Jersey City for Obama, the group dedicated to organizing JC residents to elect the Democratic nominee, held its final Obama-fest event last Saturday night as the 2008 election winds down towards a close.
Mahaley Bowles has been the group’s president and founding member since October of 2007. Saturday night, however, she played the role of master of ceremonies in an event called “Barack da Vote.” Obamaniacs gathered at the Embankment bar and grill on Erie and 10th Street, where Bowles told everyone that it was to be a night dedicated to “music and fun and enjoyment.”
The event gathered various musicians who were inspired by Obama’s mission for change, including rappers Justice and Wes-E, as well as singer/songwriter Wanda Willis.
“Our country is involved in two wars, our economy is terrible, and we’re losing jobs and homes every day,” said Justice, the artist responsible for the track “Obama Day” (a catchy rap song sung to the tune of “Lovely Day”). “Now we have an African-American candidate who looks like he’s going to bring real, postive change. Me doing this track is a way to show I am appreciative.”
Barack da Vote drew less numbers than usual. Earlier Saturday morning, Bowles organized a politcal rally at NJCU where New Jersey governor Jon Corzine, New York governor David Patterson, and New Jersey senator Robert Menendez all spoke to raise enthusiasm for Obama.
“We’re mentally and physically exhausted” said an optimistic Bowles. “I have a friend who sends me a text every day saying, ‘5 days…4 days.’ Personally, I’m expecting a sweep.”
When asked about the “McCain: What If” situation, Bowles screamed for 10 seconds and asked, “Where is my knife!” She finally calmed down enough to explain that she “would be extremely discouraged with the voters of America,” and that it would be “another president who was selected, not elected.”
Until Tuesday night, voters on both party sides will continue to bite their nails.
This was a well thought out blog. I really appreciated this; i felt like i was there. There is no more bitting nails, its a leap of joy and hope since Obama was elected president of the United States.