John Schueler is on the ground in Missouri, where yesterday he reported on the growing numbers of Republicans of Obama . . .
While the balloons dropped at the Republican National Convention, everyday Americans gathered at a VFW hall in Lee’s Summit, Missouri to discuss issues that affect Americans across party lines. What made this particular forum unique was not the setting or the topics discussed, as these types of political gatherings take place every day across the state. It was the attendees themselves that set this a part, because the bulk of them typically consider themselves Republicans.
I was a Republican because I believe in conservative values and I put family first.... Now I want to elect Senator Obama for the sake of my grandsons.
That sentiment was expressed by Bobbie Queen, who supported Bush both times he ran, but is now committed to electing Barack Obama. She expressed her displeasure for the current leadership of the Republican Party.
I resent the fact that they think we're a bunch of whiners because we don't make $4 million a year. I live pay check to pay check and I work hard… I've never felt like anything I could do or say would make a difference. Those people were just too big and too far away to care. It's different with Obama. I just know he cares about people like us.
Also on hand was former Congressman Jim Leach, a Republican from Iowa who recently endorsed Senator Obama and spoke at the Democratic National Convention. He shared his reasons for throwing his support behind Barack and laid out the simple economics for all in attendance.
Barack Obama's policies will reduce taxes on the middle class much more than the policies of Senator McCain. McCain's policies will reduce taxes for the highest income earners and particularly for the oil industry.
The lies and distortions that had filled the airwaves for the past few days didn’t seem to faze or discourage the voters in attendance. If anything it strengthened their resolve. Jim Leach summarized the essential difference between the two candidates, and the reason that so many long time Republicans were embracing a Democrat for the first time. "Barack Obama understands the Midwest."
While the media spotlight focuses on the Republican National Convention, across the country supporters are quietly going about the work that will make the difference in November. Xavier Lopez-Ayala reported that:
In Minnesota last night, in one office alone over 20 women were calling fellow women in their neighborhoods to share why they support Barack and to invite them to join Women for Obama.
There was a sense of urgency in the air, because these women understand that we have a real choice in this election. We can either choose a new direction for our economy, or we can remain on the same misguided path for four more years.
Pat, a first-time phonebanker, explains:
I volunteered to help elect Barack Obama because I believe we need Barack as our next President--and I wanted to do something to help make that happen!
In Maine, Liz Meckes reports:
Tonight, John McCain will accept the Republican Party's nomination. However, his won't be the only voice being heard, as all across the state Mainers are making calls to say “eight is enough!” Volunteers have organized in every Campaign for Change office to phonebank for Barack and rally their communities for November. Joe McHugh, who has been volunteering with his wife (in multiple states) since last November, said he wished he had even more time to give.
To me, McCain is just another four years of George Bush—and we can’t have that. People need change, and the need someone who can offer more than the same failed policies that we’ve been living with for far too long. I give whatever time I can to make sure they hear Obama’s message.
Brooke, a full-time student at the College of the Atlantic, has made calls every night this week.
It’s great to know you can actually make a difference.
Tonight, people across the country people are making phone calls, canvassing and organizing. No matter where you are, you can join them.
In days the immediately following Barack's acceptance speech in Denver, Colorado supporters set, and then met, an ambitious goal of registering 4000 new voters in just four days. On Monday, supporters in Fort Morgan celebrated Labor Day with a picnic and voter registration drive, with a special appearance by former State Senate President Stan Matsunaka. Jenn Prosser is on the ground in Colorado:
In 1894, Congress declared the first Monday of September to be a federal holiday. The holiday, Labor Day, was to be a "day off for the working citizen." Yesterday, the Morgan County Democrats got together for a picnic at Riverside Park in Fort Morgan.
Kerrie was there registering voters. She talked to us about the movement for change in eastern Colorado.
She said:
I came on board with the campaign in February, and we had a great turn out for the caucus in our small little town in Wiggins -- we had 14 people show up. Some of the women cried because they were just so excited.
Here's a video from the event:
You can read more about Barack Obama's position on labor issues, and visit CO.BarackObama.com for more news and information from Colorado.
In Wisconsin, supporters were lining up early for Barack's appearance tonight at the Rally for America's Workers at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee. You can watch a live stream of the event here on the HQ blog, scheduled to start at 6:00 pm Central Time.
Ian Jungbacker was on site early this morning:
At around 10:00 this morning over 250 volunteers (many of whom are Obama Team Leaders) assembled in the shade of a tent just inside the main entrance of the Summerfest grounds and then moved inside the Marcus Amphitheater to go over final preparations for the event.... Every year Milwaukee plays host to dozens of cultural and artistic festivals that celebrate the city and the state's rich diversity, giving Milwaukee the nickname of the "City of Festivals."On the unofficial last weekend of summer, Milwaukee has two big events: the 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson motorcycles (proudly headquartered right here in southeastern Wisconsin) and Labor Fest, a day-long family-orientated celebration of Milwaukee's deep working class roots.
Check back shortly for more coverage of the event . . .
The first of two Camp Obama trainings is happening right now at the Carpenter's Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Hundreds of supporters from across the state are spending their Labor Day learning the strategies and techniques that drive this campaign for change.
Volunteers greeted the 400 plus Camp attendees this morning with a packet of training materials and a handout detailing ways to help with disaster relief in the Gulf Coast, including donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund or the Save The Children US Emergency Fund.
After trainings on campaign strategy from State Director Jeff Blodgett and State Field Director Jaci Urness, the room was divided into 10 smaller groups to practice the techniques they just learned.
Minnesota Camp Obama graduates commit to joining the Team Obama program, neighborhood teams based on the core belief of this campaign: change will only happen when folks stand together and take ownership over this election.
Visit MN.BarackObama.com for more news and information from Minnesota.
Today is the third of a four day Weekend of Action, in which grassroots volunteers across the country will be canvassing and registering voters in one of our largest coordinated field efforts yet.
In Colorado the Weekend of Action started early. Jenn Prosser was at Mile High on Thursday, where volunteers were phonebanking on-site in the hours before Barack's speech . . .
In the hours leading up to Barack's acceptance speech, people took the energy of Mile High and turned it into action. Throughout the stadium, people were registering to vote, signing up to volunteer and even making phone calls to make sure that people across Colorado tuned in to watch Barack's speech.
Cheryl, a volunteer who traveled from Washington state to help out in Colorado, talked to us about the amount of excitement that is flooding Mile High.
We're calling voters in Colorado and telling them to watch Senator Obama speak tonight... It's packed, we have 100 phones here and I'm looking for phones all the time. They love it and they're so enthusiastic about making calls for Barack.
No matter where you are, you take part in this Weekend of Action by finding an event near you.
On Thursday Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination for president in front of a crowd of over 80,000 people at Mile High, while a television audience of millions watched from house parties and homes across the country. But as Campaign Manager David Plouffe explained, "we have to do more."
Today is the third of a four day Weekend of Action, in which grassroots volunteers across the country will be canvassing and registering voters in one of our largest coordinated field efforts yet. Liz is on the ground in Maine, where the weekend got started early . . .
Volunteers in Camden showed their support at Windjammer Weekend: registering voters between the schooners, shops, and pine trees.
Happy supporters get ready for Windjammer Weekend
Visitors to Windjammer were pleased to find not just nautical fun, but the opportunity to register so they can head to the polls this November.
A fashionable volunteer explains how to register
This small supporter has a few years to go
There are still plenty of opportunities for you to get involved during Maine's Weekend of Action. Join your neighbors in Camden (or across the state) and help the Campaign for Change.
Yesterday was the kick-off of a four day Weekend of Action, in which grassroots volunteers across the country will be canvassing and registering voters in one of our largest coordinated field efforts yet. Xavier Lopez-Ayala is on the ground in Minnesota . . .
Line at the front desk of the Minnesota Campaign for Change HQ in St. Paul
This Labor Day weekend, just after Barack Obama officially accepted the Democratic nomination for president, the Minnesota Campaign for Change organized a Convention Weekend of Action to mobilize volunteers and voters at the grassroots level across the state.
Campaign for Change offices across the state are reporting a high-number of new volunteers who are fired up and ready to help Barack Obama bring real change to Minnesota and to America. Find your local Campaign for Change office and stop buy to learn how you can help.
Yesterday was the kick-off of a four day Weekend of Action, in which grassroots volunteers across the country will be canvassing and registering voters in one of our largest coordinated field efforts yet. Jenn Prosser is on the ground in Colorado, where the weekend got started early . . .
This weekend volunteers across Colorado are taking the momentum of the Convention and registering voters throughout the state.
Kal Penn spent Friday talking to college students and getting them registered to vote. He spoke to over a hundred students at CU at 9 a.m. on Friday morning, before traveling to CSU where he spoke to students, registered voters and signed up volunteers.
Addressing the crowd at CSU, Kal explained:
If you remember when we were kids, CNN and MTV used to always run these stories about how we weren’t going to vote, that we didn’t care enough. But in the last eight years, things have actually gotten bad enough for that to change – we’ve all got friends and family over in Iraq, can’t afford healthcare, can barely afford an education, gas is $4 a gallon. So it’s been interesting to see around the country is that if you are between the ages of 18 and 35 you are registering to vote.In Ohio, the election was decided by 118,000 votes in 2004. There are around 600,000 college students there. In all the swing states, including Colorado, the margins can be closed by just the college or youth vote.
If you remember when we were kids, CNN and MTV used to always run these stories about how we weren’t going to vote, that we didn’t care enough. But in the last eight years, things have actually gotten bad enough for that to change – we’ve all got friends and family over in Iraq, can’t afford healthcare, can barely afford an education, gas is $4 a gallon. So it’s been interesting to see around the country is that if you are between the ages of 18 and 35 you are registering to vote.
In Ohio, the election was decided by 118,000 votes in 2004. There are around 600,000 college students there. In all the swing states, including Colorado, the margins can be closed by just the college or youth vote.
Afterwards Kal Penn visited a few local offices to thank volunteers for the work they are doing, and then spent a few hours making phone calls to undecided voters in Arapahoe county.
From Jenn Prosser, on the ground in Colorado . . .
From his days as a community organizer on, Barack has strongly believed that the best policies come from the people -- their experiences, stories and ideas can shape the most efficient solutions for our country. In the spirit of this philosophy, the Colorado Campaign for Change has organized a series of Solutions for Colorado forums that will be going on across the state from now through October.
The first event was in Pueblo, where Rep. John Salazar joined National Deputy Policy Director Carlos Monje and Colorado Policy Director Joy Silvern to talk about the economy. The room was packed with nearly 200 people from Pueblo and the surrounding area. Rep. Salazar spoke to the group about the economic problems he's seen in the past eight years, from the huge rise in diesel costs to the sky-rocketing national debt. One of the people at the event, Elaine, shared her story with the audience. Elaine was a property manager for a low-income housing development. She talked about how her work had helped empower one of her tenants, whom Elaine hired to help maintain the houses. The woman became progressively more involved in the housing development, and then took over when Elaine retired. The woman now works to help other people who are in situations like hers. Elaine said:
I hope that everyone here will carefully think about [their vote] when they go to the polls; think about the loss of these programs for people and what will happen if we have another four years of what we have had so far.
Later that afternoon, Joy and Carlos drove to Windsor where they, with Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff, met with over 120 people to discuss energy concerns in Colorado.
At both events, the Coloradans split into groups where they discussed their ideas to help solve the issues at hand. Campaign staff listened to their conversations and collected the ideas to be passed on to Barack's policy team in Chicago. Here's a video of both events:
If you live in Colorado, you visit Solutions for Colorado for more information on upcoming meeting.
August 4th was Barack Obama's 47th birthday. In Colorado Springs, volunteers gave the gift of canvassing. People were in and out of the office all afternoon and into the evening getting their assignments and taking the campaign's message to their neighbors.We followed two volunteers, Alex and Robert, as they traversed the trail.
Both live in Colorado Springs, a city with a reputation for being a Republican stronghold. But as Robert sees it, things are changing this year:
Colorado Springs is a beautiful place to live. This year it's a battleground for Mr. Obama. I remember watching the '92 election, the '96 election, the 2000 and 2004 elections, and now this one. I'm basically following in my parents' footsteps by campaigning. They campaigned hard for Clinton twice, and they did what they could for Gore and Kerry. This election means more to me than any of the other campaigns I've been a part of.
It's the drive and passion that makes this campaign different from the past. Here's a video of Alex and Robert canvassing in Colorado Springs, and the birthday celebration at the office afterwards:
You can check out more pictures from the canvass and the party on our Flickr page. Visit CO.BarackObama.com for more news and info from Colorado.
The Vote for Change voter registration drive launched almost three months ago, before the primary had even ended. As the Atlantic's Marc Ambinder said back in May, "Pay attention to Obama's voter registration drive..." This program is part of the foundation of our general election strategy, and voter registration events have been taking place non-stop ever since. Xavier Lopez-Ayala is on the ground in Minnesota. . .
Last Monday, the Campaign for Change gave Barack Obama a very special birthday present: thousands of newly registered Minnesotans.
The field organizers in the 4th Congressional District were able to collect 215 voter registration cards in just 24 hours, exceeding their goal of 188. This was in large part because of the hard work and dedication of Joe and Bonnie (who collected 18), Peter (36), David (who stayed out from 9AM to 6PM), and Harris (a 12 year old Barackstar who collected six).
The organizers wrapped the voter registration cards and delivered them to the Minnesota Secretary of State's office on Wednesday. They also sent in these pictures:
I also heard the story of Andy, a field organizer in Minneapolis, who managed to collect 44 voter registrations by the time he left a Birthday House Party for Barack. He was still shy of his goal of 47 for the day, and not wanting to give Barack anything but his best, Andy hit the pavement and scoured Minneapolis for unregistered voters. He phoned in just before 11pm to inform everyone that he had registered 50 new voters for Barack's birthday!
Andy emailed over this picture...
In Georgia, as in many states, voter registration and turnout will be key in November. TIME magazine reported that "the Obama campaign has wasted no time [in Georgia], launching massive voter registration drives before the primaries had even ended." Georgia staffer Thomas Kelly has been following the story of Field Organizer Lance Williams and his voter registration RV tour to Heard County and back again...
Generated as a volunteer led event, the "114 Obama Tour" left Columbus early in the day for its first destination, Franklin, Georgia. Loaded up with tables, registration forms, volunteer recruitment forms, signs, and even a voting machine similar to the one locals would use on Election Day, the RV set up in Franklin at the oldest African American-owned business in the county. As people practiced voting on the machine the team hauled with them, they recruited volunteers to help them out in the future and to caravan with them to their next destination, La Grange, Georgia in Troup County.
Photos submitted by Nikasha Wells and Lance Williams
Arriving in Troup County, the RV tour was led into Union St. Park by a local step team. The festive tone was set and the atmosphere was enhanced by the fish fry that accompanied the event. The volunteer-led team had a large turnout, which was comprised of teams from two separate counties together (underscoring the collaborative efforts the Campaign for Change has encouraged). In addition to letting potential voters practice on the voting machine, they ran a voter registration competition amongst the group.
Overall the event yielded more than three dozen voter registrations, and over 30 new volunteers were recruited to be Unite for Change team members with the Campaign for Change. As the RV tour turned out of the the park to head back to Columbus, Lance Williams and his team of volunteer leaders decided this was just the beginning. Look out for the "114 Obama" Registration RV Tour" coming soon to a town near you.
Visit GA.BarackObama.com for more info on how to get involved in Georgia.
Jenn Prosser is on the ground in Colorado, where just last week four more offices were opened as part of the largest field operation in the history of American presidential politics.
The campaign in Colorado is growing rapidly. Just last week another four Colorado Campaign for Change offices opened across the state. Over 900 people attended the events in Thornton, Fort Collins, Golden and Aurora. Local politicians, staff, supporters and volunteers turned out en masse to show their excitement for the campaign and to find out how to get involved.
In Golden, Colorado, State Senator Sue Windels explained:
You're out there knocking on doors. That's how we win. In JeffCo we work hard, we work personally, we take our message to each and every door.
Visit CO.BarackObama.com for more information on how to get involved in Colorado.
Across the country, over 4,000 Unite for Change events will take place today. Ordinary citizens are preparing to open their homes to friends and neighbors to help build grassroots networks in their own communities. For many of them, today will be their first step towards finding their political voice.
Jim, in East Providence, Rhode Island, has never done any political organizing before but is expecting over thirty people for his event:
I have no political experience; I’ve never been involved in the way that I have been here. There’s been something compelling about Senator Obama since the get go. This is a bottom up campaign, and I couldn’t be more bottom than I am. I feel very comfortable jumping in at the bottom. I feel like I’m not risking failure because there’s no way to fall, we can only build the campaign up.
Jim planned his event as an open house, and expects an even mix of people who found the event through my.barackobama.com and friends and family that he’s invited.
Across the country in Seattle, JR is getting ready for his “Bring It On BBQ.” He’s been in touch with some of our Organizing Fellows, and is expecting a large turnout. JR’s apartment complex, home to over 4,000 people, has a convenient activity room where he’ll be hosting:
I saw the opportunity, having the community room, and I felt like that was something that I could offer the campaign to make a difference.
JR’s involvement with the campaign goes back to when he was a precinct captain in the Washington Caucuses. He’s planning on using his Unite for Change BBQ to strengthen ties with those he met at the caucus, while expanding the grassroots reach to the rest of the complex, where he’s been putting up flyers on the community bulletin board.
There are over 4,000 Unite for Change events planned in all fifty states going on throughout the day – click here to find one near you.
Throughout the course of this historic campaign, one of the keys to expanding the reach and impact of Barack's message has been the active involvement of our grassroot supporters. Like many of our volunteers, Heather from Melbourne, FL had never really cared for politics prior to this campaign. It wasn't until for her mother and father began to take an active role in the South Carolina campaign that Heather sat up and took notice...
My parents who live in South Carolina have been talking about Barack for at least a year. My dad (a white "over 65" year old Catholic registered Republican) told me that he believed Barack is the leader we need now and just hoped the American people would agree with that and listen to his message of change, hope, and reasonable, responsible actions. My parents bought me Dreams From My Father and I just loved it. They started volunteering for the campaign in SC back in December or January and their enthusiasm spurred me on to start paying more attention to the primaries and the issues. I don't think I had ever watched more than a few minutes of a debate before January. Now I can't miss a debate or speech if I can help it. I had never been politically active, but that has changed dramatically.
Heather's parents, Rich and Judy, have been active volunteers in their town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. They traveled to Charleston to participate in the nation voter drive. In doing so they have set an example for there daughter who has helped organize with others in her community. The whole family seems to be in support of Barack, even her 5 year old son...
I have a 5 year old who loves Barack too. Last night at dinner Benjamin whispered in my ear "Mom, let's cheers to Barack!", so we all lifted our glasses to Barack. For a long time Ben called him "RockObama"- now he calls him Barack. He often thinks I'm gong out to see Barack when I leave the house because he knows I met him once (briefly) and he hears me talking about going to an Obama meeting. Ben wants to meet him too. Maybe one day he will!
Since becoming involved, Heather has hosted meetings in her house and has participated in phone banks into other primary states, as well as attending watch parties. Heather has wasted no time in helping the campaign in planning a voter registration drive in downtown Melbourne on Friday, June 13th.
Their plan is to register voters that afternoon starting at 5pm. The next day the team has planned a registration drive/community beach cleanup project. In addition, Joe, a local hotdog vendor, has volunteered to donate all profits from his cart that day to her local group, helping to fund more registration drives in the future. It is events like this that will help carry us to victory in November.
Barack's message has led me to realize that my one small voice can join with others and together we can make a difference and be heard. Together we can work for common goals; to improve this country and our world. Working together and being our brothers' and sisters' keepers is a challenge that I cannot ignore, because the change needs to come now.
For more information about this event click here!
There are a multitude of grassroots events like this taking place across the country this weekend, and there will be many more in the weeks and months to come. You can search for an event in your own community, or sign up and create your own.
Whether you're an experienced organizer like Heather, or a first time volunteer, you can connect with people in your own community and help build a true grassroots movement, one new voter at a time. Take the first step, and volunteer today.
Beth, a former corporate chef from Massachusetts, participated in a training session in early May as part of our national voter registration drive, Vote for Change. When Governor Deval Patrick asked her to define 'government,' Beth realized that change begins with us, and that it can begin anywhere — even at a bus stop:
I live near one of the most dynamic intersections in the Boston area. There's a significant bus stop, Boston University and Boston College students, inbound and outbound trolley stops, and many unique businesses (a pet shop, a Chinese Herbalist, Tattoo parlors and a hardware store). I felt sure that we would have better results there than in downtown Boston. Two women joined me, and we had this incredible time together, and with the people on the street! Many people at the bus stop would be hesitant at first, but they would change their minds after hearing someone beside them register and seeing how it worked. We had immigrant first time voters, students, one man just out from 30 years in prison, and a handicapped man in a wheel chair who registered and then stayed with us for about half an hour to partake in the discussions.
I live near one of the most dynamic intersections in the Boston area. There's a significant bus stop, Boston University and Boston College students, inbound and outbound trolley stops, and many unique businesses (a pet shop, a Chinese Herbalist, Tattoo parlors and a hardware store). I felt sure that we would have better results there than in downtown Boston.
Two women joined me, and we had this incredible time together, and with the people on the street! Many people at the bus stop would be hesitant at first, but they would change their minds after hearing someone beside them register and seeing how it worked.
We had immigrant first time voters, students, one man just out from 30 years in prison, and a handicapped man in a wheel chair who registered and then stayed with us for about half an hour to partake in the discussions.
After the success at the bus stop on May 10th and a second drive on May 21, the group of three decided to plan a third registration effort for June 12 at 12:00 PM by Marty's in Brookline:
The three of us decided we wanted to continue working together, so I planned another event at the same intersection. We have had such a positive response from volunteers sending RSVPs that we plan to fan out to other bus stops on opposite corners, and down the street where there is a site for day laborers by a Dunkin' Donuts shop. I think it really helps to get people when they are in a waiting mode. I also think it helps to have two volunteers talking about how easy it is to register so that people at the bus stop can hear the comfort level and enthusiasm, and then be more open when approached.
The three of us decided we wanted to continue working together, so I planned another event at the same intersection. We have had such a positive response from volunteers sending RSVPs that we plan to fan out to other bus stops on opposite corners, and down the street where there is a site for day laborers by a Dunkin' Donuts shop.
I think it really helps to get people when they are in a waiting mode. I also think it helps to have two volunteers talking about how easy it is to register so that people at the bus stop can hear the comfort level and enthusiasm, and then be more open when approached.
Beth reminds us that great movements can begin with just few friends meeting at the bus stop. Our national voter registration drive will be continuing all summer long, as we build toward November. No matter where you are, you can search for an event near you this weekend. Or, you might just try creating your own event in your community.
Every volunteer has their own reasons for getting involved in this campaign. For some it’s a desire to see a shift in the politics of this country. For others, it is often the inspiration that they have drawn from Barack’s words and deeds. For Kim, a volunteer from Sacramento, California, her driving force is her son.
I have a 24 year old who returned to the US on November 28, 2007 after serving a fourteen month tour in Iraq. My son’s service in Iraq and the fact that Barack never supported the war is why I initially took a look at him
Kim decided to channel her support into action on February 22, 2007 when Sacramento for Obama was formed. She became a co-chair of the group, and dedicated herself to ensuring that Barack’s message would be heard. In addition to her full time job working as Facility Manager at a County Mental Health Treatment Center, Kim has given twenty to fifty hours of her time each week to volunteering for the Obama campaign. The candidate, her fellow Obama supporters and the Obama staff are a large part of what brings her in each week, but it’s her son that keeps her going.
Barack Obama is my inspiration, my son is my motivation.
The Sacramento office opened on March 1st, 2008 by supporters who wanted to stay actively involved in the campaign and needed a central location to organize from. It is an 11,000 sq ft office with 30 computers available for phone banking, something they do every day of the week. Currently, Sacramento for Obama boasts a membership of almost 4,000 and is one of two grassroots offices still open in California. These offices are funded, staffed and run entirely by volunteers.
In addition to office activities the group also holds canvasses on a regular basis. Kim says that canvassing in mostly done in neighborhoods with a low number of registered voters in order to get them involved. She related a story of having registered a 75 year old woman who was registering for the first time as one of the moments that made her realize her actions are having a real impact. Kim has channeled that energy online as well. She says she has found my.barackobama.com to be "a great tool that allows people to come together and communicate". Over the past year she has used it organize dozens of events in the Sacramento area. This month alone, Kim is hosting five Obama events, including a social gathering to promote party unity tomorrow night. If you live in the Sacramento area and want more information about any of Kim's events, contact the Sacramento grassroots office at (916) 400-3252 or visit their Sacramento for Obama group page.
Even if you’re not fortunate enough to live by Kim, you can still get involved in the campaign and promote party unity. Simply visit our Unite for Change page, where you can either sign up to attend an event on June 28th or host your own.
Gary, a staffing coordinator at a hospital in Southern California, just made his first contribution to this campaign. Even though Gary is feeling the squeeze of escalating gas prices and a mortgage to pay, he decided to contribute now because he felt we need someone in the White House who cares about, and can inspire, our country like Barack. Born in Paris, raised in Ireland and living his adult life here in the United States, this was his time to stand up and, moving forward, he has pledged to donate $25 per week. Gary's enthusiasm is even rubbing off on some his Republican friends, one of which is a Bush supporter. As their conversations about this primary season and the problems facing our country have progressed, his friend has been listening closely.
Obama has the ability to make people talk again. I’m not a Democrat or a Republican, I’m an American…I’m sick of the bickering.
This movement is about rallying around a common purpose. For Gary, this isn’t just about changing our country but it’s about restoring America’s standing on the world stage. His family in Ireland is even pulling for Barack too! Our coalition is built on the support of millions of voices just like Gary’s. Make your voice heard, join our movement and contribute today. The May fundraising deadline is tonight, at 11:59 EDT - just minutes away . . .
Obama for America attracts supporters from every walk of life, and we are proud that individuals from California to Maine have donated to the campaign not once but repeatedly. Time and again we hear stories of supporters who have never been engaged in the political process but are now committing themselves to this movement in ways they never thought possible.
Here are a few more comments from supporters who had their donations matched:
Marylyn from Indiana wrote:
Mari Lou, Hope is the key word here! I am 76 years young, and I worry about my kids and my grandkids. I lived in such a different time. I am a Obama grandmomma all the way!
Helen and Tim from North Carolina said:
Tim and I appreciate your willingness to match our donation. We are avid supporters and volunteers for this wonderful and exciting man of "HOPE." We have housed volunteers, set up GOTV events and knocked on many doors in the last year. It is an exciting time, and we're hoping for victory in November. Let's keep the FAITH and HOPE for a better America with OBAMA!
Sandra from Wisconsin wrote this to her Obama match:
Erika,Welcome to the campaign! My husband and I have been involved for well over a year (sometimes it seems like three!) We have never before been engaged in politics... (and we are old!), but Barack has changed my cynicism to hope. Hope that things can be different, hope that things can change, hope that we the people can have input, and be a part of that change, and make things better in the U.S.! It has been an exciting journey. We have worked in the offices, phonebanked from home, and were deputized last night at a training to register new voters for the upcoming election! So, thank you for contributing...please consider becoming involved!
The May fundraising deadline is tonight, at 11:59 EDT; if you act now you can double your donation:
