Plowing FORWARD

Four years ago a farmer in Hillsdale NY, near our Copake Lake house, used his thresher and cut the word OBAMA in huge letters 30 yards high into his hayfield. It was so unexpected and delightful in largely Republican upstate New York. For the past four years we have referred to him as the "Obama Farmer." As in, "Hey, stop at the Obama Farmer on your way home and pick up some corn."

Rural Columbia County has been devastated by the recession and sadly, although I check every time I drive past his field, our agricultural ally has not yet declared his allegiance. I finally gave up watching for his declaration, fearing that like many others, his elated, hopeful feelings from 2008 had not carried over to this election year.

That is until today. I was driving along Route 23, slammed on the brakes and turned the car around. Sure enough, there was the Obama Farmer in his thresher in the gathering dusk, carving out the very beginning of those same big letters in his cornfield! Perhaps he was one of the undecided up until now, or maybe he just had a busy harvest. But our ally is back, and we've got his vote. GO-BAMA!!

Voting with (and for) our Ancestors

Bill Cosby told Rachel Maddow a very moving story about voting for Barack Obama. After he entered the voting booth and closed the curtain behind him, he reached into his pocket and pulled out photographs of his deceased mother, father and brother. "And now," he said, "we're going to vote."

I heard a similar story from a friend who wore the dog tags belonging to his late father (a lifelong Democrat) into the voting booth, and is wearing them again today on Inauguration Day.

This means more than your typical election, without a doubt.

With Hands Outstretched

I was 6 years old in January, 1961 when President Kennedy was inaugurated. I remember that in the moment when he said "The torch is passed to a new generation," it felt as if I reached up and took that torch into my hands. That moment informed the way I have tried to live my life as an American.

I am moved, proud and honored today to accept the call to service once again. May God bless and protect President Barack Hussein Obama.

Role for Al Gore in Obama White House?

I have to say, this is a very intriguing thought. I can't really get behind Gore as President, but wouldn't he be a fabulous vest pocket advisor? Or a senior cabinet role.....

Role for Al Gore in Obama White House? MSNBC.com

Barack Obama's Fascinating Electronic Campaign

Barack Obama is pursuing an interesting campaign fund-raising strategy this week. Between now and Sept. 30, they are recruiting new donations, which will then be matched by an Obama supporter. You have the opportunity (optional, of course) to be in email correspondence with the person you are matched with. BarackObama.com | Contribution Matching

I did both this week - I donated, and was matched by a man in Ohio. The site gave me the opportunity to sign up to match someone else, so I matched B. Todd Jones, in St. Paul, Minnesota, sending him this message. Hi. I first got excited about Barack Obama when I read his book "Dreams from my Father." I was inspired by the young man who wrestled with his lack of a father figure, and pursued his destiny as a community organizer despite many setbacks that challenged his youthful idealism. I believe our country needs a real leader - someone who, like FDR or JFK, is not afraid to tell us what we really need to know, and challenge us to do what we need to do to pull ourselves out of our national malaise. I believe Obama is the only candidate in the field who has this ability. Thank you for supporting him - I am happy to match your donation.

I got an email back inviting me to be "B. Todd's Friend" - there is a full-fledged social network on obama.com.

They've also been very savvy re mobile communication. He registered the text address is 62262 (OBAMA), and you can sign up not only to receive text when there is Obama news on specific issues, you can also download ringtones with his voice/speeches.

Whether all this will pay off is a question - this kind of approach appeals to younger voters, who are notoriously difficult to get to the polls. No matter what, it is fascinating to watch a Web 2.0 campaign gathering steam.