Today's call will be at 3pm EST - we encourage each of you to have your own log-in so we can do breakout groups on the call. Thanks!
Please sign up at:
http://beta.maestroconference.com/conference/register/QRR30WWA6AY5M0DD
Hey fellow North Carolinians:
Here's a link to a petition that was started to get NC Governor Mike Easley to endorse Obama. If you're from NC - please take a half a moment to sign it. I'll be curious to see if we can get the number to jump from where it was after I signed it (only SEVEN signatures). Come on NC, buck up. Gracias,
Gillian
Link
Event Blog Numero Uno (Wilmington Obama Soiree)
I had a few suggestions for an event blog - nice idea. For anyone who's interested or thinks they may be a help (or just for those of you who might be forgetful) - this will keep us all up to date (maybe I'll even stay organized) on the planning for the WILMINGTON Community Kickoff Event (aka: "Obama Soiree") on SATURDAY, MARCH 31st at 7:00PM at The SOAPBOX downtown.
So I'm new to town - but I'm using the short list of contacts I have. So far they got us a venue (Soapbox Laundro-Lounge) and...well, that's about it. Luckily, my roommate has lived here...forever. He seems to know everyone and is playing the role known as right-hand-man.
Here's what I'd like to see next Saturday: a really nice turnout (supporters, volunteers, curious folks, college Dems/any students, young families, local voters, etc etc), family-friendly event, people drinking (alcohol or coffee), a band (we're workin on it), people registering to vote (invite any highschool seniors you know), the speech in Iowa.
I'm trying to get us happy hour prices - at least for the first hour. We're also talking about possibly getting a friend of his/Obama supporter who just so happens to be a pretty excellent head chef to make something. I guess hors'dourves are appropriate, but I'm curious about the turnout...although the more the merrier. We've actually had a few different bands offer to play, but we need to find one that The Soapbox won't mind accomidating b/c they have another band coming much much later that night. A local comedy group may do a short performance as well.
Through some stuff I've done w/MoveOn.org I've made a few media contacts. I'd like to do an all-out media blitz and get everyone to come. It's surprisingly possible with a positive local grassroots event, but you have to be persistant.
Leave a comment or shoot me at email (nc@draftobama.org) with any suggestions, answers, or any particular contributions you'd like to make to the event. Thanks*
Here's the deal:
The most recent North Carolina info I've seen says this: Edwards leads with 30%, Clinton isn't far behind at 26% and Obama is third place with 19% of the NC Democrat's prospective votes. Here's where we have a major opportunity: 15% of NC Dems are undecided and six other candidates (some of whom aren't actually running) take up another 12%*
We have an opportunity to make a real difference for Barack Obama's Presidential campaign in North Carolina.
Below is a link to the new Triangle Barack Obama meetup group. There is already a dinner scheduled and they are just waiting on some RSVPs from you guys. Think about what we could do with all of the North Carolina groups together (Students for Obama, NC DraftObama.org, Artists for Obama, Western NC, etc).
pay them a visit at: Link
(* from the vaugely named American Research Group, Inc at: Link)
I'm tired of this one but it keeps coming up because there isn't much else to disucss I guess. Fox new already tried to exploit his name - but most of the American people are too smart for that. We know better than to judge one's competance by their name, that's insanity.
So then they tried to exploit uncontrollable aspects of his childhood: Islam and Africa still didn't scare people off. He had already admitted to drug use and we know he himself worries about his relationship with his wife and children.
So what then? Oh yes, a "lack of experience." I can't think of many old-school Senators around whos constituents would describe as the embodyment of "hope" or who represent a newfound political idealism in America...and I don't want Obama to lose those things. I do however, want my President to have them. Below is a reply I've sent out to a few critics I've run into while working with DraftObama.org - people who say they will not vote for him because of his lack of experience...
"It's a shame you feel that way, although I know a lot of poeple are unsure about him b/c of his lack of experience – he in fact spent seven years in the Illinois state senate fighting for the underprivileged, civil rights, labor, and improved education - among other things. You probably do know that he was one of 2 or 3 Senators who was against this disastrous war from Day One....unlike all of those experienced ladies and gentlemen we've had in our Senate for years that have rubberstamped this entire administration's mistakes.
Maybe more time in the nation's Senate isn't such a good idea - how many of our current Senators have that "substance" you're talking about? I can't think of many that aren't too busy trying to please special interest groups and lobbyists. Maybe more time in that environment isn't such a good idea after all.
It's also important to remember that it is nearly impossible to beat an incumbent (if Bush can “win” twice, anyone can) - so he realistically wouldn't have a shot until 2016. I don't know about you, but after the damage done in the last six years to our place in the world stage (thanks to Iraq and our newfound isolationism) and our environment (thanks to Bush’s policies, or lack thereof) - we don't have the luxury of waiting another ten years for a man like Obama to become President.
So I hope you'll research and maybe reconsider - or at least vote for "one of the good ones." Have a great day, thanks for writing."
I have a great opportunity for anyone interested in thanking Rep. Mike McIntyre for his decision to vote for H.Con.Res. 63 (for the resolution against Bush's troop surge) - a chance to really show your support.
I want to invite any members in Wilmington, NC to come downtown between 11:50AM and 12:15PM on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 to the PORT CITY JAVA on the corner of GRACE STREET and N. FRONT STREET. This is a Moveon.org sponsored event that I thought you guys may be interested in because it's a chance for like-minded people to get together in their community for a very positive reason - we are going to visit Rep. McIntyre's office and deliver letters from all over the state asking him to continue to fight the President's troop surge and let him know we are ready for an end to this war.
We will get a chance to meet at the coffee shop and discuss why we're there, a Moveon.org member that happens to be a vet will speak for 2 or 3 minutes, we may have one more speaker but again we are keeping it short (we know many of you will be on your lunch breaks or have to get to class or home - please bring the kids!) Then we head about one block to Rep. Mike McIntyre's office and a few of will go up to his office and thank him for his decision, let his office know we support him and deliver the letters.
I'm trying to get the word out to more than just the MoveOn.org members because I think we can all agree this is an important time in history and we can make a difference- let's get to know eachother! I am going to write a letter to the editor and get as many outlets as I can to stop by so they know we're here and we're ready for and end to this war. Come down, www.DraftObama.org will be there - as will moms, college kids, grandparents, new voters, and others. Again, here's the info - feel free to e-mail me with any questions or suggestions - it's all appreciated.
WHEN: Thursday, February 22 from around 12:00PM until no later than 12:30PM
WHERE: Meeting at Port City Java on the corner of GRACE and N. FRONT, then we head to the office building on 201 N. FRONT about one block away. Handicap accessible.
WHO: Like I said, everyone should be there, bring the kids!
WHY: The next few votes on this issue are going to be crucial to what happens in Iraq (and possibly Iran), we need to pressure our Rep. by supporting decisions like the one he recently made disagreeing with the President's surge.
Thank you, hope to see you there,
MoveOn.org volunteer event host
Supporting Obama is step one.
If you're interested in some hands on volunteering...what's your pleasure? Web designing, knocking on doors, making posters, phone calls, stuffing envelopes...you name it. Join our group (NC DraftObama.org) and let us know what you want to do!
It's time to get involved!
Contact us for upcoming volunteer opportunites, meetings, speeches, parties, etc in your area! We got him drafted - now let's get him elected!
Heads up for those of you involved in our North Carolina DraftObama.org group - Obama will be in Columbia tomorrow, speaking at the Richland County Rally.
Info: Location: The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center1101 Lincoln StreetColumbia, SC 29201
Doors open at 4:30 PM
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are available for pick-up at the following locations:
University of South CarolinaStudent Government Office227 Russell HouseColumbia, SC 292089:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mac's on Main1710 Main StreetColumbia, SC 2920111:00 AM - 3:00 PM5:00 PM - 12:00 PM
*He will be in Orangeburg, SC the following day. Here are the details for that:
Saturday, February 17, 10:00 AM at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Claflin UniversityJonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center Tullis Arena 400 Magnolia St.Orangeburg, SC
Tickets: The event is free and open to the public. Ticket distribution locations to be announced shortly.
*I plan to TRY and attend tomorrow, please let me know if you plan to do the same!
Thanks,
North Carolina DraftObama.org
