Some of you certainly know, though I have not formally announced on this website, that I actively support Barack Obama for president.  I think he has what it takes to inspire people, bring together coalitions and move the country forward; while the national media obsesses over near-meaningless national polls, polls where Obama campaigns and where the votes will count has shown him as a much clearer winner.

All of that confidence in the poll numbers is, of course, so much dust in the wind: how people address pollsters and how they actually vote are often two different things.  However, in the last two election cycles, that has not really been the case, save for a percentage point here and a percentage point there.

Anyway, there is an initiative to get Barack Obama on the ballot here in New York.  It is doubtful that New York’s primary will make any real difference in the outcome of the primaries, but having him on the ballot and polling well here - even if he does not win - would be a powerfully meaningful symbol.

If you support Barack Obama for president, you might want to check out the details of the campaign by checking out the meeting.  Details are on the Barack Obama website.