I just got back from a Meet & Greet w/ my Senator, Patty Murray. The room was packed, standing room only. The Democratic Campaign office in Olympia, Washington now leads the state in enthusiasm. Since June, volunteers have made over 34,000 telephone calls on behalf of Senator Murray & Representative candidate Denny Heck. Over 7,400 doorbells have been rung. One of the field organizers there is a kid. His name is Kyle. He looks about 20 years old.
Despite what Chuck Todd & John King tell us......there is NO enthusiasm gap in Olympia. Kyle shines. His enthusiasm is awesome. He's out there every day, working the phones, encouraging volunteers, asking for people to give their time to keep Democrats in office.
Senator Murray was introduced by a Viet Nam vet. He is a former helicopter pilot. He was shot down four times. He stands w/ a cane now. He served his country for over 20 years. He told a little story.
When he returned from Viet Nam to the states, everyone was exhausted from the long plane ride & everything they had been through in Nam. There was an elderly woman standing alone w/ a large box next to her. She stayed until she had spoken to every single returning soldier. He couldn't see what she was giving everyone or hear what she was saying.
When it was finally his turn, she told him "Welcome Home", thanked him for his service. Then she reached into the box & pulled out an American flag wrapped around a used cardboard paper towel holder. He's carried that flag in his pocket for 42 years. He said "I've carried it every day in my pocket except when I was in swimming trunks".
Toward the end of his introduction of Senator Murray, he reached into his pocket & pulled out the flag. He thanked her for her efforts to keep the VA Hospital open in Washington & for every thing she's done for vets. He felt she earned that flag. He gave it to her to bring back to Washington. It was a nice moment.
I'm fired up. That vet is fired up. That 20 year old field organizer is fired up. How about you? Have you volunteered for your Senator & your Representative lately? I'm disappointed about the public option. I'm disappointed about Gitmo. I'm disappointed about DADT. I'm disappointed that Bush & Cheny & Rove are still walking around when they should be in the slammer. But I refuse to let Republicans win this one. Volunteer. GOTV. Buck up & find your own brand of political courage. If a 20 year old can do it, so can you.