Oakland Rocked

By Tricia Keith Spiegel, A Wes Clark Democrat

Don't get me wrong--I am still in mourning because I won't be campaigning for who I would really want to see as President. But I am one of those people who is easily misunderstood when disappointed. I pick myself and go into hyper speed. So, the General said he likes Hillary Clinton, which means that at the very least that I should check her out. "Cold" and "polarizing" they told me. I didn't expect a lot.

But off I went. In the last two weeks I have become a trained HillStar in California, been on a conference call with Hillary and another today with her campaign chair and manager, and was a volunteer at her rally in Oakland on Sunday. My head spins, and yet I realize that I allowed myself to be swift boated by those who have called her names for 18 years now. Yep, if detractors repeat it often enough, it must be true. Bad trap.

Let me just illustrate using the Oakland Rally. Not counting security and staff, 150 volunteers (and we got expert training) managed 14,000 people! My job was to stand guard over one of 3 media risers to make sure only authorized people climbed up into it--but this also meant that I had a terrific view. The event was amazing--super entertainment, notable speakers, and finally Hillary herself.

After a gospel group set the crowd on fire, out came Hillary. She was shining, her voice was warm and modulated (NOT screechy), and she espoused the positions and values that Wes Clark people also value. She would be a powerhouse leader, no doubt about it. I surprised myself with how much I found myself admiring her and what she has done and what she has had to go through. She was WARM, not cold. She united us.

I am also impressed beyond words with the campaign, welcoming to Wes Clark supporters and there to help us and extremely appreciative of any efforts we have to offer.

OK--there is no perfect candidate. But now I am settling into my second choice with a much better understanding of why General Clark would endorse her. He is smart, we know that. And he has proven it to me once again.