I’m in another week of crazy travel — I’m in Georgia right now, after returning from Louisiana, and this Saturday I take off for Oz — but I just got email from the Obama campaign asking people to take off Election Day and help get out the vote. Go do it!
But first, you need to get your fanny to the polls NOW, because turnout will be HUGE… HUGE… HUGE. Go ahead and get it out of the way — early voting isn’t just sensible, it’s fun, and witnessing to your own experience is the best way to convince someone else to follow your example. The earlier you vote, the longer you have to say to your friends, family, and co-workers, “I voted. Have you?”
Some years I just want to put a Democrat in the White House; this time I want to elect Obama. I’m looking forward to a leader who will help us out of this directionless quagmire we’ve been in for the past eight years. I’m excited about Obama — his presidential demeanor, his ability to unite, his forward-thinking policies. This is a very necessary election.
I will be in Australia on Election Night, but my co-presenter Lizanne and I (memo to Lizanne: feel better, I haven’t finished my presentation yet) are hoping we can share the evening with others interested in watching the election.
So pack some fruit and water, lace up your most comfortable shoes, head to the polls NOW, and while away the time by humming my own Obama ditty (to the tune of “Jesus Lifted Me”):
I’m so glad I’m voting for Barack,
I’m so glad I’m voting for Barack.
I’m so glad I’m voting for Barack!
Get the vote out, get the vote out —
We’re voting for Barack!
Then put in for a day off and help others get to the poll. I guarantee you will not regret it.
Posted on this day, other years:
- Grace period - 2006
- ALA and the Resolution on Iraq - 2005
Welcome to Australia!!
I’m supporting Barack from afar, as are the vast majority of people in the world beyond the shores of the USA.
I am not allowed to donate, but I’ve made it my business to speak up on the internet as often as possible.
I hope your visit to Australia is a positive one.
Get in touch with the Democrats in Australia club. They will surely be doing a big to-do on the day (morning?) of the election.
Thanks, Fran and Fiona! I have reached out. Surely Sydney will have some event. We’ll be at the Citigate Central Sydney… if all else fails we’ll be at the uh, breakfast buffet???
Hey, here’s a possibility for us
Election Day Spectacular at U of Sydney
http://uselectionwatch.org.au/events/election-day-spectacular
I was also advised that The Sydney Chapter of Democrats Abroad Australia is hosting an Election Watch Party on Wed 5 Nov from 10am at Slide nightclub, 41 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. we’ve got some good picks!
I wish I had the day off to go to the event at USyd. They’re also running a competition to win a trip to the inauguration.
In 2000 I was working in broadcasting and we made a big day of it (as depressing as it turned out) – five difference channels running all day, journalists rushing about, it was great!
If the toilet water flushes the “other” way in the southern hemisphere, does Sarah Palin support a woman’s right to choose in Australia? Have a great trip, Big Sister! I voted last week for Barack Obama and I’m feelin’ great!
Hear Hear K.G.! I’m excited about a presidential candidate for the first time in my life. I voted early for Obama last weekend in Tallahassee, and the line was unbelievable, but they had a very efficient system and the wait was only a little under an hour. With the time difference there, it’ll be what, the morning of the 5th before East Coast results start to come in?
The voter turn-out here in West Virginia is strong–we don’t have lines quite as long as they do in more populace places, but that makes sense. What we do have is a much stronger turnout for Obama than predicted. In the half-hour that I waited for my turn at the voting machine, I heard at least two dozen people declare for the Dems, and one lone Republican predicting dire consequences. So don’t believe everything the Daily Show says about West Virginia–although, really, beyond that it’s probably the most reliable source of news we have. PEACE!