The Dirty Untold Story of what happens at a Caucus

From an email from a fellow Buddhist for Obama (from Maine)

In the end, I feel I should leave the phone calling to others who are
more aggressive in approach. I may have spent too long chatting with
folks, "wasting" valuable time. However, when I got to the caucus,
there was a woman there who told me I had called her, and she thanked
me for being so "human". Funny comment, but it is making me re-think
my position on not participating in any more phone banks.

As to the caucus in my rural community: It was a beautiful experience!

One woman cried as she talked about her hopes of having a woman in
the White House at long last. Those who didn't want (or like)
Hillary Clinton expressed sympathy and kindness towards this woman
whilst still making it plain that they felt strongly about Obama.
And in the end, this woman, who was so passionately for Hillary,
stood alongside the Obama group.

As a small group of thirty people (which was a lot for this very
small town), we actually tried to reach consensus. Though that
didn't wind up happening - three people would not budge, noone
treated anyone with disrespect. There was disagreement, yes, but it
was obvious that everyone was trying to communicate without harmful
language.

This is not like my previous experiences at caucuses where there was
rancorous debate and hostility that took my breath away (though in
another town for any of you reading this from where I live!)

I do believe that Barack Obama is setting the tone. As a Buddhist,
this makes my heart soar.

No, Obama is not the messiah and we are not part
of some cult, as many of those who don't "get it" have mockingly
accused us of believing or being. One woman at my caucus who had gone
to the rally said to me "I went to the rally totally undecided. I
didn't get in. When he came out and spoke to us, I felt emotions
that I didn't understand. I got all choked up and it took me until
the next day to figure out what those emotions were. I'm embarassed
to say it, but it was love."

Love and hope can change the world. With an open heart, we can move
mountains, not just make incremental changes.

loving kindness to you all

Thank you :)

good luck to your candidate.

Thank you for this post.

I had the same kind of affirmative experience here in Washington State.

(originally from Spokane)