Campaign manager David Plouffe just sent out this email...

Friend --

We have some big news we want to share with you.

Because of your generosity and commitment, we're reporting to the press today that this campaign is in a very strong financial position.

In the month of June, supporters like you helped raise $52 million.

But more impressive than the number is how you did it. Hundreds of thousands of ordinary people contributed to building our campaign for change. Many were first-time donors, giving only what they could afford -- and the average donation was just $68.

You continue to prove what ordinary Americans committed to change can accomplish, despite the Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs funding so much of our opponents' campaign.

But we can't stop now.

It's going to take everything we've got to defeat John McCain and the Republican National Committee in November. And we can't do it without your continued support.

Can you make a donation of $25 now to strengthen our movement for change?

https://donate.barackobama.com/junenumbers

I also wanted to share with you another promising piece of news.

The Obama campaign and the DNC ended June with a combined total of nearly $72 million in the bank. It's a healthy number. But McCain and the RNC together still have a huge cash advantage, and we need your help to close the gap.

As I mentioned in my video message to you earlier in the week, we're facing a Republican machine with unprecedented resources at its disposal. The McCain campaign and the Republican National Committee finished June with nearly $100 million in the bank.

Our campaign does not accept donations from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs, and neither does the Democratic National Committee. But John McCain and the RNC have no such standards.

Along with the vast amounts of unregulated money being raised by shadowy outside groups, there's no telling how much they'll spend running attack ads.

We must work together and fight back against their efforts.

Please make a donation of $25 now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/junenumbers

I know this isn't the first time we've asked you for money, and it won't be the last.

We have developed a strategy -- a very aggressive strategy -- that will only work if our millions of supporters continue to contribute their time and their money.

We are now on the air with TV ads in 18 states -- including 14 that George W. Bush carried in the 2004 election. And in each one we're also building extensive grassroots field organizations.

It's all part of our strategy to spread Barack's positive message and compete in all 50 states.

That strategy will work, and it has to. The stakes are too high and the need for change too great. We are thrilled to be on this journey with you and thank you for all you have done so far. But victory is only possible with your continued help.

Please give $25 now:

https://donate.barackobama.com/junenumbers

We can't do this without you.

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Correction: $72 million is Obama for America's cash on hand only. This number does not include the DNC's cash on hand.

Senator Barack Obama on today’s announcement from General Motors that the company will cut jobs and production, suspend its dividend and borrow billions of dollars...

We need real change in Washington. That means no longer turning a blind eye to 3.5 million lost manufacturing jobs. It means recognizing the continued importance of the manufacturing sector in our economy, and having a plan to help revive it. It means taking seriously the crippling impact of high health care costs on our manufacturers and putting in place an energy policy that wasn't written by the oil companies. It means standing up to our trading partners when they manipulate their currencies and fail to abide by the same trade rules that American workers and companies live by. And it means having a President who understands that we have the best workers and best companies in the world, but as we ask them to join us in the great mission of energy independence, we must invest in giving them the tools to succeed.

When a mainstay of the American economy is forced to make a restructuring decision like the one General Motors is announcing today, it is a sober reminder of the difficult economic times we're facing and of why we need change and a new direction in Washington. My heart goes out to all the workers and families in Michigan and across the country who will be affected as well as those who have been impacted over the last few months and years of turbulence in the auto industry. America’s auto workers are not just the backbone of our economy, they are on the front lines of our effort to produce the next generation of clean vehicles, strengthen America’s competitiveness and create up to 5 million clean energy jobs here in the United States. 

In recent weeks, I have met with the CEOs of both GM and Ford to talk with them about their economic challenges and about the need for everyone - from auto executives to the federal government - to work toward the energy and economic future the American people deserve. These companies are facing a perfect storm of record gas prices, rising steel prices, a credit market contraction that has made it more difficult for consumers to purchase autos, and a weakening economy that has shed jobs for six straight months.   The impact of their hardship goes far beyond their own companies - to the countless suppliers, small businesses and communities throughout our nation who depend on a strong auto industry.

I have also met with the workers in these plants, men and women who face a different set of economic challenges.  Their perfect storm includes paychecks that are being stretched to meet family budgets, intensifying competition from abroad, jobs that are increasingly insecure and little support from a government that has consistently turned its back on the middle-class.

In this difficult moment, it is clear that just as the American economy cannot succeed without our auto companies, these companies cannot succeed without a strong and growing American economy. And while all of us must take responsibility for building a future of shared prosperity, we will not turn our economy around with more of the same failed economic policies of the last 8 years.

I have complete confidence that GM and our other auto companies will adapt and thrive in the 21st century economy if we bring real change to Washington and forge a true partnership together. That is what I intend to do as President.

Read more about Obama's plan for the economy.

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton on President Bush's plans to lift the moritorium on offshore drilling...

If offshore drilling would provide short-term relief at the pump or a long-term strategy for energy independence, it would be worthy of our consideration, regardless of the risks.  But most experts, even within the Bush Administration, concede it would do neither.  It would merely prolong the failed energy policies we have seen from Washington for thirty years. Senator Obama believes Americans need real short-term relief, which is why he has proposed a second round of stimulus with energy rebates for working families. And over the long-term, Senator Obama understands that our national security and the survival of the planet demand a real strategy to break our dependence on foreign oil by developing clean, new sources of energy and by vastly improving the energy efficiency of our cars, trucks and our economy.  He is ready to lead such a transformation.

Visit NewEnergyForAmerica.com for more on Obama's plan to provide Americans with real relief and long-term solutions for a clean energy future.

Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton...

Senator Obama has long believed we should take all necessary steps to ensure affordable homeownership for millions of American families, and that includes an essential role for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.  Nearly a year ago, Senator Obama called for a major response to the housing crisis and significant relief for struggling homeowners.  It took Senator McCain three different tries to figure out a real response to the housing crisis, and his current plan does nothing to help more than two million homeowners who are facing foreclosure.

Click here to read more about Obama's plan to address the housing crisis and help middle class families reclaim the American dream.

CHICAGO, IL – The Obama Campaign today released a new ad which sets the record straight on energy policy and responds to false, negative attacks by John McCain and the Republican party. 

The 30-second spot, “New Energy,” highlights Senator Obama’s plan to make us energy independent and bring relief to middle class families, compared to John McCain’s plan to continue George Bush’s failed energy policy and offer more tax breaks to big oil.  The ad will run in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin – the same four states in which the Republican National Committee is running false, negative ads attacking Barack Obama.

Barack Obama's energy plan will provide meaningful short-term relief for our families and make a historic investment in alternative energy development that will create millions of new jobs, keep the cost of energy affordable and secure our energy independence once and for all. 

Watch “New Energy” ...

SCRIPT – “New Energy”

On gas prices, John McCain’s part of the problem.

McCain and Bush support a drilling plan that won’t produce a drop of oil for seven years.

McCain will give more tax breaks to big oil. 

He’s voted with Bush 95% of the time.

Barack Obama will make energy independence an urgent priority.

Raise mileage standards.

Fast track technology for alternative fuels.

A $1000 tax cut to help families as we break the grip of foreign oil.

A real plan and new energy.

OBAMA: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

Learn more about Obama's comprehensive energy plan at NewEnergyForAmerica.com.

David Plouffe just sent out this email...

Friend --

I wanted you to be the first to hear the news.

At the Democratic National Convention next month, we're going to kick off the general election with an event that opens up the political process the same way we've opened it up throughout this campaign.

Barack has made it clear that this is your convention, not his.

On Thursday, August 28th, he's scheduled to formally accept the Democratic nomination in a speech at the convention hall in front of the assembled delegates.

Instead, Barack will leave the convention hall and join more than 75,000 people for a huge, free, open-air event where he will deliver his acceptance speech to the American people.

It's going to be an amazing event, and Barack would like you to join him. Free tickets will become available as the date approaches, but we've reserved a special place for a few of the people who brought us this far and who continue to drive this campaign.

If you make a donation of $5 or more between now and midnight on July 31st, you could be one of 10 supporters chosen to fly to Denver and spend two days and nights at the convention, meet Barack backstage, and watch his acceptance speech in person. Each of the ten supporters who are selected will be able to bring one guest to join them.

Make a donation now and you could have a front row seat to history.

We'll follow up with more details on this and other convention activities as we get closer, but please take a moment and pass this note to someone you know who might like to be there.

It will be an event you'll never forget.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

 

Barack just sent out this email...

Dear Friend --

Tonight is the crucial financial reporting deadline for June.

Your support has gotten us this far, and I am grateful. But I need your help to take on John McCain, the Republican National Committee, and the shady so-called 527 groups that are dedicated to attacking this campaign using millions of dollars in unregulated contributions.

Please support this movement by making a donation of $25 by Midnight tonight:

https://donate.barackobama.com/june30deadline

Together we are setting a new standard for how presidential campaigns will be organized and funded.

For the first time in a generation, a presidential campaign is putting staff in every single state for the general election. Our staff and the Obama Organizing Fellows are getting to work right now to build on grassroots energy in all 50 states.

And -- unlike John McCain -- we're going to do it without contributions from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs that have held too much power for far too long in this country.

By putting our organizational and financial future in your hands, it's clear who will be responsible for our success and who we will be accountable to in the White House: the people.

But in order to match the resources of our opponents, we're going to have to do more and get more people involved than ever before. Your donation of $25 right now will help make that happen:

https://donate.barackobama.com/june30deadline

I'm counting on you to take the lead and build this campaign.

The stakes couldn't be higher, and every American who hopes for something better from their government is counting on us.

Thank you,

Barack

CHICAGO, IL- The Obama campaign announced today that Senator Obama will be traveling overseas to assess the situation in countries that are critical to American national security, and to consult with close friends and allies.  Senator Obama will visit France, Germany, Israel, Jordan and the United Kingdom where he will consult with the leaders of those nations about common challenges like terrorism, nuclear proliferation and climate change.

This trip will be an important opportunity for me to assess the situation in countries that are critical to American national security, and to consult with some of our closest friends and allies about the common challenges we face.

Israel is a strong and close friend of the United States, and is confronting grave threats from Gaza to Tehran. Jordan has been a close partner in the peace process and a host of other issues of common concern.  France, Germany, and the United Kingdom are key anchors of the transatlantic alliance and have contributed to the mission in Afghanistan, and I look forward to discussing how we can strengthen our partnership in the years to come. This will be an important opportunity to have an exchange of views with leaders in these countries about these and other issues that are critical to American national security -- and global security -- in the 21st century.

Stay tuned for updates about Senator Obama's trip and click here to learn more about his plan to secure America and restore our standing in the world.

Today, North Korea submitted a 60-page declaration of its nuclear program for outside review. Here is Senator Obama's statement on this news...

This is a step forward, and there will be many more steps to take in the days ahead. Critical questions remain unanswered. We still have not verified the accuracy of the North Korean declaration. We must confirm the full extent of North Korea's past plutonium production. We must also confirm its uranium enrichment activities, and get answers to disturbing questions about its proliferation activities with other countries, including Syria.

The declaration has not yet been made available, so Congress has not had a chance to review it. Before weighing in on North Korea's removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, Congress must take the next 45 days to examine the adequacy of the North Korean declaration and verification procedures. Sanctions are a critical part of our leverage to pressure North Korea to act. They should only be lifted based on North Korean performance. If the North Koreans do not meet their obligations, we should move quickly to re-impose sanctions that have been waived, and consider new restrictions going forward.

We should continue to pursue the kind of direct and aggressive diplomacy with North Korea that can yield results. The objective must be clear: the complete and verifiable elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons programs, which only expanded while we refused to talk. As we move forward, we must not cede our leverage in these negotiations unless it is clear that North Korea is living up to its obligations.

As President, I will work from the very beginning of my term in office to secure the American people and our interests in this vital region. We must work with diligence and determination with our friends and allies to end this dangerous threat, and to secure a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.

The campaign sent out this email this morning...

Friend --

Barack Obama recorded a video message with an important announcement that he wanted you to hear first:

We have made a crucial decision that will impact how we compete in the general election, and it's important that you understand the decision, its implications, and the challenge ahead.

Please take a moment to watch the video.

Thank you,

Obama for America

CHICAGO, IL – Senator Obama today announced the formation of his Senior Working Group on National Security, a group of advisors that he will consult on a regular basis between now and the election.  Obama will meet with the group for the first time today in Washington, DC for a wide-ranging discussion of the immense challenges faced by the United States in the wake of the disastrous foreign policies of George Bush.

“Each individual here today has provided extraordinary service to our nation in the executive branch and Congress. Several have been advising my campaign for some time. We’re also honored to be joined by some of Senator Clinton’s senior advisors. In the months to come, we’ll be reaching out to others, as well as leaders in Congress,” Senator Obama said.  “The stakes in this election could not be higher. John McCain wants to continue George Bush's foreign policy which has made us less safe, less respected, and less able to lead the world.  It's time to change course. It's time to end the war in Iraq responsibly, refocus on Afghanistan and al Qaeda, and renew our global leadership so that we can tackle the huge challenges of the 21st century.”

Later today, he will also meet with a group of nearly 40 retired Admirals and Generals to discuss the state of our armed forces, and the challenges facing our military in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. This meeting is part of an ongoing dialogue between Senator Obama and current and former military officers of various ranks and views.

Senator Obama’s Senior Working Group on National Security includes:

• Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
• Senator David Boren, former Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
• Secretary of State Warren Christopher
• Greg Craig, former director of the State Department Office of Policy Planning
• Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig
• Representative Lee Hamilton, former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
• Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder
• Dr. Tony Lake, former National Security Advisor
• Senator Sam Nunn, former Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. 
• Secretary of Defense William Perry
• Dr. Susan Rice, former Assistant Secretary of State
• Representative Tim Roemer, 9/11 Commissioner
• Jim Steinberg, former Deputy National Security Advisor

Click here to read Senator Obama's plan to turn the page on the failed Bush-McCain foreign policy.

Watch the town hall meeting on education and college affordability LIVE from Detroit...

Click here to read more about Obama's education plan. 

Barack Obama: 

"It is outrageous and unacceptable that our government would irresponsibly endanger veterans who have already sacrificed so much for our country. Our veterans - particularly those suffering from mental health injuries - should have the very best health care and support in the world, they should never be needlessly exposed to drugs without proper notification of the dangers involved or effective monitoring of the side effects. I will immediately be asking for a full and thorough investigation of how our government could yet again let down our veterans and their families who have given so much to their country, and who have paid so much for the failures of civilian leadership in Washington. It is time to demand accountability and to ensure that this kind of breach of trust never takes place again."

Last night in Detroit, former Vice President and Nobel laureate Al Gore voiced his support for Barack Obama for President of the United States. Watch the video...

Former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Al Gore just sent out this email...

Over the past 18 months, Barack Obama has united a movement. He knows change does not come from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or Capitol Hill. It begins when people stand up and take action.

On the issues that matter most, Barack Obama is clearly the right choice to lead our nation.

On yesterday's stop in the Change that Works for You tour, Obama discussed his plan to provide seniors with secure retirements. Watch the video...

Click here to read more about Obama's plan to provide seniors with the dignity they deserve. 

Today, Barack travelled to Quincy, Illinois to inspect the flood-damaged area and join grassroots volunteers in loading sandbags to help prevent further flooding.

The Mississippi River is expected to crest in Quincy on Monday or Tuesday. If you're in the Quincy area, the sandbagging operation is going on until 6:00 pm today and throughout the weekend. Local officials have put out a public call for all volunteers who are able to help. If you can assist, please travel to the Oakley-Lindsey Civic Center in Quincy this weekend.

For those of from elsewhere in the country who want to pitch in, please visit the Red Cross website to learn how you can help.

Thanks to all of you who have stepped up and lent a hand to your neighbors and fellow Americans. This campaign is more than about winning an election, it's about building a movement and rekindling the sense that we are all our brothers' keepers -- that we are all in this together.

In today's economy, people are working harder for less, and that's why Barack Obama will provide tax cuts for middle class Americans. Watch the video from yesterday's stop on the Change that Works for You tour in Kaukauna, Wisconsin...

The typical middle class family will receive three times more in tax relief from Obama's plan than from John McCain's plan. Meanwhile, a quarter of McCain's tax cuts will go to people making more than 2.8 million dollars. That's why we need to turn the page on the Bush-McCain policies of the past.

Click here to read more about Obama's economic policies and sign up for a Unite to Change event to help bring about fundamental change in Washington.