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Here We Are Historic political contest changes things for Americans
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Published: April 16, 2008
"I was just blown away by the power of her presence." -- RaVonda Dalton-Rann, assistant to the chancellor, Winston-Salem State University, on Michelle Obama's visit.
"Michelle Obama is just absolutely phenomenal," said Florence Corpening, the CEO of the YWCA of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County, shortly after attending "An Afternoon with Michelle Obama" at Winston-Salem State University. Obama was in town April 8, at the invitation of WSSU chancellor Donald Reaves, to support her husband's presidential bid.
Corpening was excited at what she heard and how Obama's style, down to earth and conversational, inspired her to volunteer. "This truly is a historical time," she added. "Whatever the results, it's good."
People in attendance were also inspired and willing to stand in long lines for a chance to see and hear the possible next first lady. The atmosphere was exciting, producing an air of anticipation. People were shaking hands, greeting each other while talking and poised to capture a memorable picture.
Students filled the bleachers behind Michelle Obama with "Change We Can Believe In" signs in hand, chanting, "Fired up. Ready to go!" The diverse audience, a rainbow coalition, laughed at Obama's humor, clapped as she masterfully built an unmistakable case for her husband and rose to their feet when she wrapped up her message like a present, tied with a bow, ready to be shared with others.
Michelle Obama is tall, beautiful and bright, and, as she was referred to, the "star of the Obama family." Sister-girl was awesome, captivating, just downright inspiring. People were caught up in the moment, a part of it, not witnessing it only. She spoke from the heart in a genuine, direct and personal way. She and the audience were one.
The event was an opportunity to hear about a man, Barack Obama, who, on a cold day outside in Springfield, Ill., announced his run for president. Sixteen thousand people showed up. That was the beginning of the Obama train that keeps picking up steam, meeting an ever-changing bar of success, yet passing one test after another.
Michelle Obama reminded the crowd that her husband has received support from regular people, more than a million of whom have donated to his campaign. He has demonstrated that he can raise money, but can he build a strong political organization? Yes, he can and he has, but, according to his wife, that was not enough. The bar continually moves, shifts and changes as he demonstrates his readiness for the job. Can he win Iowa, people wanted to know. The true test supposedly, but still not enough when he did.
At that point, a friend leaned over and said, "She's building her case."
But Iowa was only a caucus; can he win nationally? He walked away with as many delegates in New Hampshire and dominated South Carolina, winning every county but two. And then came Super Tuesday. It was supposed to be over, yet "here we are," Michelle Obama said to enthusiastic applause.
"The girl is bad," my wife said, whispering in my ear, clearly impressed.
Obama talked about how this race has changed things, how people are talking about pledged delegates and superdelegates and are more engaged. "When is the last time people talked about that?" she asked. "I am just telling you what I see."
We were reminded that "we are our brothers' and sisters' keepers." That's when Bernice Davenport, a long time WSSU supporter, tapped me on my arm, again, giving me that teacher's look. I could see it in her eyes, peering from underneath her hat. The message was building to an end.
"Imagine a president who understands other cultures," said Michelle Obama.
Imagine a president with that perspective, with that kind of experience.
Experience Barack Obama has gained in the shadows when others were not looking, she told the audience, adding that he has demonstrated the ability to attract people to deal with hard issues. Imagine, she said, if we had a president like that?
There are three candidates, but two choices, she said: the same thing we've always had, expecting different results -- or her husband. "That's the only choice for me," said Davenport, leaning over to tell me. It will not be easy though. We have to "demand something of ourselves," too, Michelle Obama added. This is a joint venture, not something one person can do.
She demonstrated a humorous side too, challenging all to get others involved. We all know about 20 trifling people who don't know what's going on, she jokingly commented. While the comment produced laughter, it was recognized as true. One person told me later that she knows at least 25 and has about five more to reach.
A little more than an hour after she started, Obama closed with a story of an encounter with a 10-year-old girl in Newberry, S.C. The girl had a point to make, telling Obama that a victory by her husband would be historic. Having the presence of mind to follow up on the comment, Obama asked why. "I can be anything in this world I can imagine," said the girl, now crying. As someone shared with me recently, "a child can't be what a child can't see."
Barack Obama is a different possibility.
■ Nigel Alston is a Dale Carnegie trainer and motivational speaker. He can be reached at
nalston1@triad.rr.com
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