Journey with Janelle » Ohio

Yes We Did.

Janelle K. Eagle — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:04:00 +0000

Last night I cried a whole lot. I mean… the tears just flowed and flowed and I sobbed and sobbed. Oprah calls it the “ugly cry.” The kind where there are heaving breaths mixed with moans of release. Where the normal human desire to contain emotion and politely wipe away a tear loses its battle to the exhaustion of 16 hour days.

In short- yesterday was an eventless day in South Franklin County, OH. So much time and energy had been put into encouraging folks to vote early that there almost wasn’t anyone left to vote on Election Day. Not a bad problem to have. So I spent a lot of time at my staging location making sure staff was fed, that the team assigned to give me continued updates about the polls in my precincts was energetic and on course, and that our targeted voters were getting to the polls.

When the polls closed at 7:30 I had to wait an hour to find out the results for the five polling locations. We won 4 out of 5. One of targeted precincts more than QUADRUPLED the numbers that came in for McCain. So proud. Then I ran to my hosts’ house, put on my fancy boots and makeup (for the first time in weeks) and headed downtown to the Renaissance hotel in Columbus. They had closed the doors to the hotel because there was a fire marshall violation because too many people were crashing the party. Obama fans were literally dancing in the streets. Using my line-hopping skills honed from the LA elite, I got myself and 10 of my co-volunteers into the party.

This was of course just seconds after they announced that we had won Ohio. My phone completely became overwhelmed with the text messages and phone calls I was getting from my friends on the West Coast who were listening to the news back home. Everyone just screamed. The victory party was exactly what you’d expect. Everyone was exhausted– I had literally been up for 20 hours straight and it was only 8 PM! Each time a state was announced- everyone screamed. Each time we were reunited with someone we hadn’t seen in days because we’d all been in satellite offices… we just screamed. There was a lot of screaming.

Campaign workers celebrate

After John McCain’s concession speech, I joined the Obama staff in a more private party across the street. Richard, my fellow Deputy Field Organizer, was literally waiting for me at the door with a glass of champagne. We cried and danced and cried and danced. And then Obama spoke at Grant Park in Chicago. And I literally don’t think it is possible to describe those few minutes.

We huddled into one room where the speech was being projected onto a wall of the bar. Standing room only. My back was pushed up against a field organizer named Curtis. To my left was my original co-canvasser Hila (who cried as loudly as I did, so I wasn’t so embarrassed). To her left was one of the two field organizers from my office, Will- who hasn’t cut his hair in weeks. And in front of me- some other young tall gentleman whom I didn’t know. And we all just held each other and cried. And witnessed history. And cried some more.

I got home after 2 AM after 22 straight hours of work with only a four hour rest. I have pulled a muscle in my back and am definitely succumbing to a cold now that the adrenaline has run off. I have mixed emotions because it seems Prop 8 has passed in CA- but I’ll have to write about that later. It’s too much for right now.

I am incredibly proud of my country. I am incredibly proud of my fellow young people. This campaign was literally run by the 20 somethings that dropped out of school for a semester (or year), quit their jobs, and gave up this moment to history. And what a blessing to hear Barack Obama acknowledge that in his acceptance speech. When he spoke of the young people and continued to utter that now infamously associated phrase “YES WE CAN,” the room full of young staff I was with instead uttered “YES WE DID.”

I shook his hand.

Janelle K. Eagle — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:18:00 +0000

The Obamas wave to an adoring Ohio crowd

Yesterday was an incredible day here in Columbus. Barack Obama and his family came into town for a visit and there was a large rally on the State Lawn. 60,000 people showed up. When I arrived at 8am to check in for my volunteer shift, the line of people was already down three city blocks.

The music started playing over the loud speakers around 9:30 and it didn’t stop until Barack came on stage at 1pm. We danced and screamed and pushed and cried our way to the best possible place in the house. I was assigned to the ADA section and assisted the community members with special needs. Their seats were RIGHT behind Barack on stage and also included the VIP seating for guests such as Governor Ted Strickland. I don’t know how it ended up that I got this ridiculous opportunity, but I did.

I don’t know how to describe what it feels like to be at a rally like this. Two days before the most historic election of my lifetime. Surrounded by THOUSANDS who look so different from me. Yet we were all there for one cause. To be part of history. As he spoke about the economy, about equality, and CHANGE. And I was completely overwhelmed. It was everything I wanted to experience on this journey.

Me in front of Obama doing his thing

To top it all off- because of my amazing vantage point, Barack came off the stage after speaking to us about his vision for the future and literally walked right over to where I was standing (with a bunch of others) and shook hands. Specifically exciting for me- he shook MY hand. And his handshake was exactly what I imagined a presidential handshake should feel like.

I thought about not washing my hand. But then I realized he must have shaken hundreds of peoples’ hands and that I needed to prevent myself from being exposed to any bugs that might prevent me from getting ill for the last 48 hours of this campaign. So I caved. I washed my hand. But the memory of that moment will never be washed away.

A Young Obama supporter

Inevitably, I woke up and feel horrible today. I’m not blaming Barack; I’ve been trying to keep this one at bay for at least three days. 16 hour days of high stress and productivity will test anyone’s immune system. How Barack isn’t hospitalized right now, I just don’t understand.

Thanks, Dad.

Janelle K. Eagle — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:22:00 +0000

Barack and Michelle Obama are coming to Columbus tomorrow. I don’t really know how to deal with it. I am going to see him speak at what is expected to be a HUGE rally. I am so excited I can’t stand it.

Also- My wonderful father found this one for me today. I love that there is a woman who has become a pseudo-internet-15-minutes-of-fame celebrity for being the OPPOSITE of Sarah Palin.

Lipliner

Janelle K. Eagle — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 04:53:00 +0000

Have your lips ever been so chapped that it looks like you are wearing lipliner? Well… that’s the current state of affairs with my pucker… and I am once again chapstick-less. I keep losing it amongst the shuffle of layers I wear to combat the icy wind smacking my face as I travel around Columbus. I put it in my jeans, which gets uncomfortable when I sit down. I put it in the pocket of my jacket, but then I take the jacket off when I am inside near the heater. And then inevitably I don’t wear the same jacket the next day.

Beyond that- things are GREAT here in Ohio. Did you know? 50% of the United States population lives within a 500 mile radius of Columbus. Fascinating.

We are in full on GET OUT THE VOTE efforts here. Knocking on doors, making phone calls, organizing for election day, making sure people know their polling locations, etc.

Constantly busy and time is flying. I can’t believe there are only FIVE DAYS LEFT!!!

Miss Kitty

Janelle K. Eagle — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 18:34:00 +0000

Cats believe in Hope too!

Today was a big day for us. It’s one of the last weekend days for us to really get ready for Get Out the Vote. It’s fun to practice all the mayhem and excitement that will take place on November 4th. It’s fun to think of all the people that will be coming together in communities across this nation to elect the man they think is best fit to be a leader of the free world.

One of our best volunteers here in Hilltop is a lovely woman who loves cats. If you drive to her home, you are literally surrounded by McCain signs on all sides. And there on her lawn is a shiny Obama/Biden sign. She proudly displays her independence and is not afraid of her neighbors.

Recently, her neighbors decided to play a prank on her and switch her Obama lawn sign with a McCain neighbor’s sign. Being the good-hearted and sweet woman that she is, she laughed at the prank. And then she got even in one of the most genius ways I can think of.

Because she loves cats, cats love her. Her backyard is the happenin’ spot for any little kitty that wants a fun treat from a loving neighbor. One day, the cat from the devious McCain-loving neighbor showed up on this lovely woman’s back porch. Suddenly, she had a revelation- and she went for it. She took the collar off the kitty and attached an “I voted early for Obama” sticker to her collar and sent kitty back on her merry feline way.

Since then, the neighbors have left her lawn sign alone. But the kitty still loves the neighbor… so the kitty has become our mascot. We call her “Obama-Kat.”

Franklin County is famous!

Janelle K. Eagle — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:57:00 +0000

I also wanted to share an article that talks about the littlest county that I am working in…

CLICK HERE

So I’ve been busy…

Janelle K. Eagle — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:34:00 +0000

Inside the gymnasium at Michelle Obama's rally

For those of you who are avid readers, I apologize for not writing for the past couple of days. You’ll be excited to know that it’s because I have been working non-stop. We only have 9 days left!!!

I saw Michelle Obama yesterday at a rally here in Columbus, OH. It was a magical afternoon- chilly outside and the leaves were full-blown Fall. I illegally parked behind a coffee shop, bought myself a soy latte (it’s been so long!), and headed over. Because I have been working with the people who were running this event, I was able to get in on the back end of the rally and had a RIDICULOUS view of the stage.

It was inspiring and chilling to be there. To be passing out the “Obama/Biden” signs and literally be SWAMPED by rally attendees who were clamoring for the opportunity to proudly display the name of their preferred leader– it was overwhelming. They danced in the halls and danced in the bleachers and danced and danced and danced.

Michelle didn’t say anything I haven’t heard. It was that she said it in ways I haven’t heard it. She is so FIERCE. She commands attention and it is so clear upon hearing her words how magical a family the Obamas are. She spoke as a mother of two beautiful girls. As a daughter of a working man who suffered from M.S. early in his life. As someone who came from modest means and failed- only to keep trying and keep truckin’ along.

Michelle Obama in Ohio

After she spoke, and descended the stage, I was literally inches from her. And I thought to myself… THIS is why I am on this journey. And instead of waiting around to shake her hand and meet her- I headed right back to the office to make phone calls and change hearts and minds.

And I think I’ve been doing that a lot lately. Which is an incredibly rewarding experience to have. To have someone pick up the phone or come to the door and tell me they are undecided and by the end of our conversation- to have them swayed. To have them willing to vote for the man I know will lead this country to the better and brighter future that we need.

I had a conversation with a woman who was pro-life and though we were two women of very different ages and different upbringings- I was able to sway her. I was able to focus her attention on the problems we BOTH agreed on- that the number of unwanted pregnancies needs to be reduced. I was literally pulling a page right out of Barack Obama’s play book. And she listened. And she shared her concerns. And I shared with her my beliefs and my story. And it changed her mind. I hung up the phone and was literally shaking. My face had grown warm and my cheeks blushed and I didn’t even realize it until after I was off the phone.

I’ve been walking through incredibly poor areas of this city and been greeted by gnarling dogs, homes that are only occupied by the stray cat on the porch, and foreclosure sign after foreclosure sign. And on these streets, the people are mad. And the people don’t trust the government. And the people are sick of other people telling them what they should do. And as I said before in an earlier blog… if they get out and vote… McCain will have no chance.

Two Weeks More.

Janelle K. Eagle — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:13:00 +0000

If you’re a musical theater junkie, you’ll understand the reference in my blog title. When times are rough. When there aren’t enough pain pills in your arsenal of travel-size OTC drugs. When your eyes remain open out of habit, not because they yearn to view more of nature. When shoes that are suppose to make you feel “gellin’” are just not working and the soles of your feet feel like turkey jerky. When you’ve been staring at a computer screen and an excel spreadsheet for 12 hours and can no longer tell the difference between line 123 and line 124… you have to keep going. If you believe.

Today I participated in two phone calls. One was just for us out-of-state volunteers that have traveled all the way to Ohio because we believe that Barack Obama needs to be the next President of the United States. The phone line was FULL of ridiculously tired and ridiculously motivated people from all walks of life. Every shared how inspired they were by the journey. How excited it is to be a part of history.

The other phone call really put things in perspective. I am currently working for the next President of the United States of America. Barack Obama is my boss. What an incredibly humbling and rewarding pleasure.

I have worked 13 hour days. And 14 hour days. I have been living off cup-o-noodles and the generosity of the women who live in Hilltop and consistently ask me if I’ve eaten recently. I meet men and women and children and students and athletes and retirees and union workers and veterans who all believe that we need a change. They may only have a half hour to give… and they can’t wait to give it. How lucky are we all to be brought together by this one common goal- CHANGE. Barack. Our future.

In case you feel overwhelmed and completely SICK of the election. Here is a video for you. Instead of TWO WEEKS more… it’s ONE DAY MORE. And it’s all I play in my mind when I just can’t keep going anymore.

"I can’t vote. I’m a convicted felon."

Janelle K. Eagle — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:03:00 +0000

So things have taken a very interesting turn here in Columbus, OH. For one thing- I am starting to learn the lay of the land and also starting to get on East Coast time… both of which are EXTREMELY helpful. For the past week, I have been volunteering in the main office of South Frankling County- doing whatever they need me to do. This has ranged from pounding the pavement, clipboard in hand, knocking on doors and asking voters who they plan to support in November. I’ve also called people and left messages about how Barack Obama’s health care plan is better for Ohio (and the nation). I’ve also entered data. So much data- into a massive statewide data base that tracks voters and their preferences.

My feet hurt. It’s cold. My hands and knuckles are cracked because I keep washing them and have no lotion. I’ve had an upset stomach for the past three days, mostly just from adjusting to new food and a new environment. I’m sick of the sound of my own voice. I keep missing my favorite shows and hearing other people tell me what happened. AND I LOVE EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF IT.

I was recently assigned my own precinct. Because I attended a Camp Obama and was trained as a Deputy Field Organizer, I am now supporting the Field Organizer for South Hilltop, South Frankling County, Ohio State. Fancy huh? Well let me tell you a little about Hilltop.

I got assigned to Hilltop because the volunteer team overhead me say that I am staying off one of the streets in this area. Good news- the area I am staying is FABULOUS. It looks a lot like I would picture any suburb in any midwest town to look like. Reminds me a lot of Oklahoma City. Backyards. They love their Halloween here. Decorations and American flags galore. It’s pretty. Well-kept. Feels safe. This is the area I am staying in. This is the area they assigned me to.

But Hilltop is actually made of five neighborhoods. And the one I am staying in (Westgate) is the nicest neighborhood. Today- I went and traveled through the not-so-nice neighboorhood, only a couple blocks away. Some of my favorite memories from today include hearing the title of this blog not once, but TWICE. “I can’t vote, I’m a convicted felon.” My response? “Well that’s a shame. The part about you not being able to vote, I mean.”

I spoke to women with no teeth. I spoke to households with four generations living under one tiny roof. Every 5th house was foreclosed. Two of the five that did have occupancy had recently moved in, so the names on my list were almost always wrong. One gentleman tried to give me a DVD about his conspiracy theory related to 911. One woman who was 73 says she is waiting for G-d to tell her who to vote for and she “ain’t got the message yet.” One man had 10 children living in his home- his eldest daughter, also registered to vote because she just turned 18, was away at school. He called McCain the antichrist. I liked him. Most of these people will not vote. And hardly any of them agreed to volunteer.

And this is the work I LOVE doing. They need it the most. They need their voices heard the most. And excitingly enough- their votes count just as much as the people living just across Broad Street in fancy Bexley (which reminds me a lot of the homes on Main Street in the movie “Father of the Bride.”) These people are POOR. These people live dangerously below the poverty line. And these people are untouched by the Republican party. The only thing that happened from the Republican party in Hilltop during the last election was that they posted flyers telling the residents that the election day had been MOVED. So these people didn’t vote. They didn’t get their voice heard. And they’ve been the most adversely affected by Bush’s administration. A factory closed every 2 weeks in the state of Ohio during Bush’s last term.

I love Hilltop. And I love these people. And I want them to vote. Because if they do- McCain has no chance.

24 Hours in Ohio.

Janelle K. Eagle — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:16:00 +0000

I feel spoiled. I feel lucky. I feel fortunate. And I am running out of synonyms.

As I walk around Columbus, I am a sponge.

I am absorbing everything I can see. Absorbing the sights-

A new mother waits for her husband to return home

- Three generations of women waiting at the airport for their American Army Soldier return from Iraq to greet the baby girl he’s never met (see picture)
- The largest bugs I have ever seen with wings
- A street filled with fallen leaves of various colors and lined with either McCain or Obama street signs on EVERY lawn
- Prideful Smiles when I congratulate first-time voters on taking a hold of their future and demanding their voice be heard

I am absorbing everything I can hear. Absorbing the sounds-
- A room full of volunteers that are ALL from out of state and ALL on the phone talking about why Obama is our future
- The sounds of Obama’s most thrilling speech moments set to Hip Hop beats thrown together by an 18 year old
- The distinct slam of a door in my face as I identify myself as an Obama volunteer
- Children of different ethnic backgrounds blindly laughing and playing with each other safely in the streets

I am absorbing the foods I can taste. Absorbing the flavors-
- of coffee. So much coffee.
- Of sloppy joes in crock pots and miles of donuts and energy bars ALL DONATED to Obama Volunteers
- Of the nourishing Apple that a woman LITERALLY forced into my hand when I told her I flew in from California just yesterday and no, still hadn’t eaten dinner at 7pm on a Tuesday