The roller coaster media circus known as the presidential primaries are coming to the Bay Area, as voters in California and 22 other states prepare to cast their votes in Tuesday’s election.  Tomorrow, Senator Ted Kennedy is coming to a large and influential black church in Oakland, Beebe Memorial.  For those who know Oakland politics, it’s clear that Kennedy is coming to secure Obama’s base in Oakland.  It’s a follow up to Obama’s energetic visit to Oakland last year.  Then, it wasn’t clear who Mayor Ron Dellums would support - he gave a warm welcome to the Senator.  Since, he’s endorsed Clinton to the ire of many in Oakland.  It’s Kennedy, then, and not the black political elite that Dellums represents, that will be stomping in Oakland.  I expect that he will be joined by other high profile East Bay Obama supporters including, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Assemblymember Sandre Swanson, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oakland City Attorney John Russo and dozens of other local dignitaries.

I grew up in a household with John F. Kennedy up on the wall, along with Martin Luther King and Jesus.  It’s no small thing that Ted Kennedy is coming to Oakland - birthplace and nursery for some of the most powerful American social movements -  that Obama represents the best of what Kennedy was for America.  Edwards dropped out yesterday, Hillary’s ahead in the California polls, but Kennedy is riding on a wave into Oakland directly to those who just might deliver those badly-needed California delegates to Obama.  But, then again there are no guarantees.  Driving around Oakland, I see very few signs for any presidential candidate.  So what do Oaklanders think?

Time Magazine wrote this week:

Ted Kennedy, though visibly frailer as he nears his 76th birthday, can be a formidable ally to have on your side— something Obama needs as he heads into Super Tuesday with polls showing Hillary Clinton leading him in all but two of the 22 states that will be voting on February 5. The Obama campaign is planning a full schedule for Kennedy, particularly in places, such as the Latino community, where Obama remains an unknown quantity and the Kennedy name still carries enormous emotion. Kennedy also carries significant clout with organized labor, which could be looking for a new candidate to rally behind, now that John Edwards’ star has faded. “To have him offer such a powerful endorsement, I think, will mean a lot,” Obama told me in an interview. “Obviously, there are people who are still getting familiar with me nationwide. Their vision of this day will make them give me a close look.”

I look forward to seeing Kennedy speak - and talking to the people there to find out. Here are the event details:

Special Event with Senator Ted Kennedy

Beebe Memorial Cathedral
3900 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609

Friday, February 1, 2008
Doors Open: 2:00 p.m.

Directions & RSVP:
http://ca.barackobama.com/oaklandkennedy

The event is free and open to the public.

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Canvass Kick-off Rally with Senator John Kerry

Everett Middle School Auditorium
450 Church Street
San Francisco, CA 94114

Saturday, February 2, 2008
Doors Open: 9:30 a.m.

Directions & RSVP:
http://ca.barackobama.com/cakerryrally

The event is free and open to the public.