L.A. Obama Supporter Attacked By McCain Volunteers In Front Of His Children (Update)

I just got this email from a friend of mine, Harry.

Just to paint the picture, Harry is in his late 40s and built like a graphic artist; tall and thin. He has two daughters aged five and eight who were with him when this attack occurred near Woodland Hills, a residential suburb of Los Angeles.

"You should have been there! I was standing on a busy corner in my neighborhood with my daughters waving my Obama/Biden sign. I was kitty-corner to the San Fernando Valley Campaign Headquarters of John McCain. For two hour I was getting about 8 honks for every one honk for McCain.

Three McCain volunteers came across to my corner and one of them physically attacked me. She started yelling at me for wanting a Socialist State, and then grabbed my Obama sign, threw it into the street, and started cussing me out, all in front of my kids. I asked her to stop cussing in front of my kids, but she wouldn't. Two 17 year old kids (children of Obama supporters) witnessed the whole thing and came to help me stop this insane McCain volunteer from scaring my kids. I gave a report to the police after they responded to my 911 call.

I'm glad we're on the side that wants to STOP fighting."

Harry told me that the McCain volunteers came from inside the campaign office. He phoned the McCain office and the person he spoke to said the people inside the office were aware that Harry was there with his Obama sign and daughters prior to the attack by volunteers.

Update: Harry writes
I saw that some of the people that posted comments on Huff Po wanted an update. I did not press charges. My time is better spent with my family and supporting positive people and issues. Today after working for 5 hours at a Habitat for Humanity site I returned to my corner on the boulevard across from the (now beefed up) McCain Headquarters and waved my Obama sign for another hour or so. My honks for support still beat out the McCain ones by about 8 to 1. No violence this time, but the McCain volunteers seemed to be pleasing themselves with whoops, hollers, whistles and bad dancing.

Lee Stranahan is a filmmaker whose current project is the YouTube based 30 Days | 30 Reasons I'm Voting For Barack Obama.

Follow Lee Stranahan on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Stranahan

Comments

[blueskybigstar]

An idea. The next time that any one of us is out there showing support for Obama, have somebody else out of sight filming everything and others getting their license plates. The public who break the law and public officials break the law need to be prosecuted.

[goodmarina]

When you see the type of "fruit" bears, all you have to do is look at its "roots".

Harry, I am so sorry you and your children had to experience this. If it is any comfort, I believe a younger generation of life-long Democrats were created!

I have always liked Sen. McCain. But, after the selection of Gov. Palin, there was a definite change in rhetoric and mood. The McCain campaign quite cleverly lit a low-lying sense of anger, distrust, and even racism ... and Palin just kept on stoking those feelings during rallies.

[Dublino]

I'm sure, this violent McCain supporter would stand in line, if ever in need of governmental assistance (what's left of it). Yet, she accuses the victim here, of wanting a "Socialist State".

To avoid the appearance of socialistic behavior, maybe the republicans should refuse employer sponsored health insurance; refuse police, and fire assistance; and all tax credits.

Dear republicans, you can't have it both ways.

By the way, have you noticed the rage, anger, and violence common among many of many republicans? Is this any way to lead?

[KathieKH]

You know the fact is: Red States receive MORE public (government) assistance than blue states. So tell me, who is the the single issue voter than can't understand tolerance or the people that accept responsibility for themselves?

[ChandraSF]

I was visiting a neighboring city in the East Bay (SF) Area on Friday. An Obama supporter was standing in the middle of a busy intersection holding up a giant American flag. I was curious, so I parked in a lot close by, and went up to him. He was wearing a crash helmet and a life vest. I asked him why? He said McCain supporters had hurled unopened soda cans, unopened beer bottles, racial epithets (even though he is white), soup cans, bunch of bananas, and even tried to crash a vehicle into him. I could see broken glass and liquid around him. This intimidation had not deterred him from showing up every day for the past 22 days. It was his contribution to a historic campaign, and he was not going to give in. I left teared up from the example of courage and bravery. What a patriot!

[Sparty1]

Wow. Now that's dedication. I thought that my phone banking, donating monthly and door knocking in a true red state was alot, but that guy's good. He also has more patience than I. It would not be a pretty site if someone were to throw an unopened pop can at me or have that woman in the article come rip up my sign and curse me in front of my kids. You'd have an article on HuffPo about some McCain supporters with a size 7 sneaker up their u know what courtesy of this little 37 yr old mom.

[GrainneKathleen]

What a great act of support for Obama! I wish there were photos so folks could see how hard many Obama/Biden supporters are working on the ground. Two more days everyone, and you can still help out the campaign by making phone calls!!! barackobama.com

[blondecuban]

This is what McCain's campaign has done because it's bread fear, intolerance and hatred over tolerance, peace and compassion.

[pizzmoe]

This does not surprise me in the least. These people are desperate.

[jenrose]

I hope they follow through with these angry McCain supporters who attack people. They are breaking the law and should be held accountable for charges. This woman needs to be taught a lesson is civility. You cant do that to anyone. Appalling that the children had to witness this. She needs to be charged of this assault.

[dadele]

Republicans are the white party of hate and division. Why would anyone be surprised by this?

[blueskybigstar]

True. This is the true heart of the Republican party.

[caterpol]

What a difference in temperament. Rather like the candidates themselves.

I'm so proud when I see Obama at rallies telling his supporters they don't need to boo, they just need to volunteer and vote.

[MarkInEugene]

It's so important that the media report on these incidences because it will teach the American public some good lessons.

Barack Obama, by his very presence, will be a transformational President because a lot of dysfunctional irrational American's will come into the light for all to see.

[Rusel deMaria - Huffpost Blogger]

It is precisely this kind of insane anger, hatred and divisiveness that prompted me to start the New National Dialog Project on Facebook. Let's transform Obama's ground game into a national effort to redefine the conversation here in this country - in all 50 states - and re-united the United States one conversation at a time.

We can do this. It doesn't take years of training to become a great communicator - in fact the first step is just to listen. We can disagree without hatred, without labels, and without violence. Please come join the group and promote this idea so that President Obama will realize what an opportunity we have to shift the focus from division to unity.

Thanks Lee, for your post.

[TopProf]

Great reminder that the election is not the end but the beginning. If we want change we have to make these efforts. There's a lot of scorched earth stuff going on. How will people this rabid handle defeat? How can they consider the new government legitimate?

[CaptainStormfield]

I think that is a wonderful idea. Winning the election will not be enough. The Republicans are just going to re-group and exploit the wedges they have created for this campaign. Just like they did with Clinton. The will cast themselves as the protectors of Amerika ect.

[westportmike]

We (along with two other neighbors) have been the target in our neighborhood because of our Obama yard signs. Northern Kentucky is a McCain area to be sure. Today I awoke to find a flyer in my door titled "Is voting for Obama Immoral??" I will be glad to get this election over, but will, along with others, be branded with an O.

[blondecuban]

I have considered leaving L.A. a few times. I have fantasies about living in the country, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but all too soon reality sets in. Where else am I going to find the tolerance and openmindedness that there is in Los Angeles? And so, I choose to stay rather than move anywhere that might not be a good philosophical fit for me.

[blueskybigstar]

There are other cool places like that in California where you don't have to deal with this kind of b.s.

[blust8r]

True, blondecuban...
I have an affinity for the outdoors, hence, I travel to the Sierras, rivers, streams and myriad areas of this state that are beyond description. Yet, every time you do, you find pockets of John Birch members, anti-environment rhetoric, and downright conclaves of rednecks that thrive on their own ignorance.
I don't hold any special views about their societies, but they love to harbor animosity toward anyone from the "outside". Even after 30 years of regular travel through an area, there are the cliques of right wing hate mongers that still persist.
Unbelievable.

[Tropiholic]

this is insane!

[Trittydi]

I want to know if they'll be pressing charges. They need to. Can we have this story updated at some point please? I'm so mad right now I can't even think.
*

[Beca]

Another expected outcome of the McCain/Palin camps hatemongering. What do they expect when they promote hate and division in their messages and rallies? they are just bringing out the worst in people! It is despicable and gives us more of a reason to make sure Obama wins by a landslide.
Every Obama supporter MUST VOTE ON TUESDAY. NOVEMBER4TH!!! NO EXCUSES!! Do not wait until the last minute, if you can take the day off work or at least half a day, but make sure you vote!!!

[faithfully]

So many of McCain supporters are angry and very very paranoid. They are kind of sick.