“Pray It Forward” Conference Call with President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama spent the final weekend before Tuesday’s election  campaigning in battleground states and rallying his base in conference calls. TheVillage Editor-in-Chief, Vickie Newton, participated in a conference call  hosted by African Americans for Obama. The “Pray It Forward” conference call  included leaders from around the country.

Bishop Vashti McKenzie introduced President Obama, saying God had given him “the  strength and fortitude to serve unselfishly.”

“I believe in the power of prayer,” President Obama said. He asked for continued  prayers for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Sounding energized but tired, President Obama reminded supporters that he and  his administration have “won a lot of fights that needed to be fought.” He added  that another four years will allow him to build back the dream that hard work  pays off and ensure “everyone plays by the same rules.” He asked those on the  call to “march forward” emboldened by faith.

Organizers offered new information that provided encouragement. In a number of  swing states, new voters are overwhelmingly Democratic. And in early voting,  there is heavy turnout among Democrats. Senior administration adviser, Valerie  Jarrett, joined the call from Miami where she said voters were “standing 800  deep and waiting up to seven hours” to vote for President Obama. She added there  was singing and even the electric slide but no complaining.

Jarrett recalled meeting a supporter of the President who passed the Affordable  Healthcare Act, giving millions access to healthcare. The man handed Jarrett a  card. Thinking it was a business card, she turned it over to read. It was his  health card used regularly for cancer treatments, covered by his insurance  company because the new legislation prevents cancellation of an insurance policy  due to a pre-existing condition.

The called lasted 45 minutes and ended with prayer by Bishop McKinley Young who asked God to bless the President.