Obamalac

End of the Obamalac

2009-04-14T10:05:00.005-05:00

The Obama's are in the White House and somethings can never be the same again. Thank goodness! Now it's time to move on so I'm having the decals removed Thursday from the Obamalac and my beautiful 1963 Cadillac will return to being a partner (since 1976) in enjoying my everyday life. My most important partner is my wife (since 1959) and she didn't complain when I showed the world my support for Obama. I did this once before when I covered my brand new 1964 Ford Falcon with Goldwater signs. I respected Barry then and Barack now. Michelle will share his new life and make us all so very, very proud.

Election night on Michigan Ave was thrilling and that thrill will last forever. I brought my butt off of the couch to support someone I had listened to and then believed in and I don't regret a minute of the time spent!

I want to thank the folks at Stick'Em Up Graphics Inc, downtown Rock Island IL, 820 4th Ave,(309) 794-9808 for the use of their skills that created the graphics. Also, Rich Brannen of Brannen's Automotive, 2100 5th Ave Moline IL, (309) 736-2680, kept the car going time after time with his great mind. And Free Land Auto Body, 2626 7th Ave, Rock Island, (309) 786-2208 provided upgrades to the pearl white paint job when required.

It was a great ride and I loved it, but more importantly, the country now has a President they can believe in. I was glad to be a very small part, but a part, of the transformation.

END OF AN ERROR, January 20 2009

2009-02-04T18:55:00.001-06:00

George W. Bush, citizen, leaves the White House for Texas.

The White House on Inaguration Day 2009

2009-02-04T18:49:00.007-06:00

Barbara Marie Akers Miller has a smile and a heart that can't be beat. We've been married since 1961, the year our Prez was born! It was a very cold day but this change warmed all of us. PURPLE GATE was our entry point.

Marchal Sisters from France

2009-02-04T18:44:00.006-06:00

I stopped the Obamalac because of the crowd on Michigan Avenue and they joined in the ride for a celebration of a lifetime, election night 2008!

April Friendly and Friends

2009-02-04T18:24:00.003-06:00

April Friendly was indeed friendly to the world, creating memories this election eve. Everyone was happy, nice, and hopeful and she was a comet in the crowd!

Thierry Marchal from France

2009-02-04T18:08:00.004-06:00

MY COMPUTER HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP FOR A WHILE SO I"M JUST NOW CATCHING UP.
Thierry brought his family to Chicago to share in the exciting election evening with Barack Obama. I know I had a great time and I'm sure they did too based on his email below. It was a perfect night. Since the election fully one-third of the hits to this blog have been from France and their former colonies.

Hi Rich,

This is Thierry, the french guy who joined you with Meggie, Julia & Candice on Michigan Avenue on Nov the 4th for the "great day".
We will always keep a great souvenir of this day and especially of that cruise into the "Obamalac" across the streets of Chicago. We would like to really thank you for having make this moment possible and for your kindness. The girls have realized how lucky they were to be in your car a such historical day and I am sure they will always remember you and this day. The weather, the people, the happyness, everything has contributed to make this day a special day.

I also want to say how proud the entire world is for what the people of America have done on that election. We are sure that your choice and your wisdom will bring you some better days.

We cordially thank you again and hope to see you again,

God bless America and his people,

Thierry

Obama in Des Moines

2008-12-14T00:01:00.002-06:00

Adam Larsen took this picture the night Obama and the Obamalac came to Des Moines to declare victory over Hillary last summer. After giving his speech his SUV roared by and I could see his out-stretched arm poked at me. Adam sent it to me tonight so here it is.

Video- Parade Time for Obama and Halvorson

2008-12-10T12:53:00.004-06:00

Deb Halvorson won her race for the US House Nov 4 with Obama's help and I'm proud to have supported her. This is a video shot during the Sep 2008 Joliet IL Black Pride Parade.

James VanHofwegen and Lizbeth Sanchez

2008-11-17T19:36:00.001-06:00

This pair shared in the tremendous joy of the Obama victory celebration!

More Pictures From France

2008-11-14T09:38:00.003-06:00

Mother and daughters enjoy riding in the Caddy on a warm summer-like night made even better because of the election night victory in the air! Meggie, Julia and Candace say hi to all from France!

Picture From Jeremy Lawson

2008-11-14T09:35:00.001-06:00

What Fun!

2008-11-08T13:10:00.001-06:00

These three were some of the first riders and they had fun! Oh what a night.

FCC, Pinkertons, Peking

2008-11-08T13:08:00.005-06:00

Kathleen Duffy took this pic before the Irish Couple came onboard.

Had the FCC, Pinkertons, and someone in Peking, China checking out the blog this week. I will still play Steve Earle!

Two Phoning Friends

2008-11-08T12:42:00.006-06:00

I snapped this picture of you guys on Michigan Avenue and found your blog....Loved the car! Congratulations on our victory! Sarah Jessica Jafari

4pm on State Street

2008-11-08T12:04:00.002-06:00

We were walking over to the Grant Park for the Rally around 4pm and spotted Obamalac on State Street!Beautiful car, and what a great advert for Obama! Only wish I had my expensive camera with me instead of a tiny digital. :)I'm assuming the Obamalac will be in D.C. for the Innauguration in January. Go Obama! Deb Paulson, Chicago

French Family Shares in the Victory Celebration!

2008-11-08T11:46:00.005-06:00

On an implulse I invited this french family to share the excitement and join in the cruise on Michigan Avenue. They started a night of memories that will live forever in my mind. They sent some pics and a note.

Hi Rich, This is Thierry, the french guy who joined you with Meggie, Julia & Candice on Michigan Avenue on Nov the 4th for the "great day".We will always keep a great souvenir of this day and especially of that cruise into the "Obamalac" across the streets of Chicago. We would like to really thank you for having make this moment possible and for your kindness. The girls have realized how lucky they were to be in your car a such historical day and I am sure they will always remember you and this day. The weather, the people, the happyness, everything has contributed to make this day a special day. I also want to say how proud the entire world is for what the people of America have done on that election. We are sure that your choice and your wisdom will bring you some better days. We cordially thank you again and hope to see you again, God bless America and his people,

From Springfield IL

2008-11-08T11:33:00.003-06:00

Hi! We are from Springfield, Il and froze back in February 2007. We traveled to Chicago Tuesday to be a part of the Victory party in Grant park. We were not lucky enough to receive tickets, but we watched with great pride on the jumbo tron on the North end of the field! We were even interviewed and quoted in the Chicago Defender. Today, I looked up http://www.obamalac.com/ and saw I could email you the pics we snapped. Our children and friends think your car is AWESOME! Tell President elect and his family that we have supported and believed in him since the beginning. And what a beautiful portrait of THE American Family. Sincerely, Gabrielle Kilby and Keith Fisher

From the Capitol Fax Blog (One of my Sons)

2008-11-06T08:59:00.003-06:00

Ed Scanlan from Chicago sent this pic in.

The following is from my oldest son's blog:

I’m still trying to absorb all of this. There are so many things to contemplate, many of them personal. The fact that I’ve known him for years, even since before he was elected to the Illinois Senate. The private conversation we had long ago when I tried to discourage him from running for the US Senate. Our chance meeting on a public golf course when my then girlfriend swooned and I told her she was nuts. His remarkable primary victory and the whacky season it sparked (Blair, Jack and the Martian). My chuckling at his nickname for my formerly staunch Goldwater Republican and formerly all too white father: “Brother Miller.” My embarrassment at my father’s first words to Obama when I introduced them in January of 2004: “Never change. Never change,” and my concern at how Barack will, eventually change. His call to me during his failed congressional bid wondering why I was being so harsh and his attempt at rapproachment, when I first realized how skillful he could be. The fact that my wife is an Iraqi-American and my concern about what this election will mean for her family and her former nation. On and on. It’s kinda weird “knowing” a president-elect. It makes you think back, as well as look forward.

Wasilla Alaska Watching the Obamalac

2008-11-06T08:35:00.003-06:00

Cierra Hall sent in this pic from Michigan Avenue. Just noticed that someone from Wasilla AK checked out this blog! Suppose Governor Palin is checking out President-elect Obama?

Istanbul, Ankara, and Bursa Turkey

2008-11-06T08:21:00.003-06:00

Donna Oppolo sent in this picture. Must have been a story about the OBAMALAC in the Turkish press because there's been hits from around Turkey. Welcome!

Grant Park Celebration

2008-11-05T19:37:00.005-06:00

I went down Michigan Avenue about 6 pm just to see the people flowing into Grant Park to hear President-elect Obama give his speech. The crowds and traffic forced me to stop and the cell phones came out taking pictures. A couple speaking french approached the car and on an impulse I asked them to join me. (Our kids live in San Francisco, Dallas, Carbondale IL, Springfield IL and Geneseo IL and they all worked and couldn't share this experience.) The couple flew from Paris with two kids to participate in the celebration. We cruised Michigan Ave while the crowd roared with positive response and laughter at the over-the-top OBAMALAC. When I dropped them off three Chicagoans joined me. With the strength of youth, release of 300 years of frustration, and bubbling jubilation they started chanting "O Bam Ma, O Bam Ma...." to the crowd. Arms in the air, smiles on their faces, JOY TO THE WORLD! At some points the crowd was 8 or 10 people deep and blocks long snaking up, then back down and then up Michigan again. The crowd joined in the chants and cameras clicked everywhere. With my CD player and five speakers booming out classic Rock and R & B we had a great time. For a while we had a photographer from the Chicago Sun-Times as a passenger snapping pics. My oldest son has a column in the Times and maybe that precluded publication of any OBAMALAC pics. He used to live at the Doral (151 N Michigan) and that was my northern turn-a-round. We went south to 12th or 14th street and came back. We saw many of his friends and some called or texted him. The combination of victory, fabulous weather for November, slipping schedule, and boredom with an endless, slow moving line created energy that needed release and we gave it to them! For four hours!! Passengers were added and changed all night. A couple from Ireland, more from Chicago, one guy from New Zealand, and such. Reporters from Finland, Belgium and elsewhere grabbed info from us. At about 10:15 the crowd closed in from BOTH sides of the street and stopped traffic from moving at all. On our return trip the cops shut off Michigan Ave by pulling a car and barricades in front of us. The steam left. I'm a great-grandfather and been around for a while but this night was like a dream. A positive, joyous night like no other could ever be again!

Obama Victory Celebration

2008-10-31T10:34:00.003-05:00

The Obamalac will be in Chicago Tuesday night for the celebration! We were there when he was running for the Illinois Senate, on a bitter cold January 07 announcement day in Springfield, IL, and many times and places since and we will be there for the beginning of the "End of an Error!".

Deb Halvorson Team

2008-09-21T21:28:00.003-05:00

Pictured are just some of the spirited people who turned out today to ask those attending the parade to vote for Halvorson and Obama in November! They are such a positive group.

Black Pride Parade, Joliet IL

2008-09-21T21:17:00.002-05:00

IL state Senator Deb Halvorson is running for the US Congress in the 11th District. She is shown here in the Obamalac just before Joliet's Black Pride Parade today. She has been a strong supporter of Sen Obama and I hope we can return that support and help win her race.

2008 Labor Day Parade

2008-09-07T13:28:00.003-05:00

We joined with the Scott County Iowa and Rock Island County Illinois Democrat organizations for the parade in East Moline, IL. I wanted to write "VOTE OFTEN" on the sign but my Chicago son would not like it!

Night Shot of OBAMA '08 Graphic Sticker

2008-08-24T21:08:00.002-05:00

Added something to rearview of the OBAMALAC! Get behind Obama!!!!

Two New Signs for End of Primary Season

2008-08-24T19:27:00.002-05:00

I picked up the Obama Biden sign in Springfield yesterday. The new sign (old one was The Time is Now) was made by Stick 'em Up Graphics of Rock Island Illinois and reflects the change to the November election time and focus. It reflects light also!

Barack Obama Returns to Springfield Illinois 23 August 2008

2008-08-24T12:45:00.001-05:00

Another great photo taken by my son Devin. The camera loves this man!

Democratic Team for 2008 at Springfield IL

2008-08-24T12:41:00.002-05:00

Great shot of the Team taken by my son Devin Miller. Hot, humid, and a day for all time!

Springfield Obama/Biden Speech 23 August 2008

2008-08-24T12:30:00.003-05:00

A shady spot in downtown Springfield the morning of the speech to introduce Senator Joe Biden as his running mate. It was as hot as it was cold the last time we were here!

Off to the Convention. First stop, Springfield and the Veep.

2008-08-22T11:25:00.003-05:00

I'm just leaving to pick up the OBAMALAC at the shop. We had some paint touchup and are applying an update to the trunk lettering. See ya on the road to Springfield, then Denver, then the WHITEHOUSE!!!
NOTE: Health concerns forced me to cancel the trip to Denver.

2004 Convention Speech: Marine Meeting Obama

2008-08-18T19:02:00.004-05:00

Seamus Ahern is pictured next to Ella Mae Winger and the Obamalac at a fund raiser for his brother, the 17th Congressional District's elected rep to the 2008 Democratic Convention next week. Seamus is the young Marine Sen Obama spoke about at the last Democratic Convention when he electrified so many of us! You can see more on this on my 31 Dec 2007 posting.

Convention Delegate Party

2008-08-17T19:51:00.007-05:00

Dennis Ahern poses outside of the East End Club, Moline, IL where they held a fundraiser today to send him to Denver for the Democratic Convention. His Mother, Sue, is in blue, his Son Theodore (3) and Daughter Mary Kate (2) are in Irish Green. His new-born Son, Sullivan Patrick, was inside at this time. Ella Mae Winger, a friend to every working family, is also pictured. Dennis is our elected representative to the convention from the 17th District here in Illinois (17th Congressional seat held by Rep Phil Hare (Democrat), formerly held by the now retired, always revered, and forever respected Lane Evans). We will meet again in Denver!!!!!

New Home for the Obamalac

2008-07-31T21:35:00.003-05:00

We are providing a new home for the Obamalac. A garage 40 foot deep for the big Caddy! It is taking longer to move than I anticipated but we will be ready to go to the Democratic Convention in Denver!! Barack Obama will officially be the Democratic Nominee for President of the US!

4th of July Parade Status

2008-07-03T21:48:00.003-05:00

The Obamalac is back in the shop for transmission leak repairs. We will be in the parades in spirit. Last year it was Bettendorph Iowa and Rock Island Illinois. I wanted to go either there or Sycamore Illinois this year but repairs come first.

Taxman Behind the Wheel

2008-06-26T12:50:00.003-05:00

Mr & Mrs Dave Hendricks check out the Obamalac. He is the Moline Township Tax Assessor and a good Democrat!

Michelle with the Obamalac in Rock Island,IL

2008-06-25T21:14:00.004-05:00

Michelle Young checks out the Obamalac after the Dan Hynes appearance in Rock Island, IL tonight. Michelle Obama can be seen behind the wheel of the OBAMALAC back on the 26 and 30 Sep 2007 blog entries.

Dan Hynes, IL Comptroller, Visits Rock Island

2008-06-25T20:53:00.004-05:00

Dan was in town to talk to and with some of his many friends in the Moline/Rock Island area. As Comptroller of the state of Illinois he is in a key position to know what's going on and what should be going on in Springfield. He spoke to the crowd assembled at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall in Rock Island tonight, 25 June. Here he has some young supporters in the Obamalac for some pics.

Obama, Mayor Daley, and Governor Rod Blagojevich

2008-05-29T22:25:00.006-05:00

This photo was in a caption contest on the Capitol Fax Blog today. It is a well known and respected political news source here in Illinois. (FYI-One of our five sons is the publisher.)

Governor Rod Blagojevich is talking to Senator Obama and the mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley;

I promised Hillary a ride in the Obamalac if she drops out before Saturday!

On The Road To Victory in Des Moines

2008-05-27T18:20:00.004-05:00

Kris and Greg Kroener of Geneseo, IL posed by the Obamalac at a rest area on their way to the Obama Rally in Des Moines 20 May 08.

Another Obama Victory Celebration in Des Moines

2008-05-21T02:33:00.004-05:00

We have won an absolute majority of all the delegates chosen by the people in this Democratic primary process as of today! No imaginary counting, nor wishful thinking, just total numbers won by the rules. This country will not have a third Bush-Boy term so the next president will soon be Sen Barack Obama! The Obamalac is parked near the Iowa Capitol Building today overlooking the gathering crowd of people here to listen to Sen Obama talk about another victory in the primary process of 2008.

The Trip Back To Des Moines Iowa

2008-05-19T20:19:00.005-05:00

Our last trip back on 3 January ended in a victory celebration! It was a with a temperature of MINUS FOUR degrees and without a heater blower. Forecast is 70 degrees above zero and sunshine for tomorrow. The car has been in several repair shops getting the transmission rebuilt and the electrical system repaired but it is now ready to roll. We're just 16 pledged delegates away from reaching an absolute majority. So I'm returning to the site of his real victory for a change! The primary will be book-ended by Sen Obama in Des Moines, 20 May 2008!!

Easy Rider

2008-03-18T18:03:00.004-05:00

It's not going to be an easy ride but the trip will make him a better man in the long run. He isn't riding for himself-he is riding for all of us!!!!! RIDE ON. PLEASE NOTE: The transmission is being rebuilt and they have had problems getting parts. I had planned to go to PA and still hope to get to Indiana and Kentucky in support of Sen Obama.

Time for a Change to Obamalac Operations

2008-01-09T21:01:00.001-06:00

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

Obamalac and 57 Eldorado

2008-01-06T18:31:00.000-06:00

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!"

On To New Hampshire

2008-01-04T15:46:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-04T15:36:00.000-06:00

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!

The Time Is Now!

2008-01-04T15:29:00.000-06:00

Victory! What an experience! What a long way he has come. And the rest of us too!!

Introducing the next President: Barack Obama

2008-01-04T15:21:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-04T14:52:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-04T14:44:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-04T14:27:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-04T14:20:00.002-06:00

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

2008-01-04T14:13:00.001-06:00

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

2008-01-04T13:59:00.000-06:00

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!

Keynote Address "The Audacity of Hope" 27 July 2004

2007-12-31T16:07:00.000-06:00

Obama meets the Marine, Seamus P. Ahern, and later talks about it at the convention.

" You know, a while back -- I met a young man named Seamus in a V.F.W. Hall in East Moline, Illinois. He was a good-looking kid -- six two, six three, clear eyed, with an easy smile. He told me he’d joined the Marines and was heading to Iraq the following week. And as I listened to him explain why he’d enlisted, the absolute faith he had in our country and its leaders, his devotion to duty and service, I thought this young man was all that any of us might ever hope for in a child.
But then I asked myself, "Are we serving Seamus as well as he is serving us?"

Barack Obama Met a Marine at the VFW Hall in East Moline

2007-12-31T15:51:00.001-06:00

A campaign stop by Barack Obama at the VFW in East Moline, IL in May, 2004, turned out to be an event we would all come to know about.

This small place was the forum that introduced Barack Obama to a handful of people, one of whom was a young Marine, Seamus P. Ahern. Later, we would all hear about the fateful meeting when Obama included the meeting in his electrifiying Keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The picture shows the Caddy parked in front of the VFW that day. The Obamalac was a thing in the future. The Caddy was carrying signs for Barack Obama for U. S. Senate, Lane Evans for Congress, and Mary Kay O'Brien for judge. All three easily won their primary race.

Daddy Dean

2007-11-12T19:24:00.000-06:00

Daddy Dean Robb was the senior member of the team at the rally, as he is 83 years young! He was here supporting his son, a twenty-something Obama supporter.

Everywhere Emmett

2007-11-12T19:20:00.000-06:00

Emmett was one of the people assigned to get things done everywhere. A fine young gentleman!

Dynamic Duo

2007-11-12T19:14:00.000-06:00

These two are "Fired Up" and Ready to Go!" Obama loves to yell out, "Are you fired up?" and the crowd responds with, "Ready to go!"

Energizer Bunny in the Obamalac

2007-11-12T19:10:00.000-06:00

This young lady scooted around helping get things accomplished all day long but stopped long enough for this picture.

Family and Friend

2007-11-12T19:05:00.000-06:00

Mother, daughter, and friend join in the effort to support their candidate. Hard workers shared fun and time building some memories for life.

Volunteers Working for Obama Pre & Post JJ Dinner

2007-11-12T18:58:00.000-06:00

These young Americans were working hard Friday getting things up and ready for the Rally Saturday afternoon. When I left the hall following the JJ Dinner and speeches it was after midnight and they were still working hard just starting to close things down!

Barack Rocks the House!

2007-11-11T21:06:00.001-06:00

On his way to give the closing speech at the biggest JJ Dinner ever! His was by far the best speech. I kept a "CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN" sign. He's not a candidate because it's his "TURN" or because he wants to be Secretary of State or something, he's a candidate because we the people asked him to be!!! This country needs him.

Michelle Obama Speaks to the Supporters

2007-11-11T20:59:00.000-06:00

She is standing with one of the two main groups of supporters for a photo op. She gave a sincere and meaningful speech in support of her husband. She said (paraphrase) to one that has been given much is expected much. With THIS woman in the White House you can bet Monica wont ever return!!!

Jefferson/Jackson Dinner- Des Moines, Iowa

2007-11-11T20:26:00.000-06:00

Tex (David B. Gail) is a member of the Obama for President Finance Committee. The Obamalc was parked near the press platform inside the HYVEE Hall. Obama staff and supporters gathered here Friday and Saturday preparing for the the critically important JJ Dinner. In Iowa this is where the election activities become intense. Check column by Iowa's top political writer (David Yepsen) in the Des Moines Register; Obama Makes Hay at JJ. I always like to check the perspective of an outsider so I read through papers like the UK's THE INDEPENDENT. Read the Leonard Doyle story; Obama starts to punch his weight, leaving Hillary on the defensive.

Pumpkin Parade

2007-10-31T16:10:00.001-05:00

Eileen Dubin is in the front passenger seat. She is the Dekalb County Democratic Chairwoman. Steve Slack is sitting in the back seat and waving. He is the Dekalb County County Democratic Vice-Chairman and also serves as Chairman, Dekalb County for Obama Campaign. And in the back seat is another Steve; young Mr Jankowski is a member of the Northern Illinois University for Obama Campaign. Walking just behind the car in a dark vest and white shirt is Matt Duco, NIU Coordinator for the Obama Campaign.

Pumpkin Fest at Sycamore, IL 28 Oct

2007-10-30T21:20:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful, warm, sunshiny day in my life! Sycamore is a beautiful, warm, sunshiny city near Dekalb with some huge old homes that reflect care and consideration. Everything was spotlessly clean and tidy. The people were warm and friendly, providing applause as the Obamalac rolled down their clean streets. And very, very few smokers were seen on the parade route. This picture was taken just before the parade started. On time!

RESPECT

2007-10-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

RESPECT-these kids have it. I was outside of Dekalb having a burger and sitting where I could watch my car and avoid problems from people who do not have RESPECT for other people and their property. They looked over the car but didn't get on it or in it. Most people have that needed respect, but there are enough who don't to cause some of us to worry too much. Thanks to these kids for bringing a needed smile to my heart this day!

Obama in Washington. Iowa that is.

2007-10-03T20:02:00.000-05:00

Sen Obama with a smirk! No, just a camera angle. Virtually any picture that I've taken of him is great. Today is the 15 th anniversary of Michelle and Barack Obama's wedding and I'm sure they will have many, many more. When the two of them are together you can feel the respect he has for her and she for him. There is no doubt in my mind that she keeps him on the straight and narrow. The young lady to his right in the picture is today's host here in Washington, Kiana Scott. She and the staff were congradulated by the Senator for a job well done. I've seen her at several functions and her sincere smile and performance captures your attention and memory! Thanks from all of us who enjoyed the days event. I estimated there were just over 1,000 folks here on this fine day.

Michelle Obama behind the wheel of the Obamalac

2007-09-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

Another pic taken at Muscatine, IA. She said getting behind the wheel of the Obamalac reminded her of her father's car, a Buick 225. He worked for the Chicago fire department and sent two kids to Princeton U! She is so proud of her Dad. And her husband!!

Michelle Obama in Muscatine, IA Today

2007-09-26T20:41:00.000-05:00

Michelle Obama visited beautiful Muscatine and asked the Obama supporters to get the word out on his experience, accomplishments and hopes. She is going on to Davenport later today.

Phillip And Senator Obama 12 Sep 07

2007-09-14T20:27:00.000-05:00

I hope Phillip Tunnicliff was inspired by what the Senator had to say about the war in Iraq. He was in the crowd of people on the banks of the Mississippi to listen to Obama's words on Iraq. Back in 2002 I took my grandson, who was about Phillip's age then, to see and listen to people speaking against war with Iraq. It was an event along the 100 block of North Michigan Avenue, downtown Chicago. I didn't know until much later that Senator Obama was speaking against war with Iraq just a block away from our location that day!

Anna in Davenport Iowa 12 Sep 2007

2007-09-14T20:09:00.001-05:00

Anna Tunnicliff opened her life and shared the experiance of hearing Sen Obama talk about Iraq. It was a warm, sunny evening as she listened to the Senator conduct a Town Hall Meeting. I'm sure she will always remember this night! Note the new Skywalk in the background.

Obama's Iraq Speech 12 Sep 2007

2007-09-13T22:14:00.001-05:00

The next President returned to Davenport, Iowa to give a speech on Iraq and conduct a town hall meeting. He was warmly received by many people and a few trains tooted their support as they rolled by! Jim Kerr, pictured with the Obamalac, has been a supporter of the Senator ever since he first announced his intention to run for the senate. Jim and I worked the precints in Rock Island, IL when the primaries started back in 2004. Jim is an elected official (Democrat) in Rock Island and also is a very good golfer! Picture taken near the LeClaire Park bandshell along the Mississippi 12 Sep 2007 while waiting for Obama to arrive.

Rock Island IL Labor Day Parade 2007

2007-09-03T11:27:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day in our life! Sunny, low humidity, a little breeze, and a gathering of people to celebrate the working people. I had a million "thumbs up" this morning. Thanks to my best friend, the love of my life, my wife Barb for the picture. And thanks to Sen Obama for a promising future for all of us!

With Obama in Fairfield

2007-08-12T23:38:00.000-05:00

He is that tall. My T-shirt is from back in the days of walking precints for Congressman Lane Evans and state senator Obama who was running in the primary for the US Senate. I'm sure he wore that same blue-grey shirt way back then too.

First Obama for President Pin?

2007-08-04T14:59:00.000-05:00

My wife and I attended the reception after Obama was sworn in to the US Senate back in 2005. I had ordered this button and had them delivered to our hotel. The buttons didn't show up until the afternoon but I was able to present one to his wife Michelle. I believe the date was 4 Jan 2005. Can anyone beat that date?

Obama with Obamalac, Fairfield IA 3 July 2007

2007-08-03T13:46:00.001-05:00

His smile is genuine and he is genuine! He has seen the car before but this is the first time he saw it with the Obama 08 decals.

Clifton Advocate.com Blog, Clifton Illinois

2007-08-02T14:22:00.000-05:00

Former Clifton resident, Rich Miller, is making national news with his Obamalac, a 1963 Cadillac convertible he has decked out for Senator Barack Obama’s campaign. Miller, who calls himself "The REAL Rich Miller, is the father of syndicated columnist, Rich Miller, whose "Capitol Fax" appears in The Advocate and many other Illinois newspapers. The elder Miller became an Obama fan after hearing him speak on the campaign trail leading up to his election as Illinois Senator. Miller has since taken the Obamalac to several midwestern political rallies. The vehicle, a head-turner, has appeared in The Washington Post and New York Times. Not to be outdone by his journalist son, the elder Miller also has an Internet blog at obamalac.com .

At the Red Door Resturant, Gilman, IL

2007-07-28T22:09:00.001-05:00

Jamie Eden sent in this picture taken in Iroquois County, IL, 26 July. I was " On the Road for Obama!"

"The Wild Card Election"

2007-07-11T14:12:00.000-05:00

All of the presidential candidates are busy making stump speeches to get their message out. Their campaigns are very well summarized in the July 16th US News and World Report edition entitled "An Election Like no Other." One particularly noteworth article in the issue is “The Wild-Card Elections", subtitled “The Old Rules Don’t Matter. Here’s an Inside Look at What May be a Once-in-a-Lifetime Campaign.”

The article contends that the campaign has started months earlier than usual, America is undergoing profound change which will make this election different, and the election could be on par with the most important elections in history. The print article features a picture of the Obamalac, Hillary, Romney, and Giuliani. The online article features only the Obamalac. For the online article, take a look here.

Barack with the Obamalac

2007-07-08T21:40:00.000-05:00

From the AP. Fairfield, Iowa, 3 July. He's seen the car before but this is the first time he's seen it with the decals on. This car hauled Obama for Senate signs to Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline homes back when he was in the state senate working for the people.

What a smile! He's come a long way and he's going even further!

4th of July Parade

2007-07-08T21:00:00.000-05:00

Bettendorf Iowa 4th of July parade. From the Iowans for Barack web site.

The day started with a morning parade, and to fit in with the old fashioned theme, we sported a ’63 Cadillac convertible with “OBAMA 08” decals on both sides (nicknamed the ‘Obamalac’). If that weren’t enough of a spectacle, the huge number of volunteers walking alongside the car wearing Obama t-shirts, while passing out Jolly Ranchers and Obama for America stickers certainly caused us to stand out.

In all, it was a great old fashioned Fourth. We got to spread the word about Barack to so many people, hand out tons of stickers and signs, and some of us even learned how to paint faces.
And, of course, we had the privilege of walking in a parade next to the Obamalac.

The Time Is Now

2007-07-08T19:47:00.000-05:00

As a young man I remember hearing about the slogan "We'll Be Free By '63!" Back in the 1950's that was a slogan of future promise to people of color. The slogan asked for their patience for a better time to come.

When I had the graphics people make the signs for the Obamalac, I added the "The Time Is Now" as a display line. To me it means Obama is our candidate today, not our black candidate for the future. And he doesn't need to wait for "his turn" like Bob Dole, both Bushes, McCain, Al Gore, Hillary and so many others.

This picture was taken by the Washington Post. There was an AP story about one of the TM guys at Fairfield telling me how the time is always now. As you can imagine we had a very short discussion. I was surprised while watching Tucker on MSNBC last week when his guest, Cliff May, said the comment was his favorite part of the Fairfield story. I'll post the MSNBC transcript when they release it. BOTTOM LINE: It's my car, It's my line, and He's my candidate, today! THE TIME IS NOW!

Extract from MSNBC web site:

TUCKER CARLSON:
Here with a definitive answer to those questions, the President of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy‘s Cliff May. And “Newsweek‘s” Senior White House Correspondent Richard Wolffe. (6 July discussion of Obama's Fairfield Iowa appearance on 3 July)

MAY: Tucker, I don‘t think Americans like empathy. Let me say that. But my favorite part of the story is the Obama supporter who had written on his car the time is now. And a Maharishi follower said but the time is always now.
WOLFFE: Very creative reporting. I hand it to the Politic there. But I was there in that crowd. You could not tell that was a Maharishi crowd. Fairfield does exist as a real place beyond people doing Yoga and transcendental meditation.

Obamalac Is International

2007-07-08T18:54:00.000-05:00

People everywhere are hungry for Obamara and his message of hope. Readers from coast to coast, Canada and Mexico, and elsewhere are sharing info on this blog. Kuopia Finland, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria Spain, So Roque Portugal, and Ketsch Germany are just a few places outside the USA that access the Obamalac Blog! We were fortunate enough to reside in Ketsch for a few years and learn from wise, experienced leaders such as Herr Otto Boxberger!

Clean and Articulate for Obama

2007-07-08T16:33:00.000-05:00

Illinois State Senator Kwame Raoul (13 th District) sent me this hat. We met in Springfield, IL for Obama's presidential primary announcement 10 February. Kwame is a guy that is so easy to talk to, to listen to, and to like.

He replaced Obama in the IL State Senate. I offered to drive the Obamalac to Chicago in support of his election efforts next year.

Obama signed the hat for me 3 July while we were in Fairfield Iowa.

Barack Obama Campaigns in Iowa

2007-07-06T12:45:00.000-05:00

The Washington Post recently published a group of pictures of Senator Obama's latest campaign through Iowa--there is even a picture of the Obamalac. Look for it at number 14 in this series.

Thanks to Tripp Wellde for the tip.

You Tube Video from Fairfield, Iowa --3 July 2007

2007-07-05T21:22:00.001-05:00

Heather Miller (no relation) sent me this video she took of Senator Obama and the Obamalac. Enjoy. Thanks Heather for sharing the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djqj3OZ_jqo

Obamalac on Capitol Fax

2007-07-05T18:13:00.000-05:00

"One of my sons, Richard, writes Capitol Fax, an IL political newsletter and also does the Capitol Fax Blog, thecapitolfaxblog.com. The Obamalac got a mention on his blog today. Rich writes---

" As I’ve told you before, my father is a big Barack Obama fan and has decorated his 1963 Cadillac with huge “Obama ‘08″ stickers. The AP ran a photo today of Obama leaning up against Dad’s car…
And the Politico had this item at the end of a story on Obama’s speech to some transcendental meditation types…
Behind him, a man driving a red, white and blue 1963 Cadillac convertible with the word “Obamalac” and “The Time Is Now” carefully stenciled across it was being gently chided by a wiry, smiling meditator.
“The time is now,” the driver said, as he headed out of town.
“But the time is always now,” the local man said.
Oy.
And I hope he doesn’t get himself on the wrong side of the Secret Service while he’s out there tooling around. A photo here of the Obamalac has this caption…
At one point the owner of this car pulled up in front of Obama’s ride, and the secret service told him to move on.
Oy, again."

Obama and the Obamalac

2007-07-05T10:23:00.000-05:00

The Obamalac and I took a road trip to Fairfield, IA Tuesday. Senator Obama enjoyed the car before but now with the graphics, he LOVES IT! A smile and a heart as big as the Cadillac!! Take a look at this link:

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070704/480/658f7a37f4024c23a5795f134ee7045b

A Family in Geneseo, IL Who Likes the Obamalac

2007-06-06T19:25:00.000-05:00

Obamalac Birth

2007-04-01T10:45:00.000-05:00

Sen Barack Obama will bring this country together again. I wanted more than just a bumper sticker so I had the graphics people make me one to display on my 1963 Cadillac convertible. It was finished in time to drive down to Springfield for his announcement 10 Feb 07. The journey begins!