Former Obama staffers run for office to protect the progressive policies they built

[babylonsister]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/02/barack-obama-staff-run-office-ronnie-cho-trump?CMP=fb_us

Former Obama staffers run for office to protect the progressive policies they built

Obama alums who started as college kids on his campaign or his administration are running for office or helping others run in the aftermath of Trump’s election

Sunday 2 April 2017 07.00 EDT
Last modified on Sunday 2 April 2017 07.01 EDT


Ronnie Cho got the name nickname “Chobama” while knocking on doors in Iowa in 2007, and then followed the president to the White House as a youth affairs aide call-to-arms from his commander in chief is not something he can ignore.

“Barack Obama, I never want to disappoint,” Cho said.

On 10 January he stood amongst the thousands gathered in McCormick Place, Chicago, for Obama’s final speech as president. Cho’s mother, originally from South Korea and now a retired customer service worker, flew out from Phoenix to be there with her son.

So when Obama told the crowd that if they were disappointed with their elected officials, “grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself”, that was it.

Cho turned to his mother and his 2008 campaign and White House cohorts and announced he would run for New York city council in 2017.

“He challenged us: if you really believe in the work we did and what we fought for, let’s keep working for this and I’m counting on you. If it weren’t for that, how many of us would have the courage?” said Cho, 25, speaking to the Guardian at a Puerto Rican restaurant in his East Village neighborhood, in the council district 2 seat he’s hoping to win.

His campaign manager is Frankie Martinez Blanco, who worked for Obama during the 2008 campaign and later for Obama’s education secretary.

Cho is one of a handful of Obama alums who started as fresh-faced college kids working on his campaign or in his administration and have now decided to run for office or help others run in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s election. They’re responding to Obama’s call – and their own desire to protect and support the progressive policies they built.

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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/02/barack-obama-staff-run-office-ronnie-cho-trump?CMP=fb_us

[SunSeeker]

1. This is good news. We desperately need more Dems in state & local elected office. nt

[WePurrsevere]

2. This is great! I'd love to see more young Democrats...

get active and running for office.

If you want to get that pony you have to learn about how to nurture one then work to get it and than you have to continue to work to keep it and have it stay healthy.

[sharedvalues]

3. Millennials are going to save America

[Wounded Bear]

4. Good to hear young Dems picking up the torch...

It is their future, after all.

[crazycatlady]

5. Run for something

an organization that trains millennials on running for public office.