When did you "fall in love" with Obama?

[Catshrink]

for me it was when he did the opening for the Bears MNF game.... "I'm ready, for the Bears to go all the way, Baby!"

And then he flashed that 100 megawatt smile. I was hooked -- and then I started listening.

I'm ready, for Barack Obama to go all the way, Baby!

[Oceansaway]

1. i sat up and took notice when iowa

chose him back in jan.

[Demi_Babe]

2. when he was on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and danced ;-)

[Catshrink]

3. Oh yeah, that too!

[democrattotheend]

4. The night he won South Carolina

I guess I had "fallen in love" with him before that, but that was the moment I realized I could no longer stay on the sidelines (I had tried not to get too invested in the primaries to keep my eye on the ball for the general) and had to get involved.

[BuyingThyme]

5. When he promised to pursue Bush and Cheney to the gates of hell.

[Lorien]

6. I never have. But I support him

my politics put me more in line with Kucinich, so Obama is far too conservative for my tastes-but obviously he's a much better choice than the extremists that the GOP offer up. I'm not sure if America will ever vote for someone who is as liberal as most left wing politicians in Europe or Scandinavia, not unless huge improvements are made to our educational system.

[NMDemDist2]

19. agreed n/t

[11 Bravo]

7. I'm in love with my wife. I respect and believe in Senator Obama and will bust my ass ...

to ensure that he is the next President of the United States.

[mscuedawg]

8. He piqued my interest back in 2004 at the DNC...and I sat up and took note of who he was...

...but I have to say I knew in my heart he was who we needed the night he accepted the Democratic nomination...

[No Elephants]

9. Um, I strongly support him. I am not in love with him, nor do I worship him.

[ecstatic]

26. Don't fight it!! nt

[renie408]

10. Standing in line in Charlotte, NC, with 10,000 other people who couldn't

even get into the rally. Then we heard his voice over the loudspeaker and everybody started saying, "hush! LISTEN!". And 10,000 people stood stock still and strained to hear just his voice...you couldn't understand the words. I got teary eyed just hearing the sound of his voice and so did many people standing around me. It was then that I realized that I was in love with Barack Obama. Because for the first time, I was truly inspired by a politician.

[ecstatic]

11. I don't know when. It was a slow, steady process

I know it was before he wrapped up the nomination in June because the smears and innuendo really started to get to me and I was truly scared for his safety at one point. I was just thinking the other day how emotionally invested I am in this election.

[cali]

12. fall in love? ugh. I don't love him. I respect him. I support him

I started supporting him in December of last year.

[WeDidIt]

13. October 2, 2002 in Federal Plaza, Chicago, IL

I heard this skinny guy say, "I'm not opposed to all wars. I'm just opposed to dumb wars." I asked a guy close by who he was. The guy said "Barack Obama, he's in the state Senate". I said, "HE should be president."

[Arkansas Granny]

14. I haven't "fallen in love" with Obama. I support him as the Democratic candidate

for President, but I wouldn't call it love.

[gademocrat7]

15. when he addressed the 2004 Democratic convention.

[MadinMo]

25. Me too. I was completely smitten then and hoped he would go on to do great things.

As I remember I even cried tears of wonder and joy.

[Window]

34. That was it for me, too.

[vanbean]

62. The convention did it for me as well.

As a staunch Edwards support throughout the primary's I had a hard time letting go of Edward but slowly I leaned toward Obama. His speech and really all the speeches delivered on him behalf really got to me and now I realize that he is truly the candidate that will bring around our country. (I also really want to see Michelle as the First Lady as well)

[racaulk]

16. To be honest, he's still growing on me.

Although I like him much more now than I did during the primaries, I can't say that I'm "in love" with him. He's not a paragon of virtue, but then again, no one is.

But I fully support his bid for the Presidency, not only because a McCain Presidency would be a nightmare, but because I agree that he is the right person for the job. Obama's leadership is what our country needs at this moment in time.

GOBAMA!

:bounce:

[PinkSunset]

17. His speech at MLK's church Jan 20, 2008

It made me cry

I rewatch it often. He doesn't go for the heartstrings as much these days, and I understand that he is moving more towards the statesman/presidential image with good reason. However, this is the type of speech that inspired me to really have HOPE that things could change.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf0x_TpDris

[weezie1317]

18. It's not being "in love"! It's knowing he's the right person for the job of President.

[Political Heretic]

20. Never. I'm not a hero worshiper.

For the first time in a while, I feel like we have a candidate for president who truly has some vision, intellect and integrity to be a good leader. But Obama is not the messiah. He buys into the basic idea of a global war on terror. He's not ready yet to question, fundamentally our aggressive military role all over the world. He isn't (and neither is any other electable politician) yet ready to get serious about things like corporate welfare, though it is entirely possible that one of the silver linings of this financial crisis cloud may be that he will get ready in the future.

He's not where we need to be on Trade, he's not where we need to be on a living wage, a real measurement of poverty or a plan to cut poverty in half in ten years (for that plan, you'll need to google that phrase and add the center for american progress.) He wants to pull troops out of Iraq so we can put them INTO Afghanistan and I think that's a mistake.

HOWEVER -

I believe that Obama is a person of character and integrity. I have become convinced of the election cycle that he is sincere in his desire to work for the people rather than just a few elite interests. Will he do the perfectly? Probably not, but I believe he's sincere. His intellect is very important to me, as is his temperament. I'm proud to cast my vote for Obama this November, but I think its important that we not engage in hero worship. As Obama himself said, We are the change we've been waiting for. Not one leader. Us.

[Lorien]

30. Exactly

He's not where we need to be on climate change or the Patriot Act either. Clean coal technology? It doesn't exist. Unfortunately climate change and peak oil are an even bigger threat to our safety, security and survival as a species than the economy or terrorism could ever be, and the fact that it isn't being addressed makes our chances of saving ourselves slimmer by the day. Once an ecological collapse happens, there is no "bailout" as a solution. Hopefully Obama will listen to the experts and take the action needed once he's in office.

[renie408]

37. Hero worship isn't such a bad thing as long as you pick the right heroes.

It doesn't diminish me to have a 'crush' on Obama or to have a serious case of hero worship for him. When I think of what he risks every time he walks out of his hotel room, what his family has taken on, how direct and honest and REAL he is...when I think about how he wants to elevate this country, how he wants to protect the common man and do what he can to take things back from corporations, how he wants to give MY children a better place to live...Yeah, I love him and I have to tell you, I DO have a serious case of hero worship. And I am enjoying it and I would say I am even a little proud of it.

[KaryninMiami]

21. Not sure exactly when it started- but last night, I sure did fall in love again.

I just keep thinking how fortunate we will be to have this man running our country- what an opportunity this is for not only change, but for a major shift in all areas. I'm so afraid to hope too much- the crash for me emotionally if they steal it again (because we know he would win hands down if all the votes got counted)-- will be monumental.

[SIMPLYB1980]

22. After he beat Hillary in NC.

That's when I started to Donate to Obama as well. It was hard for me, but I said to myself if he can beat Hillary in my state he can Win my state, and that could be the Death Blow to the GOP. My immediate family had made the switch from Hillary to Obama by the end of July, and I'm very proud of them. We are working on the rest.

[blm]

23. Behind him for years, now, but won't fall in love till I see real action for open government.

I fell in love with Bill Clinton believing he would change the fascist course that Reagan and Bush's decades of illegal operations put this nation, and instead he protected them throughout the 90s when the opportunity was there to fully expose their deceit and their global fascist agenda. Now Reagan is a saint, and we ended up with Bush2, 9-11 and this Iraq war.....none of which would have been possible without the protection granted throughout the 90s by a few powerful Democrats in position to do so.

I support Obama because I EXPECT him to be a strong advocate for open government and accountability. I hope like hell he follows through.

[Barack_America]

24. I don't love Obama. I love what he inspires in people. nt

[MorningGlow]

27. When he took the Dem nomination, I was fine with him, but

I didn't actually fall for him till I watched one of his stump speeches online. I can't remember which one it was or where--I think it was in a school gym--and he broke from his usual speech, turned to an audience member, and said, "You, sir! Get off the phone!" He said it in such a good-natured way, and he kept on riffing on him, and I thought DAMN, this guy is SO relaxed and confident. And I knew he could deal with political asshats in a funny but firm way. :loveya:

[Marrah_G]

28. I haven't. He has my vote though.

These types of posts creep me out.

[MoJoWorkin]

29. I met and got to talk briefly with Barack at a S.Illinois farm rally in October of 2004.

I was so taken with his warmth and intelligence. I tell you, you could feel his aura.
I had watched his speech at the 2004 convention, and was very impressed--- but seeing and talking with him in person---I knew right then and there he would be President some day. I saw him that day as the best of Jack, Bobby, and Martin all rolled into one glorious human being. (I can say that with some authority and memory due to my being a teen during the 60's. LOL)

[WePurrsevere]

31. Well, I'm deeply "in love" with my DH but I can honestly say that I'm "in LIKE"...

with Barack Obama. ;) When I first saw him speak at the Dem convention in 2004 I was floored. I actually called my DH over and said, "Take a good look at this man and remember his name. Isn't he an amazing speaker? I have a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of him.".. DH was impressed (NOT an easy feat) and agreed. Our respect and admiration has only grown from there. :)

[RoadRage]

32. DNC Speech - 2004.

The second he stepped off that podium, I knew we'd be seeing a hell of a lot more of him. But, i'll admit even I didn't think America would elect a black president this quickly.. i figured he'd be a 2012 or 2016 guy.

I'm shocked and amazed that it could happen sooner rather then later.

[yellowdogintexas]

43. DH was on the road; I sent him an email that night: "I just saw the first Black Pres

tonight."

To be truthful, I did not think he would run this soon, but I felt in my gut that he would succeed if he did.

[Mad_Dem_X]

49. My husband said that the moment he heard Obama

at the 2004 DNC, his first thought was, "That man will be President some day." Who knew it would be this soon? :)

[davidpdx]

33. I started supporting him around April of 2007

and what a year and a half it has been.

[tomreedtoon]

35. Saturday Night Live.

The fact that he was willing to make a little fun of himself - and his opponent at the time - showed he was a guy I could really like as President. If I had been in the audience there (not that I would ever go to New York again in person, I'm not suicidal) I would have collapsed.

[barack the house]

36. Well not in love but liked him since he won his senate seat and said dispite the GE loss he was >

still fired up.

Comes on to the stage with his family all dressed in white. Everyone was downbeat and he was enthusiastic as can be, "I don't know about you guys but I'm still fired up, I'm still gonna keep fighting for healthcare, still going to work to end this war and if you work with me we will change this country." The campaign for me began right there non stop day and night to this very day. Well there was an interlude for Kucinich who was more right on the single payer, but returned to base after DK ended his campaign.

[Sodan]

38. I don't love Obama - I don't hate McCain.

Love and hate are for people I know personally.

[Virginia Dare]

39. I've been crushing on him for a while...

he is a very fine looking man :)

He earned my respect and admiration when: 1) He was able to beat the Clinton political machine 2) After I read his books and learned about the kind of person he is

[Bluenorthwest]

40. Not love. Identification

I really connected and unidentified with Obama as a person when that interview with the kids and Michelle happened one day. The interview was charming and nothing but good for Obama politically. I'm not in favor of using kids as election tools at all, so when the interview concluded and Barack was clear that he did not plan that, was not thrilled that it happened, and he said it would not be happening more, that is when I connected with him. He was not thinking as a politician but as a father. And that sealed the deal for me. He put his children first, and was not comfortable 'using' them, even when it was so clearly to his advantage politically. Sweet.

[riverdale]

41. When I heard Obama say something on the campaign trail which was quite heartening.

There was a question about listening to your Generals. I thought he would give the standard answer (I love honor and respect those generals so much), but he came out strong. He said that the Generals were going to listen to him, because he would be their Commander in Chief. I heard that and thought, "Damn!"
A rare instance of a Dem having some balls. Of course, sad to say, he forgets his balls some of the time, but he's about as good as we can expect from a major party nominee.

[Peacetrain]

42. I don't love Obama, I respect him..

He is the best person to lead , bar none.

[OnionPatch]

44. That first speech he made at the 2004 convention.

I had a real feeling about him then. Still, I supported Edwards at first because I agreed with the focus of his campaign. When Edwards dropped out, I started paying more attention to Obama and realized I should have been supporting him all along.

[bdamomma]

45. at the 2004 Democratic Convention after he finished speaking.

I said to myself that man is going to be President some day, I hope my premonition comes true.

[madrchsod]

46. small gathering in the downtown of ronald reagan

when he ran for the senate...one just knew he was going to be something really special.

[Jennicut]

47. When he won Iowa and gave that awesome speech. I was hooked.

He is such a sweet guy with a great family and great ability to inspire. I knew then when he beat Hillary and Edwards that night that we had something special.

[Mad_Dem_X]

48. He got my respect and full support when

I realized he was a fighter. That he wasn't going to take any bullshit the Rethuglicans threw at him. That's when I knew we had the best candidate on our side. I'm not in love with him, but I respect the hell out of the man and I think he'll make a terrific President.

[carpe diem]

50. when i read

Dreams from my Father...

[JNelson6563]

51. In America I think there's even a place for a skinny kid

with a funny name.

Something like that at Dem convention in 2004. When he wrapped up his amazing speech with that amazing line I knew we were going to see a lot more of this guy and I looked forward to it.

Julie

[BlooInBloo]

52. 2004 Convention.

[redqueen]

53. When I learned about his career choice after graduating.

It says so much about him and his priorities.

[redqueen]

54. Also, is your "fall in love" term a nod to Clinton's line about pre- and post- primary politics?

That's what I immediately thought... but others seem to be interpreting it literally.

:shrug:

[Left Is Write]

56. I figured the OP put "fall in love" in quotes because we're not supposed to take it literally.

[Catshrink]

64. Exactly why.

I should have said admire, respect, be in awe, recognize his leadership potential, etc. I was vocabulary challenged at that hour of the morning so quotes was the best I could do!

[treestar]

58. It amazes me the number interpreting it literally even when put in

quotes.

[stuntcat]

55. my favorite time I think was,

Was when he accepted the nomination. The time he and Michelle walked out on that platform thing with the crowd around them. That felt good to watch :)

[Lucky 13]

57. After John Edwards dropped out and Hillary began taking the low road.

He handled himself so well in so many tough situations, I knew he was my guy then. His speech on race was a big moment for me.

[LeftinOH]

59. I didn't, and I don't. But my respect -certainly....n/t

[Donald Ian Rankin]

60. Haven't, and won't until 2012 or 2016.

Emotional attachment to politicians still seeking power is dangerous.

Ask me again when he's retired, and we can judge him more accurately.

Also, while I like Obama as a candidate, I liked both Kerry and Gore even more from first showings. Obama's attempts to present himself as qualitatively different from other politicians ring a bit false to me, although I think he's a relatively good specimen of politicianhood.

[billyoc]

61. My hatred for McCain is all-consuming. I barely know who Obama is.

He's the Democrat, right?

[StopTheNeoCons]

63. I don't love Obama. I love what he represents, a change for the better