OH, NW, you have just made everything so much better. I live in a very red place with overwhelming Trump support and a family that voted for him. Even though I don’t post I visit and find this a place of refuge and also inspiration to continue the fight toward a more perfect union.
You made me cry. I just got home and I just feel this heavy feeling….this pall… and I could not imagine facing the future without all of you with me. To lift me up, to make me laugh, to inform and to push us forward. This is my family and I love all of you. Deep in my heart, I feel like we are kindred spirits and I look forward to spending a little bit of each day with all of you.
Thank you, Nerdy. Thank you so much for keeping the lights on….Chips, I love and miss you. You are the inspiration. Thank you isn’t enough:) You are never far from my thoughts.
Now, I have to catch up. You made me happy, Nerdy. A light in an otherwise dark time
There once was a blogger named Nerdy
Who once had us all disconcert-y
But she gave us a prize
Which was quite the surprise
TOD survives and we get to stay wordy …
Ahem …
With Nerdy!
Great news! Thank you so much, Nerdy Wonka, for all the hard work you’ve put in to keep TOD going! In my book, you are truly awesome! For an oldie person like me, it’s smart, fearless and dedicated young people like you that continue to renew my hope about the future of this country. Once again, thank you so much for all you do for TOD! I wish you and your family all the best in 2017 and beyond!
Good evening Nerdy & TOD! Thanks so much Nerdy for clarifying – and for letting us know that TOD will continue 🙂 I’m so thankful for this place, and I feel that we need each other NOW more than ever!!
🙂 🙂
Thanks Nerdy, Chips, everyone!! We shall keep on keeping on…
Yeaaaaaaah!!!! I WAS HAVING AN ANXIETY ATTACK!! I don’t comment a lot but I read TOD every day. Ask me for a donation to keep it going in any form. (Big sigh of relief) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Oh thank you thank you dear NW!! Now I can sleep soundly tonight, and have the strength to get through tomorrow!! Thank you for keeping the TOD candle and all of our hopes burning bright! ❤❤❤❤😘
So now I am crying again, but this time in relief! THANK YOU Nerdy! Don’t think I could take this loss tomorrow as well. We love you and appreciate you!
So happy to hear this, Nerdy! Speaking of warriors! Reading all the goodbyes made me realize that I’ve been here for almost a decade! The site and all you wonderful people mean so much to me. Please let us know if you need any help.
Thank you for carrying on TOD, I would be lost without it. And thank you to all the TOD contributors…I’m so grateful that I found you and even more grateful that you will continue to inspire and awe ❤
Thank you so much….I have stockpiled 2 weeks worth of The Obama Diary as I plan to read, enjoy and bask in the words of all who loved this President as much as I do. Everyone says we must give this new administration a chance, be open about our future, I just cannot get past the fact President Obama will be forever “next to” this horrible man who will now be the 45th president.
Thank you, you wonderful person, I love you! Not able to see this keyboard, tears are blinding me. Can’t believe this day has come😕 president Barack Hussein Obama will always be my president, I will NEVER accept the creep who is taking over from him. Love you all.
You have made this warrior very happy and relieved. Thank you for all that you do to keep this going. We will have to be wise going forward to not play into the hands of those that deliberately spread falsehoods and create division on purpose.
On this Day of Infamy, I cannot fully express how much this means to me and I’m sure all of us. We need each other more than ever to preserve PBO’s legacy and to fight the evildoers. I am grateful to you, Nerdy, from the bottom of my heart.
I am hoping to cut back on my hours for the sociopath in May. Maybe I can help you in some way.
Thank you cannot begin to express how much this means to me.
Thanks a lot Ms. Chips for creating this blog and making it what it is today.
Thanks a lot NW for doing all you could to contribute to and maintain this space and ensuring its diversity and growth.
Thanks for the mini “blog tyrants” for bringing the content and helping to make the space run so smoothly for so long.
Thank you everyone for all the moments we have shared together on this blog.
Thanks for bringing the diversity of opinions, contents, life experiences, creativity and talent.
Most importantly, thank you for ALWAYS support PBO, The First Family and all members of the Team Obama over the years.
We indeed have been blessed.
Ps,
Over the course of these years we have shared on TOD, I have wanted to say this to the who have not always been characterized as minorities but have still been strong supporters of the need to treat everyone equally and for a more Perfect Union.
– Special thanks for those who have not always been the major victims of discrimination in the communities we live.
– Thank you for supporting the minorities everyday in small acts and in vocalized support during times of turmoil.
– Thank you for serving as the ones holding the victims’ hands, listening to the stories and giving a chance for people to be angry, sad and all kinds of emotions.
– thanks a lot for listening, encouraging and never taking others’ expression of the pain of victimization as a personal affront. But instead you have acted as true allies and sources of support during very trying time.
Okay, the wording is clumsy but I just want to thank you for your unyielding support – although you did not have to.
Not clumsy at all, you sum up some of the feelings that I have had about the love and the support that other family members have given to us who are” sisters and brothers from another mother” so I am co-signing.
I will probably be majorly clumsy trying to express this. I am not classified as a minority in our society and I am so glad to hear your feelings. They matter to me and I feel encouraged myself. I have been victimized as a domestic violence victim so there is a sense of understanding what it means when you reach out for help or express the pain and people turn their faces away. Its very very hard. There’s more that I want to say and this is the difficult part. I feel connected at such a deep level to others now. I was never wanting to dismiss or underestimate let alone hurt someone because of their social, ethnic or any other identification but I now know I didn’t understand the depths of love and admiration that I would be feeling towards my fellows when I was in regular community with them. Today any speck of distance I might have ever felt because of unfamiliarity or shyness is gone. Its a great gift as I have discovered a beautiful new garden in which to cultivate friendship and common cause. I’ve come to love when before I had like and its worth more to me than all the gold in the world.
There are a few memories that will sustain me and fill my heart with joy through my disappointments and malaise.
1. 2004 DNC speech
2. Election Night (Grant Park) what a rush
3. Trying to find newspapers in town the day after the election (finally found some in out of the way liquor store)
4. There was the moment, and it was just a moment prior to the inauguration when Citizen Obama walked around and opened the car door for his wife. (I just swooned over that moment, I know they both felt that their world would never be the same)
5. The picture in the elevator on Inauguratuon night.
6. Every picture of the two of them, with cameras flashing and SS around, but you can feel that they are in that moment with each other.
7. State Dinners
8. Bo
9. PBO with his girls (Sasha waiting for Marine One, Malia and Sasha greeting him as he arrived home from some event)
I could go on but I fear my list is a little long for this post.
I will check in on TOD every now and again, but I need to move forward and regain some perspective, cyberstalking the Obama’s was wonderful for eight years but they deserve their private, citizen time.
Oh praise God! Praise Jesus. Thank you Nerdy. I love you. I will be silent from Jan 20 12:01am until Jan 21 12:01am. But I wanted to see pics of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the coup ceremony and video of their departure. I was so worried TOD wouldn’t be here to bring me that but now that I know we will continue I’m so very happy relieved and appreciative. Thank you so much.
Oh. Golly. Gosh. Y’all, these must be stupendous days: someone just opened a twitter account, but if you can believe it, “@MightyPamela” had been TAKEN! Against My WILL! So, settled on @WhenPamela5, and thus now have another set of names and passwords to sift through! Ai yai yai! Can’t bear 🐻 to miss a beat! 🖖🏼👋🏼👏🏼👊🏼❤
I haven’t watched her in a while, but I hear she’s done some good programs lately. Think I’ll catch up on her website– I fear she may not last much longer at the new right-wing msnbc.
I’m old enough to remember when the media & GOP ridiculed President Obama’s appointed officials to serve in various divisions of his cabinent and government. They called them Obama’s “Czars” But now Trump is begging them to stay… #KARMA.
💕👏😍❤. YES! Thank you, Jesus and NW!😍💕. Literally, repeat literally my shoulders have relaxed some. 😍👏💕
Is anyone watching Rachel? She went through a LONG list of things PO did. Astounding to see it the way she did it. If possible, now this is even more scary and sad. Eek!!!!!! 😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰
🙂 As I suggested to Pf earlier, the reporters may not have been fully on-side during the ‘reign of Obama’, but they have the resources to make ‘legacy’ clips and I’m so going to enjoy passing on the *good* ones.
all these pundits falling all over themselves chronicling the President’s achievements…where were these same pundits a few years ago…they do not impress me now
yep I know what you mean.. Twitter is a flood of reporters saying nice informative things.. what they should have been doing every single day for the last 8 years: informing the facts to folks.
*They* don’t impress me, Pf, but since they’re only telling what *we* know Pres O did (and he does impress me), I don’t mind retweeting their tidy summaries [especially since their visuals will be better than anything I could do 🙂 ].
Thank you so much for keeping this very special place open for business. as a 77 YO single women, wasn’t sure what I would do without this home..I spend each day following all of the people here who share love, hope, charity, and information. without this place (living in a very red area) not sure what I would have done to maintain my sanity. Much love to each and everyone of you.
Though I’m not a sports fan, I liked this. I appreciated the unusual path he took to his look backwards, and I particularly liked that his references to Pres O were all very respectful. Good ‘find’, LPlains!
Might I add that if you received this letter in your email, there is an invitation at the bottom to keep in touch with the President….I did that and it takes you to the ObamaFoundation…where you can write a little something… I did. Check it out
“The road ahead will be long,
Our climb will be steep,
We may not get there in one year, or even one term,
But America, I have never been more hopeful
Than I am tonight that we will get there.”… (Prez Barack Obama, 11/4/2008)
Put down the Kleenex. Tilt your head up high. Now shout at the top of your lungs. YES WE DID!!! We Obamacrats, Americans, and world citizens can proudly puff out our chests and say we got us a really fine gem of a president. He not only served us productively during his 8-year tenure, he did so without a whiff of scandal, his diligence razor sharp, his humility and empathy never in doubt, and lit up our dreary moments with that smile and quick wit.
How many of us young and young at heart, and even detractors, can say we’ve ever been so absorbed day in and day out with any President at such a granular level, as we have Prez Barack Hussein Obama? Sure, the technologies of our age simulate such high levels of intimacy with political leaders we may never meet. But the Obamas made us live vicariously in the warm embrace of their hugs.
Beyond policy convergence, we felt their human connection to us to be genuine. Not posturing. And prior to winning the presidency, candidate Obama himself opened the sluice gates to many of us to dive into political engagement through both electronic media and human to human contact in the streets
How many of you got connected politically with complete strangers for the first time by signing up on http://www.barackobama.com and eagerly awaited David Plouffe’s weekly map update? How many of you created “Dashboard” pages on that website to organize people you knew, to volunteer, donate, host house meetings and parties, make calls, register people in the streets, enter registration data, or even quit your jobs to go to “Summer organizing school”?
Be honest, how many of us of a certain age (wink, wink) would have gotten clued in to much of Social media — Twitter, Snapchat, etc. or programs consumed mostly by millennials such as Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis, and You Tube sensations like Ms. Glozell Green, Ingrid “Glamourazzi” Nilsen, Adande “sWoozie” Thorne…., and much of social media lingo, if not for Barack H. Obama?
Besides substantial policy advances, he and First Lady Michelle Obama, made us all indulge in the hip and cool. We dropped the mic and sang soul and karaoke along with them. We ooohed and aaaahed the marshmallow cannon and others at the geeky WH science exhibits. We clutched our virtual passports, got aboard Airforce One on its 400 flights, and trekked all 50 states of America and around the world with them – Dublin, Myanmar, Moneygall, Moscow, Canberra, Strasbourg, Prague, Havana, Dakar, Accra, ……
But why did many of us suspend our cynicism during the Obama presidency? Why did we believe him? The historical track record of politicians has earned that species a well-deserved cynicism. But not Barack Obama. Why? Sure, policy disagreements and all for some, but few besides his virulent opposition and rabid racists doubted his integrity.
We checked our cynicism at the door because he invited us, as thinking people, to embark on the tough journey of making America a “more perfect union” with him, warts and all. He also welcomed us to peer into the depths of his humanity (not like GW Bush looking into Putin’s soul), and many of us felt comfortable, even inspired. He was more than family even if some never physically met him. He never patronized us. He never left us out in the cold. Never.
Some of us ached with anguish when the opposition slammed the political barricades hard in his face at a time when this country teetered on the brink of economic collapse, and we thought “surely, country first, right?” Wrong.
With President Obama, many of us were jolted to the harsh reality that Republicans cared more about raw power than America’s wellbeing. They dragged us through an orgy of vileness on every front imaginable. Worst of all, the electorate rewarded them up and down this country with more power to destroy all the pillars of democracy and human rights that had been fought for with blood and toil. What country is this!
As a naturalized American citizen, whose very first vote in this country was for candidate Obama during the 2008 Democratic primaries, I, along with many of you feel a certain sense of co-ownership of the Obama presidential journey. It was us at our very best! We chose well. Eight years, no scandals. NONE! Competence, class, dignity, vision, empathy, real accomplishments.
Barack Obama is the stuff legends are made of. And we were lucky to witness it, and co-write this chapter of America’s story. So yeah, tilt that chin up. Y’all did good.
“Hard things are hard,” is inscribed on a plaque in the Obama White House. Yep, they are. And once achieved they must be safeguarded with hawk eyes, else a Trump wrecking ball overruns us.
But as President Obama said, we’re just getting started. We’re not gonna turn him into a fossil to gaze at on a pedestal in a shrine. As CITIZENS our task, our vigilance shifts to second gear tomorrow. Foot to the pedal. Stay Woke.
P.S. Our gratitude knows no bounds for Chips and NerdyWonka, who captained this incredible electronic corner of bliss and sanity for our journey with the Obama Family, in a sea of venom. Thank you thank you, thank you.
And kudos to all you fellow travelers on this site. You made this Obama story possible. You made it fierce. Let’s ALL #staywoke.
Oh my goodness. zizi2 this is breathtakingly brilliant, moving, eloquent, thorough, and heartlifting. Thank you for it, and for all your words and ideas and presence. You are right! “…We are not going to turn him into a fossil to gaze at on a pedestal in a shrine.” Citizens with places to go things to do people to see. Waking myself back up, as directed. Right you are!. Forward!
A reminder that Barack Obama spent the night before his January 2009 inauguration honoring his defeated opponent by throwing him a dinner pic.twitter.com/mMBUVv3XZD
Let me start by saying, I am not taking this very well. Yes, we all knew this day was coming, but I never expected that I would take it this hard. In any event, I wanted to take this time to thank each and every one of you for the love, kindness and grace you showed me in the difficult times. For those many years, the ups and downs I had with my late husband’s illness, the hospitalizations I shared. Each time, your virtual hugs kept me going.
When I was unemployed and going to school, this place was solace for me. I came here early in the morning to look for conversation, wisdom, etc.
You were my rock during my difficult days.
Oh, Chips, what can I say? You gave us a place we could come and commiserate, where we felt free to talk to each, share our ups and downs, our joys, and in the process, celebrate this wonderful man that is President Barack H. Obama. Thank you. Words are inadequate to express these feelings.
Nerdy. Wow! You are an amazing, fierce phenomenal woman. Thank you for taking on the reins and just never failing us. We needed this place at different times and you kept the lights on. Please know that what you have done is no small feat. You, as they say, ROCK!!
Again, much love to this large, versatile, and those sometimes rambunctious naughty matters in this place. Our virtual family will forever be, because we have one common thread that binds us all — President Barack Obama. We each know that he has inspired us in ways unimaginable and I know he will continue to do wonders and enchant us for years to come.
I love you guys. I love you. And thank you for the reassurance, Nerdy.
You are a jewel and a gem Africatimes2. What a wonderful commentary. So much here, so beautifully expressed. It is a privilege to connect with you here and on twitter and in the virtual world. POTUS is the common thread that binds us indeed. It is an honor to be woven into this fabric with you and the TOD family. Village. Community. Team. Spaceship. Squad. All that we are. Thankful
Hello, come in, sit down. United States Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California will read you now.
Honey, Maxine Waters is not the one. You may have been told that she is the one but you were lied to. She would like to cordially invite you to not come for her unless she sends for you.
The Representative from California’s 43rd District has been on a grand reading tour of D.C. and I am living for it. She doesn’t care who you are—member of the press, president-elect, young pope, Alexander Hamilton—she’s going to let you have it. She is going to take you down a peg. There are no pegs left in Washington. The town is peg deficient.
I’m tempted to elect Congresswoman Waters as this week’s Shade Bae, but shade is subtle. Waters doesn’t have time for subtlety. Waters knows that desperate times call for shadier measures. She is reading this town for filth.
Dr. Carla Hayden may be the Librarian of Congress, but Congresswoman Maxine Waters has read everything in that building, honey.
………….
Waters’ reading tour began last week at the world’s quickest and sassiest press conference.
Y’all it is 21 seconds long and yet it will give you your entire and complete life.
Here’s the whole transcript:
Rep. Waters: [already over it] Yes?… Can I help you? What do you want?
Okay, we have to pause here for a praise break. She walks into a press conference, stands in front of a set of microphones, and then has the nerve to get salty. I live. She’s treating the press like they’re a bunch of vacuum cleaner salespeople who barged into her living room in the middle of Days of Our Lives. Like sands through the hourglass, this is a read of your life
Reporter: How did it go today?
Rep. Waters: It went fine.
Y’all. How are you going to lead with “How did it go today?” like Rep. Waters is a sullen teenager who tried out for the soccer team this afternoon? How did it go today? You need to play her in better than that. How did it go today? I don’t know. Fine. We’re three minutes to doomsday but there was soft serve in the cafeteria so I’d give it a B+. How are you? How’s your cholesterol level?
Waters is pleasant but she ain’t here for pleasantries. This reporter, y’all, God rest his soul because with three words she just shaded him into the afterlife.
Okay, next question:
Reporter: Can you tell us anything about the discussion in the—
Rep. Waters: No, it’s classified and we can’t tell you anything. All I can tell you is the FBI director has no credibility.
AND THEN SHE THROWS THE WHOLE PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE GARBAGE AND WALKS AWAY.
She didn’t even need to drop the mic. She dropped the whole room. She shows up to a press conference, acts like it’s the biggest inconvenience she’s ever had to endure, and then says that she can’t say anything…except that the director of the FBI has no credibility.
…………………….
I have never seen anything like this outside of a family reunion. Rep. Waters is definitely that auntie who got rich selling Avon and doesn’t really like your father. Or any of these low-rent people. But you sit by her so that she can stage-whisper critiques with a mouth full of potato salad.
BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
……………………………………..
Rep. Maxine Waters shows up for an interview with Tamron Hall, which, I presume, began with Waters saying, “Yes? Can I help you? What do you want?” She then goes all the way in for 60 whole seconds. If this was a movie it would be called Journey to the Center of the Read and Meryl Streep would play Waters.
The whole thing reaches its peak when she says of the president-elect, “I don’t honor him. I don’t respect him. And I don’t want to be involved with him.”
I don’t want to be involved with him!
…………………..
You can’t out-read this woman. She is 78 years old (y’all when I tell you it don’t crack…) and she’s over it. All of it.
When Maxine Waters has a word for you, you need to just bow down. And then get back up and get out because she’s already left the room.
This made me laugh so hard that I started coughing. I come from a line of women who are not the ones to be played with, women who can dispatch an upstart (Child, you need to go sit down somewhere) with a look or one short statement. The one on the end of this is schooled, put in his or her place, never to mess with a grown woman again.
Rikyrah: Thank you for this. Laughing has not happened much today. I needed it and you brought it. Thank you for this and all you share here and on 3ChicksPolitico. Means so very much. Grateful.
Just wanna say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH to the OBAMA DIARY. I know for sure I would have gone INSANE without it…I have directed so many folks who felt just like me/us to this site…8yrs. strong!!!!….PLEASE DON’T END…you have been my rock thru the good and bad!!!! I feel so blessed to have lived in this space and time of PRESIDENT OBAMA and 1st LADY MICHELLE OBAMA He will be MY FOREVER PRESIDENT!!!!
Let’s avoid ALL MASS MEDIA! Folks have suggested just avoiding the coverage of the clownstick inauguration, but let’s send a louder message of resistance! C’Mon there’s 64+ million of us that are sickened by that jackass and the thought of him as the face of our great country.
NO NETWORKS! NO CABLE CHANNELS! NO TALK RADIO!
It’s just ONE DAY and we’ll all suffer the humiliating and disgusting reality for a long time to come.
• Get in the car and take a day trip!
• Stream movies!
• Enjoy a hobby!
• H*ll anything fun and harmless!
Also this on FaceBook. I messaged it to every friend and will definitely do it first thing in the morning:
PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS ON YOUR TIMELINE. ONLY THROUGH INBOX MESSENGER LIKE I’M SHARING WITH YOU NOW!!!
Let’s send the Obama’s out in solidarity on FaceBook, Jan. 20, 2016 by changing all profile pics to pictures of The Best First Family Ever. We need everyone to participate for the maximum impact. In order for this to work. You should change your profile pic on EVERY social media network to an Obama picture.
Question regarding TV’s: I’ve got 5 TV’s in this house. Should I leave them all on? If so? same channel (HGTV, Lifetime, etc.) or each on different channel? I’ll be leaving around 9:30 for a volunteer project, then will grocery shop and couple more stops before coming home. Will probably be 3:30ish when I return.
I am so happy to hear that TOD will live on!! It has kept me informed and educated about so much that is going n in our world. I’m a lurker, but I know you all so well. You are my people, even though you don’t know it. And I kinda feel bad about that because I’ve gained so much from you all and I feel that I have not given you anything in return. But please know that you have inspired me and I have answered to some of your calls to action.
I found TOD by way of the Mrs. O blog. In honor of the First Lady, her legacy, and her fashion, Mrs. T wrote a farewell post. For those of you that frequented that blog, take a look. This is truly the end of a beautiful era.
Nope. I have already texted this info. to others. We know that they will lie about the numbers so we need to get ahead of them. I consider getting information like this out as part of the resistance. It helps to let the world know that the majority of Americans are not celebrating this farce.
I am feeling energized because this site, in whatever form it evolves into, will still be open. Part of my sadness was because of the idea of having to leave the TOD family on the same day that the Obamas left, but now I am even more ready for the coming fray because I have my peeps at my back. I am still mulling on what I can do on a local level to protect and to advance our freedoms and which national organizations to become more involved in. I will share more about what I am planning after we get through the Friday and the weekend.
The Audra McDonald tweet is a timely reminder that helped to put everything in perspective. This will be going on my quote board: “Remember, tomorrow we are not crowning a king, or bowing down to a dictator. Tomorrow our new employee starts his temporary job. We’re the boss.” The essence of this is really what PBO has been telling us for years. Any lingering fears I had have dissipated and I know longer feel powerless. I am still disgusted, but as PBO told his daughters “The only thing that’s the end of the world is the end of the world.” The worst has happened and we are still here. We’ve got this. Fired up and ready to go!
Nerdy and Chips gave us a marvelous ride with the Obamas the past 8 years. Thrilled we can continue the journey together. I will be taking a long walk in fresh air with friends tomorrow and hanging on to hope. Much love…
Nerdy! You rock! Didn’t know how hard I was taking the possibility of this not being here, at least for the next little while, until I checked in and saw your heads up 😽
To any TODers having a hard time tonight:
I lead a BFF of mine in yoga therapy every Friday, and we are both looking forward to tomorrow’s session, as we will need a little Om, for sure!
I wanted to wear something appropriately defiant tomorrow, so I looked through all of my various OFA shirts, as well as ones from the recent HRC campaign, looking for just the right one. Then, I saw it, a navy blue shirt I’ve had since 2008:
“One Voice Can CHANGE the World”
Suddenly, I was lifted out of my anxiety. THIS is what President Obama has always told us and continues to tell us, even now.
Barack Hussein Obama came out in 2004 at the Dem Convention, spoke as one voice and I was changed forever. I know many of you had the same experience. The morning after the election didn’t feel good that year either. I had knocked on doors for Kerry. I was so depressed when GWB won a second term. But then, in 2007, Barack Obama announced he was running and I knew I would be all in for his campaign. He won the nomination, then the presidency, and a second term! I won’t let this current idiocy, not matter how ugly it is, reduce me to powerlessness after everything President Obama has shown us. See, there are millions of us. He’s not going anywhere, we’re not going anywhere. It may get ugly for a bit, but we are still here, millions of “one voices”.
Earlier this week, a dear Aunt of mine died under tragic circumstances. At one moment, I thought about all I had to face this week and now a personal grief on top of all that. I had to tell my mom her sister was gone. I wondered how I could deal with it all. Then I remembered: PBO has had to talk to parents of soldiers, parents of six year olds even, that their loved ones were lost. If he could do that, certainly I could muster up enough courage for what I faced.
It’s time for all of us to show that we are the change we seek. He’ll be watching, you know. Let’s show him what we’ve learned by his example.
Beautiful, MadameSoph! Just when we need a boost, count on someone at TOD to lift us up. I love this: “See, there are millions of us. He’s not going anywhere, we’re not going anywhere. It may get ugly for a bit, but we are still here, millions of ‘one voices’.”
Yes we are. Yes we can. Yes we did. Yes we can! ❤
Just peeping to see what’s going on and read the great news. Thank you NW for all you do and have been doing. Extend my gratitude to Chips and Danny who I hope is keeping her company. We miss them both.
Glad to so many spirited citizens ready to remain alert and engaged as this country begins a new chapter. A very uncertain one I may add.
No TV for me tomorrow but plenty of Netflix movies. I will DVR something, anything to make an impact on the viewership.
NerdyWonka: This post is precious among the precious, talk about running through the tape. It lifted me up on a sad night to see how POTUS is flying his flag of goodness mercy and compassion and justice all the way to the finish line. Love knowing it — and the letter he wrote to us — thank you for these and all of it. Your message at the top of this post is a priceless gift. You are beyond the best. I love seeing how many people are stepping up and saying what this place means and what your work means. What a gift to have this place. Thankful for CHIPS, the founder the nurturer of the TOD garden, the heart and soul of the good place to gather and learn and share. Thankful for you for impossible energy dedication creativity and generosity in running this spaceship through the galaxies, day in day out. You are a great good person and it means the world. May it all come back to you multiplied.
for the last three hours, I have been trying to send one more email to PBO through the White House website but it is not cooperating. I don’t know if it down or overwhelmed.
Note to self: keep trying before 12.01 p.m tomorrow
Sweet dreams when you get there, Nerdy – and thank you again.
Before I run off to dreamland … has this been shared? More people with disabilities (they count 46K) are expected at the March on Saturday than were estimated to have attended the non-inaugural concert in D.C. tonight (40K). Yay! Another kick in the you-know-what for Trump.
My heart is breaking. God Bless you Mr. President and my deeply felt thanks to you and your family for a job spectacularly well done. You will never know how sincerely appreciated your service is appreciated. What a role model you’ve been for the WORLD. We will never forget and we never give up.
Good evening everyone. Thank you Chips for connecting us, Nerdy for sustaining us, and TOD family members for keeping us in the know. I simply couldn’t fathom parting with our Forever 44 and this space simultaneously. That was far more than a seasoned lurker could bear. I am so grateful for your diligence in preserving and protectIng President Obama’s legacy. Tonight, I’m sharing your feelings of heaviness. I’ve shed a tear or 100, but confident that good always overcomes evil and I’m glad to be on the same team as you and citizen Obama.
My forever President. What a time. What lessons you taught. Thank you, @BarackObama. Your work will endure in ways that can never be undone. pic.twitter.com/liPSLWvcHk
Thanks to each of you for sharing the brilliance of your minds and hearts. Its truly been an experience with like minded people. Thank you Nerdy for tag teaming with Chips to keep a good thing going. This spot has been a safe haven and a place where we could get bona fide news. Our minds and hearts has expanded with knowledge and love which abounds here. Thanks to each of you individually as well as collectively. You all are the best of the best.
Thank you President Obama for giving folk a second chance who were serving life sentences for drug charges. You truly are a decent human being.
Many blessings to each of you
Mae
😂😂😂😂😂😂
What a relief!!!!
NW, Chips THANK YOU so very much for -in the future also- giving Your wisdom, time, intellect, sense of humor et cetera, et cetera…
How I love to read again “fired up and ready to go” because for the whole world, please take Congress back!
When I was an exchange student in the US way back when, our class motto was “Finished, yet beginning”, just came to my mind today, because
one is naturally curious to see how in the future President Obama will bring to work his immense “everything plus”.
Today a bouquet for Chips:
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
and for Nerdy Wonka:
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
In my corner of the world, even though winter, the sun is shining!
It is overwhelmingly sad that PBO has to be in his last week before the media and much of the population are willing to acknowledge what he has done for his country and the world. I do indeed sob for how different things would be if the g.d. media would recognize the good of those who want to help their fellow man & the absolute evil of those who have nothing but hate in their hearts.
I’m switching my TV today to anything other than any station covering the travesty. Even if your TV is off, and you have cable, switch it to HGTV or Food Channel or OWN, anything other; & then, if you’re not home, switch it off at those channels. If you leave those coverage channels on after switching off, you’ll be counted in the ratings. Am not giving their coverage any ratings. #TheEmperorHasNoClothes
Hope you all don’t mind, I posted the tunes above so we could listen to something lovely, shake a leg here & there, and forget the travesty today. Cheers my TODers!
Many years ago, when I lived in Ghana, my Dad took us to a particular hotel on Sunday afternoon. We’d have tea, etc., and there was music. At first I wasn’t sure what was happening on the dance floor (I was a bit young), but my Dad & Mum were cracking up laughing. Later, I got it. Couples got on the dance floor and, through dance, expressed their love or angst or troubles. The audience (we) then put in our opinions, either advising, laughing, etc. It’s the best form of therapy I have ever seen. This was called “Afternoon Jump” because it was held on Sunday afternoon. Afternoon Jump involved music, food, conversation, dance. I think we have those categories here to post @ TOD. Why don’t we have an Afternoon Jump where all of us post music, recipes, photos of delicious dishes, dance imojis, whatever …? Have fun & laughter at TOD! Today!
Aloha Gazelle
I love the idea of ‘Afternoon Jump’, both as you describe it from your memories, and as you propose it for TOD. As always, I do wish we could actually, IRL, dance together, share food, and hug when we laugh, but music and conversation– we can do that!
I’ve got my old HOPE pin with that beautiful Shepard Fairey likeness of President Obama that I bought at his nomination DNC in Denver in 2008 and I’m going to wear it with enormous pride today. HOPE.
Thanks Chips and big shout out to Nerdy and the TOD family. Glad to “hear” this haven will continue. Lots of love to Todders especially today – stay strong guys.
You want to feel empowered? Think of today like this…that this begins the moment when the veil comes off the eyes of Americans that have been in denial or asleep for a very long time. It is our jobs, as citizens, to remind the people that SERVE US, that they WORK FOR US, not the other way around. This starts the Time of Enlightenment. We must all grab the mantle and do our part to shine light on the dark forces that have worked against Americans for their own benefit for far too long. We can do this together!!! Make sure that each day, we each do something to bend the arc toward justice. We are all in this together.
It’s safe to assume that Donald Trump and his team aren’t pleased that this is on the front page of the New York Times the morning of Inauguration Day.
American law enforcement and intelligence agencies are examining intercepted communications and financial transactions as part of a broad investigation into possible links between Russian officials and associates of President-elect Donald J. Trump, including his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, current and former senior American officials said.
The continuing counterintelligence investigation means that Mr. Trump will take the oath of office on Friday with his associates under investigation and after the intelligence agencies concluded that the Russian government had worked to help elect him.
The Obama Diary 
Hello everyone,
Yes, there will be TOD after January 20th. We might transition to something else later down the road, but for now we go on as we have.
Keep on keeping on, you AMAZING warriors!
😀 😀 😀
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
I cannot tell you what a relief that is! And how much I appreciate your steadfastness at this particular moment in history.
Love you, girl.
Oh thank you so much! You are the best!
I absolutely LOVE YOU, NW!!!! And, dear Chips, will never, ever be able to thank you adequately for creating and nurturing this fabulous community!!
#FORWARD Together
#TheResistance
#CitizenObamaWithoutTermLimits 🙂 h/t {{{{{{{{{{{Jacqueline}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Ha! I really put your words together, Bob, so it’s h/t {{{{Bob}}}} !!!!
#CitizenObamaWithoutTermLimits
Thank You.
Nerdy you made my day. Thank you so much.
Thank you Nerdy!
OH, NW, you have just made everything so much better. I live in a very red place with overwhelming Trump support and a family that voted for him. Even though I don’t post I visit and find this a place of refuge and also inspiration to continue the fight toward a more perfect union.
I am in the same position. Thank you for saying this. Went right to my heart.
Bless you Nerdy Wonka! ❤
Thanks a lot NW!
You are one amazing person.
thanks for all you do and keeping us together. your creativity, multiple talents and determination are something to marvel at.
I speak for myself (and I suspect others here) when I say that you are loved and appreciated every single day.
thank you sooooooo much 🙂
#YouAreLoved
You were loved before this sweet commitment, and will be loved “down the road”!!!!
Absolutely!!!
You made me cry. I just got home and I just feel this heavy feeling….this pall… and I could not imagine facing the future without all of you with me. To lift me up, to make me laugh, to inform and to push us forward. This is my family and I love all of you. Deep in my heart, I feel like we are kindred spirits and I look forward to spending a little bit of each day with all of you.
Thank you, Nerdy. Thank you so much for keeping the lights on….Chips, I love and miss you. You are the inspiration. Thank you isn’t enough:) You are never far from my thoughts.
Now, I have to catch up. You made me happy, Nerdy. A light in an otherwise dark time
yes, what df said !
Nerdy, you’re the best! Endless thank you’s!
ohhhhhhhhhh…Thank you NW…thank you so much…my heart is Joyful….so Joyful….Champagne for everyone…and Sparkling Cider for the non drinkers…smilinnnnn
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This has helped to save my sanity. YaHooo! the family is staying together!!!!!!!
There once was a blogger named Nerdy
Who once had us all disconcert-y
But she gave us a prize
Which was quite the surprise
TOD survives and we get to stay wordy …
Ahem …
With Nerdy!
#StopWithTheGoofyRhymingJackie
A-hem…
😀 😀 😀
………..
Thank you for the prize, Ms NerdyW!
#DontEverStopWithTheGoofyRhymingJackie!
Love,
MadameSoph
Ha! (Okay, I won’t.)
BwaHaHAhaha! 😂
#DontstopJacque!
That may just be your best-ever poem 🙂
Great news! Thank you so much, Nerdy Wonka, for all the hard work you’ve put in to keep TOD going! In my book, you are truly awesome! For an oldie person like me, it’s smart, fearless and dedicated young people like you that continue to renew my hope about the future of this country. Once again, thank you so much for all you do for TOD! I wish you and your family all the best in 2017 and beyond!
Good evening Nerdy & TOD! Thanks so much Nerdy for clarifying – and for letting us know that TOD will continue 🙂 I’m so thankful for this place, and I feel that we need each other NOW more than ever!!
🙂 🙂
Thanks Nerdy, Chips, everyone!! We shall keep on keeping on…
Yeaaaaaaah!!!! I WAS HAVING AN ANXIETY ATTACK!! I don’t comment a lot but I read TOD every day. Ask me for a donation to keep it going in any form. (Big sigh of relief) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
YAAAAAY!.
Besides, the Obamas are going to be leading our way past this Russian coup, and we’re all going to be RIGHT THERE WITH THEM.
Love you Nerdy!!!!
Greetings from St Kitts!
First time I’ve had a chance to visit TOD in several days, and I’m greeted with this fabulous news!
Nerdy, a sincere thanks for all you do…
It’s The Traveler! ❤
Oh thank you thank you dear NW!! Now I can sleep soundly tonight, and have the strength to get through tomorrow!! Thank you for keeping the TOD candle and all of our hopes burning bright! ❤❤❤❤😘
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
❤🙏🏻🌹😂😂😂😂😂🌹🙏🏻❤
Of NW, thank you, thank you, thank you. You are our warrior for taking this on!!!!!
NW, thank you! ❤ ❤ ❤
This news is much needed on a day like today, and tomorrow. Thanks you Nerdy ❤
So now I am crying again, but this time in relief! THANK YOU Nerdy! Don’t think I could take this loss tomorrow as well. We love you and appreciate you!
{{{Bless you.}}}
So happy to hear this, Nerdy! Speaking of warriors! Reading all the goodbyes made me realize that I’ve been here for almost a decade! The site and all you wonderful people mean so much to me. Please let us know if you need any help.
Thank you for carrying on TOD, I would be lost without it. And thank you to all the TOD contributors…I’m so grateful that I found you and even more grateful that you will continue to inspire and awe ❤
Thank you so much….I have stockpiled 2 weeks worth of The Obama Diary as I plan to read, enjoy and bask in the words of all who loved this President as much as I do. Everyone says we must give this new administration a chance, be open about our future, I just cannot get past the fact President Obama will be forever “next to” this horrible man who will now be the 45th president.
That’s very good news indeed. 🙂
Phew! Thank you so much NW. Bless & much live!
Love, not live, tho I might take latter too!😜
Thanks for keeping us afloat and sane Nerdy & Chips. We are grateful.
Thank you, you wonderful person, I love you! Not able to see this keyboard, tears are blinding me. Can’t believe this day has come😕 president Barack Hussein Obama will always be my president, I will NEVER accept the creep who is taking over from him. Love you all.
You have made this warrior very happy and relieved. Thank you for all that you do to keep this going. We will have to be wise going forward to not play into the hands of those that deliberately spread falsehoods and create division on purpose.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2017/01/13/how-putin-played-the-far-left.html?via=desktop&source=twitter
Thank You, Nerdy Wonka. I was feeling depressed this morning and this is wonderful news! I rarely comment, but I am here daily.
On this Day of Infamy, I cannot fully express how much this means to me and I’m sure all of us. We need each other more than ever to preserve PBO’s legacy and to fight the evildoers. I am grateful to you, Nerdy, from the bottom of my heart.
I am hoping to cut back on my hours for the sociopath in May. Maybe I can help you in some way.
Thank you cannot begin to express how much this means to me.
Oooooohhh, thank you so much NW. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Tomorrow does not look quite as bleak as it would without this wonderful place!
Thank you
Oh thank you Nerdy! The best possible news (other than POTUS staying 😉 ) I couldn’t bear so many losses at once. (((((TOD))))
Thanks a lot Ms. Chips for creating this blog and making it what it is today.
Thanks a lot NW for doing all you could to contribute to and maintain this space and ensuring its diversity and growth.
Thanks for the mini “blog tyrants” for bringing the content and helping to make the space run so smoothly for so long.
Thank you everyone for all the moments we have shared together on this blog.
Thanks for bringing the diversity of opinions, contents, life experiences, creativity and talent.
Most importantly, thank you for ALWAYS support PBO, The First Family and all members of the Team Obama over the years.
We indeed have been blessed.
Ps,
Over the course of these years we have shared on TOD, I have wanted to say this to the who have not always been characterized as minorities but have still been strong supporters of the need to treat everyone equally and for a more Perfect Union.
– Special thanks for those who have not always been the major victims of discrimination in the communities we live.
– Thank you for supporting the minorities everyday in small acts and in vocalized support during times of turmoil.
– Thank you for serving as the ones holding the victims’ hands, listening to the stories and giving a chance for people to be angry, sad and all kinds of emotions.
– thanks a lot for listening, encouraging and never taking others’ expression of the pain of victimization as a personal affront. But instead you have acted as true allies and sources of support during very trying time.
Okay, the wording is clumsy but I just want to thank you for your unyielding support – although you did not have to.
Anybody else cryin’?????
Yes, with relief.
Not clumsy at all, you sum up some of the feelings that I have had about the love and the support that other family members have given to us who are” sisters and brothers from another mother” so I am co-signing.
Lovely.
I will probably be majorly clumsy trying to express this. I am not classified as a minority in our society and I am so glad to hear your feelings. They matter to me and I feel encouraged myself. I have been victimized as a domestic violence victim so there is a sense of understanding what it means when you reach out for help or express the pain and people turn their faces away. Its very very hard. There’s more that I want to say and this is the difficult part. I feel connected at such a deep level to others now. I was never wanting to dismiss or underestimate let alone hurt someone because of their social, ethnic or any other identification but I now know I didn’t understand the depths of love and admiration that I would be feeling towards my fellows when I was in regular community with them. Today any speck of distance I might have ever felt because of unfamiliarity or shyness is gone. Its a great gift as I have discovered a beautiful new garden in which to cultivate friendship and common cause. I’ve come to love when before I had like and its worth more to me than all the gold in the world.
There are a few memories that will sustain me and fill my heart with joy through my disappointments and malaise.
1. 2004 DNC speech
2. Election Night (Grant Park) what a rush
3. Trying to find newspapers in town the day after the election (finally found some in out of the way liquor store)
4. There was the moment, and it was just a moment prior to the inauguration when Citizen Obama walked around and opened the car door for his wife. (I just swooned over that moment, I know they both felt that their world would never be the same)
5. The picture in the elevator on Inauguratuon night.
6. Every picture of the two of them, with cameras flashing and SS around, but you can feel that they are in that moment with each other.
7. State Dinners
8. Bo
9. PBO with his girls (Sasha waiting for Marine One, Malia and Sasha greeting him as he arrived home from some event)
I could go on but I fear my list is a little long for this post.
I will check in on TOD every now and again, but I need to move forward and regain some perspective, cyberstalking the Obama’s was wonderful for eight years but they deserve their private, citizen time.
wonderful list! brings back memories ❤
Oh praise God! Praise Jesus. Thank you Nerdy. I love you. I will be silent from Jan 20 12:01am until Jan 21 12:01am. But I wanted to see pics of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the coup ceremony and video of their departure. I was so worried TOD wouldn’t be here to bring me that but now that I know we will continue I’m so very happy relieved and appreciative. Thank you so much.
Thanks Nerdy. Now I can continue to stay away from the media. You are truly blessed. Hooray for TOD!
Oh. Golly. Gosh. Y’all, these must be stupendous days: someone just opened a twitter account, but if you can believe it, “@MightyPamela” had been TAKEN! Against My WILL! So, settled on @WhenPamela5, and thus now have another set of names and passwords to sift through! Ai yai yai! Can’t bear 🐻 to miss a beat! 🖖🏼👋🏼👏🏼👊🏼❤
Followed!
👊🏼
Okay! I’m following you – YAY!
👊🏼
Just followed you 🙂
👊🏼
done!
👊🏼
FYI:
Maddow did a segment outlining everything that President Obama accomplished tonight.
I’m watching it now, thank you, Rikyrah; I wouldn’t have gone looking if someone hadn’t mentioned it.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/obama-leaves-legacy-of-extraordinary-accomplishments-858759747686
I haven’t watched her in a while, but I hear she’s done some good programs lately. Think I’ll catch up on her website– I fear she may not last much longer at the new right-wing msnbc.
OFFSake….. stand by,
I need sleep. This week is kicking my ass.
I hope Schumer keeps his promise to block Trump’s appointment to SCOTUS for the next four years.
I’m old enough to remember when the media & GOP ridiculed President Obama’s appointed officials to serve in various divisions of his cabinent and government. They called them Obama’s “Czars” But now Trump is begging them to stay… #KARMA.
💕👏😍❤. YES! Thank you, Jesus and NW!😍💕. Literally, repeat literally my shoulders have relaxed some. 😍👏💕
Is anyone watching Rachel? She went through a LONG list of things PO did. Astounding to see it the way she did it. If possible, now this is even more scary and sad. Eek!!!!!! 😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰😰
Yes. AWESOME.
Everyone should watch the rerun of Rachel later…. she’s been amazing lately.
She sure has.
Here’s the link on twitter in case you want to pass it along.
It is Breathtaking. Passing it along.
Hi Kate, sending you best wishes for 2017!
🙂 As I suggested to Pf earlier, the reporters may not have been fully on-side during the ‘reign of Obama’, but they have the resources to make ‘legacy’ clips and I’m so going to enjoy passing on the *good* ones.
🙂 🙂 Agreed.
I posted it on my FB page. Thanks!
Thank you NW for continuing this site!! Saying goodbye to our POTUS and FLOTUS, along with losing TOD at the same time, was too much to bear.
THIS!
Love that. Tomorrow at 12:01 pm-ish, I will tweet #TrumpYouWorkForUsNow
I was going to wait until tomorrow, but why wait?
Brilliant!
And no, you may not have the weekend off. Get to damn work. 🙂
I am very relieved and happy TOD will remain a haven for us. Another loss would be even more difficult to bear.
The Russian fascist dictator can still be taken down.
So, with less than 14 hours to go, can we just call it quits, and have Hillary Clinton take the path of office tomorrow?
So, with less than 14 hours to go, can we just call it quits, and have Hillary Clinton take the oath of office tomorrow?
Whoa! Double post ~ must be an omen
Bulls it
Take note, friends …
https://twitter.com/drbiden?lang=en
I think it really is Dr Jill Biden and we should know sometime within the next 24 h, for sure 🙂
all these pundits falling all over themselves chronicling the President’s achievements…where were these same pundits a few years ago…they do not impress me now
yep I know what you mean.. Twitter is a flood of reporters saying nice informative things.. what they should have been doing every single day for the last 8 years: informing the facts to folks.
*They* don’t impress me, Pf, but since they’re only telling what *we* know Pres O did (and he does impress me), I don’t mind retweeting their tidy summaries [especially since their visuals will be better than anything I could do 🙂 ].
We’ve been shouting the same thing at the tv all night!
Thank you so much for keeping this very special place open for business. as a 77 YO single women, wasn’t sure what I would do without this home..I spend each day following all of the people here who share love, hope, charity, and information. without this place (living in a very red area) not sure what I would have done to maintain my sanity. Much love to each and everyone of you.
“Presidents come and go…but ballers are forever”
Though I’m not a sports fan, I liked this. I appreciated the unusual path he took to his look backwards, and I particularly liked that his references to Pres O were all very respectful. Good ‘find’, LPlains!
Might I add that if you received this letter in your email, there is an invitation at the bottom to keep in touch with the President….I did that and it takes you to the ObamaFoundation…where you can write a little something… I did. Check it out
Yes, I got this too. I signed up for the emailing list. Glad to have a next step with PBO!
i get so many emails…but of course i did not get this one…bummer
Our 2,922+ Days with Prez Obama
“The road ahead will be long,
Our climb will be steep,
We may not get there in one year, or even one term,
But America, I have never been more hopeful
Than I am tonight that we will get there.”… (Prez Barack Obama, 11/4/2008)
Put down the Kleenex. Tilt your head up high. Now shout at the top of your lungs. YES WE DID!!! We Obamacrats, Americans, and world citizens can proudly puff out our chests and say we got us a really fine gem of a president. He not only served us productively during his 8-year tenure, he did so without a whiff of scandal, his diligence razor sharp, his humility and empathy never in doubt, and lit up our dreary moments with that smile and quick wit.
How many of us young and young at heart, and even detractors, can say we’ve ever been so absorbed day in and day out with any President at such a granular level, as we have Prez Barack Hussein Obama? Sure, the technologies of our age simulate such high levels of intimacy with political leaders we may never meet. But the Obamas made us live vicariously in the warm embrace of their hugs.
Beyond policy convergence, we felt their human connection to us to be genuine. Not posturing. And prior to winning the presidency, candidate Obama himself opened the sluice gates to many of us to dive into political engagement through both electronic media and human to human contact in the streets
How many of you got connected politically with complete strangers for the first time by signing up on http://www.barackobama.com and eagerly awaited David Plouffe’s weekly map update? How many of you created “Dashboard” pages on that website to organize people you knew, to volunteer, donate, host house meetings and parties, make calls, register people in the streets, enter registration data, or even quit your jobs to go to “Summer organizing school”?
Be honest, how many of us of a certain age (wink, wink) would have gotten clued in to much of Social media — Twitter, Snapchat, etc. or programs consumed mostly by millennials such as Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis, and You Tube sensations like Ms. Glozell Green, Ingrid “Glamourazzi” Nilsen, Adande “sWoozie” Thorne…., and much of social media lingo, if not for Barack H. Obama?
Besides substantial policy advances, he and First Lady Michelle Obama, made us all indulge in the hip and cool. We dropped the mic and sang soul and karaoke along with them. We ooohed and aaaahed the marshmallow cannon and others at the geeky WH science exhibits. We clutched our virtual passports, got aboard Airforce One on its 400 flights, and trekked all 50 states of America and around the world with them – Dublin, Myanmar, Moneygall, Moscow, Canberra, Strasbourg, Prague, Havana, Dakar, Accra, ……
But why did many of us suspend our cynicism during the Obama presidency? Why did we believe him? The historical track record of politicians has earned that species a well-deserved cynicism. But not Barack Obama. Why? Sure, policy disagreements and all for some, but few besides his virulent opposition and rabid racists doubted his integrity.
We checked our cynicism at the door because he invited us, as thinking people, to embark on the tough journey of making America a “more perfect union” with him, warts and all. He also welcomed us to peer into the depths of his humanity (not like GW Bush looking into Putin’s soul), and many of us felt comfortable, even inspired. He was more than family even if some never physically met him. He never patronized us. He never left us out in the cold. Never.
Some of us ached with anguish when the opposition slammed the political barricades hard in his face at a time when this country teetered on the brink of economic collapse, and we thought “surely, country first, right?” Wrong.
With President Obama, many of us were jolted to the harsh reality that Republicans cared more about raw power than America’s wellbeing. They dragged us through an orgy of vileness on every front imaginable. Worst of all, the electorate rewarded them up and down this country with more power to destroy all the pillars of democracy and human rights that had been fought for with blood and toil. What country is this!
As a naturalized American citizen, whose very first vote in this country was for candidate Obama during the 2008 Democratic primaries, I, along with many of you feel a certain sense of co-ownership of the Obama presidential journey. It was us at our very best! We chose well. Eight years, no scandals. NONE! Competence, class, dignity, vision, empathy, real accomplishments.
Barack Obama is the stuff legends are made of. And we were lucky to witness it, and co-write this chapter of America’s story. So yeah, tilt that chin up. Y’all did good.
“Hard things are hard,” is inscribed on a plaque in the Obama White House. Yep, they are. And once achieved they must be safeguarded with hawk eyes, else a Trump wrecking ball overruns us.
But as President Obama said, we’re just getting started. We’re not gonna turn him into a fossil to gaze at on a pedestal in a shrine. As CITIZENS our task, our vigilance shifts to second gear tomorrow. Foot to the pedal. Stay Woke.
P.S. Our gratitude knows no bounds for Chips and NerdyWonka, who captained this incredible electronic corner of bliss and sanity for our journey with the Obama Family, in a sea of venom. Thank you thank you, thank you.
And kudos to all you fellow travelers on this site. You made this Obama story possible. You made it fierce. Let’s ALL #staywoke.
👊🏼
ALL of THIS!! You have eloquently summed up so much of what I have been thinking and feeling.
Oh my goodness. zizi2 this is breathtakingly brilliant, moving, eloquent, thorough, and heartlifting. Thank you for it, and for all your words and ideas and presence. You are right! “…We are not going to turn him into a fossil to gaze at on a pedestal in a shrine.” Citizens with places to go things to do people to see. Waking myself back up, as directed. Right you are!. Forward!
So beautifully written!
GE, while our one note press is all about pumpkin head; this is only one of the many stories being reported in the rest of the world:
I saw that earlier on the teevee somewhere – you know President Obama’s team had been carefully watching the situation. That’s all I’ll say.
America pay attention
Hmmmmmmm????
OMG. Trump will be receiving the “nuclear codes” tonight or tomorrow morning. Pray, people.
Dear friends,
Let me start by saying, I am not taking this very well. Yes, we all knew this day was coming, but I never expected that I would take it this hard. In any event, I wanted to take this time to thank each and every one of you for the love, kindness and grace you showed me in the difficult times. For those many years, the ups and downs I had with my late husband’s illness, the hospitalizations I shared. Each time, your virtual hugs kept me going.
When I was unemployed and going to school, this place was solace for me. I came here early in the morning to look for conversation, wisdom, etc.
You were my rock during my difficult days.
Oh, Chips, what can I say? You gave us a place we could come and commiserate, where we felt free to talk to each, share our ups and downs, our joys, and in the process, celebrate this wonderful man that is President Barack H. Obama. Thank you. Words are inadequate to express these feelings.
Nerdy. Wow! You are an amazing, fierce phenomenal woman. Thank you for taking on the reins and just never failing us. We needed this place at different times and you kept the lights on. Please know that what you have done is no small feat. You, as they say, ROCK!!
Again, much love to this large, versatile, and those sometimes rambunctious naughty matters in this place. Our virtual family will forever be, because we have one common thread that binds us all — President Barack Obama. We each know that he has inspired us in ways unimaginable and I know he will continue to do wonders and enchant us for years to come.
I love you guys. I love you. And thank you for the reassurance, Nerdy.
Peace!
Love you back, honey bunch!
You are a jewel and a gem Africatimes2. What a wonderful commentary. So much here, so beautifully expressed. It is a privilege to connect with you here and on twitter and in the virtual world. POTUS is the common thread that binds us indeed. It is an honor to be woven into this fabric with you and the TOD family. Village. Community. Team. Spaceship. Squad. All that we are. Thankful
Congresswoman Maxine Waters Will Read You Now
By R. Eric Thomas
Jan 18, 2017
Hello, come in, sit down. United States Congresswoman Maxine Waters of California will read you now.
Honey, Maxine Waters is not the one. You may have been told that she is the one but you were lied to. She would like to cordially invite you to not come for her unless she sends for you.
The Representative from California’s 43rd District has been on a grand reading tour of D.C. and I am living for it. She doesn’t care who you are—member of the press, president-elect, young pope, Alexander Hamilton—she’s going to let you have it. She is going to take you down a peg. There are no pegs left in Washington. The town is peg deficient.
I’m tempted to elect Congresswoman Waters as this week’s Shade Bae, but shade is subtle. Waters doesn’t have time for subtlety. Waters knows that desperate times call for shadier measures. She is reading this town for filth.
Dr. Carla Hayden may be the Librarian of Congress, but Congresswoman Maxine Waters has read everything in that building, honey.
………….
Waters’ reading tour began last week at the world’s quickest and sassiest press conference.
Y’all it is 21 seconds long and yet it will give you your entire and complete life.
Here’s the whole transcript:
Rep. Waters: [already over it] Yes?… Can I help you? What do you want?
Okay, we have to pause here for a praise break. She walks into a press conference, stands in front of a set of microphones, and then has the nerve to get salty. I live. She’s treating the press like they’re a bunch of vacuum cleaner salespeople who barged into her living room in the middle of Days of Our Lives. Like sands through the hourglass, this is a read of your life
Reporter: How did it go today?
Rep. Waters: It went fine.
Y’all. How are you going to lead with “How did it go today?” like Rep. Waters is a sullen teenager who tried out for the soccer team this afternoon? How did it go today? You need to play her in better than that. How did it go today? I don’t know. Fine. We’re three minutes to doomsday but there was soft serve in the cafeteria so I’d give it a B+. How are you? How’s your cholesterol level?
Waters is pleasant but she ain’t here for pleasantries. This reporter, y’all, God rest his soul because with three words she just shaded him into the afterlife.
Okay, next question:
Reporter: Can you tell us anything about the discussion in the—
Rep. Waters: No, it’s classified and we can’t tell you anything. All I can tell you is the FBI director has no credibility.
AND THEN SHE THROWS THE WHOLE PRESS CONFERENCE IN THE GARBAGE AND WALKS AWAY.
She didn’t even need to drop the mic. She dropped the whole room. She shows up to a press conference, acts like it’s the biggest inconvenience she’s ever had to endure, and then says that she can’t say anything…except that the director of the FBI has no credibility.
…………………….
I have never seen anything like this outside of a family reunion. Rep. Waters is definitely that auntie who got rich selling Avon and doesn’t really like your father. Or any of these low-rent people. But you sit by her so that she can stage-whisper critiques with a mouth full of potato salad.
BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA
……………………………………..
Rep. Maxine Waters shows up for an interview with Tamron Hall, which, I presume, began with Waters saying, “Yes? Can I help you? What do you want?” She then goes all the way in for 60 whole seconds. If this was a movie it would be called Journey to the Center of the Read and Meryl Streep would play Waters.
The whole thing reaches its peak when she says of the president-elect, “I don’t honor him. I don’t respect him. And I don’t want to be involved with him.”
I don’t want to be involved with him!
…………………..
You can’t out-read this woman. She is 78 years old (y’all when I tell you it don’t crack…) and she’s over it. All of it.
When Maxine Waters has a word for you, you need to just bow down. And then get back up and get out because she’s already left the room.
That’s fabulous. I remember seeing her shut that hallway presser down, and all of her compatriots just followed her out of camera view. Ha!
This made me laugh so hard that I started coughing. I come from a line of women who are not the ones to be played with, women who can dispatch an upstart (Child, you need to go sit down somewhere) with a look or one short statement. The one on the end of this is schooled, put in his or her place, never to mess with a grown woman again.
Rikyrah: Thank you for this. Laughing has not happened much today. I needed it and you brought it. Thank you for this and all you share here and on 3ChicksPolitico. Means so very much. Grateful.
Just wanna say THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH to the OBAMA DIARY. I know for sure I would have gone INSANE without it…I have directed so many folks who felt just like me/us to this site…8yrs. strong!!!!….PLEASE DON’T END…you have been my rock thru the good and bad!!!! I feel so blessed to have lived in this space and time of PRESIDENT OBAMA and 1st LADY MICHELLE OBAMA He will be MY FOREVER PRESIDENT!!!!
Mass Media BLACK-OUT January 20, 2017
Let’s avoid ALL MASS MEDIA! Folks have suggested just avoiding the coverage of the clownstick inauguration, but let’s send a louder message of resistance! C’Mon there’s 64+ million of us that are sickened by that jackass and the thought of him as the face of our great country.
NO NETWORKS! NO CABLE CHANNELS! NO TALK RADIO!
It’s just ONE DAY and we’ll all suffer the humiliating and disgusting reality for a long time to come.
• Get in the car and take a day trip!
• Stream movies!
• Enjoy a hobby!
• H*ll anything fun and harmless!
SHARE and pass the word!
TURN YOUR TV ON – if you have room on your DVR – SET IT – for ANYTHING THAT ISN’T THE RUSSIAN COUP. Don’t tweet about it. Do’t talk about it on FB.
If your TV is OFF, it will give weight to the TVs that are tuned to the Coup. If it’s ON, it will count AGAINST.
Even if you’re not home – turn it on.
GOT IT! THANKS!!
THIS!!
do a 3000 piece jigsaw puzzle like me 🙂
I am just beside myself right now…this is painful for sure!!!
{{{{africa}}}} You know we love you back:)
Also this on FaceBook. I messaged it to every friend and will definitely do it first thing in the morning:
PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS ON YOUR TIMELINE. ONLY THROUGH INBOX MESSENGER LIKE I’M SHARING WITH YOU NOW!!!
Let’s send the Obama’s out in solidarity on FaceBook, Jan. 20, 2016 by changing all profile pics to pictures of The Best First Family Ever. We need everyone to participate for the maximum impact. In order for this to work. You should change your profile pic on EVERY social media network to an Obama picture.
Pass along THROUGH INBOXES ONLY and participate!
Question regarding TV’s: I’ve got 5 TV’s in this house. Should I leave them all on? If so? same channel (HGTV, Lifetime, etc.) or each on different channel? I’ll be leaving around 9:30 for a volunteer project, then will grocery shop and couple more stops before coming home. Will probably be 3:30ish when I return.
‘Tally’ says leave a TV on a channel that won’t cover clownstick. The finer details, I don’t know.
If you are gonna leave TVs on – Make OWN one of them
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/election-night-at-the-white-house-with-waffle-fries
And you will smile….
I am so happy to hear that TOD will live on!! It has kept me informed and educated about so much that is going n in our world. I’m a lurker, but I know you all so well. You are my people, even though you don’t know it. And I kinda feel bad about that because I’ve gained so much from you all and I feel that I have not given you anything in return. But please know that you have inspired me and I have answered to some of your calls to action.
I found TOD by way of the Mrs. O blog. In honor of the First Lady, her legacy, and her fashion, Mrs. T wrote a farewell post. For those of you that frequented that blog, take a look. This is truly the end of a beautiful era.
http://mrs-o.org/newdata/2017/1/19/in-reflection.html
Thank you. I loved going there when it was up.
I, too, found TOD through the Mrs. O blog. Thank you so much for this link, LadyTNT– a lovely farewell tribute to the finest First Lady.
Too petty?
Not petty at all, df, just some honest reporting! LOLOL!! 😀
Nope. I have already texted this info. to others. We know that they will lie about the numbers so we need to get ahead of them. I consider getting information like this out as part of the resistance. It helps to let the world know that the majority of Americans are not celebrating this farce.
facts! 🙂
Well that’s the worst. So sad they have to salute that POS coward
I am feeling energized because this site, in whatever form it evolves into, will still be open. Part of my sadness was because of the idea of having to leave the TOD family on the same day that the Obamas left, but now I am even more ready for the coming fray because I have my peeps at my back. I am still mulling on what I can do on a local level to protect and to advance our freedoms and which national organizations to become more involved in. I will share more about what I am planning after we get through the Friday and the weekend.
The Audra McDonald tweet is a timely reminder that helped to put everything in perspective. This will be going on my quote board: “Remember, tomorrow we are not crowning a king, or bowing down to a dictator. Tomorrow our new employee starts his temporary job. We’re the boss.” The essence of this is really what PBO has been telling us for years. Any lingering fears I had have dissipated and I know longer feel powerless. I am still disgusted, but as PBO told his daughters “The only thing that’s the end of the world is the end of the world.” The worst has happened and we are still here. We’ve got this. Fired up and ready to go!
I occupy this same space…this is where I am as well. Got my slippers on. Fired up and ready to go!
I think this was posted above but just in case…much missing but a really nice summary.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/obama-leaves-legacy-of-extraordinary-accomplishments-858759747686
Nerdy and Chips gave us a marvelous ride with the Obamas the past 8 years. Thrilled we can continue the journey together. I will be taking a long walk in fresh air with friends tomorrow and hanging on to hope. Much love…
Thank you, Thank you Nerdy for the good news of TOD staying alive and will be on the march into the future.
Nerdy! You rock! Didn’t know how hard I was taking the possibility of this not being here, at least for the next little while, until I checked in and saw your heads up 😽
To any TODers having a hard time tonight:
I lead a BFF of mine in yoga therapy every Friday, and we are both looking forward to tomorrow’s session, as we will need a little Om, for sure!
I wanted to wear something appropriately defiant tomorrow, so I looked through all of my various OFA shirts, as well as ones from the recent HRC campaign, looking for just the right one. Then, I saw it, a navy blue shirt I’ve had since 2008:
“One Voice Can CHANGE the World”
Suddenly, I was lifted out of my anxiety. THIS is what President Obama has always told us and continues to tell us, even now.
Barack Hussein Obama came out in 2004 at the Dem Convention, spoke as one voice and I was changed forever. I know many of you had the same experience. The morning after the election didn’t feel good that year either. I had knocked on doors for Kerry. I was so depressed when GWB won a second term. But then, in 2007, Barack Obama announced he was running and I knew I would be all in for his campaign. He won the nomination, then the presidency, and a second term! I won’t let this current idiocy, not matter how ugly it is, reduce me to powerlessness after everything President Obama has shown us. See, there are millions of us. He’s not going anywhere, we’re not going anywhere. It may get ugly for a bit, but we are still here, millions of “one voices”.
Earlier this week, a dear Aunt of mine died under tragic circumstances. At one moment, I thought about all I had to face this week and now a personal grief on top of all that. I had to tell my mom her sister was gone. I wondered how I could deal with it all. Then I remembered: PBO has had to talk to parents of soldiers, parents of six year olds even, that their loved ones were lost. If he could do that, certainly I could muster up enough courage for what I faced.
It’s time for all of us to show that we are the change we seek. He’ll be watching, you know. Let’s show him what we’ve learned by his example.
Love you all!
Oh Madame Soph: This is a shining star. Thank you for these words and insights. We are the change and we have our example as you say. Inspiration.
Beautiful, MadameSoph! Just when we need a boost, count on someone at TOD to lift us up. I love this: “See, there are millions of us. He’s not going anywhere, we’re not going anywhere. It may get ugly for a bit, but we are still here, millions of ‘one voices’.”
Yes we are. Yes we can. Yes we did. Yes we can! ❤
Sometimes I just love people. Obama people.
Good Evening TODVille.
Just peeping to see what’s going on and read the great news. Thank you NW for all you do and have been doing. Extend my gratitude to Chips and Danny who I hope is keeping her company. We miss them both.
Glad to so many spirited citizens ready to remain alert and engaged as this country begins a new chapter. A very uncertain one I may add.
No TV for me tomorrow but plenty of Netflix movies. I will DVR something, anything to make an impact on the viewership.
NerdyWonka: This post is precious among the precious, talk about running through the tape. It lifted me up on a sad night to see how POTUS is flying his flag of goodness mercy and compassion and justice all the way to the finish line. Love knowing it — and the letter he wrote to us — thank you for these and all of it. Your message at the top of this post is a priceless gift. You are beyond the best. I love seeing how many people are stepping up and saying what this place means and what your work means. What a gift to have this place. Thankful for CHIPS, the founder the nurturer of the TOD garden, the heart and soul of the good place to gather and learn and share. Thankful for you for impossible energy dedication creativity and generosity in running this spaceship through the galaxies, day in day out. You are a great good person and it means the world. May it all come back to you multiplied.
okay;
for the last three hours, I have been trying to send one more email to PBO through the White House website but it is not cooperating. I don’t know if it down or overwhelmed.
Note to self: keep trying before 12.01 p.m tomorrow
I believe his staff is gone.
Sweet dreams when you get there, Nerdy – and thank you again.
Before I run off to dreamland … has this been shared? More people with disabilities (they count 46K) are expected at the March on Saturday than were estimated to have attended the non-inaugural concert in D.C. tonight (40K). Yay! Another kick in the you-know-what for Trump.
As the clock strikes midnight, 20 January 2017, EST a New Era of Hope & Change emerges …..
YES WE CAN
#FORWARD Together
#TheResistance
#NeverMyPresident
#CitizenObamaWithoutTermLimits!!!!!
My heart is breaking. God Bless you Mr. President and my deeply felt thanks to you and your family for a job spectacularly well done. You will never know how sincerely appreciated your service is appreciated. What a role model you’ve been for the WORLD. We will never forget and we never give up.
Good evening everyone. Thank you Chips for connecting us, Nerdy for sustaining us, and TOD family members for keeping us in the know. I simply couldn’t fathom parting with our Forever 44 and this space simultaneously. That was far more than a seasoned lurker could bear. I am so grateful for your diligence in preserving and protectIng President Obama’s legacy. Tonight, I’m sharing your feelings of heaviness. I’ve shed a tear or 100, but confident that good always overcomes evil and I’m glad to be on the same team as you and citizen Obama.
(A big exhale)…A great big THANK YOU, Nerdy!!! {{{Needy Wonka}}}
Goodnight TOD …
#FORWARD Together
I like that: ‘Citizen Obama without term limits’ 🙂
(((((((((((((((()Nerdy W ))))))))))))))))))) Thank you. HZ
Thanks to each of you for sharing the brilliance of your minds and hearts. Its truly been an experience with like minded people. Thank you Nerdy for tag teaming with Chips to keep a good thing going. This spot has been a safe haven and a place where we could get bona fide news. Our minds and hearts has expanded with knowledge and love which abounds here. Thanks to each of you individually as well as collectively. You all are the best of the best.
Thank you President Obama for giving folk a second chance who were serving life sentences for drug charges. You truly are a decent human being.
Many blessings to each of you
Mae
Love you TOD Family. See you on Jan 21st at 12:01 am.
Thank you so much NW for continuing our refuge and all your hard work.
😂😂😂😂😂😂
What a relief!!!!
NW, Chips THANK YOU so very much for -in the future also- giving Your wisdom, time, intellect, sense of humor et cetera, et cetera…
How I love to read again “fired up and ready to go” because for the whole world, please take Congress back!
When I was an exchange student in the US way back when, our class motto was “Finished, yet beginning”, just came to my mind today, because
one is naturally curious to see how in the future President Obama will bring to work his immense “everything plus”.
Today a bouquet for Chips:
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
and for Nerdy Wonka:
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
In my corner of the world, even though winter, the sun is shining!
It is overwhelmingly sad that PBO has to be in his last week before the media and much of the population are willing to acknowledge what he has done for his country and the world. I do indeed sob for how different things would be if the g.d. media would recognize the good of those who want to help their fellow man & the absolute evil of those who have nothing but hate in their hearts.
Blessings to you Nerdy W. One in a million
I’m switching my TV today to anything other than any station covering the travesty. Even if your TV is off, and you have cable, switch it to HGTV or Food Channel or OWN, anything other; & then, if you’re not home, switch it off at those channels. If you leave those coverage channels on after switching off, you’ll be counted in the ratings. Am not giving their coverage any ratings. #TheEmperorHasNoClothes
Hope you all don’t mind, I posted the tunes above so we could listen to something lovely, shake a leg here & there, and forget the travesty today. Cheers my TODers!
Many years ago, when I lived in Ghana, my Dad took us to a particular hotel on Sunday afternoon. We’d have tea, etc., and there was music. At first I wasn’t sure what was happening on the dance floor (I was a bit young), but my Dad & Mum were cracking up laughing. Later, I got it. Couples got on the dance floor and, through dance, expressed their love or angst or troubles. The audience (we) then put in our opinions, either advising, laughing, etc. It’s the best form of therapy I have ever seen. This was called “Afternoon Jump” because it was held on Sunday afternoon. Afternoon Jump involved music, food, conversation, dance. I think we have those categories here to post @ TOD. Why don’t we have an Afternoon Jump where all of us post music, recipes, photos of delicious dishes, dance imojis, whatever …? Have fun & laughter at TOD! Today!
Aloha Gazelle
I love the idea of ‘Afternoon Jump’, both as you describe it from your memories, and as you propose it for TOD. As always, I do wish we could actually, IRL, dance together, share food, and hug when we laugh, but music and conversation– we can do that!
TODville,
It’s so good to see so many friends here today, old and new. We have been through thick and thin together and we are here today to say
YES WE CAN.
President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Malia, Sasha, Bo and Sunny, thank you for enriching our lives every single day.
#44ever.
I want to give a special mention to
GoBrooklyn
You are in our hearts today. Rest in Peace, dear TODer.
Oh thank you for the reminder. She was a special part of our community.
❤
I’ve got my old HOPE pin with that beautiful Shepard Fairey likeness of President Obama that I bought at his nomination DNC in Denver in 2008 and I’m going to wear it with enormous pride today. HOPE.
Morning everyone. Perfect day to #Resist. I’m just going to put this here. Anyone hear about this from OUR MSM??
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4139464/Veterans-occupy-McCain-s-office-protest-Rex-Tillerson.html
Our old friend, Scout:
Thanks Chips and big shout out to Nerdy and the TOD family. Glad to “hear” this haven will continue. Lots of love to Todders especially today – stay strong guys.
You want to feel empowered? Think of today like this…that this begins the moment when the veil comes off the eyes of Americans that have been in denial or asleep for a very long time. It is our jobs, as citizens, to remind the people that SERVE US, that they WORK FOR US, not the other way around. This starts the Time of Enlightenment. We must all grab the mantle and do our part to shine light on the dark forces that have worked against Americans for their own benefit for far too long. We can do this together!!! Make sure that each day, we each do something to bend the arc toward justice. We are all in this together.
This karma WILL be a bitch.
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/new-details-investigation-cast-cloud-over-trump-inauguration
It’s safe to assume that Donald Trump and his team aren’t pleased that this is on the front page of the New York Times the morning of Inauguration Day.
American law enforcement and intelligence agencies are examining intercepted communications and financial transactions as part of a broad investigation into possible links between Russian officials and associates of President-elect Donald J. Trump, including his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, current and former senior American officials said.
The continuing counterintelligence investigation means that Mr. Trump will take the oath of office on Friday with his associates under investigation and after the intelligence agencies concluded that the Russian government had worked to help elect him.
New post.
https://theobamadiary.com/2017/01/20/what-to-do-on-january-20th/