Over the course of the last six months, I have questioned on many occasions what it is about the Obamas that can so easily move me to tears.  Whether it is a speech by Michelle or Barack or watching video of them interacting with Americans on many occasions I was stunned to find tears streaming down my face.  For a fairly cynical 54 year old this recent tendency has led me to hours of introspection and a reconsideration of the path for my life going forward.  

The news of Tim Russert's sudden death on Friday, and the tribute paid to him on Meet the Press today, had a similar effect.  Although I frequently disagreed with his positions and the manner in which he interviewed his guests I was struck on June 3rd by his repeated call to his colleagues to recognize the significance of and history in Barack's claim as the presumptive nominee of the Democratic party.  While the other pundits continued their obsession with Hillary that night he repeatedly attempted to steer them back to recognizing this historic moment for our country.

What is it about these men that has had such a profound emotional effect on so many of us?  Decency.  Honor.  Authenticity.  Values.

This is going to be short and sweet.  This weekend is critical to the way the MSM and the superdelegates view this race going forward.  Barack has had a bad couple of weeks but has pushed through it.  I am optimistic that the bleeding has stopped but there is ground to be recovered.

For every 15 MINUTES that you spend this weekend reading, writing or commenting on diaries, I challenge each and every one of you to donate 45 MINUTES to the GOTV efforts in IN and NC.  The polls indicate a good number of undecided voters and we can help to turn them into votes for Barack.  Let's not forget that this is OUR campaign and our candidate.  He can only do so much and be in one place at a time.