Dae's Blog

David Plouffe: Low Profile, High Impact

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:52:43 EDT

We've all heard tons of well deserved praise for David Axelrod. Here's a nice feature article about Obama's campaign manager, David Plouffe.

www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-plouffe-obamajun09,0,2235451.story

chicagotribune.com Obama's campaign chief: low profile, high impact

By John McCormick

Tribune reporter

6:22 PM CDT, June 8, 2008

Baseball and politics are two of David Plouffe's passions. So it was natural that his love for one game reinforced something that proved crucial in the other: Singles can score runs.

As Sen. Barack Obama's campaign manager, Plouffe was the mastermind behind a winning strategy that looked well past Super Tuesday's contests on Feb. 5 and placed value on both large and small states.

Obama responds forcefully to McCain's latest smears, according to the NY Times

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sat, 10 May 2008 02:48:01 EDT

What I want to know is how anyone could believe McCain is a "straight talking" maverick.

==================================================================

May 10, 2008

The New York Times

Check Point

On McCain, Obama and a Hamas Link By LARRY ROHTER

In the clearest indication yet of how he intends to confront Senator Barack Obama on foreign policy issues in the general election, Senator John McCain on Friday again portrayed the Democratic contender as being the favorite of Hamas, the militant Palestinian group, and implied that he would also be friendly with Iran, a Hamas ally.

Seattle LD Caucus Locations

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 23:58:07 EDT

The site of the April 5th Legislative District Caucus for the 43rd LD will be at Garfield High School which, due to construction, is currently located at Lincoln High School in Wallingford. The address is 4400 Interlake Ave. N., 98103. Further details will be announced soon. Google Map to Lincoln School

Many of the other Seattle area LD caucus locations have been announced and can be found at http://barackobama.meetup.com/133/ . Though not required, you can go to http://barackobama.meetup.com/133/ to RSVP, and to see who else is attending your LD caucus. We're updating caucus locations and times as we become aware of them. Thanks.

Dae

NY Times Article about Senator Obama's Mother

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 03:11:09 EDT

For anyone who hasn't yet read Dreams From My Father, this is a Cliff Notes discussion of Senator Obama's mother, and the influence she had on her son. For some reason I don't see many articles about his mother. Knowing more about his family helps to give another dimension to the man. I highly recommend both of Senator Obama's books to anyone who hasn't yet read them. (I've written an annotated overview of his second book, which can be found on my blog: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/Dae/gGg5Bb)

Dae

What You Need To Know As a Delegate to the LD Caucus

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:29:50 EST

The main purpose of the LD caucus is to elect delegates to the state convention and Congressional District Convention. (There may also be discussion of resolutions which is the emphasis of the county conventions.) The LD caucus is similar to a precinct caucus, though with approx 1,000-1200 attendees.

Delegates spend perhaps an hour signing in, and indicating their candidate of choice. Each side gets to address the entire body for perhaps 2-3 minutes. Delegates can then switch teams. After the recount of support, Obama and Clinton delegates break off into their own groups. Obama people who want to go to the state convention (and Congressional District Convention) give speeches to fellow Obama supporters, and there's a written ballot for delegates and alternates. (It's at the Congressional District Convention that most of the pledged delegates are selected for the Democratic National Convention.) Then the Obama/Clinton groups rejoin to discuss resolutions.

My Mostly Positive Caucus Experience

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:18:48 EST

The morning of the caucus, I was at Kinkos, printing/photocopying news articles, talking points and brightly colored flyers to circulate/post at the caucus. Since I was wearing one of my Obama t-shirts, several other Obama supporters came up to me throughout my Kinkos visit, to say hello, share ideas, exchange literature, flyers, etc.

My Overview of the Audacity of Hope

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:29:52 EST

I've tried to faithfully summarize Senator Obama's 364 page book into 13 pages. The feedback I'm getting is that while people are glad they read this overview, it helps to print it out first. It sounds like people are then writing their own thoughts in the margins of my overview. I want to thank Kurt Peppard for proofreading and formatting many of my posts, including this one, and converting them to pdf format. These pdf files should be available shortly.

This overview is not intended as a substitute for buying and reading Audacity of Hope; in fact, my hope is that reading this summary will motivate supporters to read both of his books. In the interest of brevity, I've reluctantly decided to omit several significant sections of his second book. (The parts I omitted are interesting but unlikely to be useful while canvassing undecided voters.) For the same reason, I've intentionally deleted many of the nuances of his arguments, though hopefully, without changing his underlying message.

Audacity of Hope is written in Obama's own voice, and as such is an impressive display of the depth and breadth of this man's brilliance. It exceeded my expectations, and confirmed what I knew: Senator Obama is a rare find; an honest politician, brilliant scholar, patriot, citizen of the world who identifies with every region of the country and every ethnicity; he is the once in a generation leader who draws out the best in every American whose heart and mind are open.

My Overview of Obama's Years in the Illinois and U.S. Senate

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:26:25 EST

This post summarizes a presentation I gave to about 80 Barack Obama supporters at the Seattle meetup for Barack Obama in February of 2007. The day before the meetup, I had been asked to talk about Senator Obama's 10 years in the Illinois and U.S. Senates. Since my presentation, I've received several requests to write down and post a summary of my presentation. Here it is.

In this post, I've tried to pull the best from several hundred news articles. A lot of the news articles were mostly fluff, and/or redundant. As Senator Obama notes, it's not that he hasn't given substantive speeches on nearly every major political issue, and written two best selling books that outline his political philosophy in greater detail than any of the other candidates. The problem is that the press would rather write about how he looks in swim trunks than to actually review his speeches and political platform. In this post, I've also referenced a few key themes from Audacity of Hope. I've also quickly reviewed his voting record in the U.S. Senate, compared it to Hillary Clinton's voting record, and will touch on some of the key votes, below. I've saved approximately 60 news articles that I've relied upon in writing most of this post, and will try to post them in the next 1-2 weeks.

(This post was written in February of 2007.)

My 65 Second Pitch for What to Say at Your Caucus

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:18:49 EST

Below, you'll find the pitch I used at my caucus in Seattle, Washington. It was extremely well received.

Please feel free to use any of my words without attribution. You deserve full credit for taking the time out of your very busy schedules to stand up for your beliefs.

Good luck to everyone next week.

---Daewoo Kim

International Herald Tribune: The Audacity of Hopelessness

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:11:33 EST

The press is finally being to make the argument that Clinton may not be ready on day one, if she can't even comptetently manage her campaign as well as Obama.

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The audacity of hopelessness By Frank Rich
Sunday, February 24, 2008

When people one day look back at the remarkable implosion of the Hillary Clinton campaign, they may notice that it both began and ended in the long dark shadow of Iraq.

It's not just that her candidacy's central premise - the priceless value of "experience" - was fatally poisoned from the start by her still ill-explained vote to authorize the fiasco. Clinton then compounded that 2002 misjudgment by pursuing a 2008 campaign strategy that uncannily mimicked the disastrous Bush Iraq war plan. After promising a cakewalk to the nomination - "It will be me," Clinton told Katie Couric in November - she was routed by an insurgency.

Obama calmly responds to Clinton's "outrage", as reported by the Washington Post

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:04:14 EST

Obama: It Takes a Knockout

The Washington Post

By Alec MacGillis

COLUMBUS -- Illinois Sen. Barack Obama fired back at Sen. Hillary Clinton this afternoon, defending campaign mailers she decried earlier in the day, and declaring that, because of her entrenched status in the Democratic Party, it would take her being "knocked out" to drive her out of the race.

In a news conference at an Ohio State University hospital, Obama was asked whether he thought he would be facing more pressure from senior Democrats to concede the race than Clinton now is, had he lost 11 straight contests, as she has. "Yes," he said bluntly. "But look, I'm the challenger, I'm the upstart, I'm the insurgent. She's the champ, she's part of the Democratic network in Washington, and if you're the title holder then you don't lose it on points. You've got to be knocked out."

OFA refutes Clinton re OFA flyers, as reported by the WSJ

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 18:49:07 EST

As usual, the WSJ has the most fair and balanced coverage of the latest dispute between Clinton and OFA. The last two paragraphs of this article are my favorite!

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Clinton Adopts Harsher Tactics
In Fight for Ohio, Texas By AMY CHOZICK

The Wall Street Journal

February 23, 2008 6:42 p.m.

DAYTON, Ohio -- Sen. Hillary Clinton ratcheted up her attacks on Sen. Barack Obama today, comparing his campaign tactics to those of George W. Bush and urging Ohioans to see past his momentum.

"Enough with the speeches and the big rallies and then using tactics that are right out of Karl Rove's playbook," Mrs. Clinton told reporters at a press conference today.

She clutched two negative fliers sent to Ohio voters by the Obama campaign that she says make false claims about her position on health care and trade agreements. "Shame on you Barack Obama. It is time you ran a campaign that is consistent with your messages in public. That's what I expect from you," Mrs. Clinton said.

Mr. Obama quickly fired back. "These are accurate," he said of the fliers. He also accused his rival of hypocrisy in denouncing the negative campaigning. "We have been subject to constant attack from the Clinton campaign, except when we were down 20 points. And that was true in Iowa. It was true in South Carolina. It was true in Wisconsin. And it is true now."

Final Draft of My (now) 65 Second Caucus Pitch

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 02:05:45 EST

I want to thank everyone who gave me feedback and/or words of encouragement. I'll try to respond to everyone, but if I miss some people, please be assured that I read each email carefully, and that I very much appreciated the effort you took in writing. Thank you.

Please feel free to use any of my words without attribution. You deserve full credit for taking the time out of your very busy schedules to stand up for your beliefs.

Good luck to everyone tomorrow.

---Dae
==================
Obama has 11+ years as an Illinois and U.S. Senator. In just two years, he sponsored 780 bills - of which 280 became law. He has a 100% approval rating from Planned Parenthood.

More 11th Hour Disinformation by Clinton's Allies

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 10:48:04 EST

NOW Again Attacks Obama's Illinois Voting Record on Abortion Bills

By Matthew Mosk
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 5, 2008; A08

A national women's rights group supporting Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) distributed an e-mail yesterday accusing Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) of being soft on abortion rights, revisiting an eleventh-hour attack that some analysts credited with swaying female voters in New Hampshire.

The e-mail from Rosemary J. Dempsey, president of the Connecticut National Organization for Women, told members that Obama's record during his time in the Illinois Senate included several instances in which he voted "present" instead of yes or no on abortion-related legislation.

The e-mail quotes Bonnie Grabenhofer, the president of Illinois NOW, as saying that "voting

My "Talking Points" for Super Tuesday and Beyond

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 15:53:43 EST

(Half of this is new, half is from my posts of a year ago. Whenever possible, I try to note when I'm using my old material. I only use old material when it's still highly relevant to the current political situation, including appealing to Edwards' supporters, and how Obama does against McCain. Obviously, you're not going to be able to say 25% of this outline at your caucus, but you need to be prepared to respond to concerns raised by Clinton supporters. You could bring my outline to the caucus, and underline the 4-6 big themes you want to feature.)

Edwards, Obama and Clinton are all liberals. There is almost no light separating their positions, and with a few notable exceptions (e.g. Clinton authorizing war in Iraq, Clinton giving Bush political cover in Iran, Clinton supporting the bankruptcy "reform" that oppresses countless working Americans), it's silly to otherwise paint a candidates as a Reagan-admirer or Republican-lite. They all have very liberal voting records and unequivocal endorsements from all the usual liberal interest groups.

(Repeat from prior post.) He has an 82.5 liberal rating in 2005 by the National Journal. On votes in the U.S. Senate that were decided largely along party lines, Senator Obama sided with the Democrats 97% of the time. And he had a liberal voting record in the Illinois State Senate. In 2006, he received 100% approval rating from: The League of Conservation Voters (he opposed drilling in ANWR, and in parts of Gulf of Mexico); AFL-CIO (he sponsored legislation blocking overtime restrictions by the Bush administration); Planned Parenthood. The National Education Association gives him an "A" on their most recent scorecard.) At one point in Audacity of Hope, Obama describes himself as a progressive, though only when two adjacent sentences are read together. Audacity of Hope, at 60.

Even a polarizing Hillary Clinton could eke out a 51% victory against McCain.

But that misses the point entirely.

WSJ: Jimmy Carter Stays Neutral in Race, But Praises Barack Obama

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 04:49:57 EST

Jimmy Carter believes that Senator Obama could carry some southern states if he becomes the nominee. Carter also says that Obama would almost automatically be a healing factor in our country and government.

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Carter Stays Neutral in Race,
But Praises Obama's Oratory

The Wall Street Journal

By DOUGLAS A. BLACKMON
January 30, 2008; Page A4

PLAINS, Ga. -- Former President Jimmy Carter lavished praise on Illinois Sen. Barack Obama during an interview at his home on Monday, though he won't formally endorse any candidate in the race for the Democratic nomination.

The Washington Post: Patty Murray to endorse presidential candidate in the next few days!!

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:47:44 EST

At the end of this article, the Washington Post says Patty Murray may endorse a presidential candidate within the next few days. Please contact Patty Murray and urge her to endorse Senator Obama.

==============================================================

Obama Ready on 'Day One,' Kennedy Says

By Anne E. Kornblut and Shailagh Murray
Washington Post Staff Writers
Tuesday, January 29, 2008; A07

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy delivered a highly prized endorsement for Sen. Barack Obama yesterday as well as a pointed rebuttal to the main lines of attack used against him by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and her husband, Bill Clinton.

In a clear reference to the criticism repeated by the Democratic senator from New York and the former president that Obama (D-Ill.) does not have the experience for the White House, Kennedy -- borrowing one of the Clintons' favorite phrases -- said Obama is "ready to be president on Day One."

(Clinton supporter) Maria Cantwell says it would be "fun" if the nominee were selected by superdelegates at the convention instead of by the American people!?!?!

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:37:04 EST

Please email Senator Cantwell, and remind her of Senator Obama's fundraising efforts for her, and urge her to do as Senator Boxer is doing: respect the will of her constituents by supporting whichever Democrat wins the upcoming state caucus.

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January 28, 2008 In Open Nomination, ‘Superdelegates’ May Hold Key to Victory

The New York Times

By CARL HULSE

WASHINGTON — Not all Democratic presidential convention delegates are awarded like door prizes in the primaries and caucuses being so fiercely contested around the country.

National party rules give special status to a select political group, including members of Congress, governors, members of the Democratic National Committee, past party officials, and former elected leaders like Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter and their vice presidents, Al Gore and Walter F. Mondale.

The NY Times Op-Ed: The Billary Road to Republican Victory

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 12:02:05 EST

This is the NY Times' best elaboration on an excellent point Senator Obama made at the last debate: Senator Clinton can't win against Senator McCain by running as McCain-lite.

============================================================

January 27, 2008 Op-Ed ColumnistThe New York Times The Billary Road to Republican Victory By FRANK RICH

IN the wake of George W. Bush, even a miracle might not be enough for the Republicans to hold on to the White House in 2008. But what about two miracles? The new year’s twin resurrections of Bill Clinton and John McCain, should they not evaporate, at last give the G.O.P. a highly plausible route to victory.

Amazingly, neither party seems to fully recognize the contours of the road map. In the Democrats’ case, the full-throttle emergence of Billary, the joint Clinton candidacy, is measured mainly within the narrow confines of the short-term horse race: Do Bill Clinton’s red-faced eruptions and fact-challenged rants enhance or diminish his wife as a woman and a candidate?

Caroline Kennedy in the NY Times: A President Like My Father

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 01:57:25 EST

In her endorsement, I love how Caroline Kennedy says, "Senator Obama is running a dignified and honest campaign." That seems to be a statement of contrast with another candidate.

I also like how Ms. Kennedy says that Senator Obama may be the first leader in a generation to inspire Americans the way her father did. Again, that's intended to be a clear contrast to the Clintons.

===================================================

A President Like My Father

By CAROLINE KENNEDYThe New York Times

OVER the years, I’ve been deeply moved by the people who’ve told me they wished they could feel inspired and hopeful about America the way people did when my father was president. This sense is even more profound today. That is why I am supporting a presidential candidate in the Democratic primaries, Barack Obama.

The NY Times: Two Against One

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:39:15 EST

Articles like this one should be emailed to undecided voters. January 23, 2008 The New York Times Op-Ed Columnist Two Against One By MAUREEN DOWD

GREENVILLE, S.C.

If Bill Clinton has to trash his legacy to protect his legacy, so be it. If he has to put a dagger through the heart of hope to give Hillary hope, so be it.

If he has to preside in this state as the former first black president stopping the would-be first black president, so be it.

The Clintons — or “the 2-headed monster,” as the The New York Post dubbed the tag team that clawed out wins in New Hampshire and Nevada — always go where they need to go, no matter the collateral damage. Even if the damage is to themselves and their party.

Bill’s transition from elder statesman, leader of his party and bipartisan ambassador to ward heeler and hatchet man has been seamless — and seamy.

The Washington Post: Some in Party Bristle at Clintons' Attacks

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:35:08 EST

As someone who used to like and respect the Clintons, news like this really disapoints me. Articles like this one need to be forwarded to undecided voters.

Some in Party Bristle At Clintons' Attacks
Anti-Obama Ad Heightens Unity Fears

By Alec MacGillis and Anne E. Kornblut
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, January 24, 2008; A01

DILLON, S.C., Jan. 23 -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign aired a new radio ad here Wednesday that repeated a discredited charge against Sen. Barack Obama, in what some Democrats said is part of an increasing pattern of hardball politics by her and former president Bill Clinton.

The ad takes one line from an Obama interview -- "The Republicans were the party of ideas for a pretty long chunk of time there over the last 10, 15 years" -- and juxtaposes it with GOP policies that Obama has never advocated.

"Really?" a voice-over says. "Aren't those the ideas that got us into the economic mess we're in today? Ideas like special tax breaks for Wall Street. Running up a $9 trillion debt. Refusing to raise the minimum wage or deal with the housing crisis. Are those the ideas Barack Obama's talking about?"

The Clinton campaign argued that it was simply quoting Obama. But in the original context, Obama was describing the dominance of Republican ideas in the 1980s and 1990s, without saying he supported them, and asserting that those ideas are of no use today.

OFA responds to HRC's swift boating in N.H., as reported by the Wall Street Journal

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 23:46:25 EST

I consistently find the WSJ provides the most fair and balanced coverage of the presidential campaign. The following is from today's edition of the WSJ:

January 6, 2008, 8:34 pm

With Obama Surging in Polls, Clinton Calls Foul over Robo-Calls

Susan Davis reports from Nashua, N.H., on the presidential race.

Two major polls out today show Sen. Barack Obama surging in New Hampshire with double-digit leads over rival Sen. Hillary Clinton just two days before primary day. A CNN/WMUR poll gives the Illinois senator a ten point lead at 39%, over Clinton at 29%, followed by former Sen. John Edwards at 16%.

A separate USA Today/Gallup poll nearly mirrored those results, giving Obama an even stronger 12 point lead at 41%, followed by Clinton at 28% and Edwards at 19%.

The polls come one day after Clinton strategist Mark Penn issued a memo to reporters questioning the Obama campaign for failing to see any “bounce” from their Iowa victory.

The battle between Obama and Clinton is getting increasingly heated. A day after the Clinton campaign dropped a mailer attacking Obama’s record on abortion rights when he was in the state senate, Obama responded with a automated call accusing her of “last minute smears” that Clinton’s camp tonight charged with possible violations of state law.

Here’s the script of the call (click here to listen): “Hi this is Wendy Frosh, chair of the board of Planned Parenthood in Northern New England. As people have begun to rally around Barack Obama’s call for change, the false attacks have begun. He was a leader and activist in reproductive rights for more than 20 years, I know the facts. Barack has a 100% pro-choice record and has always been a champion for women’s rights. Hillary Clinton’s last minute smears won’t protect the right to choose. But as president, Barack Obama will. Please join me in supporting Barack Obama this Tuesday. Thank you. Paid for by Obama for America.”

The Washington Post: Her Heart's in the Race

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:39:42 EST

Her Heart's in the Race
Michelle Obama on the Campaign Trail and Her Life's Path

By Peter Slevin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 28, 2007; C01

FORT DODGE, Iowa

A brainy black man named Barack Obama: 44th president of the United States?

Michelle Obama signals to an Iowa audience that a certain initial skepticism is natural, recalling her first thoughts when her future husband arrived at her Chicago law firm as a summer associate: "I've got nothing in common with this guy. He grew up in Hawaii! Who grows up in Hawaii? He was biracial. I was like, okay, what's that about? And then it's a funny name, Barack Obama. Who names their child Barack Obama?"

Hers is a lively riff, delivered with flair, and it draws smiles. Turning earnest, she explains how she learned that they had very different upbringings and very similar values, a discovery confirmed one summer afternoon in a sweltering church basement in one of Chicago's poorest neighborhoods. There in Altgeld Gardens, where he had worked before law school with people who felt the world was failing them, she heard him say how individuals have an obligation to make a difference in a society that is too often mean-spirited and unfair.

"What I saw in him on that day was authenticity and truth and principle," Michelle Obama tells her rapt listeners. "That's who I fell in love with, that man."

How to volunteer if you live in greater Seattle

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 22:51:54 EDT

People come up to me at every Obama meeting, and/or they email me, asking how they can get more involved in Seattle's Meetup for Obama 2008.

Seattle's Meetup for Obama is where we announce Seattle related events. Please check there for notices of upcoming events, and RSVP. As we get closer to an event you are planning to attend, please revisit the Meetup website to see if there have been any updates to the time/location of your event.

Link

The planning of Seattle events, and the opportunities to volunteer, are found at the Google group for Seattle Meetup's Action Committee.

Link

An Indiana newspaper says a President Obama would work well with their Republican senator

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 20:27:17 EDT

The South Bend Tribune, Indiana

Article published Mar 11, 2007
Lugar would have Barack Obama's respect

JACK COLWELL

President Bush wouldn't listen to Sen. Dick Lugar when the Indiana Republican urged administration focus on what to do in Iraq after the troops reached Baghdad. But if Sen. Barack Obama wins the presidency, the situation could be different, with a Democratic president holding Lugar's advice in higher regard than Bush did.

Honk For Obama - National Visibility Day, Saturday, March 24th, 1-3 pm

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 19:00:12 EDT

Honk For Obama - National Visibility Day, Saturday March 24th, 1-3 pm:

Everyone has seen the Veterans and the Peace in Iraq protesters, people supporting this politician or that one, at busy intersections in their hometown. We want to do that for Barack Obama on Saturday, March 24th, 1-3 pm, but hopefully on a bigger scale.

An Ohio grassroots Obama group came up with the idea, and this bulletin is largely written by Faye of that organization. For two hours, we'll be waving yard signs and posters, as well as pass out handouts (if requested) and possibly some bumper stickers and buttons at one of Seattle's busiest intersections (plus a few additional locations if enough supporters sign up).

Ted Sorensen - JFK's gifted speechwriter - endorses Obama and compares him to JFK

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 03:59:53 EDT

Saturday, March 10, 2007 - FreeMarketNews.com

Ted Sorensen, the speechwriter and special counsel to President John F. Kennedy endorsed Senator Barack Obama tonight and compared Obama’s campaign to Kennedy’s run almost half a century earlier.

“The campaigns are comparable,” Sorenson said in an interview after his speech, which was delivered to a closed $1,000-a-head fundraiser at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, and which left guests buzzing over what several said was an implied comparison to Kennedy. “They say he’s too young, he’s too inexperienced, his demographic is wrong to get elected. They’ve decided in Washington that he doesn’t have a chance. But the campaign isn’t going on in Washington. The campaign is going on in the grassroots.”

HRC forces a showdown in Selma, but draws a much smaller audience than Obama

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 22:47:12 EST

Senator Obama had committed to speaking in Selma well in advance. More recently, HRC agreed to speak in Selma at exactly the same time as Obama, and on the same street. She even brought Bill Clinton. But according to the Washington Post, Senator Obama drew a significantly larger attendance, both among the public and elected officials. Somehow, HRC's hometown newspaper, the NY Times, neglected to mention this outcome in their exhaustive coverage of the showdown.

Clinton, Obama Link Selma March to Present
Civil Rights Cited as Enabling Their Campaigns

By Anne E. Kornblut and Peter Whoriskey
Washington Post Staff Writers
Monday, March 5, 2007; A05

SELMA, Ala., Mar. 4 -- Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), describing himself as "the offspring of the movement," paid homage Sunday to the civil rights protesters whose violent beatings here at the hands of state troopers and sheriff's deputies 42 years ago sparked national outrage and led to legislation ensuring the voting rights of African Americans throughout the South.

If there isn't an active Obama group in your area, it's up to you to start one. Here are some tips on how to get started.

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:03:34 EST

I won't single anyone out, but certain existing groups have had no activity. If nothing has been done in your area, don't wait for the administrator of your group to initiate a first meeting in your area. If you have the time and interest, please initiate discussion on scheduling a first meeting in your area.

I'm also concerned that we don't yet have groups organized for many locations - including some major college towns. (In Washington, that would include Pullman/WSU, Yakima, and Eastern Washington University.) Are there people in those areas who can start organizing for Obama?

Please circulate these petitions urging our representatives to endorse Senator Obama

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 07:25:44 EST

Please circulate the following petitions among your friends and family, and at Obama-2008 meetings throughout the state. Then forward the petitions to Senators Cantwell and Murray, and Governor Gregoire. I want to thank Cecille Kennedy of Oregon for preparing the petition for Oregon, and for allowing me to circulate a modified version in Washington.

Daewoo Kim

Seattle, Washington

An Overview of the Audacity of Hope

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 22:56:03 EST

Senator Obama says Audacity of Hope outlines three themes: the values and ideals that led him to public life; ways in which current political discourse unnecessarily divides Americans; ideas on how we can ground our politics in the common good. Audacity of Hope, at 9.

Chicago Sun-Times: The woman behind Obama

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 21:55:21 EST

This is the best article I've read about Michelle Obama.

The woman behind Obama
As his career soars toward a presidential bid, wife Michelle keeps his
feet on the ground

The Chicago Sun-Times
January 20, 2007
BY ROSALIND ROSSI Staff Reporter

Backstage, behind the floodlights, moments before he gave the 2004
Democratic convention keynote address that would launch his career into
the national stratosphere, Barack Obama made a confession to his wife,
Michelle.

His stomach was a bit queasy.

Michelle responded by hugging her husband tight and looking him
straight in the eye, Obama recalls in his book, The Audacity of Hope.

· Obama's Anchor

"Just don't screw it up, Buddy!'' Michelle said, transforming the tense
moment into one of shared laughter.

Deval Patrick's campaign provides a blueprint for how we should respond to attacks by HRC and Republicans

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 01:41:31 EST

A month ago - long before HRC and Obama's campaigns were trading accusations about David Geffen and Robert Ford - here is part of what I posted on a Seattle Obama blog regarding what Obama and his supporters need to do to withstand attacks:

This is the campaign strategy I expect Senator Obama to use when
running for President: a very positive, uplifting, message of unity.
Though Dukakis and Kerry were criticized for not counterattacking
efforts to swift boat them, I fully expect Obama will run an entirely
positive campaign, including in the general election, even in the face
of swift boat attacks. As Senator Obama's ambassadors, I believe we
(his supporters) have an obligation to be just as disciplined, and stay
on message: building up Obama without ever disparaging Clinton . . . or Republicans.

An overview of Barack Obama's 10 years as a state and U.S. senator

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 16:29:23 EST

This post summarizes a presentation I gave to about 80 Barack Obama supporters at the last Seattle meetup for Barack Obama. The day before the meetup, I had been asked to talk about Senator Obama's 10 years in the Illinois and U.S. Senates. Since my presentation, I've received several requests to write down and post a summary of my presentation. Here it is.

In this post, I've tried to pull the best from several hundred news articles. A lot of the news articles were mostly fluff, and/or redundant. As Senator Obama notes, it's not that he hasn't given substantive speeches on nearly every major political issue, and written two best selling books that outline his political philosophy in greater detail than any of the other candidates. The problem is that the press would rather write about how he looks in swim trunks than to actually review his speeches and political platform. In this post, I've also referenced a few key themes from Audacity of Hope. I've also quickly reviewed his voting record in the U.S. Senate, compared it to Hillary Clinton's voting record, and will touch on some of the key votes, below. I've saved approximately 60 news articles that I've relied upon in writing most of this post, and will try to post them in the next 1-2 weeks.

How you can vote ahead of people in Iowa and New Hampshire

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 21:33:57 EST

We need to encourage everyone who supports Senator Obama to donate what they can afford, whether it's $5, 10, 20, or 200. Senator Obama recently told a reporter he hopes that everyone who is inspired by him donates $5 or 10. If all his supporters do this, he'll definitely raise $100 million. The fundraising primary is the only primary that happens before Iowa. This is your chance to vote ahead of the people in Iowa and New Hampshire. The first fundraising primary ends March 31st of this year. Soon after that, the media will give heavy coverage to the candidates that raised the most money in the first quarter, thereby anointing front runners. $10 you donate to Senator Obama's campaign before March 31st will have more impact than $30 donated in January of next year. Why? The early fundraising leaders will have momentum, and draw even more attention from major donors, voters and the media. It becomes a virtuous cycle.

Five projects for grassroots supporters of Senator Obama

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 11:06:05 EST

I see five important projects for grassroots supporters of Senator Obama.

First and foremost, we need to educate undecided voters about Senator Obama's very long list of senatorial accomplishments and political experience. I've done some research on Senator Obama's voting record, accomplishments, and experience. In the weeks and months ahead, I'll try to prepare and build upon a list of talking points for anyone who's interested in having a quick list of 20 or 80 things to mention to undecided voters about Senator Obama. The voters who haven't yet committed to Senator Obama already know he's a charismatic speaker. They want to know about his substance, and viewing more videos of his speeches may not persuade them to support him. Here's what I've been doing to try to sway undecided voters. I make a point of carrying his latest book with me to various places. Friends and acquaintances will often ask what book I'm reading. I show them the book. I wait for them to ask a question about Senator Obama, which is an opportunity for me to quickly recite 10 of his top accomplishments and impressive political experience. Or, if they don't ask a follow up question. I ask them who they support. (Usually, the answer is Hillary Clinton or John Edwards.) I then ask them how long their candidate has been in office. I ask them what their candidate has accomplished thus far. I then note that Senator Obama compares very well to their candidates on those same criteria, and then quickly list some of Senator Obama's top 20 accomplishments and experience. You don't have to persuade an undecided voter to vote for Senator Obama. If, after talking with you, they are more likely to take Senator Obama seriously, then they are more likely to pay more attention when they see news articles that list his accomplishments; they will be more likely to do their own research on Senator Obama; and they will be more receptive when the next Obama supporter canvasses them, either informally or at the Democratic caucus.

We should also post comments on The Des Moines Register - Iowa's largest circulation newspaper.

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 01:09:51 EST

As we all know, Iowa's vote carries outsized weight because it is first in the nation to vote. The media will proclaim the top finishers in Iowa to be among the front runners in the national race. John Edwards has practically camped out in Iowa for the past several years; yet Senator Obama, who has just gotten started, is already tied with Edwards in Iowa. If Senator Obama can finish well ahead of John Edwards in Iowa, I think the primaries will quickly become a two person race between Senator Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Five projects for grassroots supporters of Senator Obama

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 00:43:02 EST

I see five important projects for grassroots supporters of Senator Obama.

Five projects for grassroots supporters of Senator Obama

Daewoo "Hussein" Kim — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 22:20:59 EST

I see five important projects for grassroots supporters of Senator Obama.

First and foremost, we need to educate undecided voters about Senator Obama's very long list of senatorial accomplishments and political experience. I've done some research on Senator Obama's voting record, accomplishments, and experience. In the weeks and months ahead, I'll try to prepare and build upon a list of talking points for anyone who's interested in having a quick list of 20 or 200 things to mention to undecided voters about Senator Obama. The voters who haven't yet committed to Senator Obama already know he's a charismatic speaker. They want to know about his substance, and viewing more videos of his speeches may not persuade them to support him. Here's what I've been doing to try to sway undecided voters. I make a point of carrying his latest book with me to various places. Friends and acquaintances will often ask what book I'm reading. I show them the book. I wait for them to ask a question about Senator Obama, which is an opportunity for me to quickly recite 10 of his top accomplishments and impressive political experience. Or, if they don't ask a follow up question. I ask them who they support. (Usually, the answer is Hillary Clinton or John Edwards.) I then ask them how long their candidate has been in office. I ask them what their candidate has accomplished thus far. I then note that Senator Obama compares very well to their candidates on those same criteria, and then quickly list some of Senator Obama's top 20 accomplishments and experience. You don't have to persuade an undecided voter to vote for Senator Obama. If, after talking with you, they are more likely to take Senator Obama seriously, then they are more likely to pay more attention when they see news articles that list his accomplishments; they will be more likely to do their own research on Senator Obama; and they will be more receptive when the next Obama supporter canvasses them, either informally or at the Democratic caucus.