The Presidential Rally

This country has come too far to turn back now

President Obama, Rally in Fairfax VA, 5/10/12

Today, I saw President Obama at a rally at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Along with 1800 people, I listened to him command the auditorium with his charm, intelligence, wit and empathy. The noise was deafening as he stated his belief in America, his compassion for those struggling to find work and his dedication to protect those most in need. Women of all ages, the focus of this event, cheered his every word as he detailed the steps he has put in place - from protecting Planned Parenthood to preventing insurance companies from denying health care to those with pre-existing conditions like cancer. After a relatively poor performance at the first debate (not horrendous, but not amazing) he came out fighting, telling the assembled crowd how Mitt Romney would cut taxes for the wealthy, repeal the protections of Obamacare and even set his sights on Sesame Street. Not that the crowd needed telling, he emphasised how important it was that supporters turned out and voted to protect American jobs, the middle classes and groups that Romney and the Republicans would disregard. It couldn't have been a more inspirational, heart-felt and fighting speech. 

Far from being a passive supporter, I was working. I had been tasked at the beginning of the week with the essential role of recruiting and coordinating the 60 volunteers we needed for the event. A high pressured role, I was honoured to be asked and trusted - obviously I've made some kind of impression in the weeks I've worked for OFA. Due to venue changes, I had only one evening (Wednesday) to get in touch with people and get them to volunteer. I was terrified something would go wrong - either not enough people would turn up or, more likely, too many would - what with over 150 people being asked originally. It was with bated breath that I approached the training on Thursday night. Luckily, my fears were unfounded. The right number of dedicated, passionate and trustworthy volunteers arrived to be told their roles - roles that were unglamorous, but nonetheless incredibly important. Roles ranging from car park attendance to water distribution. Each volunteer gave everything they had to their roles, turning up at 7:30am this morning to begin work without a sign of tiredness. Everyone was just so pleased to be able to give something back to the President who has given them so much - which underlines the key ability of this campaign to mobilise its supporters into essential roles.

I spent my day at the front of the line, controlling the flow of the tide, engaging with people who had been camped out from 6pm the previous evening to get a good seat to see the President. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with so many people who were enthused and ready to fight for the President's re-election. We signed up brand new volunteers, registered voters and encouraged support. It was humbling - watching this incredible event, I couldn't imagine anything similar in the UK.

We have a tendency in the UK to look at Americans as brash, occasionally vulgar and far too enthusiastic. We, the reserved nation, stand horrified at the cheering and whooping that we see on television. But, I would always rather have over enthusiasm the like of which I saw today than the passionless lack of imagination that seems to dominate UK politics. Yes, American politics is flawed - it is divisive, long and too influenced by money. But nearly four weeks here has told me that the UK could learn much about mobilising support which could increase our engagement with politics and politicians.