Thoughts from attending the Obama-Clinton debate party in a small town

I joined other Democrats at the Berkeley County Democratic headquarters to watch the debate. I only watched part of it. There were 22 people there at one time, though a few left early.

One of our Democrats brought a birthday cake for one of our other local Democrats. We also signed a get-well-sooon card for one of our older frequent volunteers in the hospital. I suggested we send in a phonebank list to keep her busy. She'd probably do it. Hopefully she's better soon.

Regarding the debate, as others have pointed out, the questions from the ABC "moderators" reached historic lows. There were numerous groans from the local people over several of the questions. One woman yelled at the TV, "We want issues."

Overall the local Democrats were still very upbeat about the success of the Berkeley County Democratic convention.

Here's a photo taken by one of our local Democrats, Ryan Frankenberry as we elected at large seats for the women. This is nearly two hours after it began, iirc, and most of the crowd has left. This is what democracy looks like - at the county level at least.

Berkeley County Democratic Association President Bill Yearout was happy tonight because I finally paid my long overdue dues (like getting blood from a turnip). Berkeley County Democratic Executive Committee Chairman John Fink spoke excitedly about an upcoming visit from Gov. Joe Manchin and Sen. Jay Rockefeller (note to self: write up an advance on it). Four years ago, we were one of just three counties not to vote for Manchin. Many local Democrats at the county party level could easily be described as Zell Miller Democrats. Yet while John Kerry lost in 2004 in Berkeley County, the local Democrats - at least those who stayed and the new ones brought in by the race - and countless volunteers from Project Next and other groups, helped expand the Democratic Party.

2000
Al Gore, 8,797
2004
John Kerry, 12,244

The Obama campaign already has staffers working across the state. Yet another one arrived today. Together with the volunteers who have been working for months, there's many more people coming into the local fold.

One of the things I really like about the Obama campaign is in many ways it's like Howard Dean's 50-state strategy. The campaign is invested in growing the party and not just in his candidacy. Obviously the Obama folks expect that to pay off electorally come November, but it does have benefits to other candidates at other levels.

In 2004, it was hard to find our local candidates at events for other candidates. This year, they're making themselves highly visible.

Those of us who suffered through the defeats of November 2004 in Berkeley County and stuck with it have a lot to feel good about as we go into 2008.