Maryland Delegates Say It's Time to Work Together

One of the hardest jobs Vietnam veteran Herbert Graves of Baltimore has ever had is being part of the road corps for Barack Obama in 2008.

Graves said it was an "unbelieveable challenge that became a passion."

Graves said in 2004 he was watching the Democratic National Convention sitting alone in his living room, when he found himself standing and applauding the television because of a man named Obama.

"He had the ability to speak a deep-seeded, heartfelt message," Graves said. It was then I decided I would do anything to help him. It's been a drive for me."

Graves said the Democratic party needs to work together to make sure that Obama stays in the White House.

"President Obama needs to stay the course and continue to do what he's been doing to see policy passed, pushed and moved," Graves said. "Some people can't see what good has happened in the last four years, but it's there."

Graves said the past four years have been hard, describing it as an economic situation that rivals the Great Depression. He said people should be thankful for what they do have and have been able to hold onto.

"No, it's not a box delivered to the door," Graves said. "But everyone has gotten something out of these last four years, but it could be much worse."

Graves said it's his hope that Maryland helps keep the ball rolling.

Laura Mitchell of Salisbury said she wants to hear a plan from the Obama administration that includes everyone.

"We have seen a more inclusive, rather than exclusive, form of government in the last four years," Mitchell said. "Are people better off? People are having a hard time realizing they are better off."

Mitchell said there are still too many people who are unemployed or know someone who is unemployed, so they can't see the future right now.er off.

"We are not sliding back, not falling deeper into depression," Mitchell said. "We are on an upswing."

Looking toward the future is something that Mitchell sees that could potentially unite a nation, or at least make it better.

"We need to get people back to work and learn to be tolerant and accepting of one another," Mitchell said. "With everyone working together they will certainly move us forward."