My Precinct Voted Unanimously for Obama

I'm still excited and our caucus here in Washington ended almost an hour and a half ago. Turnout at our caucus location (with some 20+ precincts gathering) was about 3 times what they expected, and we had 16 voters show up for my precinct (I think 4 years ago there were 3-4).

In a way, I hope the Democratic Party here in Washington chooses to retain the caucus form of voting because it makes you feel like you really have a say. Not only do you vote, but you get to explain why you're voting the way you are and a real dialogue develops with your neighbors who are participating.

On our first vote, there were 13 votes for Obama, 2 for Clinton, and 1 Uncommitted. Then someone spoke up for Clinton and I spoke up for Obama. But our precinct was small enough that we then had time for almost everyone to explain their preference. There were some really good points brought up all around.

In essence, this is what I said:

Clinton and Obama aren't very far apart on the issues, although Obama matches up better head to head with McCain (48 to 41 in a recent Time poll) than does Clinton (46 to 46). So I decided to look at the qualities in terms of leadership that they would bring to the Presidency and make my decision that way. I have chosen Obama based on 5 characteristics:

Good Judgement --he was against the war in Iraq from the beginning and even foresaw many of the terrible developments that have since transpired.

The right kind of Experience --even though his resume seems thinner than Hillary's, he has had experience in Community Organizing, as evidenced by the tremendous grass roots movement he has started...the election turnouts are really a testament, in part, to his organizing ability; he also has served in both state and federal legislatures and knows how to work across the aisle, bringing people together; and he has taught Constitutional Law and I, for one, will be glad to have a President who knows the Constitution and respects the limits of his powers.

Vision--rather than just reacting to problems, I believe he will begin to transform our government and take us to new heights as an involved citizenry.

Values--transparency rather than secrecy, us rather than him, honesty rather than expediency, diplomacy rather than U.S. imperialism, and a willingness to listen to contrary views as well as supportive ones in coming to his decisions.

Temperament--unlike McCain and Hillary, he doesn't easily lose his temper, but remains calm, cool, and collected...something very important in these hair trigger times.


Well, after all opinions were aired, we took a second vote and this time all 16 voted for Obama. Then we considered who would be our Delegate and Alternate Delegate at the next level...the Legislative District Caucus on April 5th. The only two running were myself and our Precinct Chair. Votes were cast and it was a tie, so we determined which would be the voting Delegate by the toss of a coin. He won, so I'm the Alternate. That means I can go, but won't be voting unless, for some reason, he can't attend. That's okay. It gives me a chance to observe, meet people, and learn more about this whole caucus process.

Also, we had the opportunity to submit resolutions to be considered by the state Democratic Party. At the request of one of the participants, I wrote one up concerning our desire that the Party do away with this whole system of Superdelegates (since it gives undue power to a party official or legislator) and most of us signed it.

All in all, it was an invigorating process. The best part? Michael and Allison took part (while Jason sat off to the side)...so it felt like a family affair.