Chuck Freedman discusses a variety of local and national politicians. He recalls his early arrival to the Pacific through the Peace Corps, which brought him to Palau. Freedman later came to Hawaii and worked for several notable politicians. He remembers his time working for Lt. Gov. Jean King and their experiences attempting to save the Hale Mohalu health facility. Freedman recalls being recruited by Brian Schatz to volunteer for the Obama presidential campaign in 2006. He fondly remembers an early campaign rally where a charismatic Obama told an energetic Hawaii crowd that he would be bodysurfing. Freedman discusses the complexities of the concept of the aloha spirit but describes Hawaii as a tolerant place. He paraphrases John Kennedy, alluding to the notion of America wanting to be like Hawaii
Presidents--United States; Presidential campaigns--United States; Hawaii Politics and government; Freedman, Chuck; Obama, Barack; Hale Mohalu Ohana (Organization)
Format
oral histories
Genre
Interviews
Date
2020
Physical Description
33 pages
Note (Biographical)
Chuck Freedman is an activist, community organizer, and communications professional and has spent his career in Hawaii politics. He has served as the spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Hawaii, helped work on the Brian Schatz campaign, as directo r of communications to Lt. Gov. John Waihe'e, and as a speechwriter for Lt. Gov. Jean King. In his early years in Hawaii, Freedman worked at various nonprofits on Hawaii island, helping low-income and youth communities. In addition, he has helped train prominent Hawaii political figures such as Joe Souki and Dan Akaka and helped organize the early days of the Obama campaign
Note
Interviewed by by Dr. Davianna McGregor and Kaylene Iñuraaq Evans on Thursday, March 5, 2020. This interview is part of the University of Hawai'i: Obama Presidency Oral History Project
Note (Provenance)
Chuck Freedman, Gift, transferred from Columbia Center for Oral History Research 2022