📢 Obama Said “Show Up”—So I Did, at a Republican Club
Inspired by President Obama’s farewell challenge to “show up, dive in, persevere,” I stepped into unfamiliar territory to see the other side firsthand.
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Have I ever told you about the time former President Obama inspired me to walk right into a Women’s Republican Club meeting?
After Trump's 2016 "win" (friendly reminder—Trump lost the popular vote), I fell into a dark place. Heartbroken, but not surprised. After living in Florida for over 30 years, I'd watched our state slide toward fascism in real time. I had seen the lies, the propaganda, the fear-mongering, and the MAGA cult forming. And I'd also seen a local Democratic Party that meant well but was nowhere near ready to meet the moment or save Florida—or America.
Then came President Obama's farewell address. His words jolted me awake:
"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life. If something needs fixing, lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you're disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Persevere…” 1
I took that to heart. I had no interest in running for office, but I did want to understand my community—and where our divisions ran deepest. As someone who champions progress, I wanted to know why we couldn't unite to build a community where everyone could thrive.
So, I laced up my shoes and headed to the Broward Women's Republican Club.
This was just a few months into Trump's presidency. About 30 people attended. Men ran the meeting. The speakers were men. And it quickly became clear: this was not a space designed to empower women.
Instead, it was two hours of Trump campaign talking points, lies, and grievances. Not a single real solution for the problems our community faced. It wasn't a forum for ideas but a pipeline for propaganda.
That night, I walked away with two truths burned into my mind:
This group was ready to hand over America to fascism without a fight.
I would never be that person.
Let me be clear: I'm not suggesting anyone attend a meeting like this. In some places, I'd advise against it. But for me, it was necessary to see with my own eyes who in my county was perfectly fine with racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, transphobia, misogynoir, elitism, and bigotry.
I didn't confront anyone. I was a respectful guest. But I left more certain than ever of my path: I will choose freedom over fascism.
I will not just complain about problems but work to solve them. I will champion leaders who represent the people and hold them accountable.
Because what I learned then and know now-MAGA Republicans don't want to represent America—they want to rule over us. And they want Donald Trump—91 times indicted, 34 times convicted, insurrectionist, serial liar, sexual assaulter, defamer, business fraudster, soldier-insulter—to lead them.
From protecting our fundamental freedoms to building a fairer, stronger society, the stakes are crystal clear: we're fighting for a future where everyone can live with dignity, security, and opportunity.
That's what we're building at People Power United. And friends, the truth is simple: fascism wins when good people stay silent. Your voice is not just a drop in the ocean—the ripple can trigger waves of change.
Let's rise together. Let’s choose Freedom Over Fascism.
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Please note that when People Power United uses the word “fight” in writing, online, or in speech, we mean to advocate fiercely, never to incite or support violence. We do not condone violence in any form, nor do we promote breaking the law.
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People Power United champions progress and power to the people.
In this community, we will always speak out and show up against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry in all its forms!
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People Power United is a group of community members that champions progress and power for the people.
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https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/farewell
One of your best posts. I'm not sure I could stomach going to any Republican event. Or be brave enough. Thanks.