Along with about 6,000 of my closest friends, I was at the Siegel Center last night for the annual JJ (Jefferson Jackson) Dinner. What a night!
We heard two fabulous speeches from two wonderful candidates. We connected with friends from across the Commonwealth. We welcomed thousands of young people–many first-time voters–into our party. Their energy and enthusiasm helped make this the most energized JJ ever.
There’s no question that Democrats are feeling hopeful as we move on to November. But as Barack Obama said, hope isn’t just blind optimism. It’s going to take hard work to change this country.
Still, after last night, I actually feel that we can.
I think we will look back on Saturday night as a turning point in Democratic Virginia history–an outstanding incumbent Democratic Governor in the national leadership of a leading Democratic contender for President, a still-wildly popular former Governor poised to give us two outstanding Democratic Senators in 2009, and two strong and articulate Democratic Presidential candidates extolling the virtues of Virginia and Virginia Democrats. It was an honor to be there, and an evening that I won’t soon forget. Oh, and the reality that it will take hard work to change our country seemed a little less daunting and a little more achievable.
Just wondering. If Sen. Obama begins telling Americans about how he wants to “change America,” would he still be able to get elected? Inquiring minds want to know!