So, I'm baking Christmas cookies when Barack calls...

[CoffeeCat]

I was sprinkling colored sugar on Christmas cookies when the phone rings and
I pick up, "Hello Angela, this is Barack Obama."

I was a bit stunned.

He said he was calling to say thank you for attending one of his
house parties, that was held in my neighborhood. We chatted about my
kids, his kids, our jobs.

What a congenial, impressive person he is.

He asked me to be precinct captain for him, for my area--and I told
him I was still deciding--between him and Edwards.

I told him my major concerns were our civil rights and democracy
being destroyed, and watching our Constitution being shredded. I
told him I was tired of "We The People" being discounted while
special interests and lobbyists run rough shod over the American
people. I also told him that fighting terrorism is important,
but not as important as preserving our Constitution.

He told me that he was a Constitutional Law professor for many
years and that no one is more knowledgeable about the Constitution
and how important upholding it is. I didn't know this, and I was
very encouraged to hear that. He said he would work hard with
his Attorney General to undo Bush's damage and that he didn't
subscribe to the "Unitary Executive" brand of conducting government.

I also expressed concern about the level of secrecy and lack of
transparency in government. He detailed plans to conduct a very
open government, with frequent town-hall meetings, fireside chats
and putting the government back in the hands of the people.

I was very impressed that he would call. I'm just one little
undecided Iowan. He is a very impressive man and he had
nothing-but-nice things to say about Edwards.

It felt very liberating to voice my concerns to a many who
may very well be our next President.
A nice (and pretty amazing!) break from baking Christmas cookies!

[K Gardner]

1. Wow !! Thank you for this first-hand report ! And congrats on the phone call :-)

[CoffeeCat]

33. Thanks for your kind words, K Gardner...

...it was pretty cool!

:)

[polichick]

2. ooh-la-la, Merry Christmas to you! :)

[CoffeeCat]

34. Right back at ya polichick...

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

:)

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. AWESOME! I bet you were surprised, eh? My main concern with Barack is

will he have the thugs in this administration investigated when he takes over the WH? Will he urge his AG to do the right thing? I worry about him "wanting to bring the country together" and "moving on" and "our country has been through enough" so he WON'T insist on an investigation of these thugs and they will never pay for their crimes. Otherwise, I like Obama.:)

[CoffeeCat]

35. That would have been a good question to ask...

I get the impression that he wants to "reach across the aisle"
and work with everyone.

This is a concern that I have. How do you negotiate with sociopaths
who are shredding our democracy?

I will tell you something though, Obama was very kind on the phone.
He really listened. However, he wasn't a push over. I got the sense
that he would have no problem kicking someone to the curb. I have to
tell you that I really liked that. He is young and he doesn't have
as much experience as Biden or Dodd, so you wonder if he could
hold his own with those who have been in DC for decades. I distinctly
got the impression that he is VERY formidable and someone who could
stand up for his principles.

I don't know where he stands on investigating BushCo. However, like
you, I get the impression that he would want to move forward. He
did directly say that he wants to roll back Bush's many signing statements
and executive orders. Restoring Habeas seemed like a big priority.
That was nice to hear. Very nice.

[TwilightZone]

4. If everyone was able to have similar conversations with our candidates,

I suspect that our views of our candidates would be very different.

Very cool. Thank you for sharing.

[CoffeeCat]

36. So true...

Our views of our candidates would be different--and I think it would significantly
impact our candidates view of "We The People" as well.

They need to hear directly from us, more often--don't they?

[TwilightZone]

40. Agreed, on all counts.

Candidates do tend to get a lot of feedback on the campaign trail, but much of it is indirect, so it's nice to see the candidate himself soliciting advice and feedback and asking for your assistance with his campaign.

[rocktivity]

5. He called on the PHONE? How disappointing!

I thought this was going to be porn!

:rofl:
rocknation

[LaurenG]

7. lol

:rofl:

[Kurovski]

6. If those sprinkles weren't flakes of acid...that's pretty cool!

:D

[Bitwit1234]

8. You mean you didn't throw up on them?????

[Kurovski]

9. What, did Hillary call you

to say you haven't met your quota for the week? Why the bad mood, honeypot?

[Swamp Rat]

25. LOLOLOL!!!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: pant! pant! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: .........

[Laurab]

29. LMAO.....

First laugh-out-loud tonight, althought there's been a lot of almost laugh-out-loud, honeypot!

[Ignis]

72. Mmm, the sweet smell of Xmas pwnage. Nicely done!

:rofl:

[K Gardner]

26. That's the Team Hillary Spirit.. and why she is so vastly unpopular

[Forkboy]

74. You're the perfect Hillary supporter.

Ugly and useless.

[Vektor]

10. Hey, that's really cool!

I'm undecided too, but it must have been nice to get a call from one of the candidates.

Cool stuff! :hi:

[originalpckelly]

11. Holy crap, that's just a *little* cool.

:P

Lucky dog you!

[OneGrassRoot]

12. Wow...how cool is THAT?! Very impressive; thanks for sharing. n/t

[roguevalley]

14. Lovely report. THank you for sharing with us. It helps with the total

picture in this election.

[CoffeeCat]

37. It helps me too...

I've been really impressed with Obama's Iowa campaign. It's utterly remarkable.

I get emails, invites to parties, follow-up emails, etc. After I attended an Obama
house party (which was one of nearly 1000 parties that simultaneously happened
that night), I received 2 follow-up phone calls and one house visit--and now this
phone call from Obama.

It's impressive, because organization like that is cultivated by superior candidates.
All of those people were willing to spend time with little ol' me.

Many people are very passionate for Obama and that speaks volumes about him.

Both Edwards and Obama have coalesced deep support, and it's because they're
both stellar candidates and incredible people.

[Stephanie]

13. That's kind of amazing!

Didn't you post recently about the 990 Obama house parties? That's quite an operation they've got going in Iowa. I'm impressed.

[CoffeeCat]

38. Yes...

I posted about the parties. I guess there were around 1,000 parties held
simultaneously.

His campaign and his organization have really made an impression. It reminds me of the
support and spirit that Dean had, but Obama's supporters cut across a wider demographic.
Dean's supporters were younger--but Obama seems to appeal to all ages.

[crispini]

15. Thanks for sharing!

k&r!!!

[Neecy]

16. wow....

That is so awesome! Makes me proud to be an Obama supporter.

[CoffeeCat]

39. You should be very proud of being...

an Obama supporter.

His campaign's organization--and the passion that the Obama volunteers have--makes
a tremendous impact.

It's very impressive.

If you look at how smart he's run his campaign, and how much he has inspired his
supporters--you can't help but extrapolate that onto his potential as President. I think the
way you run a campaign--and how you inspire people and motivate them--speaks directly
to what kind of a President you would be.

I've been impressed with all of the candidates and the way they've run their
Iowa campaigns (except for Hillary). You really have to dialog with people
in Iowa and in New Hampshire. You have to get real. Otherwise you will fail,
and you certainly won't catalyze a strong volunteer or supporter base.

Obama and Edwards have really run extraordinary campaigns here in Iowa.

[Extend a Hand]

17. oh Thank you!

Those are my biggest concerns as well and it doesn't seem like our congressional leadership is trying very hard right now!

I am a Kucinich supporter but plan to vote for either Obama or Edwards if Dennis is out or doesn't have a shot by the the time my primary rolls around.

[killbotfactory]

18. He has a very impressive resume

Once you get past all the "he's inexperienced" nonsense. Civil rights lawyer, community activist, constitutional scholar (and a damn good one according to his students and fellow teachers).

If anyone can undue the damage Bush has done, I think it's Obama.

[CoffeeCat]

41. Yes, that could tip the scales for me...

The fact that Obama is a Constitutional scholar, and was a professor
teaching Constitutional Law for a decade, speaks volumes.

He understands how our government is supposed to work. From what he
says, he is dedicated to seeing that the damage is repaired and that
we get on the right track.

That's quite a contrast from Bush--who has probably never read the
Constitution.

It's refreshing to think about an academic being in the Oval Office,
especially after Bush--who thinks that acting like an arrogant ass
means that he appears intelligent.

"Look here America! I just said, strategery!".

[benddem]

19. that's so great

and he gave you the time to express real concerns. WOW

[CoffeeCat]

42. That WAS really cool...

He listened. He allowed me to voice my heartfelt concerns.

It was like a tall drink of water, after living in this BushCo
dessert for the past 7 years.

To have the opportunity to tell a Presidential candidate just
how dismayed you are at the corruption, the warmongering and
the destruction of our democracy--felt very cathartic.

I know we all come here to have our voices be HEART, because
most of the time we feel so alone and isolated, as we painfully
endure this awful administration. Their destruction is
heartbreaking! I know I come here to vent, and to feel validated--
because it's just so painful.

Our next President must be someone who will restore this government
and return it to "We The People."

I don't want to be sitting on a messageboard--a year from now--and
bitching about how awful things are, how another election was stolen
and how we have more years of this nightmare.

[goodgd_yall]

20. Ni-i-ice n/t

[calteacherguy]

21. Wow. I thought this was going to be an OP about a robo-call.

Thanks for that, it makes me feel even better about my decision to support him!

[Canuckistanian]

22. "Town Hall Meetings" don't impress me

Look what Little Boots did with his.

It's too easy to stack the audience with true believers, plant fake questions and "guide" the discussions to your true agenda, all the while giving the appearance of being accountable while doing nothing at all.

[SoxFan]

24. Oh, of course

It's much better to have campaigns driven entirely by paid television and direct mail. That empowers the average voter far more than the chance to actually see a candidate up close.

[CoffeeCat]

43. Well...

I think we can all agree, that there is the BushCo way of doing things, and
then there's the way that the rest of the world does things.

Junior operates as the ultimate bubble boy. Nothing is authentic.

Look at his press conferences. The reporters kow tow to him, because they
know they'll never have access if they ask challenging questions. Bill Clinton
had town-hall meetings and they were real.

Junior has us all accustomed to artificial politics. I think any of our
Dem candidates (except for Hillary) would end the bulk of this nonsense.

Junior hides because he's incompetent, arrogant and insecure. Not one of
our Dem candidates fits that description.

[Catherine Vincent]

23. OMG!

Now I hate you. :)

[CoffeeCat]

44. LOL!

Next time he calls, I'll conference ya in!

;)

[sandnsea]

27. How fun for you!!

And you had the presence of mind to confront him on an issue that isn't talked about nearly enough, good for you! Pretty cool Christmas surprise.

[CoffeeCat]

47. Yes...

I think many people, when asked, probably talk about social issues or
other more "local" concerns.

As all of us know--if we don't have a functional democracy, or leaders who
follow the Constitution--nothing really else matters.

I did tell him that I'm more afraid of what is happening to our Constitution
than I am afraid of Al Queda, and that I would never be afraid enough to give
up my civil rights to ANYONE.

I know that I'm only one person, and that he is trying to secure caucus supporters
in Iowa--but it sure felt good to say these things to one of our candidates.

[HughMoran]

28. K&R

n/t

[OzarkDem]

30. He knows better than to call me

I'm afraid I wouldn't be so charitable and willing to help him.

Edwards would be ok, though.

[Hoof Hearted]

32. Um, yeah, I'm *sure* he does. Prolly woke up this morning thinking to himself

"I'd better NOT call that OzarkDem".

Really.

[Hoof Hearted]

31. Just one question:

Did you burn the cookies? I'm pretty sure I would have. :P

[CoffeeCat]

48. I didn't burn any...

...but I was too stunned to continue baking.

I've got about 20 lbs of sugar-cookie dough in my refrigerator now!

[Rosa Luxemburg]

45. I think I'll make some Christmas cookies and hope I get a call!

[CoffeeCat]

49. LOL!

Yes, whip up a batch of sugar cookies (use almost extract, not vanilla) and
sprinkle on generous portions of red and green sugar.

The phone will ring right as you pull the first batch out of the oven, and
it will be Barack Obama. I swear!

...and your kids will eat a lot of the dough when you're on the phone, so beware!

:)

:hi:

[meowomon]

51. I Made Christmas Cookies Today

The kind with that icing that gets crunchy. And not one word from Barack Obama! Mmm. I am making the Raspberry filled thumbprint cookies, chocolate candy cane cookies and chocolate chip cookies with pecans that I got from my yard this year. Ah. Life is sweet.

[CoffeeCat]

63. Ok...

I've got the car started and the gas tank full...just give me your address and
I'll be there sometime this weekend!

Those cookies sound wonderful. The chocolate ones with pecans from your yard sound heavenly!

I can smell them baking from here.

:hi:

[Beausoir]

46. I think that is great! You are involved and concerned and it is a wonderful story!

I would have wet my knickers if he had phoned me! LOL.

[maximusveritas]

50. Great story

I probably would have just assumed it was a machine and hung up.

It's nice that he actually discussed the issues with you instead of rushing to get off the phone. I read a story about how all the candidates stopped by the DMR newsroom to visit, but only Obama took the time to talk to the workers personally.
I also like that he not only knows the Constitution but respects it, unlike certain people in the current administration. Open and transparent government has been one of his main issues in the Senate.

I like Edwards too, so I understand how you could be torn. Whoever you go with, I think you'll do a great job as precinct captain.

[earth mom]

52. Sorry, but I'm not buying it.

People will say ANYTHING to get you to do what they want. Having parties to get votes sounds like they are BUYING your vote. Isn't that what corporate lobbyists do? Have parties to get what they want from lawmakers?

Obama is a corporatist. He doesn't care about the little guy. He only cares about the little guy long enough to get his vote.

Sorry to have to burst your bubble with the truth even though it sounds like Obama already bought your vote.

[CoffeeCat]

59. I understand what you are saying...

You and I are on the same page, because I detest the "wining and dining" in which
lobbyists and corporate big shots engage. I detest the schmoozing that happens--as
campaign contributions are exchanged for votes.

This is one of the subjects I discussed as a major concern--during this phone call.

Yes, the Obama campaign had "parties". However, this wasn't a black-tie event with
loaded shrimp bowls and ice sculptures. These were informal, neighborhood gatherings
in houses and local diners where we discussed not just Obama, but the other candidates
and politics in general.

I went there for additional information. I didn't feel "bought".

I am still in the process of making my decision. I was delighted to get this phone call.
I understand very well that he is looking for support in the Iowa caucuses.

However, I think this call speaks to Obama's honesty and openness. He was willing to
listen to me and take criticism. He gave me the floor. I give him kudos for making
himself accessible, in a world where orchestrated events, planted questions and Rovian
tactics have become routine.

I can't be bought. I'm not for sale. However, I am trying very hard--to make an informed,
sound decision about which candidate I'll support in the Iowa caucuses. This phone call, as
well as loads of other information about all of the candidates--is only helpful. I'm going to
a Biden event on Sunday in a local bar. I'm in the process of reading some material that
Edwards sent.

All any of us can do is listen, stay plugged in and make the best decisions that we
can when it comes to selecting our Dem nominee. You have to get out there, attend events,
read the literature they send and ask them questions.

[Kixel]

73. This is a great attitude

You sound like one heck of a patriot. We are lucky to have folks like you around.

Now, can I have a cookie?

[earth mom]

77. Excuse me, but I'm very cynical after 7 years of lies & betrayal from both sides of the aisle.

I see both Obama & Hilary as corporatists. They have voted against what's best for the people many times these past years.

So hell yeah, they are going to dress it all up, send you kiss a$$ literature, call you up and sweet talk you, court the hell out of you-BUT-their records are still evidence as to how little they care about the little guy-you and me.


ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.

[GMFORD]

67. Buying my vote.

The difference between dems and repugs is the dems buys the votes of the people, the repugs buy the votes of the corporations. I don't care if the candidates are kissing my ass but when they start kissing Haliburton's ass then we have a problem.

[earth mom]

76. You haven't been paying attention. Most of the dems in office have been bought.

Look at their voting records-they speak VOLUMES about who is # 1 with them.

Not only that, but it is the will of the people to Impeach the criminals in office yet those elected to represent the people refuse to uphold The Constitution and do the job the people elected them to do.

The corruption is on BOTH sides of the aisle.

[gateley]

53. I'm impressed that you told him you were also considering Edwards -- a lot

of people wouldn't have done that -- and just said "Gosh! You want MEEEEEE to be a precinct captain? SURE! THANK YOU!" Good for you!! :hi:

[Diamond Dave]

54. Thanks for sharing, have you had a call from the Edwards camp?

Looks and sounds like a whole lot of desperation to me. What if Kucinich had called you?

What would you say?

Just wondering?

[CoffeeCat]

60. I love Dennis Kucinich...

...and I am sure he would have listened to me and voiced the exact
concerns that I have (and that we all have) about the direction this
country is headed.

I'm sure I would have a rollicking conversation with Dennis.

Are you a Kucinich supporter?

I didn't sense "desperation" at all, but in a sense all of the
candidates are "desperate" for our votes, because they all want
to be President. During their time in Iowa--try to meet and speak
with as many Iowans as possible. Edwards has criss-crossed the state
and is constantly talking directly with Iowans. Biden is remarkable
when he speaks one-on-one with people. So many people walk away
from his small events, as converted supporters.

Everyone understands that these people are politicians. We all
know that they're schlepping for votes. However, it's empowering
to meet them, talk with them, ask questions and challenge them--
as we make our decisions. It's all we can do!

[Divine Discontent]

55. congrats on the call!

I knew what he told you about his past, and that is hopeful if he wins, I agree. Because of the powerful message that John is speaking against the dangerous corporate crowd, and his straight-forward ability to answer nearly anything, and his speaking harshly about staying in Iraq, and health care for all, I am supporting John, but it's nonetheless AwEsOmE that the person who could be our next president or vice president called you!

merry Christmas and/or happy holidays!

[stlsaxman]

56. That's so cool, TwoSparkles! Barak has been an enigma to me and this showed a bit of his human side

my major concern is that the "top 3" have lost real contact with the people. Edwards talks a good progressive game and certainly it is genuine. Clinton is too "PR'd" as a candidate. glossy commercials that say little or nothing. while i have intuited Barak to be as "DLC" as Clinton.

when i heard the "Dean Scream", watching live coverage on c-span, first thing i thought was "that's it- he's done. the MSM will take this and run him into the ground." and they did.

when Barak gave the key-note(?) speech and the national convention i heard a voice in my head say "so here's the guy the 'powers-that-be' have chosen as the next candidate". if indeed that is the case, at least Barak's handlers are having him actually talk to people. and to me that's a plus. that's why i love Biden.

thanks for sharing your experience, it has warmed me a little to Barak.

[xchrom]

57. i'm not voting for obama -- but wow --that is

a fantastic experience.

i'm impressed.

[DemReadingDU]

58. A real phone call, not an automated call

That is awesome, thats for sharing!

[mntleo2]

61. Thanks. You voiced my concerns

...I am an advocate for low income people, mostly women. I can tell you poverty in this country is growing leaps and bounds and has left whole families bereft. Poverty brings so many more problems than merely the lack of money and resources. It is time for another war on poverty. And this time we win.

They say a Republican is a Democrat who has been mugged. I can tell you from experience, a Democrat is a Republican who has lost their home, job, and family because of the Republican's policies that enacted from being mugged.

In other words when it comes down to it, it only perpetuates a circle of misery. You can execute revenge, punitive laws, and advantages to the rich, but sharing with and caring for your neighbor to make change, always works.

Hope your cookies came out as good as mine!

Love
Cat In Seattle

[debbierlus]

62. Yeah, so he knows about it. Then, he should be supporting Kucinich

Impeachment resolution. So, should all of them.

[debbierlus]

65. I am sorry, but I am not impressed. Iowa is the FIGHT to gain momentum

And, it is beyond ridiculous that one state garners this much clout & power. Of COURSE, he is calling local people. The candidates
basically LIVE there until after the caucus. I would bet love or money the other candidates make calls to other people to connect as well.

I think the primaries should be held all the same day. This election system is not working.

[helderheid]

64. WOW!

:wow:

[glowing]

66. I personally think Edwards/ Obama would be an impressive team.

It would be Hope and Change... two things we need.

[Arugula Latte]

68. That's cool! I prefer Edwards, but I'll be happy if ONE of them kick's Hillary's ass to the curb.

I do like Obama, and this makes me like him more. :hi:

[Vinca]

69. Wow! That must have been exciting.

I've got to start answering the phone.

[bklyncowgirl]

70. That's remarkable, congratulations on getting a chance to talk with him.

I've always sort of fantasized about what I would say if I had a chance to talk with one of these candidates. In reality, I would probably have been totally tongue tied or said something like "Yeah right and I'm Hillary Clinton....Who put you up to this?"

You are sure it was him, right?

[libodem]

71. I baked Christmas cookies

with sprinkles and nobody called me. :P Ya lucky dog. I like Obama's intelligence and sincerity.

[Seabiscuit]

75. Obama has always impressed me as a good, kind-hearted man.

Just because I've finally decided to support John Edwards doesn't mean I can't appreciate all the good qualities Barack possesses.

[Blue_In_AK]

78. You get a call from Obama

and all I get is a recorded message from Howard Dean. :shrug: