Grass-Roots Leaders, Obama Advisers Gather in D.C.

More than 2,500 grass-roots activists from across the country held a spirited meeting this afternoon with President-elect Barack Obama advisers Valerie Jarrett and Melody Barnes.

Billed as "Realizing the Promise," a forum meant to set a "people's agenda," was more a rally than a pragmatic discussion about community organizers and how they might work with the incoming administration.

Barnes, set to be the next director of the Domestic Policy Council at the White House, told the audience, "What I want everyone to remember is that we have elected a different kind of president. What we have now is a president-elect who understands that we are interconnected. We have to rely on the expertise that you have that exists in the faith community, that exists in the labor community and all of us have to come together to bring that expertise together."

Obama has touted his own community organizing experience in Chicago as central to his personal development and his pursuit of political office.

Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen, who was among some of the legislators present, said, "The election wsn't the last day for people to be engaged. It was the opening day if we want to realize the promises, the people must be engaged."

Hamil R. Harris, Elissa Silverman

By Marcia Davis |  December 4, 2008; 4:28 PM ET  | Category:  2008 Presidential Race
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Posted by: gillishjg | December 6, 2008 4:30 PM

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