On election night I received this text message:
“We just made history. All this happened because you gave your time, talent and passion to this campaign. All of this happened because of you. Thanks. Barack.”
This message went out to all the millions of volunteers but for some of us it felt extra special. Beginning in 2003, I became actively involved as a Democratic grassroots organizer for local, state and national candidates and measures. I have worked incredibly hard on these campaigns in addition to working a full time job. My feelings regarding being part of the Obama campaign can hardly be explained in words. This was my greatest experience since my children were born.
The campaign highlights for me:
January 17, 2008 - Nevada caucuses – I attended a small rally, heard Barack and Michelle speak and got to shake hands with Barack. I knew at that moment I had met a man who was born to be our next president.
April 14, 2008 – Sandy Emberland and I were elected to be Obama pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention. It was such an honor to have received the support of so many local Democrats on that special day.
Early Summer 2008 – Register for Change, Unite for Change and County Meetup for Change events were held and the participation was off the charts. This was so far beyond what did in 2004 for Kerry that we all new we were onto something extraordinary. We had 200 attendees at our first countywide meetup and multiple Unite for Change meetups in my own Oak Park. We had never had a political event in Oak Park before in any campaign! By GOTV weekend we had 60 callers working out of an Oak Park phone bank!
August 25 – 28, 2008 - The Convention. Michelle, Barack, Teddie and Dennis gave my favorite speeches. We danced non-stop during commercial breaks – what a party. This was such an open convention and Denver was so energized. We were able to get all of our non-delegate friends into Invesco for the big speeches!
September 2008 – Camp Obama. This was an amazing weekend of powerful presentations and orientation. We reorganized our cities into groups that remained effective and active though Election Day. Our Oak Park/Westlake/ Malibu Lake group was so awesome. I love you guys!
October 2008 – Four weekends in Las Vegas canvassing door to door including 4 days of GOTV. This was the highlight. So many apartment stairs, even three stories. So hard on the ankles but so uplifting for the spirit. The enthusiasm on the faces of the first time voters cannot be described. Made me cry…even now to think about it. Our leaders in Nevada were all early 20s, so smart, so organized, Ivy League grads. Our future is bright.
November 4, 2008 began at 5 AM and didn’t end for 24 hours after so much celebrating in Las Vegas. I still can’t believe we won!!
This victory thing doesn’t get old at all. I know there are such difficult challenges ahead. I know I will be involved in these challenges but for now I am just savoring this victory. To all my great friends, old and new, who worked so hard – amazing job and what a thrill working with you on the best campaign ever!!!
Fired Up – Ready to Party!!
Jay Kapitz
