Allison Renville: Inviting President Obama to Sisseton-Wahpeton

Volunteering in Watertown was our first official event, in which we were all able to shake hands with Mr. Obama and have small conversations with him. I and two others were also awarded stage passes at the Sioux Falls Rally for what they heard to be a very successful first event of the day in Watertown SD. Another week or so later I was able to travel with my youth volunteers to Aberdeen where our candidate was making his last stop appearance during his primary race, my youth workers were beyond excited as they were able to meet the Senator and shake his hand as he arrived and departed the town hall meeting. Our local Jr. Miss Sisseton was also in attendance even getting a picture with him, my then 10 month old even got in on the action and got his opportunity in the spotlight as I passed him into the arms of Mr. Obama, a picture capturing that moment will be cherished forever.

My youth workers also got to experience what an election headquarters feels like when we were guided through the area office, even being thrown onto the phone banking system. During all of our efforts we remained hopeful and stayed true to our candidate and defended him throughout our community facing not only racially based discrimination but also the usual political attacks associated with television ads and radical opposition. Election Day quickly approached bringing not only excitement but anxiety along with it. After the polls closed I took my youth workers to the local Dairy Queen to watch the results come in. One counties results coming in after another, our efforts seemed impossible as they projected Hillary Clinton as South Dakotas’ choice. Roberts County results finally went up on the board at the County Courthouse, with Mr. Obama gaining 5 delegation points defeating Mrs. Clinton by 104 votes. Although our candidate was defeated statewide, the points he received from our county alone was enough to ensure his Democratic nomination. With South Dakota being the last stop on our now Presidents 2nd term travels, we are reminded of our victory and our role in American history.

I would like to personally invite Mr. Obama to Sisseton SD, assuring not only his role in the grassroots movement, but to show appreciation and importance of voter participation. Our story is one of excellence and a true accolade of the American drive and determination expressed through patriotism and faith.