This is my last post of the day. I have to go off and prep for a big Saturday offsite.

I want to thank Dan and Amy and the whole Stranger family for giving me this opportunity. I had a blast. I especially want to say a deeply sincere “thank you” to the 90+% of Obama supporters who today argued articulately, passionately, and respectfully for him. I come out of today more confident that we as Democrats are going to kick McCain’s ass in the fall, regardless of who carries the flag. I hope the Stranger and the SLOG become a big part of that effort in Washington, which isn’t nearly blue enough for my tastes. Though the road to the nomination is uncertain, my second greatest wish in life would be that we leave the nomination united and optimistic.

There’s something that I’d like even more, though. I hope after reading this, you’ll understand why I asked the folks at the Slog to turn off comments for this particular post.

My Mom is the most stalwart Democrat, liberal and feminist that I know. When I was growing up, she was always positive and never didactic about her political beliefs, always letting her boundless optimism and confidence in the judgement of the people sustain her though the darkest of seasons (that would be Ronald Reagan and Shrub, natch.) Likewise, her feminism was such a positive, equality-for-all, organic part of our household that it always just seemed obvious and natural and not at all anti-guy (my Mom likes guys. Quite a bit. A troublemaker might almost argue a tad too much at times…)

She was diagnosed early last year with advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer. Though there have been some tough times, she is still fighting the good fight now, over a year later. We had a perfect summer and a wonderful Christmas last year. I just want to let her know- here in the strongest, most vibrant, most progressive forum I can find- how much who I am is built on the foundation that she gave me, and how grateful I am for the clear, exuberant, rational, hopeful, compassionate, fighting, forgiving, and strong political and ethical force that she will always be in my life.

Mom, I love you so much! Get better soon.

-Deeds