Two Four Who Should Be Here
Gerry and I voted already, we're watching Obama vote right now in Chicago (no wonder the lines are long, what is he - moving in?)
But I cannot get two people out of my mind who should be here. You may be of the mind that they ARE here, I'd like to think that, too. But I think it's a cheat that they're not here physically.
In some ways they deserve to be part of this day more than any other 'bystander' does.
1. Obama's Grandma Toot
I was surprised to hear that Obama's grandma, Madelyn Lee Payne Dunham, who was 87, was about the same age as my mom (who died 5 years ago at age 85, I like to think they would have been friends) Two of the greatest generation, with great legs and great hearts.
My mom had her kids very late - she just didn't seem able to get pregnant - and that's why I'm the same age as Barack Obama (we're born 30 days apart, he on 8/4 and me on 9/3 of 1961) What an odd coincidence...Tim Russert is so missed, every political wonk I know is gritting their teeth that he never had a chance to interview Governor Palin.
How I'd love to see his little whiteboard tonight as we watch the returns. Damn.
3. Studs TerkelI can't believe I forgot Studs! Voice for the common wo/man, Chicagoan and Obama Supporter - and now he's late. Dang.
4. Bernie MacI love me some Bernie, and I was devastated when he suddenly passed this Summer. I kept thinking, "Chicago's lost a booster, and boy would he LOVE this election!" Double dang.
Get your butts out and VOTE today, I don't care who you vote for (yes, I do) but just get out there and exercise your right as a citizen!
I feel like this election is possibly the most important in our nation's history. This is the election when - in a reversal of the 20th century model - we deal with a despot by kindly, gently and firmly voting his party out of office. Let the healing begin!
Never has our nation been so abused as it has in the past 8 years. Fighting back with courage and kindness and democracy is a singular event in the history of the world.
Hillel, Jesus, Gandhi, MLK, Russert, Studs, Bernie and Toot - they're all proud today, baby!
Feed me, baby!
20 Comments:
You are so right. Tim is missed. We needed him. I voted early, and I'll be up until all hours waiting to see if my guy won.
Russert interviewing Palin would have been priceless. If you believe in that sort of thing, maybe they are up there prodding the complacent to get out and vote. Personally, I haven't missed an election since I became eligible, but this year, my whole family got registered and voted early. Something I was never able to convince them to do.
Tim is sorely missed. It's just not the same without him. He would have loved all of this!
Another person who should be here - who was so looking forward to Obama's election : Studs Terkel.
Cool post! You brought tears to my eyes. I loved Tim Russert - things won't be the same tonight without his coverage of the returns.
I say...for today....WOO HOO! Today will be the first day of a new future, and I can't wait for it to start!!
Tim Russert interviewing Ms. Palin may have swayed my father back from the dark side (he adored Tim Russert). My civic duty is done.
As soon as I heard that Tim passed, I immediately thought that there would be no way that anyone could fill the void he left on election night. I missed him during the debates and will truly miss his commentary tonight. I'm going to bed early and pray for the best when I wake up in the morning.
You forgot Studs Terkel.....He was hoping to see Obama as president and just didn't quite make it.
I couldn't agree more, Annie. You said it all. Will we ever stop missing Tim during an election season? I keep thinking of how excited he would be. It broke my heart when Obama's Grandma died. It was just so unfair. My husband, our college aged son and I voted together Saturday in Oklahoma. Go Obama!
Well put! I have said many times over the past few weeks how much I miss Tim Russert. I remembered Tom Brokaw at his memorial service with a mug from his Tim's dad and a beer from Tim's fridge and how he will crack it open and toast him tonight after the voters have elected their new president. Another proud person.
Thanks for this thoughtful post.
Hear hear!
I'm on my way over to raise a toast to these four with you.
Whoo-hoo!!!!! I'm staying up to all hours to make sure the projections stick, but this is one exciting night. Annie, it even looks like Franken will make it in--- I guess we'll know by morning. In NC, we've sent Libby Dole back home [home for her is really DC, not NC, but hey.] I've been knitting away on an afghan, beats chewing your fingernails, probably made a lot of mistakes but who cares. Wow. My faith in the electorate is restored.
WE DID IT!!!!!!!
You know who I missed? Peter Jennings. I'm not really sure why, but last night, I just MISSED him.
But DAMN y'all! We did it!
YES!!!
I've threatened my husband that we would have to move to Canada if there is going another 4 years of GOP. We don't have to move now :)
As a mother of 2 young biracial children, this indeed a historic moment and I still can't believe it that I've witnessed it.
I really like you Annie. But, resorting to name calling (despot) about our current president is the kind of nasty comment I thought you wanted to avoid. Congratulations on your candidates. I too was saddened when I heard of Toot's passing the day before. I lost my own grandmother in September but fortunately it was a month after my baby was born so they got to meet each other in this life and I took some pictures. You forgot Jan on your list of "wish you were here".
We achieve our victories because we stand on the shoulders of giants, but it is always sad when they cannot be here.
Still this is a great day in American history and I am thrilled that my children got to be a part of this!
I hope that you get Al as your senator!
Hi Annie-
Times are changing! A few years ago, especially in rural Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, you couldn't or wouldn't admit that you voted for a Democrat. But I believe that anyone that is truly interested in more accessible health care (like us cancer patients/survivors and their families) should vote most often for Democrats. I just think they give us the best chance of getting closer to some type of portable, all inclusive, affordible health care. Give my best to Gerry... Hope that he is feeling OK! Pat
I totally agree with you. I would like to add Molly Ivins. Her insight would have been priceless.
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