A year ago I took my 1963 Cadillac convertible to a graphics shop in Rock Island,IL with an idea. I wanted to make a statement of support, of pride in Barack Obama and his effort to become our next president. I despised the fact that so many "fortunate sons" just waited their turn at this role and I knew he was not one of those. When Obama started running for the US Senate he came to the IL Quad Cities many times and I found he was an easy guy to know and like. And he still is.
The graphics people asked how big to make "OBAMA 08". After indicating the size, they measured, came up with proposals, made the decals, and placed them on the car just in time for my trip to Springfield Illinois for Senator Obama's official announcement for President 10 Feb 2007. It was such a hit I added it to the other side and to make it fit it became "08 OBAMA," next came "The Time Is Now" across the trunk.
Since then I've been in many parades in both Iowa and Illinois and at many of his appearances and Michelle's too. Horns beeped and people smiled and waved everywhere we went. It's unbelievable how many people pulled alongside of the car on the interstate and highways and took cellphone pictures.
Magazines and newspapers had pictures of the Obamalac. The best was the US News and World Reports July 16, 2007 issue. The first page, the index, had a picture of the Obamalac taken at Fairfield Iowa and again on the two-page title page of the cover story, "An Election Like No Other," (with pics of Rudy, Hillary, Mitt, and the Obamalac). It serves as a great non-competing stand-in!
Filling my 26 gallon tank in order to drive all over Iowa on my own and at the request of Obama's staffers was very expensive. I enjoyed it all, especially the JJ Dinner. And I paid for it all. But I can't afford these non-local trips. My meager retirement pension just isn't enough. Bush gas is very expensive, doubling in price since he took over. My wife has been very understanding of me as she has always been. Since 1959! The Obamalac will rest in the garage until this spring. Thanks, Rich Miller Sr
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Obamalac and 57 Eldorado
We have five sons and the fourth one has a 57 Cadillac Eldorado convertible that is really sharp. It's visiting while waiting on a part. It was minus four degrees Thursday morning, the day of the Iowa caucus victory and our cold ride (heater motor dead and back window out), and sixty-three degrees today! The car is now clean and "fired up and ready to go!"Friday, January 4, 2008
On To New Hampshire
His smile is as big and wide as my Cadillac! Over the years I've seen him many times and at many places and never once did he show the pompous attitude displayed by many politicians. I've never seen him treat anybody in a rude or conceited manner which is so common with today's politicians.
I just hope there's someone watching over his young staff so they don't become arrogant, lazy, and contemptuous of the voters and supporters because of their candidates win in Iowa.
Michelle Obama
I really respect this lady. She keeps him happy, healthy, and grounded to the real world. She makes Barack take out the garbage from the house sometimes. She will make sure the garbage doesn't return to the White House!
Introducing the next President: Barack Obama
The lady has voted Republican and Independent but this time she voted for Obama and "change you can believe in." She was given the honor of introducing him tonight. The crowd was so loud I couldn't hear her name.Obama's Press Secretary Bob Gibbs
Bob is trying to catch up on his text messages and cell phone calls. New Hampshire calling? He needs to find time for a barber. Maybe John Edwards could loan out his!Gathering for the Victory Speech
Other candidates were conceding, dropping out, or gaining experience while we waited for Obama's arrival. At long last the Iowa Primary is OVER and he has WON!
Australians Checking Out Caucus Night in Iowa
The Obamalac was inside the Hy-Vee Hall for the JJ Day Obama Speech to his supporters before the dinner but his staff just couldn't get it inside this time. To bad, because that floor space just sat empty. I parked at the rear (press entrance) and saw these youngsters admiring the car. I wasn't surprised to meet two more, smiling, inquisitive Aussies! I have never met one that didn't bring light into life! I believe they are from Kellyville, New South Wales.
"Scream" at Hy-Vee Hall, Des Moines Iowa 3 Jan 07
This election year screamer was outside the building when the cops came to check it out. He calmed down a little and walked away but the press followed. BTW, the Howard Dean "SCREAM" was fabricated by the press using a directional microphone. I talked to several people who were in the hall that day and they couldn't believe the injustice as there was no "scream." They got him good. They will probably put it in his obituary.Honoring the Davenport Staff, 2 Jan 08
Senator Obama had the Davenport office staff come up and gave them words of thanks and honor by name. Here are two of the best, guys you could always count on when needed. Adam Hoyer is in the jacket and Tripp Wellde in blue. They were always pushing to get needed things accomplished. We can be proud of their work, high standards, and expectations!
Last Quad City Stop Before The Primary 2 Jan 08
On a bitter cold day in Davenport the Obamalac went with the top down to Friendly Hall for his final primary stop in the area. I was working on his behalf in the primary election for senate when so few people showed up in Rock Island I called one of my five sons (the only one living in the area) and his co-workers to come over on their lunch hour because the room was bare! Not a problem today!
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