This precinct caucus year caused me problems. I could see strengths and weaknesses in Clinton, Edwards, and Obama. I was undecided until I cast my vote.

John Edwards understood basic issues for all Americans - poverty, being shut out of our democracy, and lack of healthcare. He spoke plainly, courageously, and passionately. I knew he had some baggage. I was sad when he dropped out of the race.

As a babyboomer, college graduate, and white woman, I'm considered a natural supporter of Hillary Clinton. I understand why many of my peers support Hillary so passionately. She represented our collective 45 year fight for access. Our wildest dream was a woman Vice President in the 21st century. A mere 88 years after US women got the right to vote, Hillary is running for President. We had to support her.

I've read many books by neoconservatives who detest Hillary Clinton. They are scary, and passionate. About 40% of voters can't stand Hillary Clinton. Those are sizable odds to overcome. But Hillary, a tough woman, always fights back.

Hillary's lived during the Lee Atwater-Karl Rove-Frank Luntz era of politics, the toxic 30 years that continues to poison us today. I consider that neoconservative legacy the gravest threat to our democracy and Constitution.

That left me evaluating Obama.

My community activist experience made me wary of folks until they proved themselves. Some eloquent and charismatic people produced hot air, and nothing else. Some people hired as community organizers didn't do a lick of work. Obama had promise, but was there substance behind his glitz, would he persevere when things turned ugly?

When I walked into my precinct caucus, we had 10 times the usual turnout. Neighbors of every age, every race, every income level, every education level supported Obama. It reminded me of Keith Ellison's 2006 Congressional campaign, with large numbers of enthusiastic volunteers, represented by Native peoples, every immigrant group, and literally everyone.

Our African-American elders, beloved neighbors who've worked for civil rights and voting rights for 75 years, proudly wore Obama buttons. They introduced gutsy resolutions, same as always. No way would Obama would be able to lie to or disappoint these elders.

I realized that Obama tapped into a deep well.

He reminded us that America has always been the country of hope. People come here with the dream of making a better life for their families. It takes time, a couple of generations, but we are a patient people as well.

He reminded us that America is the land of possibility. Give us a dream, a wild idea, an impossible challenge, and we rise to the occasion - while the rest of the world shakes its head.

That is why Americans want change in 2008. We want our hope, our possibilities, our dreams, our energy unleashed to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. Ordinary people know that Obama alone can't make changes. As a community organizer, he told us that all of us, from children to grandparents, had to work together with him.

We have to break from the toxic, neoconservative legacy of the 20th century. We refuse to be forced into enduring negative campaigns, endless attack ads, verbal abuse, or lies - by anyone.

Obama got my vote.

We've got our work cut out for us. That includes restoring our Constitution and Bill of Rights.