The San Benito County Democratic Central Committee got together
Tuesday night to celebrate the inauguration and watch the
Commander-in-Chief Ball at Paine’s Restaurant.
HOLLISTER
For one attendee at Tuesday night’s Democratic celebration of President Obama’s inauguration, one word summed up emotions over the historic moment – elation.
“That’s a pretty big word,” said Manny Amaral, “but I see that things have been a long time coming for this and this man four years ago. When I saw his speech at the Democratic convention, I saw something very, very special.
“And that stuck with me. To go through the whole process that we went for this day was something that resonated with me very, very deeply.”
Amaral is an independent voter but was invited to the San Benito County Democratic Central Committee’s get together to celebrate the inauguration and watch the Commander-in-Chief Ball at Paine’s Restaurant.
“It’s the great day we’ve been hoping for, absolutely,” said Hollister resident Sandi Blinn. “We worked for it, we prayed for it and here it is.”
The event hosted around 40 people, many expressing excitement about the future under Obama.
“I hope it means hope,” said local Democratic Chairwoman Jeanie Wallace, “a new chance to prove our standing in the world and prove our impact on the future and to address the wide range of needs facing the American people.”
Wallace said this victory showed the power the American people have when they pursue something they want.
“I’m thrilled on a lot of levels. I’m thrilled that the U.S. has voted for principles and issues over tradition and maybe over political jockeying. If this election was based on cynical practices, then I think maybe Hillary Clinton might have won, because of her connections. I’m not saying that would have been a bad thing but I don’t think you can look at Barack Obama’s victory here and see in it anything but the coming together of so many people from so many different backgrounds.”
Most guests dressed as usual for a dinner celebration. But those in attendance also encountered two local women who came in a different sort of garb. Mary Zanger dressed up representing what she said was the American people and held a chain attached to Natasha Wist, who was dressed as former President George W. Bush in a prison outfit with a sign – it referred to the Monopoly square that says you shall go directly to jail and won’t pass go or collect $200.
As far as the future goes, “That’s anybody’s guess,” said resident Sandy Maxwell, adding that she doesn’t have any expectations for the president because “he’s pragmatic and realistic.”
“But I think things are getting taken care of, finally.”
Fellow attendees John and Mary Ann Battaglia also said they are, above anything, hopeful for the future.
“I have to say healthcare and I think I’d like to see peace, but I’m not sure that’ll happen in four years,” she said. “I’m hoping we get better.”
Her husband, meanwhile, said he would like to see the economy get taken care of along with new job creation.
The overwhelming feeling at the event was one of positivity about politics, one resident said.
“Everyone I talked to today is very positive,” said Hollister resident Ashley Blinn. “Sometimes you’re reluctant to talk to people about political activity, but people seem pretty receptive today. We’re just very excited about the whole thing.”
Amaral said Obama has touched the “heart and soul of this country.”
“This gives new inspiration for maybe a better world not just today but for tomorrow, for our children, our grandchildren. I see something very special here. His message is one of big, big hope.”
