Jack & Jill Politics

Toot died knowing that her death would be at the exact moment so that it would increase the probability that Barack would be elected. She knew he would win--but, hey, every damned point counts.

She was with Barack from the beginning--when many, 'average white folks' would have disowned both Barack and his mom. Mrs. Dunham was no 'average white' folk--yet, like all of us, she was only human. Only angels shit gold.

Barack traveled at the exact right time, and I am sure she imparted some stark wisdom on the man, the kind of wisdom that only a long-time mentor and critic can. This was special. Barack made an awkward attempt to recollect his experiences as a youth, by walking the same streets. What a difference thirty years makes. You can never go home again--the path to the mountain top is arduous, and one way.

Yes we can!

"Toot died knowing that her death would be at the exact moment so that it would increase the probability that Barack would be elected."

Some may consider that statement harsh but I agree with you Slave Revolt.

Everything occured as it should have.

Obama wins in Dixsville Notch, NH.!! I feel as if this is Christmas!! I am so pumped and excited!

I just finished decorating for my election night party. I was going to go out but I decided to keep it in with a large group of friends, food and of course Obamapolitans.

I am probably going to go to bed because I just found out that my polling place is in Chappaqua...not Brooklyn. So I have to get up at like 4 in the morning, have breakfast then drive up to get online before the pollng staton opens. I have to work tommorow so I have to vote first.

My cousin turned 18 yesterday. He is so excited to vote.

This is exciting.

Paul Begalia stated that there was an incident at a polling place where some African Americans were taunted and yelled at about Barack Obama and 30 cars had their tires slashed. Has anyone heard about this?

"The Lord is close to those that are broken hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the tribulations of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all."--Psalm 34 (my version, adapted from NRSV)

May you feel God closest to you at this time of heartbreak, Sen. Obama.

I am in agreeance with your prayer. Thank you.

Tonight, I have come to respect Barack Obama. Not, Im not talking about respecting the politician or the Senator, Im talking about Barack Obama the Man. This man, regardless of his politics and whether his policies will make a difference or not, deserves nothing but admiration. Now, please dont think I just jumped on the bandwagon, because I've been in the tank since 06 (I thought he was the only one that could knock off Hillary)....but a lot times we get caught up in the chatter of political arguments and whatnot. This man, Obama, prepared himself to be President of the U.S. It didnt start in 06 or 04 but way back when; and if he can do it? then we all can make a difference.

I agree. I've stated that the way he has handled himself during this campaign more than earned my respect.

AM2k6: Well said!! This man, Obama, prepared himself to be President of the U.S. It didnt start in 06 or 04 but way back when; and if he can do it? then we all can make a difference.

He has been preparing himself - with the help of his mom/Grandma "Toot"/sister/et al.

And, I'm going to recognize his father who taught him - "WHAT NOT TO DO and TO BE LIKE! He even stated this.

Obama-Biden '08!! TRUST


P.S. Was there a WORD of sympathy from McAncient/the UN-VETTED ONE?? NOT ONE!!! SSSSSSSSnakes!!

That picture just breaks my heart.

I just saw this at Politico, how beautiful that Mrs. Dunham's vote will count!


"November 03, 2008
Categories: Barack Obama

Madelyn Dunham's vote will count

Kevin Cronin, Hawaii's chief election officer for the state, tells Eli Sanders that Obama's grandmother has voted, and her vote will be counted, despite her having died before election day:

Ms. Dunham’s absentee mail ballot was received and reviewed under the Hawaii standards for processing absentee mail ballots… She was alive at that time. Her ballot will be opened tomorrow, and it will be counted in the same way that all absentee voters would be treated under our law."

Wow...this gets me too emotional

Way too emotional. That got me right there.

Tears.....

That rockface witch Candy Crowley is reporting that there was no sign of his grandmother's death at his campaign stop. She has gone too far. I cannot believe a human being could let something like this come out of their mouth.

She looks like Grimace. She needs to robble robble her ass on somewhere.

That hateful heifer makes me sick.

rikyrah/msmartin: Major co-sign!! I can't stand her!!

She tried to clean it up later by reporting that they werent "close" enough to see him.

Lawdy! These mofos are just haters! Candy the "Crawler" Crowley was probably on a carbohydrate high.

I will forever look at the MSM with new eyes. Thank God for the Internet. We should send a deluge of these pictures to CNN Attn: Candy Crowley.The stinch of FEAR from these mofos is despicable!

Here I am crying and then let out a big gaffaw at

carbohydrate high.

Thanks, it is a joyous time, too.

i am deeply shocked about this.

my mom told me she was praying everyday for his grandmother to make it through the election.

i can't imagine how obama feels right now: losing one of the most important people in his life on the eve of the most important day of his life---a day that couldn't have happened without her.

what better tribute to this 'silent hero' than standing up tomorrow, and changing the world!?

shocked

Don't be sad for Toot. Whatever pain she was in is now past. And like many noble souls before her, she made it to the mountain top.

My condolences to the Obama family. I was praying she would make it through the election. I'm so happy that many wrote to her and sent her flowers when they found out she was so ill. I hope the messages gave her some first hand comfort to hear from people who support her grandson instead of hearing the pundits talk about him on television.

Michigander2,

I hope she received the cards that were sent to her. I sent a few postcards from L.A. I wanted to lift her spirits and to say thanks for raising such a brilliant man. Boy.....my heart aches for his family.

Stay strong Barack

i sent a card too--after reading your post with the mailing address. never thanked u for that information. thanking u now.

How did you guys do that?

I wanna send flowers!

The family asked in leiu of flowers to make a donation to any charity that advocates for the fight against cancer.

I am so very sorry about Mrs. Dunham. I really wanted her to make it past Election Day. There is consolation that Obama visited with her recently. And she already had so much to be proud about her grandson: a United States Senator, author of two bestselling books, a great husband and father.
I lost my beloved 20-year-old cat this year (the real Baby Ming) and I learned the hard way that death sometimes doesn't follow the "schedule" that we would want. I'm truly sorry.

I lost my dog this year too=( I am still trying to get over it. He was very old and sick but I could not bring myself to put him to sleep.

Here's another slideshow...

Obama's Monday: Election Eve Campaigning (PHOTOS)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/03/obamas...

At the speech in NC, he could see he was struggling to hold it together after he talked about what America was fighting for.

This is so very poignant to me....It occurs that Wright - for all his issues - may have been something of a father figure to O. At the time where he's lost his last surviving parent, it is painful to see the Wright ads.

And, the GOP needs to explain to people how a "Muslim terrorist" was member of a Christian church for 20 years...

Truth,
I thought about Dr. Wirgt too. I know that Dr. Wright would be really good for them right now. But they have his prayers, of that I am sure.

And to answer your question, they think that black people that are proud of their african heritage, don't really worship the same GOD anyway. I am sure they think that we are all secret muslims anyway.

I thought the same thing when I saw the Wright ad just a few moments ago. I know Michelle was in Nevada, I'm sure she's on her way to be by his side at this moment.

Truthseeker,

In the morning, I am going to have some terribly puffy eyes from all this crying. It seems like I have been crying off & on all day. Some tears were shed from looking at other people crying at the rallies & some were shed for Obama's grandmother. It just touched my heart to see him cry. I love him!

Thanks for those, they made me cry again.

I cried when I heard the news, then cried when I saw part of his speech (so mad that CNN cut off his speech). What a terrible loss for him, his family and all of us. Obama is a man of integrity and a true family man. He will make Toot proud of him when he is the next president of the USA. Change is coming.

yes. the least the networks could have done would have been to air the speech in its entirety. shameful.

He will be speaking in VA momentarily. You can watch on C-Span or
http://origin.barackobama.com/live

gracias jelana.

tears while typing this:..that dianne reeves song always made me a lil emotional..........i lost my mother in 96 when i was just 16, i'm still lucky enough 2 have both of my grandmothers still around, and i can't picture this world or my life with out either one of em , one of my paternal grandmother's friends made the comment a couple of days ago that "my grandmother would walk a mile for her grandkids, and thats the way is should be". yesterday while talking with the same grandmother over sunday dinner she made the comment that she had went and voted early and that the line was real long, but she did it anyway. now my maternal grandmother who i have 2 get up at 4 in the morning chitown time 2 take her 2 the polls tomorrow so that she can be an election judge at the tender age of 89 is "fired up and ready 2 go", has a saying that carry's me through my trails or wheneva i am feeling down...whenever we come 2 her with a problem she has 6 words for us "put it in the lords hands" and thats what i would like 2 say 2 the Obama family and 2 my JJP fam who if it wasn't for this election i wouldn't have found and after this election i'm not going anywhere, before u go 2 bed and u still not feeling good about tomorrow or before u vote or when u are sitting with friends or family watching the results tomorrow nite......rikyrah,greenlady,val,town,and cpl....."PUT IT IN THE LORDS HAND!"!!!

Thanks for your words Barry. I believe it IS in the Lord's hands and it is done.

Blessings to you and thanks again for your words and for sharing your story.

barry4barack: Virtual 'HUG'! :>)

I can imagine how PROUD they are OF YOU!! And so is "mom' - from above.

Keep those "precious memories" as a source of your strength.

Several items:

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW

Praying for YOU:

THE LORD'S PRAYER (Mahalia Jackson)

A thought of comfort:

BLESSED are they that mourn, for they SHALL be comforted

Rest Well. Have a Blessed day TOMORROW with "GRANDMA:. :>)

Barry,

Been meaning to say this for a week or so but got side-tracked! I'm sorry for the lost of your mother. 16 is such a tender age to be and have to deal with the death of a parent. I've lost both my parents and it's still so hard for me. I still love them dearly. Thank God, you have wonderful grandmothers and they sound wise too! Grandmothers are jewels! My mother had some of the same values I read about in your grandmother....".Put It In The Lord's Hands". Truly loved God with all her heart. Bless you and your grandmothers!

thanx Justice.....these last couple of days i've been wondering how am i gonna act or feel when it's my time 2 go into the voting booth.....will i be emotional knowing that my mom's not here 2 see this or because i never thought this day would come, where i would be voting for a black man from the southside of chicago(my hometown..born, bred, and raised)for POTUS....well i'll find out at about 6:30 in the moring when i cast my ballot for Barack Hussien Obama for President of the United States of America!!!!

barry4obama: Allow ALL emotions to happen! THEN a BIG SMILE for "MOM!" :>)

God Bless you!

barry,

It's going to hit you.

It hit me last week when I voted early. Luckily only a few people were around to see the ugly face starting to form. That elevator couldn't come fast enough for me to run to my car.

Then I let out a big one and call my girl "elephants & flowers".

Don't fight it. Let it out

tex_girl and justice i'm gonna let u both know what it was like when i vote tomorrow, so be looking for me 2 hit u guys up and share this experience

Your Mom will be with you in spirit and she'll be ever so proud at how wise you are! Wisdom comes from God! And he is the giver of all things good! Be blessed!

My thoughts are with him and his family. Rest in peace, Mrs. Dunham.

My heart breaks for him and his family. My own grandma died in 2005, and I'm still so sad that she isn't here. She would have loved this election. It would have energized her. Barack would have energized her.

Yea, my grandmother died on my birthday last year. I think about her everytime I think about the historical nature of this campaign.

I feel the same way and posted about it last week in thread about "Charles Meet Barack"! My parents would have been over-joyed to see this day. They suffered much discrimination & mistreatment during the 60's civil rights era. This day would have brought many tears!

That video made me cry...I tend to be a very emotional person.

My Mom died in April of this year, Grand died in 2005 and my Great Gran died 17 years ago. They would've all been so pleased. He's a good human being and they would've loved him. My heart goes out to him because it has to be so hard. I've been tearing up for the past hour over this great loss.

sdg,
It is hard to not to feel for him. He has to bury his grandma in the same week that this great night is happening.
My great grandmom passed in 2003, when she was 103. We took her to Mississppi for Christmas in 2001and she stated that she never thought that she would see the day that she would go to Mississippi...and she was from GA! I can only image how amazed Hattie would be to see Sen Obama run for president. We should all be thankful to be here at this time.

yes. it's been a very emotional day. probably will be a very emotional week.

To me, this photo reveals a culmination of a journey of the sacrifice, struggles, discipline, joy, anger, gratitude,and humility.

It is a raw and beautiful site.

I agree. Those tears represent the fullness of a lifetime and the lost of someone who made sacrifices to make his life better. Wow. This is really deep.

Here is the video of him in NC talking about Toot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot4RYQqFq0Q

This one is much better. More complete

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeXbkCSkiRU

why he break out the handkerchief in this version. Lord, I am bawling again.

Yes, he is.

He's not just human... he's a real mensch.

I cried as he announced the death of his grandmother while in North Carolina! Now seeing his tears makes me just bawl!

I love Barack Obama!

That picture...just...DAYUM, Rikyrah.

And he never looked more "manly" with those tears in his eyes. Reminds me of Jimmy Carter - who wasn't afraid to show his masculinity by shedding tears, either.

He is wonderfully human - which will be a refreshing change from the retardbot we've had to suffer with over the last eight years.

And you can best believe Bush never shed a TEAR for anyone, unless it was his bartender telling him they ran out of Jack Daniels, or his dealer telling him they had no more Columbian Blow to go with the hookers.

CPL,
I actually saved the phote as "a real man" when I first saw it. I appreciate your comment.

DAMMIT JIM...

Did I -NEED- that.

HILARIOUS!

:-)

Why did you do that Rikyrah? I was already bawling and you started me up again.

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

RIP Toot

Thanks for posting this poem. I know his family is giving him the support he needs, but it can't be easy to have your private pain and mourning broadcast in the public eye. I can't even imagine. My heart really goes out to him tonight.

Oh Miranda, this is one of my favorite poems.

Obama's mom and grandmother may not have gotten those crystal stairs, but Malia and Sasha are gonna bounce up and down some real nice stairs at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington DC 20002

Yes, yes they will.

I cried when I came home today and saw on Hardball that Toot had died. I have to believe that she is with her husband and Barack's mom, that they needed to be together to rejoice in the fact that their beloved grandson and son is going to make OUR country and this world a better place. We are all indebted to them for raising such an incredible human being and for sharing Barack with us in our lifetime.

Yes, Barack IS human, always has been, always will be and that's why we support him for president.

JoyIA: What a pleasant thought. The "angels in heaven rejoice!!" :>)

Thank you. :>)

There was never a doubt.

Truth,
"There was never a doubt."

I don't think there was doubt that he is human, but he has put up with a lot of bullish. I do think that a lot of people recognize that he is here to do something special and that he is a really special person. You know what I mean.

Oh Lord Jesus, I was alreay crying from the people who he made cry.