will be hoping like mad for the right result when I wake up on Nov. 5th because I just can't imagine what's going to happen to the world if McCain gets in.

Hey, my 'verification word' is sweari, seems so appropriate for your blog :)

Anonymous said...

I'm a Canadian who really admires Obama. Whatever happens in the U.S. affects us enormously, and I'm sure hoping he is elected.

Anonymous said...

You have been on my mind so much lately with all the emphasis on PA voters! I just knew you'd be in the thick of it and good for you, good for Obama and good for our country. Even my little state of Montana is in the mix and we're working hard here for an Obama win!
from Big Sky Country,
Suzanne

JelliDonut said...

I was lucky enough to be there when Obama gave his acceptance speech so I think I know how you feel. I was also in Halifax last month and I'm always amazed at how much Canadians know about American politics, and how little most Americans know about Canadian politics. I kept feeling like I needed to apologize for us messing up their economy, as well as our own.

Yes, that woman's remark sums it up for a lot of people. We need to pay attention to that because the world is watching.

Unknown said...

I just sent in my absentee ballot at the end of last week. Glad to hear your knitting helped get Obama elected in another way.

Did anyone read this funny New Yorker article by David Sedaris on undecided voters?...I'm pretty sure he compares McCain to eating shit with glass in it:

http://www.newyorker.com/humor/2008/10/27/081027sh_shouts_sedaris

Robin said...

Saw this rally on the news last night. Great comment by the lady with the walker. Obama will be getting my vote!!

Anonymous said...

Watching from the north side of the border, I can only hope that Nov. 4 will bring what you (and most of us unlookers up here, and around the world) hope for. And glad you had warm feet to match what I am sure was going on in your heart.

Anonymous said...

Kathleen and I must be on the same wavelength - I got chills too. I know I'll cry WHEN he wins!

Ann said...

I've had the honor to meet so many extaordinary people through volunteering for the Obama campaign. It's rare when we can sense the importance of the moment as it happens.

Thank you for all the work you've done in PA!

hokieknitter said...

I heard the same type of comments when I went to the 2 appearances Sen. Obama made in my part of the country. The elderly and the younger African-Americans and just the glow on their faces. It was amazing. I know how much I want Sen. Obama to win but I also know I can't even come close to knowing how they feel and the hope he represents for anyone that feels unrepresented in this country. You've worked so long and hard, I'm not surprised you braved the weather. Just don't you dare come down with some crud now and not be able to celebrate! I'll be working the phones this weekend if I can get over my own case of crud. If not, I'll send food to those who are.

(formerly) no-blog-rachel said...

What a cool story! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

WOW!

I never thought that in my lifetime I would be able to make history. little old me...writing the history books...making OBAMA the next POTUS...damn about time too!

and yes, the whole world is watching, the whole world is watching (last heard in chicago in 1968 at the democratic national convention)!

OBAMA 08!

PS - OMFG, my word is "sucksili"...heh heh heh...

Robin said...

My friend works at Widener and helped organize the event. She said it was the coldest she had ever been, but it was worth it!

Anonymous said...

I got chills from her comment, too. Wow. Thanks for sharing.

Evelyn said...

Yep, an epidemic of chills going around. Thanks for sharing!