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Saturday, February 9, 2008

Hey Obama—Yer Welcome

posted by on February 9 at 15:16 PM

That sixth Obama delegate from 1279? All me, dawg.

The frustration and overcrowding that Dan mentioned was nowhere near John Marshall High at 65th and Ravenna this afternoon. I’d call the place “busy” more than “frantic,” as numerous greeters helped the steady stream of locals make sense of their precinct and associated caucusing room. Nobody seemed confused. When I got to my gym, a couple of loud volunteers shut everyone up and explained the process to a ridiculous degree (without patronizing, bonus), and we got on with it.

My precinct was pretty much all Obama—73 voters for him, 6 for Clinton, 3 undecided. This would’ve split our delegate allocation of 6 into a 5-1 count thanks to percentages. Each side’s speeches were brief and kind; the Clinton speech-ist actually went so far as to say “we know Hillary is very polarizing” and that her nomination would probably be problematic as a result, before sticking with his pick. Wonder if the opposition’s applause afterward was to be polite or to thank him for not swaying anybody.

Two of the undecideds were naive enough to out themselves, attracting a swarm of pro-Bamas, and I walked over in fear that the chat would be too much about ideas and hopes, not realities. The couple said their primary issue was health care, and when the talk turned idealistic, I stepped in—emphasized the issues of an unbudging private sector, a legislature still in that sector’s pocket, and a need for an executive who isn’t promising immediate change but rather realistic solutions. They talked to a few other pro-Bamas, who, to be fair, made some very good points about Obama’s push for 18-and-under care and splitting between volunteer and private options. Afterward, I thanked them for having the balls to solicit our pleas and asked them to hit the tiny Clinton camp as well.

A few minutes later, the duo were the only ones to switch votes, and it was enough to push percentages to a 6-0 Obama count. After I imagined that I was totally the reason for the swap, I signed on to be a alternate delegate, and then I ran into a 770 AM bus driver who said the rest of the building’s precincts were much in line—4-2’s, 7-2’s, 5-1’s, all Obama. Surprised me, since most of the voters at that location live on Greenlake and are mostly yuppies, but even the retirement cotillion I saw was cheering and hooting about Obama.

The process was quick, friendly, and polite, and hot damn, I actually met and chatted with semi-neighbors I’d have never met otherwise (and picked up a few tidbits on both candidates that I’d admittedly missed). So while I’m sure his overcrowded caucus location sucked a big one, I’m still gonna have to largely disagree with Dan’s opinion for the day. Move north and hope you’re near a decent bus route, I guess.

RSS icon Comments

1

yuppies are actually an Obama constituency, for what it's worth...

Posted by thereisnospoon | February 9, 2008 4:03 PM
2

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say: Obama will get the majority of Seattle delegates.

A crazy, off-the-wall prediction, I know, but I'm just daring like that.

Posted by tsm | February 9, 2008 4:27 PM
3

Yeah, exit polls in other states actually have Clinton doing very well among poorer voters, while Obama carries the rich and well-educated.

Posted by Tyler | February 9, 2008 4:50 PM
4

I'm interested to hear how voter turnout was in *actual* South Seattle -- and which way the votes went.

Posted by Katelyn | February 9, 2008 4:57 PM
5

Apparently caucusing for Obama makes you horny too... Es evidenced by my *favorite* craigslist post EVER:

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Post-caucus coitus - m4w

I just got home from caucusing for Obama today. I'm feeling energized, and that includes sexual energy! Any of my fellow caucus-goers feel the same way? Obama caucusers are great, but let me be clear, I have nothing at all against Senator Clinton or her supporters. (For that matter, I've know some very hot Republican women, and even if we don't care for each other's politics, we could probably work out some between-the-sheets bipartisanship!) I'm straight, but open-minded, so m4t or m4mw would also be okay.

I'm white, single, 5'11", 175 pounds, brown/brown, with a neatly trimmed beard and mustache. Pics are not necessary, but I can send you a couple if you want. I can host or travel, or we can find a hotel or hot tub.

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Barack might have made me feel horny too, were my cervix not bruised from my... Ummmm... pre-caucus coitus.

Posted by Queen_of_Sleaze | February 9, 2008 5:18 PM
6

Is there any precinct in Washington that has not gone for Obama?

Posted by NapoleonXIV | February 9, 2008 5:51 PM
7

Hey Sam, you were in the same room as me. 1280, w00t! Our precinct had a lot less fun than you guys, it seems. We also had a lot more Clintonites (enough for 2 delegates).

Posted by kebabs | February 9, 2008 6:16 PM
8

The reality is that people are for Obama, no matter where you live.

Most of the Hispanics I know are for Obama - except the Dem party insiders.

Posted by Will in Seattle | February 9, 2008 9:28 PM

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