Obama Final Inauguration Event: Thanks Staff At DC Armory

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama told his supporters that they deserve credit for his historic election victory, in part because they didn't know any better.

Obama dropped by a party for his staff Wednesday night to thank them for their two years of work and optimism. He said his supporters simply didn't know that a guy like Obama shouldn't win, that their fundraising model wasn't typical and that the odds were stacked against them.

Obama told the packed DC Armory that the supporters should carry the campaign's "Yes We Can" attitude into nonpolitical life. His remarks were also filled with humor, including affectionately calling his staff "kids."

The staff ball was the final inauguration event for Obama, who became president on Tuesday.

Comments

[TA4]

My son is also one of President Obama's "kids". He worked in Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio - on the data team and then as a field organizer. Like the others, he worked long hours, but loved his experience! My son's enthusiasm inspired me to volunteer here in Austin. It was my first time to volunteer on a campaign - and I did it because of the inspiration I received from my son! It is so exciting to see the youth of our nation so inspired by this great man!

[JAforObama]

My son is one of those kids. He was a Field Organizer in Philadelphia, we live in California. They worked very long days, 7 days a week. But, they believed and that belief was contagious. Thank you President Obama for trusting our young people. They so often get a bad rap, but you believed in them and impowered them. The rest of the country, the world is grateful. Job well done to all. Congratulations!

[feyangel]

My son-in-law is one of those "kids"-- and his absolute love for and belief in Obama carried him through a very challenging year. LONG, LONG, LONG days and time way from his family was tough, but he, they and we were ecstatic on election night. He called me by phone to tell me the election's outcome before the news hit the TV screen. Obama's victory was truly a personal victory for him-- and for all of us.

My son-in-law had named O as our next President after reading his book in 2004. He was thrilled that he got a chance to work on his campaign. It was truly a labor of love for him. Being at the inauguration was truly icing on his well-deserved victory cake.

[Savanna]

If you worked in the campaign at all you know what a fabulous group of kids these were. They worked tirelessly and relentingly for their "guy". It was a priviledge to get to know some of them in the campaign.
There is nothing but admiration in my heart for them. Once I met them, I knew that Obama would be President. And it is to his credit that he was able to mount such a wonderful campaign and part of the reason that he will make a great President.

[AG34]

It was an amazing party this evening with many reunions and groups from particular states, etc,. gathering together around the hall to laugh, hug, and reflect on the campaign. The best evening event of the Inauguration week because the crowd was not just random strangers. Biden and Obama both talked at length and in detail. Historic!

[darnsannity]

Thanks President -)