Apparently I am seen as a threat here lately, as in someone that must be thrown under the bus. I know you think by convincing me that I have already lost, that I will leave, making room for you. Sorry! I am not giving up anytime soon, so bring it on bitch. But by all means continue your pursuit, especially since in your head I have no idea of the plan. Enjoy spending your time trying to break me, I can only hope it is fun for you. I will spend my time strengthening my place, building my lead, making it completely out of reach for you. I guarantee in the long run I will win.

I am not going to get into any details, but I am witnessing some really fucked up stuff here lately. It’s really sad and I wish I could change minds, change the way things are.

Months and months of hard work have paid off. We won Ohio and the election. Lucas county, where I was working, voted Obama 65% to 34%. That is wicked awesome. It means we did out job, and did it well. Succeeded in our goal and won by a large enough margin to offset the red rural areas where sadly race and other prejudices are still the only issues.

E-day GOTV was slightly crazy. We had an awesome team and our chemistry and flexibility made things run so so smoothly. We actually got out of there at a reasonable time. We got the call to pack up for the night and get our asses over to the after party. I had to make one last stop to collect some number from a dear of a volunteer, then headed over myself.

I was on the highway driving to what could be a really awesome or really disappointing party, when i got the call. We won Ohio. I cannot describe the rush that went though my body. I tried to control myself and my tears long enough to get safely to my destination to begin the celebration. The party was huge. News crews all around, Marcy Kaptur, who was re-elected then too, was there, just as she was before GOTV began, to give us a pep talk and a pat on the back. The energy was crazy. Everyone hugging, shaking hands, toasting and basking in the glory.

After a few drinks we decided to head home, we had been up since 4 a.m. after all. I rushed home, still in pure shock of what we had accomplished. We had always been told that if we win Ohio, the election is over. But between all the excitement that fact was gone from my head. I was still so nervous as to how the rest of the night would play out and remembering the all-nighters watching CNN in the past.

I walked inside and turned on the TV. CNN had called it. Barack Obama was the winner. That is when i really lost it. I could barely stand up or walk, despite my very full bladder. I sobbed for a good hour, just long enough to hear McCain concede.

About a dozen cigarettes later, I finally got myself together, then Barack spoke and I wept again. There is something about his words that are repeatedly compelling, inspiring and empowering. He was done campaigning, he had already won, yet he continued to excite, energize and ignite everyone watching or listening.

I am so proud to be part of his campaign and his movement. It’s not everyday that someone can say that because of their actions, the world will never be the same. But becuase of my work, and the work of hundreds of thousands like me, the world is forever changed. I was part of history. I am beyond proud to have played even a small role in what happened Tuesday night. I can only hope to be part of something so epic again.

As much as the word is beyond overused here lately, epic is the perfect word to describe this election.

As much as I have been bitching and complaining about being tired and stressed, there is not a single thing I would rather be doing right now than working with the Obama campaign. Our grassroots local ground campaign is unprecedented and unrivaled. We have worked so hard for months, put in so many hours, gave up so much of our own lives along the way, while still staying positive and not resorting to the dirty tactics that the McCain camp has been forced to use. They are getting nasty becuase they know they are up shit’s creek with no paddle. They have no policy and their main campaign strategy is to disrupt ours. But they are failing. In 88 counties across Ohio we have over 50,000 volunteers. That breaks down to over 500 volunteers in each county. A recent article in the LA Times said that there were a whopping nine people doing phone banking at one McCain local office in Ohio. 500 and nine are vastly different and reaffirm my drive. If the Obama campaign is bringing in that many more people than the McCain campaign, Barack’s vision, policy and passion must be what people need and want.

With less than 24 hours before the polls open here, my field organizer sent us a heartfelt and inspiring email. He described how important we are to local efforts as well as the entire world. Its so surreal that my actions are helping change the world forever. It has always been our message that if we win Ohio, we win the general election, no questions asked. The last candidate to win the general election without winning the state of Ohio was John F Kennedy in 1961. While we are talking numbers, John Kerry was reaching 100K homes each weekend this time four years ago. We are now hitting nearly half a million each day. Overall we have spoke to 1.13 million people this last weekend, nearly 10% of everyone in Ohio. That in itself is epic.

The empowering feeling rushing through me cannot be explained. This is shaping up to be the most important and historical election I think this country has ever seen. I am so proud to be involved and so blessed to have such a strong team with me. Barack always says “With your help, we can win this state, win the general election and change the world.” As much BS as politicians spit out, I believe that statement in my heart.  Reminds me of a quote from Herb Brooks, someone I respect and admire to the fullest, “This is your time.”

Need to run, got two long, exciting and monumental days ahead. More to come.