"Obama is the only democrat with a chance of beating McCain."

I missed the Obama rally at UCLA yesterday, but my friend Ellen attended and brings me this report. (p.s. her dad is a really smart political science professor...)

Hi All,

Okay, so I am kind of mad at myself already for doing this... because I really *hate* getting into political conversations without an invitation to do so...

That said, however, I went to the LA Obama rally today and was just really moved and filled with a sense of hope that I think I had forgotten over the past eight years. A year ago, I made it to a small Obama rally and I was really impressed with his sincerity, politics, ideology, and charisma. I had hoped there was a chance he would make it this far, but I did not even want to let myself hope we could be where we are today--for fear of another political disappointment.

Today, Caroline Kennedy, Oprah, Stevie Wonder, Maria Shriver, and Michelle Obama spoke at UCLA. They were all inspirational in their own ways. I don't want to make this an unbearably long email, but I will say that Michelle Obama was powerful, insightful, hopeful, and so fierce. I was blown away. (you can check out the footage online and on c-span... I would highly recommend checking out Michelle's.)

Since you all know my dad, I will also tell you that he has of course been following the polls very closely... and when it comes down to numbers, it looks as if Obama is the only democrat with a chance of beating McCain. Hillary's numbers do not begin to compare. This is a time, then, when I think it is very important to think about the Democrat who can win. I have more information/stats/articles about this, but I don't want to overwhelm here. SO, if you are interested, please let me know... if not, I am really sorry to have bothered you.

This is a really exciting moment in our history, and I hope that no matter what we can all encourage our friends and family to vote this Tuesday!

lots of love, e