Secretary of State Robin Carnahan speaks to Boone County Democrats

COLUMBIA — Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan gave a brief speech Monday at the Boone County Democratic Party annual chili supper to discuss her feelings about the recent inauguration of President Barack Obama.

“Just savor this moment. It’s been a long time coming,” Carnahan said.

Carnahan praised Obama’s efforts in office and mentioned that she felt his administration was operating on hope and opportunity rather than fear.  

Doug Cowing, secretary of the Mizzou College Democrats, said Obama was not simply operating on hope.

“Hope is just a word to get people more involved,” Cowing said.  "(Obama’s presidency) is not a word, it’s a movement.”

Rather, Cowing said, Obama was backing up his campaign promises with actions, such as ordering the closing of Guantanamo Bay.

Carnahan also said she hopes to match Obama's and Gov. Jay Nixon’s new vision for the country.

“Obama is about service, public trust and doing your best for voters,” she said.

The Democratic Party members in attendance included Perche Township Committeewoman Patti Osgood.

“Robin Carnahan is very inspiring,” Osgood said. “You listen to her once and volunteer for years. She makes you want to get up and take action.”

Osgood works to make the Democratic Party more visible in the community.

“There is no downtime between elections,” she said.

Scott Christianson, chair of the Democratic Party, also attended Carnahan’s speech and agreed that Obama was making major changes that would benefit the country.

“There will be a change in the way government is run,” he said.  “It will be a transparent government that people can get behind."