Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

sheshe2

(83,658 posts)
Wed Dec 11, 2013, 09:02 PM Dec 2013

barack obama: 44th president of the united states



Validation. To really tell anyone what it means to be part of the Obama/Biden 2012 team right from central command is not an easy task. Although my role wasn’t so big, and was completely on a volunteer basis, it was a labor of love that will probably never be matched in my life again. I want to fast forward to the most memorable day ever….not the election night itself, which was just an incredible experience, and one of the happiest days ever. I want to talk about the day after the election. As tired as I was the day after election, I wanted to go into campaign headquarters for sentimental reasons…I wanted to know how the place was feeling the day after, and wanted to bask in the victory with everyone up there-and the phones were ringing off the hook.



I take a call from a woman from the South Side of Chicago. She was calling with an issue regarding a donation she had made. I took her information about the issue, and was saying my goodbye and thank you, when she was asked me if she could share a story with me. I told her, of course she could. She proceeded to tell me that she never really intended to tell this story because she never wanted it to be about her, or draw attention to herself about it. She knew this might be her last chance to tell someone involved in the campaign. I said okay.



She says she knew Barack Obama almost 30 years ago, back when he was doing work for ACORN, and their fight to end the destructive industrial pollution going on in the area, pollution that was potentially harming those residents. Barack, as she called him, was concerned about the children, and whether this would give them cancer. He was quite passionate about what he was doing. She was involved in the work as well, but not as much as he was.



She continued to tell me how back then Barack didn’t have a lot of money and didn’t own a car. He would walk miles and miles to participate in these activities and campaigns. Sometimes, she would see him walking, and she would pull over and ask him if he’d like a ride. He always said yes, and always expressed his gratitude. She was always impressed at his passion for doing the right thing, and his compassion for those who may be suffering. But more than that, she was struck by his shoes. For his shoes had holes in them. And he was always wearing the same Khaki pants he wore every time she saw him.

More~

http://theobamadiary.com/2013/12/11/barack-obama-44th-president-of-the-united-states/

He continues to do for us now, what he did then. Thank you Mr President~

For the BOG~
63 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
barack obama: 44th president of the united states (Original Post) sheshe2 Dec 2013 OP
Thank you sheshe! Tarheel_Dem Dec 2013 #1
Hey Tarheel! sheshe2 Dec 2013 #4
Damn, he's a good looking hunk of a man, ain't he? NYC_SKP Dec 2013 #2
He is SKP! sheshe2 Dec 2013 #6
Not only good-looking... PeggyKR Dec 2013 #53
Jealous! And, welcome to DU, Peggy! NYC_SKP Dec 2013 #55
Thank you as well! PeggyKR Dec 2013 #60
I still maintain cilla4progress Dec 2013 #3
cilla, you stated that perfectly! sheshe2 Dec 2013 #5
I miss him already. Enjoy this time. n/t freshwest Dec 2013 #7
I know, freshwest... sheshe2 Dec 2013 #9
Sweet! cilla4progress Dec 2013 #10
... sheshe2 Dec 2013 #12
"For his shoes had holes in them." sheshe2 Dec 2013 #22
That's about my favorite poem. IrishAyes Dec 2013 #37
Thank you, sheshe2! Aristus Dec 2013 #8
I love my President, Aristus! sheshe2 Dec 2013 #11
DEF buying that DVD! cilla4progress Dec 2013 #13
My, Our President. -Class, accomplishment, perseverance- mikekohr Dec 2013 #14
brother iz - hawaiian superman hopemountain Dec 2013 #36
He is Superman! PeggyKR Dec 2013 #54
So true that we will miss him. He sets a new standard of leadership style that will be hard for ancianita Dec 2013 #15
Thank you. I needed that.. russspeakeasy Dec 2013 #16
deeply treasure my long bus ride with the members of the black nurses association. mopinko Dec 2013 #17
NIIIIICE! GREAT post, sheshe2! calimary Dec 2013 #18
calimary~ sheshe2 Dec 2013 #20
Maybe the kind of result Alan Grayson said they prefer for those unlucky enough to get sick? calimary Dec 2013 #26
My story... PeggyKR Dec 2013 #46
Wow! Really? Welcome to DU, PeggyKR! calimary Dec 2013 #49
Satisfying, INDEED. PeggyKR Dec 2013 #61
What a great post...... Sheepshank Dec 2013 #19
And I'm thirdly ... 1StrongBlackMan Dec 2013 #42
I could not agree with you more, 1SBM~ sheshe2 Dec 2013 #48
Wonderfully Awesome story from 30 years ago woven into Ms Reilly's Cha Dec 2013 #21
Special? sheshe2 Dec 2013 #23
We have a precious gift Cha Dec 2013 #27
Oh Happy Day~ sheshe2 Dec 2013 #24
Yes, Oh Happy Day! Cha Dec 2013 #28
Good Morning Cha~ sheshe2 Dec 2013 #29
This is my good morning to you, buddy.. Cha Dec 2013 #31
Thank you! PeggyKR Dec 2013 #47
I did go to your original story on your blog, Peggy, it was linked through Cha Dec 2013 #50
Obama Diary.. PeggyKR Dec 2013 #51
I get exactly what you mean, Peggy. Even though I'm Cha Dec 2013 #52
chipsticks.. PeggyKR Dec 2013 #59
Chips is a she.. and is the Admin of the site. Cha Dec 2013 #63
such a handome and good man. Whisp Dec 2013 #25
Hi, Whisp~ sheshe2 Dec 2013 #30
hey, sheshe Whisp Dec 2013 #32
President Barack Obama in the top 5 nilesobek Dec 2013 #33
Thank you nilesobek. sheshe2 Dec 2013 #34
Thank you and others for the warm welcome nilesobek Dec 2013 #35
Then another specially warm welcome to you. IrishAyes Dec 2013 #38
History.. PeggyKR Dec 2013 #62
Here's another pic from the Chicago 1995 days, she.. that I found on TOD~ Cha Dec 2013 #39
The man has his moves~ sheshe2 Dec 2013 #40
I'll say he has Moves.. all the way Cha Dec 2013 #43
sweet dvncmdy Dec 2013 #41
Thanks and welcome to DU, dvncmdy. sheshe2 Dec 2013 #44
Thanks dvncmdy Dec 2013 #57
This is MY STORY! Wow! PeggyKR Dec 2013 #45
What an excellent story Sheepshank Dec 2013 #56
Thank you for the link, Peggy! sheshe2 Dec 2013 #58
 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
2. Damn, he's a good looking hunk of a man, ain't he?
Wed Dec 11, 2013, 09:14 PM
Dec 2013

And that's coming from a pretty much straight dude!

PeggyKR

(177 posts)
53. Not only good-looking...
Mon Dec 16, 2013, 12:06 AM
Dec 2013

I can tell that not only is he REALLY good-looking...he gives GREAT hugs. Take it from me, the writer of this story, the proud volunteer, and the recipient of a hug from the President Of The United States. That's me in the picture. If you can't see it..you can see my original blog post. Happy Holidays!

http://allreilledup.com/2012/11/validation/#.Uq58PtJDsuc

 

NYC_SKP

(68,644 posts)
55. Jealous! And, welcome to DU, Peggy!
Mon Dec 16, 2013, 12:10 AM
Dec 2013

I saw your other post on the Newtown tragedy, thanks for joining our community!

cilla4progress

(24,718 posts)
3. I still maintain
Wed Dec 11, 2013, 09:20 PM
Dec 2013

how fortunate we are to have him as our Pres. In many ways we don't deserve him.

He's beautiful - as is Michelle - because of the love and genuinness that shine from within.

sheshe2

(83,658 posts)
5. cilla, you stated that perfectly!
Wed Dec 11, 2013, 09:27 PM
Dec 2013
"He's beautiful - as is Michelle - because of the love and genuinness that shine from within."


Well said and so very true.

sheshe2

(83,658 posts)
9. I know, freshwest...
Wed Dec 11, 2013, 10:34 PM
Dec 2013


I hold in my heart every minute that we have left of his Presidency. He will however do many more revolutionary and inspiring things. Once he leaves office, he will continue to do the work he started, as a President and that of a very young Community Organizer.

We have been blessed.

sheshe2

(83,658 posts)
22. "For his shoes had holes in them."
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 01:33 AM
Dec 2013

He has walked so many miles for us, freshwest...


The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost~

http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/171621

I have promises to keep. He does and he will~


sheshe2

(83,658 posts)
11. I love my President, Aristus!
Wed Dec 11, 2013, 10:43 PM
Dec 2013

An amazing man, with one hell of an amazing family.They have been so good, so very healing for many in this country. Like a good PA~

When the pulse of America becomes erratic a good diagnostician knows how to treat the ailment. This President knows!

cilla4progress

(24,718 posts)
13. DEF buying that DVD!
Wed Dec 11, 2013, 10:45 PM
Dec 2013

Anyone else noticed that he's starting to turn up the heat, at this point in his presidency?

With Harry Reid's brave act in shooting down the filibuster, Patty Murray's budget agreement limiting the sequester, the turn-around in ACA...our good President seems to have the wind at his back. Please let it sail him on home through the last years of his presidency!

ancianita

(35,948 posts)
15. So true that we will miss him. He sets a new standard of leadership style that will be hard for
Wed Dec 11, 2013, 11:28 PM
Dec 2013

successors to live up to. The rest of my life I will perk up when his name comes up. I will always follow what he's doing. I hope he lives a long, successful life that continues to justify the Nobel Peace Prize that he's won. Future presidents will do well to seek his guidance. We have been a lucky country, indeed.

mopinko

(70,023 posts)
17. deeply treasure my long bus ride with the members of the black nurses association.
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 12:03 AM
Dec 2013

wonderful group of women who worked with him when he was a state senator.
the loved telling tales on him, like how pitiful the girls hair always looked when he dragged them along to meetings. but what nice little girls they were.
a really great trip to cincinnati.

he always wore "the same khaki pants" because he had 5 paris of them. a man trick which he still gets away with today. poor michelle.

calimary

(81,126 posts)
18. NIIIIICE! GREAT post, sheshe2!
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 12:24 AM
Dec 2013

We need this. We need to see this and read this and savor this and let it remind us. This is a good man. With a good heart. We're lucky to have him as President, and I'm hoping he can become as transformational as reagan was - only in the REAL right way. Not the so-called "right" that the bad guys try to jam down our throats. He also seems to be the most persecuted by his political enemies. Even more than Bill Clinton was, and I didn't think that was possible. I hope WE always stand behind him - especially against them.

I love this president.

sheshe2

(83,658 posts)
20. calimary~
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 12:55 AM
Dec 2013

He has transformed our lives, for the better always for us. Yes the steps were smaller than we wished, than he wished. Yet for all the hate he moves us forward.

Who would have thought that we would have moved on DADT and DOMA and won! Who would have thought that we would have had to fight tooth and nail to get Violence Against Women Act reauthorized.
Who would have thought that a party would embrace such a disgusting act, yet they did.

They voted for it before, yet they hate this President so much that they are destroying any and everything that we hold dear.

The GOP is the party of hate and losers. They want America to fail. That is depressing. They have become a party that is in its death throes. A dying breed, I wish them no peace in there passing\.

We are stronger everyday!

Peace to us all calimary~

calimary

(81,126 posts)
26. Maybe the kind of result Alan Grayson said they prefer for those unlucky enough to get sick?
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 11:59 AM
Dec 2013

Remember Grayson's definition of the republi-CON health insurance coverage plan? "If you get sick, die quickly."

They're an endangered species here in California - a fact that gives me great joy! And we're back in the black in California because there just aren't enough selfish, myopic, narrow-minded, mean-spirited assholes to stand in the way of getting things done, in other words: of PROGRESS. Get RID of their shit!!! Dump the GARBAGE!!! Get 'em the hell OUTTA there!!!!! And then you can actually get some work done FOR THE GOOD of the people you purport to represent.

Otherwise the mess in Washington and the Neanderthal regressive 5th-Century mindsets in North Carolina and Texas and Florida and Wisconsin are what you get. My apologies to all DUers suffering under the GOP's hostage hold of abject miserly pigheadedness, willful ignorance, and sheer cold-hearted cruelty in those states. Like my mom used to say - "heart like a BB."

PeggyKR

(177 posts)
46. My story...
Sun Dec 15, 2013, 11:34 AM
Dec 2013

So glad you enjoyed this. The Obama Diary took my story and made it their own. I am the writer of the story. YES. We have an AMAZING President! Happy Holidays! Peace.

http://allreilledup.com/2012/11/validation/#.Uq3JJNJDsuc

calimary

(81,126 posts)
49. Wow! Really? Welcome to DU, PeggyKR!
Sun Dec 15, 2013, 06:26 PM
Dec 2013

Glad you're here! VERY impressive, thank you for that contribution and more! I'm just always relieved and gratified when anything's posted that doesn't involve tearing this man apart. What the Living Hell??????? Is it just that he's guilty of "presidentin' while black"? What a disgrace that we're still so hobbled, as a nation, by this shit. What a disgrace! This man is truly noble, good-hearted, and motivated by the needs of the many - whom he represented so well as a community organizer. Sheesh - I remember during the first campaign in 2008. There was a neighbor couple. Affluent and older and white, and we were all sorta gabbing casually and enjoying each other's company at the neighborhood block party. And the campaign came up (this was September of that election year), and they startd scoffing and laughing at him - "community ORGANIZER???!?!?! BWAAAAAHAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!" They acted as though it was the absolute most ridiculous thing they'd ever heard. And after eight long miserable years of that dry-drunk squatter in OUR White House and his merry band of war criminals, I was just absolutely outraged. I went home just STEAMED!

And you know what? After Barack Obama cleaned the respective clocks of mcsame/palin later that autumn, and I'd be out walking our dog, EVERY time I passed their house, I'd look in their direction and I'd snicker and smirk and mumble to myself "Barack HUSSEIN Obama. PRESIDENT Barack Hussein Obama!!!!!" And every time I'd see them, I'd be smilin'... and thinking that cutting little buzz phrase to myself that I knew would make them wince. That's what my smile means every time I smile at them. Not sure they realize that, but I've NEVER forgotten. And last November, too, after President Obama cleaned wrongney/ryan's respective clocks and won the White House A SECOND TIME, I got the pleasure of following that little routine all over again, and savored it EVERY time! I'd do that while strolling past whatever house in the neighborhood had a wrongney/ryan yard sign in the front. I made a point of remembering.

MOST satisfying, I must say!

PeggyKR

(177 posts)
61. Satisfying, INDEED.
Mon Dec 16, 2013, 06:26 PM
Dec 2013

It would sure be lovely if we could move past the race issue. It'll happen, I believe, but anytime soon. We have a VERY smart and aware President. He knew what he was getting into....to a point anyway. I remember hearing or reading about how when he told Michelle he wanted to run, she said "NOOOO...don't do it! People are MEAN"....

Well, he did it, and did it again..history, I believe will be kinder to this President that waaay too many are right now. He's made history. And I was proud to be a little part of the making...

Happy Holidays and Peace to you and your family!

 

Sheepshank

(12,504 posts)
19. What a great post......
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 12:38 AM
Dec 2013

...and rather than being content and pleased we have such an amazing man at the helm, I'm totally and will for ever be pissed of at the acts of Republicans for all of the roadblocks...for stomping all over my hopes and dreams that this man may have delivered. I am secondly totally pissed off at the Republicans for making me feel this level of dislike and frustration and robbing me of the ability to fully relish contentment and pleasure at having a man like Barack Obama leading this nation.

 

1StrongBlackMan

(31,849 posts)
42. And I'm thirdly ...
Fri Dec 13, 2013, 05:32 PM
Dec 2013

saddened that "democrats" are working as hard as republicans to deny and/or denigrate his leadership and accomplishments.

No ... It doesn't sadden me; it p!sses me off.

sheshe2

(83,658 posts)
48. I could not agree with you more, 1SBM~
Sun Dec 15, 2013, 06:00 PM
Dec 2013

I love this President. He and his family and those in his administration have brought a sense of dignity and pride to the Whitehouse and the office of the President.

Cha

(296,875 posts)
21. Wonderfully Awesome story from 30 years ago woven into Ms Reilly's
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 01:23 AM
Dec 2013
"Validation", she~

From your link..

"But Barack Obama was a determined man, and would simply do what he needed to do for others, regardless of his own needs. Now, this woman continued, did she ever think this man would be President of the United States one day, No. But is she surprised?"

"No – because she said, that man, sitting next to her in that car, so humble and determined, is STILL THAT MAN today. I told her that was a wonderful story and thanked her for sharing it with me. If you or anyone you know, has any question about who Barack Obama is, tell them this story. Special? Barack Obama is as SPECIAL as it gets. He gets it…because HE IS IT. This fight was the right fight, and worth every moment of time and energy it took from so, so many"

[font color=blue]Mahalo for your thread, she~ Ms Reilly's Labor of Love[/font]



petesouza ✔ @petesouza
Follow In the Christmas spirit, Pres Obama listens to the Crenshaw Elite Choir from LA today at the WH 1:58 PM - 11 Dec 2013
99 Retweets 76 favorites ReplyRetweetFavorite

http://theobamadiary.com/2013/12/11/barack-obama-44th-president-of-the-united-states/

sheshe2

(83,658 posts)
23. Special?
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 01:48 AM
Dec 2013
Special? Barack Obama is as SPECIAL as it gets. He gets it…because HE IS IT. This fight was the right fight, and worth every moment of time and energy it took from so, so many"

Damn, I am a bit weepy tonight...long hours and tired. Thank you Cha your addition, so beautiful. So incredibly beautiful.

Love ya~

Cha

(296,875 posts)
27. We have a precious gift
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 04:58 PM
Dec 2013

in our White House, she.. and I'm so grateful to be living in this time and for all the people who have made it possible!

sheshe2

(83,658 posts)
24. Oh Happy Day~
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 02:08 AM
Dec 2013


I love Sister Act Series!

Oh Happy Day, Cha!



We get better and better every single day, Oh Happy Day~

Thank you or your awesome post!

PeggyKR

(177 posts)
47. Thank you!
Sun Dec 15, 2013, 11:42 AM
Dec 2013

I just read your lovely words about my post...I am the writer and volunteer in this story. Obama Diary used my story for their blog without my permission. If you didn't get the original and entire story, here it is. Happy Holidays! Peace.

http://allreilledup.com/2012/11/validation/#.Uq3JJNJDsuc

Cha

(296,875 posts)
50. I did go to your original story on your blog, Peggy, it was linked through
Sun Dec 15, 2013, 08:04 PM
Dec 2013

the Obama Diary, too. It's really an awesome account of your time volunteering for President Obama! Thank you!

Have you contacted Chipsticks at the Obama Diary? It's a wonderful chonicled history of the Obama Admin since 2009. I'm sure she would like to know you wanted permission before posting on her blog.

Happy Holidays to you Peggy Reilly~

PeggyKR

(177 posts)
51. Obama Diary..
Sun Dec 15, 2013, 09:08 PM
Dec 2013

Well, I had a fit all over their twitter page over it. I guess what irritated me, is what irritates me a lot on my Facebook page, is that instead of just "sharing" my posts, some people copy and paste my words and then tag me at the end. When they do this, and other people "share" it..it goes out into cyber-sphere as THEIR post, not mine--I"m just tagged in it, like an honorable mention or something. That irritates me. So, when I saw the Obama diary do this--and people was sharing it like crazy, it went out as an Obama Diary post, and not mine...just a link to my page at the end. I wish people would just share it if they like it. I feel like it's unfair to me--they're getting the credit and most of the attention over it, and not me. I suppose I'll have to get used to it, but I would rather not. Do you get what I mean about that?

Cha

(296,875 posts)
52. I get exactly what you mean, Peggy. Even though I'm
Sun Dec 15, 2013, 09:34 PM
Dec 2013

not a Twitter person.. you explained well and I see how that would happen. It would bum me out, too. People should get full credit for their own stories.

I think Chipsticks would want to know how you feel about it. Who is based in Dublin, btw

Cha

(296,875 posts)
63. Chips is a she.. and is the Admin of the site.
Mon Dec 16, 2013, 07:45 PM
Dec 2013

but, when you click the link in the OP of this thread.. it states..

"Error: Not Found"

"Oh no! You're looking for something which just isn't here! Fear not however, errors are to be expected, and luckily there are tools on the sidebar for you to use in your search for what you need."


So it seems like she got wind and deleted it.. but I can't say for sure. But, if you ever want to contact her just register on the obama diary. Sorry, don't know her email.

Peggy~

nilesobek

(1,423 posts)
33. President Barack Obama in the top 5
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 07:30 PM
Dec 2013

Of Presidents in history. Right now I have him at #2. He ended 2 wars, avoided 2 more. Is he perfect? No. But who is. If he would have prosecuted the warmongers and Wallstreet thieves it might have ripped the country apart. Bravo Mr. President

nilesobek

(1,423 posts)
35. Thank you and others for the warm welcome
Thu Dec 12, 2013, 07:40 PM
Dec 2013

I've been reading DU for 8 years and just decided to come out of my withdrawn shell.

PeggyKR

(177 posts)
62. History..
Mon Dec 16, 2013, 06:47 PM
Dec 2013

I still believe history will be kinder to him than so many now. Once the racial hatred issues become less commonplace, historians and people alike will wonder why he was treated so badly, and will be able to see what he's overcome and accomplished.

Cha

(296,875 posts)
39. Here's another pic from the Chicago 1995 days, she.. that I found on TOD~
Fri Dec 13, 2013, 04:27 AM
Dec 2013


Barack Obama, Chicago, 1995 – Photo: Marc PoKempner

On This Day: December 7, 1995 -

And another..


Campaigning for the Illinois State Senate in 1995, a race he easily won - Photo: Marc PoKempner

http://theobamadiary.com/2013/12/07/from-the-archives-what-makes-obama-run-dec-7-1995/




Cha

(296,875 posts)
43. I'll say he has Moves.. all the way
Fri Dec 13, 2013, 06:06 PM
Dec 2013

to the White House and beyond!

Hope you had a good day at work, she~

PeggyKR

(177 posts)
45. This is MY STORY! Wow!
Sun Dec 15, 2013, 11:22 AM
Dec 2013

The Obama Diary took this story and made it their own. It is MY story. I appreciated that they liked it, but they used it without my permission. If you want the ORIGINAL story, by the writer, ME, click here!

Thanks, and Happy Holidays!
http://allreilledup.com/2012/11/validation/#.Uq3JJNJDsuc

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»Barack Obama»barack obama: 44th presid...