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Acceptance speech via iPhone cam

"For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback."

- (Soon-to-be-First-Lady) Michelle Obama

Obama - Si se puede

Carolyn is the real deal. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Instead of just voting this election year, Pamela convinced me to actually participate in the campaign effort for Barack Obama. So she signed us up for a volunteer shift calling voters in the battleground states, reminding them to vote and directing those interested to their appropriate polling place. Now, I am not one for this sort of duty, but she was really excited about it. So I went. And I can say it was one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen and done.


East L.A. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

The campaign office is in East Los Angeles on Cesar Chavez Blvd. We arrived and they immediately gave us phones and a call list. Not unlike the Obama rally I visited in Seattle back in February, it was a refreshingly diverse group of people. And everyone was still just as excited as those I met at the rally eight long months ago.


Pamela at her station. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

This shift, we were calling the battleground state of South Carolina. And thankfully, not at their dinnertime. I must have called 200 people, of which I spoke to about 10%. Much to my surprise, many had already voted. Seems like all this "community organizing" works!


Alma. (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

At the conclusion of our two hour shift, I asked a few people for portraits. All were happy to oblige. Heck, PROUD to oblige! We handed in our phones and they gave us the most awesome parting gift ever. "Jarritos '08" tee shirts! You'll only understand the significance if you love good Mexican food. And boy do we.


Jarritos FTW! (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

On our way out, we met a gentleman named Art. He had a bit of a smirk, and there was something about him that caught my eye. As I got closer, I got a good look at the two buttons pinned to his shirt and I immediately liked him.


¡Si hombre! (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Again, whomever you choose to vote for, get up, get out there and DO SOMETHING.

At the very least, vote this upcoming Tuesday, November 4th.

Obamccain

That One v. McNasty (Click image for full size.) © William Anthony

Poster art seen at the corner of E 3rd St & Traction Ave. in the Arts District.

Obama Rally

So when I heard that Barack Obama might fill up Key Arena here in Seattle, I decided to check it out myself.

I had some extra Portra 400 film to use up so I grabbed the Hasselblad and hopped on the #13 bus to "The Key." I arrived at 11am, when they were scheduled to open the gates--and got turned away. The Key filled up in 15 minutes. People had been camping in line since 6am that morning. So instead, I wandered around the arena grounds meeting and photographing people.

A few frames of the day.



I heard this gentleman long before I saw him. He had an unavoidable laugh, was pretty talkative and most of all very, very proud.



Schoolchildren arriving at the event.



Officer Blanco from the Senator's motorcade enjoying a fine cigar during some down time while waiting for the rally to conclude.



Change was in the air, and on the ground.

(All images © William Anthony)