Ans' Weblog

Copyrighted by Doug Mills/The New York Times

Ans never really was into politics, especially not into the politics of the USA.  All of this changed the first time he heard Obama speaking as a candidate for the presidency of the USA. He could feel that there was something different.  Obama is different. Expressing an energy the world is waiting for.  Politics on a higher level.  Politics as politics should be.

Talking about energy is difficult.  The only way to know is to feel.  Through the reader comments below and the picture above, both belonging to an article in the NY times, it is easy to feel the energy behind Obama.  Just take a deep breath, let go of all the worries and feel.

That feeling is Why Obama.

To heck with the dry cleaning. What matters is that Obama stood in the rain with us, his own shirt soaked through, inspired us with a powerful speech, and slogged in the mud to clasp hands with people who had waited all day to hear him. Look at the face of that young man in the picture. That was the emotion that I saw this evening at this rally. I was there. I am still soaked to the skin and my 55-year old feet will hurt for days from standing for six hours in mud. But how moving it was to be surrounded by Americans of all races and ages. . . especially the students who have been inspired and engaged by Obama. After years of feeling disenfranchised and discouraged myself, I am so excited by the prospect that we will soon have a president who believes in all of us and brings out our best nature. What I saw and heard tonight was not just the exuberance of college students at an historic event, but full-throated support of the idea that this is a country where we care about each other. These young people are registered to vote, enthusiastic about being involved in the process, and generous in spirit. Obama is exactly the right man to help them lead us into our future.

— Charlotte from Fredericksburg

I was there today, soaked through and muddy to my ankles, surrounded by people of many different ethnicities and ages. I’m a 44 year old mother of 3 who has always been an Independent; I’ve always voted the person. Barack Obama is more than just intelligent and insightful. There is something about him that inspires hope and the courage to take action. I am voting for him because he represents all the things I want my country to be for my children.

— loudounmom

Today’s heavy rains and light showers didn’t stop the publics support for Change. I was one of the 14 thousand Virginians denied access to the main area; nevertheless we 14 thousand: young, old, white,black, brown, gay, straight, poor, middle class and elites, packed like vienna sausage, didn’t complain. We had a ball – singing, dancing, laughing, and conversing in the rain with total strangers united for one common purpose: to embrace Barack Obama’s message of Change! Wow, that was GREAT!

— marlon

Wow, What a way to demonstrate it’s about the people and not Obama. ….. I wish I had been there as well.

— Vikki

Kudos to photographer Doug Mills of the Times. Love that pic. Would like to see it enlarged. That frame sums up Campaign 2008. We have not seen a candidate who can bring out such enthusiasm for many, many years. Barack gives us such hope and we need a downpour of it now.

— Felix

Oh, what a beautiful picture. Thank you, New York Times. You’ve captured the Obama campaign’s historic momentum and enthusiasm perfectly. I feel even more hopeful after seeing that picture than I did after last night’s debate, when I watched the commentary and realized that America saw what I saw last night: that graceful and dignified Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States!

— julie

Nice report, and what a great photo of people reaching out in the rain to shake Obama’s hand…what terrific symbolism, hands stretched out—there are rainbows in the camera lights, for goodness sake—you can’t make that up. Maybe that’s why even an old guy like me has begun to hope once again that we can reconnect with our highest ideals.

— Martin J

The picture speaks volumes! Beautiful, really.

Obama isn’t “the One” but he is aware of how much this country yearns to tap into our historic legacy. We are a nation of dreamers who like to imagine a better, more just and free people. The fact that he can channel this passion infuriates the petty haters. I must admit that I enjoy their rage and revel in watching a new generation learn to laugh at their anger.

Bubba Tex (yup, that Texas)
A “Hopeful” Republican for Obama

— Bubba Tex

That is one heck of a picture there – true joy in orange.

— Billy

I love it. I wish I was there. I don’t mind at all if it was for Obama. Here at home, I read and followed the news every minutes, hours…Definitely, after over 18 mths watching these 2 men marketting themselves, myself and my friends have come to the decision to vote for Obama. Obama has dignity and integrity. Of course no one is perfect. Of course he has his weakness. So do we. He cannot please everyone. But he would be the best person to fix this mess of the economy and the less respect for America issue from the world. Mr Mc Cain cn run for president again but not at this time.

— amt7799@msn.com

What a genuine great guy! He so inspires and impresses…Last night he was everything in that debate we need him to be. He wasn’t bullied into responding in like and stayed above the fray, almost like he was destined to be here at this time and place. I am so thankful for his willingness to be a public servant and his family’s sacrifice to run for this highest office in our land. Ibid for Joe Biden…They both could have gained more wealth, power and status much easier elsewhere, but they were looking out for us – the little guy- We needed them on our side and they were specially crafted! We are so proud of them and their families and all that they will be for our country. God bless you all!

— GraceNeeded