The Obama For America Staff Ball

On Wednesday, January 21, 2009, Jen and I called a taxi to pick us up at our friends’ home. We waited over an hour for the taxi to take us to the Metro station. We wanted to arrive at the Obama for America Staff Ball earlier than we did, but we still managed to arrive before the main festivities began. This Ball was held at the D.C. Armory, and was mercifully close to a Metro station, so we did not have to endure the frigid winter night for long. We passed through an identical security screening as we had the night before, giving us more confidence to our suspicions that President Obama would be attending. When we arrived the whole Armory was full of campaign staffers and their guests.


(Here are a few pictures of the Staff Ball.) The food that was served was really good – much better than even the Western Ball. There was quite a bit of variety – brisket, noodles, stir-fry, cookies, mini cupcakes and much more. Throughout the night more and more food was brought out as well. Drinks were free and plentiful too, though the lines were long. The atmosphere was very festive. After walking around for a while, I eventually met up with people that I had worked with on the campaign in Newark, Ohio and Toledo, Ohio. Many of my former co-workers and fellow fellows were in attendance. With so many people crowded into the building, I was lucky to have met up them at all.
With much excitement, Vice President Biden’s sister introduced her brother. He gave a very warm speech talking about how much he had respected we Obama campaigners, first as an opponent and then as part of the team. Jen and I moved up higher to have a better view after the Vice President spoke. Actor Kal Penn spoke for a few moments, before introducing David Plouffe who had managed the campaign. He then introduced a very happy President Obama. The President was quite relaxed and one did definitely have the sense that he wanted to stay with us. His remarks were very gracious and humbling. For the President and Vice President, the same introductory and exit music that had been played during the campaign was played. We all knew this would be the last time that would happen, so we were quite literally witness to the very last campaign event of the 2008 election.



















(Some videos of the speeches at the OFA Staff Ball.)
I was very lucky to stumble upon Jeremy Bird, who had headed the campaign’s efforts in Ohio. I was glad to have the opportunity to thank him for his leadership and tell him what an honor it had been to work with him. Bird is now the Deputy Director of Organizing for America aka Obama 2.0.
After the speeches, Jay-Z began to perform. I felt old.





(Some of Jay-Z’s performance.)
Jen and I had a very nice time and were thrilled that we had the opportunity to attend this amazing gathering. It was truly a moving experience.


(OFA Staff Ball Ticket)