Maryland Primary - Barack Obama keeps his eye on the ball

I had one of those all too rare experiences on the DC Metro today. I was rushing to catch the train when a kid, maybe 6, dropped a little bouncy ball on the platform. He reached for it, but knew the train was coming, so when he saw that he might not be able to get it and catch the train with mom he pulled back, ready to let it go.

I was able to reach down and snag it (left handed too) on about the fourth bounce and give it back to him. "Thanks". That was a smile I'll never forget. Don't we all enjoy the opportunity to help someone, especially a child?

As the ride home continued I thought about the joy on that kid's face and somehow I wound up connecting this very satisfying and moving little event, to Barack Obama's victory speech in Madision, Wisconsin last night. (Full text) He repeatedly mentions stories involving families, children, and interweaves those familial themes with hope in the American Dream. He believes all of America can be full of hope, joy and gratitude, like that kid.

As many Marylanders said in interviews heard on WYPR today, Obama is an "inspiration", a "once in a lifetime leader" and "won my heart" . It is indeed rare to come across a politician like Obama, seemingly comfortable in his own skin, redirecting the attention he garners back to the "Dream" and not to himself and is not only an excellent speaker, but a charismatic one.

Maryland Democrats obviously responded to the Obama led enthusiasm and overwhelmingly voted for Obama over Hillary Clinton. Will the passion crest at some point or are we all committed true believers? Will we rationally examine Senator Obama's voting record? Will we look at the facts (factcheck.org)? John McCain probably hopes so....because if the emotional momentum keeps rolling up nothing (including facts) will keep Obama from the White House.