Missouri for Obama

Morning Headlines in Missouri

John Schueler — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:06:15 EST

There's Still Time to Help

John Schueler — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:11:50 EST

The polls close in Missouri at 7 PM, just under three hours from now. That's just a few more hours to make a difference and help turn Missouri blue. Volunteers across the state have been working all day to ensure that everyone has the information they need to get to the polls. Below are some shots from across the St. Louis area, capturing just a slice of this massive effort.

The direct voter contact these volunteers are engaging in is the best way to motivate people to get out to vote in these final hours, and that's something we simply can't accomplish without you. It's going to be tight here in the Show Me State, so every single vote is critical. Join volunteers in your area for this final push and help us make history.

Missouri Voter Hotline: You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers

John Schueler — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:10:40 EST

If you have any questions about the voting process, need to find your polling location or simply want to report something you observed at the polls call (314) 361-0700. A team of dedicated volunteers are waiting on your call.

The Polls are Now Open in Missouri

John Schueler — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:01:26 EST

It's 6 a.m. and the polls are now open in Missouri. After months and months of preparation, it all comes down to today. Get out there and vote, and make sure your friends and family do the same. Before you do though, here's a brief video that explains many of your rights as a voter in Missouri. Look it over and pass it out to your friends so we can ensure that everyone's voice is heard today.

Stories from the Field: The Shoemyer Family Farm

John Schueler — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:04:05 EST

The polls open in just a few short hours, and once they do all the attention will move towards ensuring that people get out to vote. Before we shift completely into election day, it helps to take one more look at the sort of stories that have fueled this movement.

One such story comes courtesy of Wes Shoemyer, a third generation family farmer and local state Senator residing just outside Clarence, MO. Take a moment to watch as he and his family harvest the annual soybean crop while he shares his story, and views on why Barack will help promote independent family farms and bolster the rural economy. Once you've finished, take action in your own community. Help get out the vote and drive this campaign to victory here in Missouri and across the nation.

Stories from the Field: Getting Out the Vote in Missouri

John Schueler — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:55:29 EST

With less than 24 hours to go until the polls close in Missouri, the ground game is in full force. Volunteers have poured into the Show Me State in recent days, eager to assist the existing local teams with the critical task of getting out the vote. One of those people is John W. from California.Yesterday he shared some thoughts from his first day canvassing in downtown St. Louis.

Today was my first day working for the Obama campaign in St Louis, and my team worked three "turfs" in the inner city, making sure that the voters knew where to go to vote, what to bring to the polls, and where to go if they needed help.
When I described the neighborhoods that we worked to my parents (who live here) they were terrified. Apparently these are some of the worst neighborhoods in the city, but everyone we talked to was so happy to see a team of volunteers for Obama. From white haired women in their 70s to the 18 year old young men, and everyone in between, they were all so excited about the opportunity to vote for Obama. The children on some streets were chanting along with us as we went door to door, letting their parents know we were coming.
Tomorrow, more of the same, and I can't wait to get out there again.
Tuesday, we get everyone to the polls.

Follow John's lead and become a part of historic movement. It's not too late -- in fact your time has never meant more. We need every single minute you can give, so sign up now to help in your area on election day. Together we will turn Missouri blue.

Barack to Missouri: "The time for change has come"

John Schueler — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:39:13 EST

Last Thursday, Barack spoke to an overflow crowd that exceeded 40,000 at the University of Missouri in Columbia. We documented parts of that experience last week, but wanted to share with you some powerful footage from that event. In it, Barack discusses the need for people across Missouri to take ownership over this process in the final days; especially the younger generation, which came out in force that night.

Now this change I'm talking about won't be easy and it won't be quick. But it's time -- I look at this younger generation, and you especially know that it's time.

He also offered a word of caution, against complacency and arrogance "Don't believe for a second that this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power concedes anything." Instead he argued that we must push to overcome. Digging down deep and working to the very end. If in these final days you "knock on some doors for me, make some calls for me..." we will be victorious and finally bring about the change we so desperately need.

So watch the clip below and if you haven't already, sign up to volunteer in your area during these critical final hours of the election.

Joe and Jill Biden LIVE in Lee's Summit. MO

John Schueler — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:36:33 EST

Joe Biden and his wife Jill are about to speak at Longview Community College in Lee's Summit. The program is slated to begin sometime after 9:30 a.m. and will be streamed live in the feed below. Feel free to post your thoughts about the event in the comments section, and if you haven't already, sign up to help in these critical final hours of the campaign.

This event has concluded. Be sure to continue to check mo.barackobama.com for the latest campaign updates.

Claire McCaskill to Missouri Voters: "It's Time..."

John Schueler — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:35:27 EDT

Earlier this week, Senator Claire McCaskill took some time out of her day to record a message to you and all the other Obama supporters across the Show Me State. Please take a moment to view it and consider getting involved in these final days. Missouri is as close as any state in this race, and it is the efforts of people like you that will put us over the top.

So find your polling place if you're unsure where to vote and get involved today.

Barack in Columbia: "Five Days."

John Schueler — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:37:21 EDT

Last night, Barack Obama spoke to an overflow crowd gathered at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Students from eighteen colleges across the state took buses to show their support with Mizzou students and area residents gathered on the Mel Carnahan Quad.

During his speech, Barack discussed his vision for restoring economy and the chance that people in Missouri have to fundamentally change politics in this country. He drew sharp contrasts with Senator McCain and did not shy away from describing what a McCain presidency would bring.

If you want to know where Sen. McCain will drive the economy, just look in the rear view mirror... John McCain has ridden shotgun with George Bush, every step of the way.

Summing up the critical nature of this home stretch, Barack asked that everyone in attendance find the time to get to a local campaign for change office to make calls and knock doors. In his view, that effort will be the key to victory not only here in Missouri but across the nation.

Ultimately it all boiled down to this simple statement: "I have two words for you tonight... five days."

Your efforts have never been more essential. Sign up now to get involved in these final four days.

Now it's Urgent

John Schueler — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:37:21 EDT

A short time ago, Peachy Myers, Field Director for Barack's Campaign for Change in Missouri sent out the following call to action. Please read it over and consider volunteering some of your time in these critical final days.

In all but one election since 1904, Missouri has voted for the winning presidential candidate.

This year, we have to make sure that candidate is Barack Obama. If history is any guide, the Show Me state could make the difference.

And the best way to help Barack win this crucial swing state is to work with your local volunteer team. Barack founded this campaign on grassroots organizing, and that's what it's going to come down to in Missouri.

If supporters like you help get out the vote, Barack's going to win on Election Day.

Will you sign up right now to talk with voters in your community and do your part to put our country back on track?

Barack often talks about "the fierce urgency of now." Well, if ever there was urgency to act, this is the moment. There's no time left to lose.

We have only 6 days left to make sure we don't face another 4 years of failed Bush-McCain policies and politics.

A couple of hours could change this country for years to come. Sign up now to join your team between November 1st and November 4th and make sure voters get to the polls:

http://mo.barackobama.com/MOnovembervol

Thanks for everything you're doing,

Peachy

Peachy Myers
Field Director
Missouri Campaign for Change

Stories from the Field: The Horse Back Canvasser

John Schueler — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:27:50 EDT

There are thousands of dedicated volunteers across the state of Missouri. Each one approaches talking to voters in their own way, but few as uniquely as Jim in Willow Springs. Check out the video below to see how Jim has become the talk of the town simply by bringing together his desire to help Obama and his love of horses.

The grassroots movement for change in Missouri is fueled by the efforts of everyday people like Jim, but he can't do it alone. We need your help in these final days to ensure that the Show Me State turns bright blue on November 4th and that Barack Obama becomes the next president of the United States. Sign up today -- Your efforts could make all the difference.

This Thursday: Barack Returns to Columbia!

John Schueler — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 01:32:34 EDT

This Thursday, October 30th, please join Barack Obama in Columbia, where he will talk about his vision for creating the kind of change we need.

Change We Need Rally
with Barack Obama

University of Missouri
Mel Carnahan Quad
Off of Conley Ave.
Columbia, MO

Thursday, October 30th
Doors Open: 7:30 p.m.
Program Begins: 9:30 p.m.

http://mo.barackobama.com/ColumbiaChange

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged.

For security reasons, do not bring bags or umbrellas. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.

For more information about voting for Barack in Missouri:

http://mo.voteforchange.com

Students March for Change at Mizzou's Homecoming

John Schueler — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:41:46 EDT

Today marks the annual homecoming celebration at University of Missouri. As one might expect, the energy around the stadium is palpable. The streets of Columbia are filled with fans, and the tail gate parties are in full swing.
Still, football isn't the only thing on people's minds these days. With the general election just ten days away, and the economy struggling, many people are also eagerly awaiting a chance to turn the page and bring real change to Missouri. That desire to shift the direction of this country is what motivated a group of dedicated students to wake up early and go march in support of Barack in the annual homecoming parade. They were joined in their efforts by members of the Boone County Democrats, along with other supporters from the surrounding community. Waving their signs, passing out stickers and collecting supporter cards as they walked, they managed to sign up many new volunteers to help get out the vote in these final days and turn Mid-Missouri bright blue.
This march was just the beginning of today's activities. With the big game kicking off at 5:30 this evening, the volunteer efforts are still in full swing. As we speak, students and area supporters are canvassing the crowd gathered outside Memorial Stadium and working to fill volunteer shifts for the lead up to election day. If you're in the area, please feel free to join them, but even if you're not you can still help. In these final days, the efforts of supporters like you is more important than ever. If you haven't already, sign up to join a neighborhood team in your area, or drop by your local Campaign for Change office. No previous experience is required and every bit of effort helps push Barack closer to victory in the Show Me State -- So get involved today.

What a Movement Looks Like: Barack in Missouri

John Schueler — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:52:06 EDT

Just a short time ago, Missouri State Director Buffy Wicks sent out the following e-mail highlighting Barack's visit to the state. It features a footage from this past weekend and lays the work that lies ahead. We shattered records on Saturday, read on to find out how you can help make history...

Dear John,

When Barack came to Missouri this past weekend, the response was simply stunning.

100,000 people rallied with Barack at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis Saturday morning, and 75,000 more in Kansas City later that day -- a single-day record for this campaign.

We put together a short video so you can see the energy and enthusiasm at the rallies.

Check out the video, then get involved to help turn all this enthusiasm into action.

These incredible displays of support for Barack's message of change come at a time when the McCain campaign continues hitting the airwaves with false smears and overwhelms home phones with nasty robocalls.

But on Saturday, you sent a loud and clear message that Obama supporters in Missouri are ready for change this November.

You should be proud of that, and of our state's special role -- Missouri has voted for the winner of every presidential election but one in the past 100 years.

Now that there are just 14 days left until Election Day, it's up to us to help Barack win Missouri by working even harder to get out the vote.

Sign up now to volunteer and make a difference this weekend:

http://mo.barackobama.com/MOhistory

Supporters like you proved this weekend that here in Missouri, there is huge enthusiasm for Barack. Help us turn that energy into action.

Thanks for all that you do,

Buffy

Buffy Wicks
Missouri State Director
Obama for America

Visit: http://MO.BarackObama.com | Email: Missouri@BarackObama.com

Jill Biden: "What you are doing in Missouri... will be studied for years to come"

John Schueler — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:58:05 EDT

Word of Barack's visit to Missouri yesterday has spread far and wide. Record shattering crowds came out to show their support and hear his vision for America, sending a powerful message across the nation that citizens of the Show Me State are ready for change. Barack wasn't the only prominent visitor in the state this weekend.

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Joe Biden, has been traveling across Missouri the past four days, talking to volunteers, supporters and undecided voters in every corner of the state; From Joplin to Cape Girardeau, Hillsboro to St. Peters, and so many other areas. Today she finished up her tour in the Kansas City area, visiting an office in St Joseph and an Oktoberfest celebration in Excelsior Springs before dropping by a Neighborhood Team Leader training in Kansas City.

Before giving her remarks in K.C., Dr. Biden was introduced by a former public school principal named Earline. During her introduction, Earline discussed how her school had utilized a team based model, quite similar to the one being employed by the Campaign for Change here in Missouri, in order to overhaul the system to ensure that the educational experience was working for both students and teachers alike. She then began to discuss how powerful it has been for her to be a part of this campaign.

When I was a child, John F. Kennedy said 'ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country'. When I heard that, I felt like he was talking to me directly; calling me to action. I didn't feel that way again until this campaign… Barack Obama and Joe Biden have backed women throughout their careers, and that's no more evident than in the women they married… and one of them is standing here today: Dr. Jill Biden

With that, the room erupted with applause and Jill stepped to the fore, thanking the crowd for their warm reception as she took the microphone. The volunteers had barely sat back down before Jill launched into the importance of their efforts "What you're doing now here in Missouri and what others are doing in Virginia, in North Carolina, the so-called red states, will be studied for years to come." She discussed why this is such an important time for our country, highlighting what she's seen as a teacher at a community college.

I still teach four days a week at a community college, because I believe in the value of a good, affordable education. People are eager to learn, but over the past eight years, I've watched my students run into more and more obstacles. Not coming to office hours because it costs too much to fill up their tank. Not buying the books because it's too much for their limited budget.

Jill closed with a call to action, hammering home the importance of not taking a single vote for granted. "Keep making your calls, and knocking doors. Talk to your friends, and neighbors. This simply is too important to let up now."

This Saturday: Barack Returns to Missouri

John Schueler — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:48:39 EDT

"The time is right for Barack Obama." -- Chris Phillips, Warsaw, Missouri

The state of Missouri is a microcosm of America, and it has the distinction having voted for the winning president in every election since 1960, and all but once since the dawn of the 20th century. This is something that Barack Obama is keenly aware of, and it's why he's invested so much in the Show Me State during the course of this campaign.

In late July of this year, he took a bus tour through the heart of Southwest Missouri and much of the Ozarks, rolling through the towns of Springfield, Rolla, Lebanon and Union. Barack's message at the time was the same as it is now: our country cannot afford four more years of Bush's failed economic policies -- policies that have rewarded the wealthy, and put a strain on working class families.

On the tour Barack spoke about "Economic Security," and it goes without saying that we've seen our economy go from bad to worse since last summer.

This Saturday, Barack returns to Missouri. This time he'll be stopping off in St. Louis and Kansas City, holding rallies to promote the change we need. He'll start the day speaking in front of the prolific Gateway Arch, and then address a crowd of supporters at the Liberty Memorial in KCMO. If you're in the Kansas City or St. Louis areas, be sure to RSVP for these exciting events.

In the meantime, here's a video recap of Barack's town hall meetings and from his last trip through Missouri on Interstate 44, talking about the change this country needs:

Senator Jean Carnahan and Betty Ann McCaskill Reach Out to Heartland Voters

John Schueler — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:13:19 EDT

In the wake of the their successful tour of much of the Ozarks last week, Senator Jean Carnahan and Betty Ann McCaskill, set out today on a swing through the northern part of the Show Me State. They kicked things off early this afternoon with a stop at the Campaign for Change office in Macon. While there they took the opportunity to hop on the phones with local volunteers and reach out to undecided women voters.
Tonight, the Senator Carnahan and Betty Ann, mother of current Senator Claire McCaskill, will join supporters in Kirksville to watch the third and final Presidential debate. It takes place at Truman State College and commences at 8 PM.
The details are as follows:
Truman State University
HUB in the Student Union Building
100 East Normal
Kirksville, MO 63501
Keep checking mo.barackobama.com for exciting news on more events across the state in the coming days.

Jill Biden to Visit Missouri

John Schueler — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:40:02 EDT

Jill Biden, Wife of Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden, To Make Three-Day Swing Through Missouri Beginning Friday, October 17

Biden Will Campaign in Columbia, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, St. Joseph, and Kansas City Areas

St. Louis, MO — Jill Biden, the wife of Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden, will make her first trip to Missouri this week, traveling across the state to talk with voters about what’s at stake for families who are struggling to make ends meet during increasingly challenging economic times.

Dr. Biden, a Professor of English at Delaware Technical and Community College, will spend Friday in the Columbia and St. Louis areas, including stops in St. Charles, St. Louis, and Jefferson Counties; on Saturday, Dr. Biden will travel through the Cape Girardeau, Springfield, and Joplin areas; she will wrap up her tour of Missouri on Sunday with stops in the St. Joseph and Kansas City areas.

Just last week, Joe Biden spent two days in Missouri, holding events in St. Joseph, Liberty, Jefferson City, and Springfield. Specific information about Jill Biden’s trip will be released later this week.

Jill Biden, Wife of Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden, To Campaign In Missouri Friday, October 17 – Sunday, October 19

FRIDAY, OCT. 17: Events in the Columbia area, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Jefferson Counties

SATURDAY, OCT 18: Events in the Cape Girardeau, Springfield, and Joplin areas

SUNDAY, OCT 19: Events in the St. Joseph and Kansas City areas

More details on Jill Biden’s schedule will be released later this week.

Rocking the Vote with Chris Walla

John Schueler — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:18:11 EDT

Voter registration in Missouri may have ended last week, but the battle for the Show Me State is far from over. Young voters will play an especially important role in the electoral process here, as their registration numbers have jumped and the effects of their energetic volunteer efforts through Election Day could help boost turn out.

One person who is acutely aware of that fact is Chris Walla. Chris is the guitarist and producer for the popular musical act, Death Cab for Cutie. Yesterday, he took the opportunity to stop by Saint Louis and Washington University, before his group took the stage at the Fox Theater. As students gathered just outside the Busch Student Center at SLU, Chris shared what led him to take an active role in this campaign.

I saw Barack speak at the Democratic Convention four years ago, and it awakened something in me. I've always voted, and while I tend to lean towards the Democratic side of things, I vote for the candidate not the party… but I was still a passive observer to the process. This campaign has changed that.

After he finished sharing his thoughts, Chris encouraged the crowd to join him in engaging other students on campus. About a dozen Saint Louis University students gathered around him, and after passing around some literature, they set out to storm the dorms.

Once inside, Chris and his crew quickly found that while many students were off studying for midterms, the residents they did talk to were quite willing to engage in conversation. One of the first students they met was still torn on who she would support.

To be honest there are things I like about both candidates, and things I'm not so keen on as well. I'm undecided really; I just want to take in all the facts before I make my decision. Make sure I'm voting for the right person for the right reasons.

Chris and his crew were totally understanding of this. "It's honestly refreshing to see someone who takes their time and is really sifting through the clutter" Chris remarked before asking about some of her concerns. Like many Missouri residents, the economy and healthcare were two of her top issues. Chris indicated that Barack's policies for both were a huge step in the right direction. Healthcare in particular was a big thing for Chris, and he sought to clarify some of the common misconceptions about Barack's plan.

He's talking about quality, affordable healthcare for all Americans. This isn't socialized medicine or any of that. I've been unfortunate enough to have to visit a hospital in Canada. Believe me, it's not fun. Barack's not talking about nationalizing the system; he's seeking to add competition and driving down costs. If you currently have a doctor you like and an insurance package you're happy with, you can keep it and your costs will still go down. That's the beauty of it.

The student nodded and agreed to take some literature, with the special request he sign it. Chris smiled and obliged, scribbling the words "Good luck with your decision… Vote November 4th" just above his signature.

Help grow the movement, join the Students for Obama group on your campus today!

Watch Joe Biden LIVE in Jefferson City, MO

John Schueler — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:29:09 EDT

Joe Biden will be speaking live from Jefferson City, MO at approximately 7 PM this evening. The stream below will go active once he's ready to take the stage. Please feel free to discuss Joe's speech in the comments below, and be sure to check the sidebar to your right to see if he's headed to a town near you during his time in the State.

UPDATE: this event has now concluded. Watch for more live streams in the future and keep checking mo.barackobama.com for the latest information on any future visits from Barack or Joe to the Missouri.

Watch Joe Biden LIVE in Liberty, MO

John Schueler — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:00:06 EDT

Joe Biden will be speaking live from Liberty, MO at approximately 2:45 PM today. The stream below will go active once he's ready to take the stage. Please feel free to discuss Joe's speech in the comments below, and be sure to check the sidebar to your right to see if he's headed to a town near you.

Registration ends at 5 PM Today (10/08)

John Schueler — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:42:28 EDT

Today is the last day you can register to vote in the November election here in Missouri. If you are not currently registered, have not voted in the past two election cycles you must fill out a registration form today if you want to vote for Barack. If you do not have your registration form turned into your local County Clerk's office 5 PM or stamped at the post office before close of business today, you will be left out on election day. To register, you can visit a Campaign for Change office in your area or go to voteforchange.com, print off a form and mail it in.
Volunteers, staff and neighborhood teams across the state have been working feverishly to reach unregistered voters and make sure that everyone has their voice heard on November 4th. Many have employed creative methods to bring attention to their efforts and draw in unregistered members of the community.
In the North City section of Saint Louis, they recently held a barbecue with actors Taye Diggs, Aisha Tyler, and Idina Menzel. Members of the community gathered not only to enjoy food, discuss politics, but take action. After some brief remarks on the importance of being politically active and having your voice heard, members of the community socialized with the stars before grabbing clipboards and heading out to register others.
Their efforts have made a distinct difference, as the city of Saint Louis alone has collected thousands of new forms in these final days of voter registration. If you know anyone who might not be registered, don't be shy, ask. Missouri is always a close state, and that looks to be especially true this year. A handful of votes could determine who will be the next president of the United States, so every vote matters. You only have until 5PM, so let's get to work.

Show Me Change: Deadline TOMORROW

John Schueler — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:28:13 EDT

Tomorrow, October 8th, is the final day of voter registration in Missouri. If you are not currently registered, have not voted in the past two election cycles or have moved and have not submitted a registration form by 5 PM tomorrow, you will not be eligible to vote for Barack Obama in the November 4th election. If you have any doubt about your status, contact your local campaign for change office and someone will do their best to assist you.
All across the state, volunteers are working day and night to ensure that every last potential voter is registered. College campuses are particularly active, filled with young people eager to take ownership over the future of this country and have their voice heard.
That enthusiasm is not restricted to the younger generation. There are stories of people all over the state, coming forward to voice their opinion for the first time in this historic election. Earlier today, a woman named Ayten walked into the Phelps county Campaign for Change office looking to register for the first time in her life. Originally from Turkey, she had never felt a strong drive to participate in the process until this election. Senator Obama’s campaign captured her interest, and motivated her to finally take that step.
So at seventy six years of age, Ayten registered to vote for the first time.
Less than 24 hours remain until the voter registration deadline. Please make sure everyone you know is registered before it’s too late. For more information about voter registration in Missouri, please see our Voter Resource Guide.

Stories from the Field: “This really is a situation of life or death for me”

John Schueler — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:44:12 EDT

"Everybody has a story. Everybody has something that affects them…"

Ashli, a high school student from Olathe, Kansas, uttered those words as she looked out on the streets of Kansas City. She spoke with a calm, straight forward tone as she discusses how her own life experiences have drawn her to the campaign.

My entire life I've struggled with chronic health issues. Up until a year or so ago, I was thought to have cystic fibrosis, but ultimately found that I actually have a genetic disorder called primary ciliary dyskinesia. It's a condition that only about 400 people in the United States have, so it's difficult to find specialists and the treatment costs are staggering. Without health insurance, my family would never be able to afford it.

That personal connection to the battle for affordable, universal health insurance motivated Ashli to get involved in politics from a very young age. She recalled going door to door with her mother as a child, sharing her story and promoting candidates who shared her desire to reform the healthcare system in this country.

Ultimately, that activism led her to volunteer much of her time to Hillary Clinton's campaign during the primaries. Ashli indicated that it was Hillary's long record of standing up for the health care rights of all Americans that motivated her to back her candidacy. She worked diligently in Kansas during their lead up to their caucuses, and then traveled to the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA in order to help influence that state's primary as well. She even became a state delegate in Kansas, and attended the 3rd district convention.

Throughout that process, Ashli knew that she would support the Democratic nominee no matter what the outcome. She was working to promote a shift in policy and to ensure that affordable, quality care would be given to all, not against another candidate. So when Barack Obama secured the nomination, she didn't have to think twice about becoming an active supporter.

When the Obama campaign rolled into Missouri to prepare for the General election, Ashli made the trek across the border to see how she could help. She quickly went from helping with the occasional event to becoming a part time intern, changing her class schedule so she could put in more hours. "The people who work for the Obama campaign [in Kansas City] have been completely welcoming… they're like a family."

It's a family she's been working hard to expand as she registers new voters and talks to undecideds. Her strategy is simple, share her story and make them see what their stake is.

When I meet people who are undecided, especially former Hillary supporters, I simple share my story. As the law stands now, once I graduate from college, I won't be covered under my parents insurance anymore. That means I'll have to hope I can find someone who is willing to cover me, and then figure out how to pay the premiums. If I can't, I will die. It's as simple as that. This really is a situation of life or death for me… I simply can't afford another four years.

Follow Ashli's lead and take a stand of your own. With only four days remaining before the end of voter registration, you efforts have never meant more. Sign up to get more information on Neighborhood Team's in your area, and get involved today.

Hollywood Starlets Challenge Rolla Students to Make their Voices Heard.

John Schueler — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:57:12 EDT

Earlier today, Rashida Jones and Kristen Bell visited Missouri S&T in Rolla, to engage students and discuss the importance of this election. Bell, who has starred in shows such as Veronica Mars and Heroes, talked about the experience that led her to support Obama.

My friend works on the campaign, and she invited me to come help at the Google/Youtube debate in Charleston, SC last year. I was undecided at the time, and thought it would be a good chance to find out more. At one point in the evening, after the debate had concluded, Barack stopped by to greet supporters. He stood before a crowd not much bigger than this, and talked about things I haven't heard a politician discuss in my lifetime. He engaged the audience and was focused on empowering each of them, instead of spouting a bunch of rhetoric.
He's all about giving the power back to the people, and that's something that shows in the way this campaign is run... They have neighbors make calls and knock doors instead of just throwing all their money at ad's and flashy signs. Barack knows this is your time, and is asking you to make your voice heard.

Rashida Jones, formerly of the hit sitcom The Office, agreed, adding that the respect and understanding that the Obama campaign showed to voters had a big impact on her.

From the first day I took interest in this campaign, there was someone there who was willing to talk to me openly and honestly about Barack. They don't just toss a bunch of complex statistics at you or try to cloud the issues, they take the time to listen to your concerns. His campaign not only breaks the issues down, explaining why they matter and what they'll do to address them, but perhaps most importantly they listen. That's very rare in politics these days.

Students listened intently and asked a variety of questions about the campaign. One student indicated that he really liked Barack, but his course load didn't really leave much time for volunteering. He asked if there was still something that he could contribute to the campaign, and received a swift response. "Absolutely" Rashida and Kristen said together. "There are just a few days left to register voters, which is a huge deal. So you can grab some forms from the back as you leave and just make sure every single last one of your friends and family are signed up. It only takes a few minutes but it means the world."

There's only 5 days left to register here in Missouri. Every election here is tight, and current polls show the race to be neck and neck in the Show Me State. If you need to register, update your information or would like to check your status go to voteforchange.com now. Please pass it on to your friends and family as well, so that on November 4th no one will have to wonder "what if I'd registered?"

V.P. Debate: Biden Supporters Take to the Streets

John Schueler — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:54:22 EDT

As we speak, supporters from across the Saint Louis area have gathered to greet Senator Biden's motorcade as it heads to tonight's debate at Washington University. They began the afternoon by gathering at the Campaign for Change field headquarters, taking in video clips of the famous "fired up, ready to go" chant led by Edith Childs herself.

With enthusiasm flowing through the group, they set off with signs to spots throughout the city. There they waved their signs and chanted out slogans in anticipation of Joe's arrival. A steady stream of waves and honks from passing motorists greeted the volunteers. Some even stopped to grab a sign and join the show of support. To anyone passing by, there was no question that the people of Missouri know they are on the verge of making history.

Tune into the Vice Presidential debate at 8 PM central time (just 30 minutes away), and then come back and share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Please take special note of the data entry volunteers in the photos below, who sat and worked stoically throughout the festivities. Now that's dedication.

Signs of Change: Washington University Students Unite for Biden

John Schueler — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:56:11 EDT

Students at Washington University, host of tonight’s vice-presidential debate in St. Louis, gathered last night to create signs and show their support for Joe Biden. A swarm of supporters huddled around scattered pieces of poster board and vibrant globs of paint, using them to capture various slogans like “Don’t be Hidin’ from Biden” and “A Woman Candidate =/= A Woman’s Candidate”.

Upon entering the room, participants were met with a flurry of activity. The sound of metal striking together buttons echoed as banners were spread across a stage. Excitement buzzed through the room as students discussed the current political climate and admired each other’s work. Without question, they were ready to have their voices heard in the lead up to the debate this evening.

If you live in the St. Louis area, you too can make a stand for Obama/Biden. This afternoon supporters will be meeting at our field headquarters on Olive Street to gather and create signs before heading out to high media areas around the debate site. Everything kicks off at 4 PM, so if you're interested go here for details and to RSVP.

Wednesday: Michelle Obama in Kansas City, MO

John Schueler — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:11:04 EDT

This Wednesday, October 1st, please join Michelle Obama for a rally in Kansas City, where she will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.

Change We Need Rally
with Michelle Obama

18th Street
Between Vine Street and Highland Street
Kansas City, MO

Public Entrance: 18th Street and The Paseo
ADA Entrance: East 17th Terrace and The Paseo

Wednesday, October 1st
Doors Open: 4:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 5:10 p.m.

http://mo.barackobama.com/KansasCityChange

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.

Missouri Energy Independence Tour: "We took our time with this, made sure we did it right"

John Schueler — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:49:38 EDT

“When we started this thing, no bank would give us a loan.”

Steve Flick, the director of the Show-Me-Energy Cooperative in Centerville, Missouri, stated that as walked past an assembly line filled with plastic bags. These bags escalated towards a spout that would soon fill them with fuel pellets. These tiny pellets, about the size of an apple stem, might look unremarkable at first glance but the energy they possess could be a huge step towards energy independence.

“We took our time with this, made sure we did it right… All of our pellets are produced from things that would normally be tossed away and considered waste.” The biomass fuel pellets are made from non-grain bearing crops of cellulose like switch grass, cornstalks, cereal straws, fescue straw and other agricultural residues or energy crops that have no food value. This allows the farmers involved to generate additional revenue from the crops and plants they were already growing. The pellets themselves can be used in furnaces to heat homes, and have also been utilized to generate electricity. That’s an exciting development that with the proper funding and research could have large applications moving forward.

Dan Kammen, a renowned energy specialist and advisor to the Obama campaign, was impressed by the operation. “It seems you really took the whole picture into account here. ‘Cradle to Grave’ carbon output especially, which is something that Senator Obama wants to make standard.” He marveled at some of their practices, such as avoiding the use of water in adhesion and asked what Steve felt the government could do to help advance these sorts of technologies. Steve looked up at the whirring machinery and harkened back to his earlier statement about financial backing.

Not only did we work alongside University of Missouri in Rolla to develop this technology… We were also lucky enough to get some government grants and subsidies to make this a reality. Without that, this never may have happened. So we need a president and a government body that sees the long term value in what we’re doing, and is willing to make those investments.

Senator Dick Durbin Shows Missouri Volunteers His Appreciation

John Schueler — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 21:29:47 EDT

The Saint Louis County headquarters in Des Peres is always buzzing with activity during the weekend. Walk packets are distributed, phone calls are made and data is entered by dedicated volunteers and neighborhood team leaders. This morning Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois stopped by to thank them for their tireless efforts and congratulate them on knocking on over 15,000 doors in their region the day before.

Senator Durbin, who grew up just across the border in neighboring East Saint Louis, spoke to the crowd. He highlighted the importance of their efforts and encouraged them to keep pushing through November 4th. He also expressed a desire to hear their stories and perspectives on the campaign and the state of the nation in general. So Senator Durbin went around introducing himself to supporters, and stayed until every last person had a chance to speak with him. Once they had gotten to greet him and share their story, many volunteers quickly made their way to a laptop or grabbed a stack of walk packets. One volunteer offered up his reasoning for this, saying "Time will not wait for us. As Dick just said, we said need to be here now more than ever."

Find a Campaign for Change office in your area and become a part of this historic movement. In these final days of voter registration, your time and efforts mean more than ever. Volunteer today to help turn the Show-Me-State blue in November.

Missouri Energy Independence Tour Rolls into St. Joseph

John Schueler — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:57:47 EDT

Late this afternoon, the Missouri Energy Independence Tour stopped off at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO. Students, undecided voters and supporters gathered in a classroom to join in a discussion on energy policy with Tom Carnahan, founder of the Capital Wind Group, Dan Kammen, a noted expert in energy policy, and Missouri State Audtior Susan Montee.

After some brief opening remarks and reflections from the panel, the audience began to ask questions and offer their own thoughts. One man sitting near the back indicated that upon being informed of this discussion, he got off his tractor and came straight to the auditorium.

I was out in the field when I got word, and I just had to come be a part of this. I'm a proud investor in Lifeline foods, one of the few production outlets totally owned by independent farmers. Our idea was, you put in your share, and you get something back for it. We took our time, and we did ethanol right. We produce food from corn, for numerous manufacturers like Frito Lay and then use the by products, which would normally be tossed, to create ethanol. It's a method that benefits the farmer directly and doesn't run up the price of food.

The panel applauded the methods employed by Lifeline, indicating that it set an example for the rest of the industry. Still, Dan Kammen noted, there is no one clear path to energy independence. Everything must be explored. He stood up and took a piece of chalk in his hand, writing the "$700 Billion" on the blackboard. "What does this number mean to you?" As members of the audience shot back with various things, including bail out, Dan nodded and underlined the number.

700 Billion dollars is not only the proposed amount for the bail out, but it's also the amount of money we spend EVERY YEAR on energy in this country. That's by far the single biggest industry in the world, yet energy companies only invest less than one half of one perfect of their revenues into research. By comparison, the three biggest bio tech companies invest around 15 percent of their earnings back into research.

To do this right, you have to explore all the possibilities. We can't simple pick one standard and run with it, that's the wrong path. In order to really achieve energy independence, we need to look at all forms of bio-fuels. Corn and cellulosic based ethanol, solar, wind and many others.

Tom Carnahan nodded in agreement and later built on that sentiment.

I heard Sarah Palin on the radio today saying that Obama and Biden are fools for wanting to invest in alternative energies because they're unproven. Well, my mom always tells me the story of how she held me up to the television when they showed the first man setting foot on the moon. We didn't know for sure that we could put on the moon when we started, but we had a leader with the vision to challenge our industry and our industry to help make that a reality. We can have that moment again. Barack is challenging this nation to become energy independent, and to believes by investing 150 billion dollars over the next ten years, we can make great strides towards achieving yet another American dream.

Day of Action: Students Take the Lead

John Schueler — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:27:59 EDT

Today, students across the state of Missouri marked the looming voter registration deadline by staging massive registration efforts. At University of Missouri alone, over 150 students have volunteered their time to making sure that their peers have their voice heard on November 4th. Thus far they have registered over 500 people today alone.

Remember, the registration deadline in Missouri is 10/08/08 (October 8th). If you're not registered, have recently moved or just want to check your status, visit voteforchange.com for all the resources and answers you might need. If you're a student looking to get active, become a part of Students for Obama today and start impacting change on your campus.

Missouri Enegry Independence Tour: Faith in Wind

John Schueler — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:00:09 EDT

After visiting a windfarm in Rock Port, Missouri, Dan Kammen went along with the Missouri Energy Independence Tour to the town of Conception. He was met there by Ken Hendree, an employee of the Wind Capital Group who was eager to show off one of his favorite projects: The Conception Abbey.

The Abbey itself is a beautiful structure that stands out atop the northwestern Missouri landscape. Late last year, the Capital Wind Group completed the construction of a small wind farm in the area surrounding the Abbey. He gestured at the turbines in the background and explained how this had provided not only a wellspring of jobs and interest in the area, but also has become a new source of tax revenue for the area. Those taxes have gone towards improving schools and infrastructure in the surrounding community.

As Ken continued to outline the benefits to the community, one of the monks came out to greet the group. After some brief introductions he joined the discussion and extolled the values of this environmentally friendly form of energy. The members of the Abbey had blessed the wind farm earlier in the year, and according to the friar, they've really taken to it. "I haven't heard any complaints. Everyone loves it."

Stay tuned throughout the coming days for more updates from the Missouri Energy Independence Tour.

Rock Port: "It's Going to Take New Energy in Washington"

John Schueler — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:15:46 EDT

Tom Carnahan, who is the president and founder of the Wind Capital group, joined Dan Kammen, a leading energy researcher and policy advisor with the Obama campaign in Rock Port, Missouri this morning. Rock Port is a town that lays claim to being the first community in the United States to become completely energy independent.

Tom and Dan observed the turbines in action, and reflected on the possibilities of a community like Rock Port, where all the electricity they utilize is generated by wind power.

If you look at the meters, you'll often see something remarkable in this business: they're running backwards. On many days, we actually generate more energy than we can use. That means we get to sell the surplus back to the power companies, saving the community even more.

Dan marveled at this achievement, and reflected on what is needed to implement these strategies on a wide scale.

We haven't had a real progressive energy policy in this country for over twenty years... Making America energy independent is going to require more than just new energy sources, it's going to take new energy in Washington to make it a reality. We have that in Barack.

Missouri Energy Independence Tour Kicks Off

John Schueler — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:30:32 EDT

Today marked the kick off of the Missouri Energy Independence Tour. Local political leaders, energy experts and local advocates of energy independence will be discussing how alternative energies can break America's reliance on foreign oil and how Barack Obama will ensure they're developed and implemented.

Check out our Missouri Energy Independence Tour site for coverage over the coming days and more details on events in your area. Check back often as we'll be adding more stops and coverage as the tour rolls along.

Sec. Madeleine Albright visits Missouri

John Schueler — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:13:21 EDT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A former secretary of state spoke in Kansas City on Thursday. Madeleine Albright made a political push for Sen. Barack Obama when she spoke at the University of Missouri-Kansas City campus at 11:15 a.m.
During the fight for the Democratic presidential nomination, she was a supporter of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton. Now she's asking people to get out and vote for Obama on election day in November. The former secretary of state said he's the best choice to lead the nation when it comes to foreign affairs.
Albright said this is one of the most important elections of her lifetime. "The next presidency is going to be a very hard one. And I think that Senator Obama knows that. He knows how much work there is that has to be done, how America's position has to be shifted in a way where we can cooperate with other countries."
Albright will also stop in Columbia and St. Louis on Thursday.

For more information on Secretary Albright's event in Saint Louis this evening, please click here. Now ticket is required and admission is free. The doors will open at 7:15 p.m. and the program commences at 8 p.m. Be sure to check back for additional coverage of her visit soon.

Missouri Citizens Call for Honesty

John Schueler — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:59:45 EDT

On Monday, John McCain stated that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong". That sentiment was echoed by Republican House Budget Chairman Allen Icet who said "the state of the economy is doing well" while speaking on the behalf of the Missouri McCain Campaign.

Today, average citizens across the Show-Me-State responded by delivering a message of their own. They personally delivered letters to local Republican headquarters, asking the local party Chairs to indicate if they agreed with Senator McCain and Chairman Icet's rosy assessment of the economy.

In Saint Louis County, a woman named Jean walked across a parking lot towards the local Republican headquarters. She clutched the letter in her hand as friends, fellow supporters and local Teamsters followed close behind to show their support.

Jean's goal was to deliver her letter directly to Saint Louis County Republican Chairman Rich Magee, but when she came upon the reception area, she was told he was "not in". Despite this, Jean left her letter at the desk with the expressed promise that Chairman Magee would see it. Afterward, she discussed her motivation for taking her message directly to the Republican leadership in her area.

I hope the Republican Party would be more aware of the economic situation in the United States. John McCain doesn't seem to be. He said the fundamentals of our economy are strong. That's not what average Americans are experiencing.

While she is thankful that she can deliver such a message, Jean offered a sober reflection on why she was able to find the time to make this stand.

I have the time to write this letter and to volunteer with Barack Obama's campaign because I am unemployed. I worked in this area for years, managing contractor services, and lost my job when the company decided to 'reorganize'.

Like many Americans, Jean lost her job because the company she worked for decided to try to run up their profits by doing the same amount of work with less people. It's an all too common story here in Missouri, where 19,200 people have lost their jobs this year alone. Despite all this, John McCain and other out of touch Republicans continue to insist that the "fundamentals of our economy are strong" and seek to continue the failed economic policies of the Bush administration. Follow Jean's example and send them a message today. Sign our petition calling on them to admit the truth about the state of the economy and start standing up for the middle class.

Sen. Claire McCaskill Takes on John McCain

John Schueler — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:58:14 EDT

Earlier today, Missouri native Claire McCaskill took to the airwaves to express her concern regarding the tumultuous state of the stock market. She expressed her utter dismay at John McCain's statement this morning in Florida, in which he indicated that he still felt "the fundamentals of our economy are strong."

500,000 Calls for Change

John Schueler — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 18:32:37 EDT

As we speak, volunteers across the state of Missouri are making calls to undecided voters in their area. The goal is to make half a million calls today alone, and if the scene in Rolla, Missouri is any indication they are well on their way.

Around noon, over a dozen volunteers were stationed in the Phelps County Democratic Headquarters. They sat in front of computer screens, studiously looking over voter information as they held phones to their ears, awaiting the next undecided voter. Some were experienced phonebank veterans, but many were stopping in for the first time.

One of the volunteers drawn in by Barack was Carol. Her husband Dan was quite active in the 2004 race, but Carol had to stay on the sidelines due to health issues. For her, helping out with the campaign was something that seemed to come naturally.

I’m not shy about it. I interviewed everyone along my antiquing trail. Asking them which way they are leaning and what their issue is.

As she spoke, a variety of responses echoed through the room. Greta could be heard going over an undecided voter's key concerns. "So it seems the deficit is a big issue for you, anything else?" While she delved deeper, another volunteer named AJ found himself engaged in a friendly back and forth with an elderly voter. "You're ninety-five years old... So I just have to ask, what's your secret to living so long?"

The voice on the other end shook with laughter, as the phones continued to ring. It was a light hearted moment but it touched on why these efforts are so special. It's not just about promoting Barack, but establishing real connections that transcend the usual partisan divide. After AJ got off the line, he reflected on what made his calls effective.

I always find that when I mention that I'm a volunteer calling from Rolla, people tend to be much more responsive. The fact that I'm not getting paid and am from the area really seems to resonate.

These are real people giving their time to make difference. If you'd like to get involved in your area, sign up to join a Neighborhood Team in your area today and help grow this grassroots movement for change.

Springfield Bikers for Obama

John Schueler — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:01:18 EDT

Today, Missouri "Bikers for Obama" rode for change in Springfield. This group of Harley Davidson bikers endorsed Senator Obama and highlighted Obama's consistent support for 'Buy American' provisions. Joined by State Representatives Sara Lampe and Charlie Noor, they drew a sharp contrast between Barack and John McCain, who has consistently opposed 'Buy American' provisions.

They cited a number of examples of John McCain's refusal to support American made products, including his failure to back policies that would require the government to purchase American-made motorcycles like those produced by national icon Harley-Davidson.

If your a labor worker who has felt the damaging effects of the failed Bush economic policies, please check out our Labor for Obama site and consider joining a neighborhood team here in Missouri.

Saturday: Grow the Movement for Barack

John Schueler — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:27:24 EDT

This e-mail just went out to supporters across the state of Missouri. Barack's Campaign for Change is aiming to make half a million calls this weekend, but they need your help to get it done. You don't need any previous experience in order to help out, just a desire to make change. Read on for details...

Dear John,

Now that Barack Obama and Joe Biden have officially accepted the Democratic nominations for President and Vice President, it's going to be a sprint to Election Day.

In Missouri, supporters and volunteers like you are stepping up and growing our Campaign for Change -- not from the top down, but from the bottom up.

This Saturday, September 13th, you can keep our momentum going by talking directly to undecided voters across the state about Barack's message of change at a Missouri Campaign for Change Weekend Phonebank.

Sign up to attend a Missouri Campaign for Change Weekend Phonebank near you and introduce this movement to voters in your community.

With less than eight weeks left until Election Day, November 4th, we can't afford to wait.

Missouri is a crucial battleground in the general election, and we have a real chance to win in November. But it's going to take all of us working together.

Supporters like you are building a powerful grassroots organization that will help bring about the change we need. And this Saturday, you have a chance to make a big difference for Barack in Missouri at a phonebank in your area.

Sharing your personal story with undecided voters in your community is a powerful way to grow this grassroots movement, and it's a great opportunity to reach out to folks who are tuning into this race for the first time.

You can join a phonebank at any of our Campaign for Change offices -- and with 41 locations across the state, you don't have to go far to make an impact.

Will you come together with fellow supporters in your area at a Campaign for Change Weekend Phonebank this Saturday?

http://mo.barackobama.com/MOweekendPB

Supporters like you will make the difference in this campaign -- we can't do it without you.

Thanks,

Peachy

Peachy Myers
Field Director
Missouri Campaign for Change

Missouri "could determine the future of this nation"

John Schueler — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 01:09:10 EDT

Yesterday, supporters from across Saint Louis County came out for the grand opening of the new Campaign for Change office in Ballwin. Over 300 filled the back yard of the modest house that will serve as a hub for community organizing in the lead up to the November election.

Local organizers introduced themselves as volunteers grilled, and the smell of hot dogs filled the air. Before long, US Congressman Russ Carnahan arrived and stepped up on a rickety chair, so that all in attendance could hear what he had to say. His speech drilled home the stark contrast between John McCain and Barack Obama, while pointing out Sarah Palin’s lack of meaningful experience. Ultimately though, it was about the power of the people in his midst. He reiterated how crucial individual involvement was to victory and his words served as a call to action.

You are the key ingredient here in these last few weeks… together WE are going to make history in November.

Shortly after he spoke, State Senator Jeff Smith had his turn atop the chair. He struck many of the same chords as Russ, reminding the crowd that Missouri has only voted for the losing presidential candidate once since 1904 and that things are always tight. As members of the crowd sought shade to escape the renewed heat of the sun, Jeff summarized the sway this area could have.

West County and South County are swing areas in the swing county, in the swing state. So I’m not exaggerating when I say that the people I’m speaking to today could determine the future of this nation.

Register for Change: Howard Dean Addresses the Youth

John Schueler — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:47:26 EDT

The Register for Change bus tour, which has been canvassing the nation to promote active involvement in the political process, rolled across Missouri yesterday. Governor Howard Dean, the current Chairman of the Democratic Party, was on board, anxious to talk to young voters in the Show-Me-State.

They started the day at the University of Missouri in Columbia, before heading to Saint Louis University (SLU). The enthusiasm at both stops was incredible, as large crowds of students gathered well in advance. They waved signs and chanted, in anticipation of Gov. Dean's arrival. Once the bus pulled into sight, the crowd in Saint Louis went wild; their cheers echoing across the campus.

Once Gov. Dean took the stage, he launched right into the importance of this election.

The difference between Barack Obama and John McCain is simple: 98 years. 98 years, because that's how much longer we could be in Iraq if we don't elect Barack Obama as President. While John McCain said he'd be fine with staying in Iraq for another hundred years, Barack has committed to bringing our troops home safely within the first 16 months of his first term.

He also took on some of the remarks made by speakers at last week's Republican Convention. The topic of community organizing was a central focus in his discussion. He discussed the importance of political activism, declaring that in an election as close as this the actions of a few hundred people could have a profound impact. He encouraged everyone in attendance to get involved, pointing to volunteers with voter registration clipboards scattered along the perimeter.

Politics IS community organizing... This is the first election of the new generation, of your generation. YOU have the power!

We are only a month away from the voter registration deadline here in Missouri. 10/08/08 is the last day that people can sign up to vote for Barack Obama, and help turn the Show-Me-State blue. This election is sure to be close, so every minute you can give helps. Sign up to volunteer now, and while you're at it, go to our voter registration page and make sure yours is up to date.

Conservatives Crossing Over

John Schueler — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:42:07 EDT

While the balloons dropped and staunch conservatives patted each other on the back 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 Republican.

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 mid-west."

With just 60 days until the election, there’s never been a better time to get involved. Neighborhood Teams are working all across the state to turn Missouri blue. Get more information about the Neighborhood Team in your area and if you’re a Missouri Republican who is backing Obama, be sure to join the Missouri Republicans for Obama group as well.

Convention Watch Party Retrospective

John Schueler — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:32:21 EDT

Right around this time last week, thousands of undecided voters and supporters came together across Missouri to watch Barack Obama accept the Democratic nomination.

In Saint Louis, over a thousand people packed the famous Moolah theater to view the speeches and celebrate a historic moment. The audience would erupt with applause when speakers like Al Gore struck a chord and chants of things like "YES WE CAN!" and "EIGHT IS ENOUGH!" at particularly powerful moments.

The entire gathering was vibrant and active. Even when the convention paused in between speakers, the people in the theater would not rest. They took that time to whip out their cell phones and place calls to potential voters; encouraging them to watch the speech and consider supporting Senator Obama.

Similar gatherings took place across the state. In Columbia, Missouri they had well over 300 attendees. Even areas like Kirsville and Cape Girardeau attracted over 100 people. Kansas City also had a strong showing despite a last minute venue change due to weather. These parties, and many others in places like Springfield and Joplin, illustrated that the Show Me State is not only ready for change, but eager to work for it.

Below are some images from the festivities in Saint Louis and Sikeston. If you haven't gotten active in your area yet, find an office near you and consider getting involved in a neighborhood team.

St. Charles: Putting the People in Charge

John Schueler — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:12:59 EDT

With over 2 million donors and active volunteer involvement in all fifty states, much has been made of the unprecedented organizational power of this campaign. While those numbers are quite impressive, it is important to step back and remember that this grassroots effort is built on the efforts of individuals coming together for a common purpose.

There’s no better example of this than the Neighborhood Teams that are forming all across Missouri. Many of the leaders of these teams recently came together to train with other members of their community; learning the fundamentals of organizing to help bring about real change in their neighborhood.

Rob, the regional field director for Saint Charles County, broke down why the Campaign for Change in Missouri is organizing this way during a recent training.“The whole point of having you all here and using the team based model is so we can tailor everything to your neighborhood.”

A short time later in that training, supporters listened attentively as field organizers with Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change played through a variety of different situations. Whenever a field organizer, pretending to be a bumbling volunteer going door to door, would mess up, the attentive crowd would respond with a chorus of boos, peppered with shouts of admonishment like “wrong!” and “no!”

Even after the correct method was demonstrated, the attendees had a variety of suggestions for improvement. At one point, someone in attendance asked how they planned to contact a supporter who had expressed a desire to volunteer given the fact that the person canvassing them didn’t get their contact information. As the field organizer who played the role gave a good humored wince, another volunteer named Carole leapt to the staff’s defense.

They don’t let you get away… They don’t. Believe me, that’s how I got here.

She paused for a moment as the room filled with laughter and then smiled as she tossed in one more good natured quip.

I mean I only agreed to meet with Dan so he’d stop calling me.

The occasional jokes kept the mood light while simultaneously bringing the group closer. Ultimately though, everyone knew that the things that had compelled them to get involved in the process were very serious. It’s those personal reasons that will help bring others to action. That was a point that was clearly stated by a volunteer named Brynn: “the most powerful thing is my personal story. That’s what really resonates.”

Across the room, Carole nodded her head in agreement, before expanding on the point.

If I say ‘Obama won’t raise your taxes’ it’s not anymore believable than someone who said he would. It’s important to get that message out, but I’m not an expert on that. I’m an expert to my story.

At many points, the training became less of structured lesson, and more of a conversation. People discussed issues in their community and the unique challenges they faced. They shared tips, and went over many of the lessons they’d learned while knocking doors and making calls. While many of the stories were local, the overlying points were often universal. When several volunteers were discussing their strategies for promoting Barack’s vision and leadership to undecided voters, Betty gestured around the room and simply said:

No one has ever built a political organization like this and I think that speaks to his leadership skills. That to me is the ultimate talking point.

Be a part of this historic grassroots movement for change. Sign up to learn more about joining a Neighborhood Team or just sign up to volunteer with Barack’s Campaign for Change in your spare time.

See Barack Accept the Nomination

John Schueler — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:12:13 EDT

Yesterday, Barack spent yesterday speaking to workers at the American Airlines maintenance base in Kansas City, MO. He spoke about his plan to revive the floundering economy and addressed attendees concerns regarding issues such as health care and social security.

It was all part of his journey to the convention in Denver, Colorado. Tomorrow night, supporters and undecided voters will be coming together across the state to watch as Barack Obama formally accepts the Democratic Nomination for the Presidency. It will be a historic night, and you can be a part of it. Take a moment to enter your zip code and search for a convention watch party in your area. There's never been a better time to learn more about Barack Obama's vision for America and experience this grassroots movement for change first.

Sign up now and come back to mo.barackobama.com to share your experiences after the convention concludes.

Barack LIVE in Kansas City

John Schueler — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:45:02 EDT

Missouri at the DNC: Rednecks for Obama

John Schueler — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:25:03 EDT

As we speak Democrats from across the country are coming together in Denver to celebrate progressive principles and officially nominated Barack Obama as their candidate for the presidency. Even though the Convention is just getting under way, supporters from Missouri are already making their mark. Jonathan Martin, a blogger with the website politico.com posted this piece late yesterday about a group of passionate supporters from Rolla, MO who formed the group "Rednecks for Obama".

Greeting reporters and other convention attendees at the main entrance to Denver's Pepsi Center: "Rednecks4Obama."

No, shockingly, it's not a formal coalition for the Democratic nominee, but rather the brainchild of two Democratic activists from Rolla, Missouri.

Les Spencer and Tony Viessman are not delegates, but are Yellow Dog enough enough to have driven all the way to Colorado with t-shirts and a sign speaking to their rural heritage that they had made on their own dime.

The name, they explain, was inspired by the late Missouri Democrat, Mel Carnahan.   Running for governor of the Show Me State in 1992, Carnahan's opponent accused him of being "a redneck from Rolla." He proudly embraced the moniker and it has entered into local political lore.

The two are, naturally, big on Obama.

"Our country needs a big change," said Spencer in an accent that underscored just how culturally Southern parts of Missouri are.   "We've been going south for too long and we need some help to get straigthened out."

And he approved of the nominee's running mate.

"I like O'Biden," Spencer quipped, making the Delaware Democrat a touch more Irish than he already is.

Viessman, though, was candid about Obama's challenges among his fellow "rednecks."

"It's two or three things," he said, pulling on a Pall Mall.   "Color, guns. They'll say, 'Democrats are going to take your guns away.' They try that [stuff] every election."

If you'd like more on "Rednecks for Obama", check out our blog coverage of last weeks Heartland Change Tour, and Congressman Russ Carnahan's visit to his hometown of Rolla. Stay tuned for more stories from Missouri supporters at the convention over the coming days.

Heartland for Change: Pictures from Springfield

John Schueler — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:43:13 EDT

Day four of the Heartland for Change began at a small family farm just outside Springfield. State Senator J.C. Kuessner addressed a crowd of supporters and let them know how electing Barack Obama will bring about change on the local level and help restore rural America.

Below are pictures from the event. Keep checking back for more coverage as the Heartland Change RV continues to roll across the "Show Me State"

Get involved in your neighborhood today and help grow this movement for change in Missouri. Join a neighborhood team in your area or simply sign up to volunteer. Continue to check mo.barackobama.com for more updates in the final two days of the Heartland Change Tour.

Heartland Change Tour: Straight Shootin' in the Southeast

John Schueler — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:10:16 EDT

The Third Day of the Heartland Change Tour saw the RV traveling across southeastern and central Missouri en route to Springfield. The tour started its day in Sikeston, Missouri, stopping to check out the Agricultural Museum before heading to meet up with former Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell at a local farm.

He discussed a multitude of rural issues, with a heavy focus on the shrinking processing market, rural healthcare, and the failure to enforce existing anti-trust laws. Similar topics were touched on in Poplar Bluff where he encouraged the attendees to make their voices heard. "The Obama campaign wants to hear from you. This is your chance to shape the strategy of this campaign and the direction of this country" he indicated before opening up the discussion.

The people in attendance heeded Joe's advice and spoke their minds in a very direct fashion. After one man indicated that despite the fact that cereal prices had increased sharply in the past year, the amount of corn in something like Corn Flakes will still only three cents worth. Clearly not enough to be the cause of the price spikes. Bob James, a farmer from the area jumped in to sound his voice in agreement.

I’m sick of the media saying that corn is the reason food prices are going up. It’s not just corn; it’s the trucking costs that come with high gas prices and the fact that only a handful of big companies control the processing and distribution. That allows them to dictate the supply and control the price. If it was local, regionalized stuff we could get it out there and save money. Not to mention create jobs and give people a higher quality product.

He we on to expand, discussing some of the details of why he believe farming has largely gotten rid of the little guy.

The reason you see the cost of crops like wheat and rice going up, is because people stopped planting it. Independent farms just couldn’t turn a profit growing it, and the supplements weren’t there to keep them afloat. That’s what people don’t get. Those supplements exist to keep farms going when prices dip, or disaster strikes. Otherwise they go belly up and eventually everyone ends up paying for it.

His story was just one of many. Perhaps the most emotional moment came when Andrew Winchester discussed the suffering brought about by the lack of access to health insurance and adequate health care in rural communities.

Government just doesn’t get it. This isn’t about different plans and options; it’s about people’s lives. Most of the people in this room right now are just one medical emergency from bankruptcy.
I was heading to a job a few towns over and a lady on the side of road began to wave me down. I pulled over to see what the matter was. She told me that her car had broken down, so I took her into town with me. On the way she began to share her troubles. Her septic tank had recently failed, and they found themselves constantly pouring money into their car to keep it running.

At this point, an already sad story took a turn for the tragic. Not because of poor choices, but because as the working poor, they had no choices. A lack of health insurance ultimately ruined so many of the things they'd worked so hard for over the years.

That alone would be hard on most families, but she was shouldering an even bigger burden. Seems she had suffered a sudden trauma not too long back and since there are no local hospitals, she had to be airlifted. Now she’s facing a 7,000 dollar bill for the helicopter and over 75,000 dollars in medical bills. She can’t pay the bills and her house is about to be foreclosed on.
I took her with me to my appointment, and then went to her home. As I walked around it, staring at the sunken septic tank I couldn’t help but think about how common this is become. She’s not alone. The farms are going under and people are getting pushed out because the infrastructure isn’t there. Rural America is dying.

Those comments sparked many more from the passionate crowd. As things came to a close, several people in attendance took a moment to thank Lt. Governor Maxwell for coming out. "You're the most refreshing politician to come to this town in dang near forty years" one man said. "Thank you for coming here and let's hope Barack Obama really is that change we so desperately need."

Heartland Change Tour: Day Two Wrap Up

John Schueler — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:02:42 EDT

After starting the day at a farm in Rolla, the Heartland for Change RV swung back towards the Mississippi River, heading to the eastern part of Missouri. The tour tackled a variety of different issues and areas as it rolled from the suburbs of Saint Louis down into the heart of the boot heel. Here's a brief rundown of the second day's events.

At Sappington Farmers' Market in Webster Groves supporters and curious shoppers gathered to listen to siblings Russ and Robin Carnahan as they discussed the story of this rather special business. Just a few weeks ago, many of the farmers who sell their goods at this store finalized an agreement to buy the business. Russ Kremer, head of the Missouri Farmers Union. indicated that this will allow them, along with other farmers who choose to buy a stake in the market, to increase their profits and have greater control over distribution. Which in turn allows them to charge less and give back more to the surrounding community. Both of the U.S. Congressman Russ Carnahan and his sister Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, pointed to this as an innovative idea that could serve as a model for farmers in other communities across the state.

Next, Robin and Russ led the Heartland Change tour to the town of Festus. There they met with local papers and a radio station, promoting the fact that Senator Obama's campaign was dedicated to reaching out to every single voter in Missouri. Robin recounted the story of a man who had written into his local paper saying that he had decided to vote for Obama over McCain. His reasoning behind the decision was simple: Obama had opened an office in Arnold, his hometown, while the closest McCain office was miles and miles away. To him that illustrated that the Obama campaign cared about his vote, and more importantly his community.

From there the RV rolled down to Cape Girardeau to pick up State Audtior Susan Montee. There she conducted a town hall style discussion with a group of voters gathered at the local 4-H club. Healthcare and the economy were central concerns, with one disabled lady in attendence indicating that cuts to the medicare budget had put a serious strain on her life. Due to the slashed budget, she now had to decide between feeding her family, getting the medications she needs and going to the doctor. "No American should ever have to make those decisions" Susan replied, indicating that the first step to rolling back cuts like that and getting serious about healthcare, is to usher in Democratic leadership like Barack Obama at both the state and national level.

When she concluded, supporters walked out to the RV and saw Susan Montee off. Currently the RV is stopped for the night in Sikeston, where it will resume its tour of Southeastern Missouri in the morning before heading back to the western part of the state. Keep checking back for additional updates and to look to our events sidebar on your right to see when the Heartland Change Tour will be in your area.

Heartland Change Tour: Rolla Homecoming

John Schueler — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:15:05 EDT

The Heartland Change Tour resumed this morning at a farm in Rolla Missouri. David Finch, a life long farmer, invited many of his friends and family to the property to discuss local issues and rural concerns. Some leaned over the side of the David's very active cowpen, admiring the livestock while others sat on bales of hay, catching up and discussing family developments.

Joining them was a very special Rolla native, U.S. Congressman Russ Carnahan. Before speaking, he took some time to walk around the property, taking in the view as he reflected on a variety of topics and listened to other locals share their stories.

After swapping tales for a while, he stood in front of the Finch family livestock and outlined why he felt Barack should be the next President of the United States. He emphasized the fact that Barack has fought for rural areas of Illinois during his time in the Senate, and that he respects and understands the concerns of family farms.

After Russ finished speaking, he welcomed questions from the crowd. One man, sporting a custom made "Rednecks for Obama" shirt asked how he should respond to his friends who say they can't vote for a Democrat because they're afraid they'll take their gun. Congressman Carnahan gave a swift, straight forward response.

Senator Obama is a firm believer in the Second Amendment... People who think that Democrats are going to take away your guns are being played for fools. Which Democrat did that? Where? We've had plenty of Democrats in office over the years, and not one of them has tried to. You need to tell them that. Hammer that home.

Stay tuned to mo.barackobama.com for more updates throughout the next few days on the Heartland Change Tour.

Heartland Change Tour Rolls into Jefferson City

John Schueler — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:07:36 EDT

State Senator Wes Shoemyer has been riding along in the Heartland Change Tour RV all day. Earlier, while speaking to supporters in Boone county, he made a statement that more or less sums up the message of this tour: "Barack Obama will not cede one inch of Missouri..."

Currently, the RV is parked outside of the state capitol in Jefferson City. The message it sends is loud and clear: Change is coming to the Show Me State.

Continue to check mo.barackobama.com for more updates on the Heartland Change Tour, and to find out when we'll be stopping in your neck of the woods.

Heartland Change Tour: "We have to level the playing field"

John Schueler — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:10:29 EDT

Today marks the launch of the Heartland for Change RV tour here in Missouri. Throughout the course the week, local politicians will be traveling across the state, stopping in towns, both large and small, to discuss the issues that are affecting voters in the Show Me State.

The tour kicked off just a short while ago with an event in the town of Palmyra. U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill was on hand to discuss how Barack Obama will stand up for independent farmers and help bolster the rural economy. Senator McCaskill made it clear that Barack understands the plight of the working farmer.

Barack understands the importance of subsidies to the American farmer. Being the Senator from Illinois, he’s no stranger to these issues. This isn’t about hand outs; this is about leveling the playing field.

She added that Barack’s active defense of subsidies and his dedication to fighting for the independent farmer stood in sharp contrast to John McCain’s position.

John McCain said he’d "veto the farm bill in a New York minute". Notice he didn’t say a Monroe City minute… or a Palmyra minute. He’s not going to fight for you.

State Senator Wes Shoemyer elaborated on this further, discussing the issue of accountability.

One of the greatest things about this campaign is the money to fund it is coming from real people. The average donation is less than a hundred dollars. You can’t say that about John McCain’s campaign. He relies on lobbyists and PACs, who are writing checks for thousands of dollars, to fund his efforts. So who do you think he’s going to look out for at the end of the day? It all comes down to a simple question: who do you owe? Senator Obama owes us.

After Claire and Wes had finished sharing their insights, they took questions from the people in attendance, addressing a variety of issues. One of the central concerns was how to expand the rural economy. Senator McCaskill pointed to Barack’s energy policy as a key component.

We’re not just talking about investing in ethanol and maintaining subsidies. Senator Obama knows we need to shift our energy policy… Currently we consume twenty five percent of the world’s oil, but we only produce about three percent. Now I’m not a math major, but that just doesn’t add up to me. We need to invest in solar and wind technology as well. Become self reliant and generate our own energy here at home.

As she finished, a lady in the crowd who had been listening intently chimed in.

And if we do produce alternative things like solar and wind, we’ll create more jobs. Good quality jobs that can stay local. I mean to me, that just makes sense.

Sense was a fitting word to use, because it’s exactly what Senator McCaskill wants to ensure that people are using when they talk about this election.

When you’re out in the community, I want to you dispel those rumors. You know the things they say about Barack that just aren’t true. ‘He doesn’t salute the flag’ or ‘he’s a radical Muslim’… If they don’t believe you, then send them to fightthesmears.com and they’ll get all the proof they need.

Senator Shoemyer added...

When you hear that stuff at school or at the beauty salon or in church, stand up and say that’s not true. Real people talking to their friends and neighbors about the issues and fighting against the lies is the only way we’re gonna cut through this.

As we speak, the RV is rolling down Route 24, on its way to the town of Holliday where State Senator Wes Shoemyer will conduct a roundtable with local citizens on issues of fairness for family farms. Keep checking mo.barackobama.com for additional information about upcoming RV stops and more tales from the Heartland Change Tour.

Team up to support Barack in Missouri

John Schueler — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:23:24 EDT

Just a short while ago, Missouri State Field Director Peachy Myers sent out a message to supporters across the state promoting a rather novel apporach to politics. In it she invited them to join with other supporters in their area to start taking ownership over the political process and make change happen in their local community through Neighborhood Teams. Please review her note below, and consider joining a team in your area.

Dear John --

The Missouri Campaign for Change is launching our Neighborhood Team program in every county and neighborhood of the Show Me State.

This program will help supporters like you get organized at a local level. Together with folks in your community, you'll reach out to new and undecided voters near you and help bring more people into our political process.

If you are committed to building this movement in Missouri, we need you to get involved with a team in your neighborhood.

Learn more about joining a Neighborhood Team in your area.

These Neighborhood Teams will be the cornerstone of our campaign in Missouri. Face-to-face contact with people in your own community is the most effective way to build our movement for change.

Taking action in your neighborhood through a Neighborhood Team is one of the most important ways you can help Barack in Missouri.

No prior experience is necessary to get involved -- just a commitment to our movement and a willingness to work for change in your area.

Get involved with your local Neighborhood Team today:

http://mo.barackobama.com/MOteams

Thanks for everything you're doing to build our movement in Missouri.

Peachy

Peachy Myers
Missouri Field Director
Campaign for Change

A Simple Question...

John Schueler — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 15:36:16 EDT

Mike, one of the Campaign for Change field organizers in Southeast Missouri just sent over this photo with the following caption:

"Ten teens. Two hours. Three pizzas. 500+ phone calls."

These teens in West Plains gave up part of their weekend to make calls and bond with other Obama supporters. They are doing their part to help ensure that when election day comes and goes this November, Missouri turns bright blue and Barack Obama becomes the next President of the United States.

Are you?

To get involved, visit your local Campaign for Change office or search for events in your area. No prior experience is necessary and every minute you can give helps push this grassroots movement forward.

This Weekend: Neighborhood Canvass for Barack

John Schueler — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:45:44 EDT

Earlier today, Peachy Myers, the Missouri Field Director with Barack Obama's Campaign for Change, sent out a message to supporters across the state encouraging them to use this weekend to talk to their friends and neighbors. The full text of the message and details on how to get involved are below...

Dear John --
Thanks to supporters like you, Barack Obama's Campaign for Change has helped build the largest grassroots movement in the history of presidential politics.

In just three weeks, Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination at the National Convention. It is your energy and efforts that have brought the campaign this far.

And the general election on November 4th will be here before we know it.

That's why this weekend, August 9th and 10th, we're hosting Neighborhood Canvasses all across Missouri. We are asking you to join us in going door-to-door to speak with your neighbors about this movement for change.

Face-to-face contact with friends, family, and neighbors is the most effective way to grow this campaign. And we have to act now to let people know who Barack is and where he stands on the issues that matter most -- from reducing our dependency on foreign oil, to fighting for health care for all, to making our economy work again for middle class families.

Find a Neighborhood Canvass in your area this weekend.

We have a real chance to succeed here in Missouri. And we must. It's going to take all of us working together.

The Neighborhood Canvass is the perfect way to meet fellow supporters in your community, learn about our strategy in Missouri, and turn your enthusiasm into action.

No previous experience is necessary to get involved. Campaign for Change staff will provide you with everything you need, every step of the way.

Get started this weekend and a join a canvass in your area.

We can't do this without you.

Thanks for all that you do,

Peachy

Peachy Myers
Missouri Field Director
Campaign for Change

Meeting Barack: Reflections from Rolla

John Schueler — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:54:13 EDT

Last week, Barack Obama visited the state of Missouri, sharing his plan to restore our economy and advance our energy policies in this country. His bus tour took him through a number of rural areas, many of which had not hosted a Democratic Presidential candidate in decades. Prior to his town hall event in Rolla, Missouri, Barack took a few moments to meet with ten local volunteers, thanking them for their efforts and continued support.

One of those volunteers was a lady named Delores. She took some time after the event to reflect on her experience and share a bit of her story. She began by reflecting on how she went from being an observer of the political process to an active participant.

Several times, I don't remember how many, I would donate $5 or $10 to his campaign from my S.S. check via the internet. Which I just found out was why they called me the first time. Two of Obama’s Campaign for Change workers in Rolla contacted me and asked to come meet with me. [The visit resulted] in my agreeing to have a 'house meeting' inviting a few neighbors.

After hosting a house party, Delores became progressively more involved. Along with her friend Elizabeth, she attended the grand opening of the Campaign for Change office in Rolla. She enjoyed the experience so much, that when it was announced that Barack would be coming to town the next week, she volunteered to help promote and work the event.

On the day of the town hall, a staffer approached Delores as she directed eager attendees to the proper entrance area. The field organizer directed her to join a group of nine other volunteers across the way. When she reached the huddled circle, she received the ultimate surprise. She was informed that Senator Obama himself would like to meet each of them as soon as he arrived to thank them for all their hard work.

Before long, Delores found herself in a room with nine other volunteers, making nervous small talk in between extended silences; each of them anxiously awaiting Barack’s entrance. Delores reflected on the experience and her expectations leading up to his arrival.

This was the very first time in my 71 years I wanted to meet any 'big name' person, and that’s only because I believe the nation needs him. He has been accused of being arrogant, an elitist, etc. From time to time we have all met that type of person, right? We can feel it or sense it. It makes me recoil from their presence. When Obama walked in I was expecting a very tired (considering the schedule he is keeping), somewhat superficially polite man and maybe with a bit of 'salesman's polish'.

Delores’ tempered expectations were an understandable after effect of all the political ploys and broken promises candidates have delivered to the American people over recent years. Any remnants of cynicism she may have held were quickly shattered once she actually had a chance to stand face to face with Barack.

I was second in line and when he took my hand. I have no idea what he may have said. I was overwhelmed by a feeling, looking into his face and eyes, that I knew his soul! As dumb as I feel now, without a thought all I could say was "I know you SO well." I touched my forehead to his lapel (he's pretty tall) and he just smiled at me. If there was an ounce of arrogance or elitism in him, then I am the Queen of England! I don't believe in coincidence. This whole experience was not planned or sought after by me and it ran like a well planned adventure. One I will never forget.

To continue reading, click here...

Reminder: Three Office Openings TODAY

John Schueler — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:35:44 EDT

Barack's Bus Tour of Missouri may have concluded yesterday evening in Union, but the Campaign for Change here in Missouri continues to build.

The grand opening celebration for Barack Obama's Campaign for Change office in Kansas City just got underway at noon. It's slated to have guest speakers such as State Senator Yvonne Wilson, and County Executive Mike Sanders, along with a performance by the Marching Cobras band and drill team.

In the Saint Louis area, they will be celebrating the opening of two new CFC headquarters. In downtown Saint Louis, they will be hosting an open house for the Saint Louis Field Headquarters. It kicks off at 5 p.m., with a speaking program commencing around 6:30 p.m. Secretary of State Robin Carnahan will be present to deliver remarks and greet supporters.

In the Des Peres area, they're kicking off the grand opening festivities for their West County Headquarters at 7 p.m. The program begins around 7:30 p.m. with St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley serving as the guest speaker.

To get more information on any of these events and RSVP, please visit the links above or browse our Missouri events page.

24 Offices in 24 Hours: Columbia, Missouri

John Schueler — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:40:59 EDT

A supporter from Boone County was gracious enough to share the following pictures from the grand opening of Barack Obama's Campaign for Change headquarters in Columbia, Missouri. Over 100 passionate supporters came out to celebrating the occasion and express their support for Barack's new brand of politics. The event was just one on of twenty four office openings that took place across the outlying areas of Missouri this past Saturday.

If you've yet to get a Campaign for Change office in your area, don't fret. This Thursday, July 31st, CFC will roll out offices in the City of St. Louis, Des Peres (West County), and Kansas City. There's even more offices to come in the weeks ahead, so stayed tune and be sure to check back at mo.barackobama.com for the latest updates and news.

This is just one in a series of office opening profiles. Check back tomorrow for more pictures and stories from “rural office rollout” celebrations across the state of Missouri. In the meantime, go to our office page to find a Campaign for Change office near you.

24 Offices in 24 Hours: Louisiana, Missouri

John Schueler — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:37:11 EDT

This past Saturday, the Pike County Campaign for Change office celebrated it's grand opening. Located in Louisiana, Missouri, it was one of twenty four rural office openings that took place that day.

Locals gathered to get aquainted with the new office and hear from State Sen. Wes Shoemyer and State Rep. Terry Witte. The crowd of supporters left fired up and ready to start the conversation in their local community.

That's a conversation that they hope to ultimately translate into action: building a grassroots movement for change that will affect policy not only on the national stage but locally as well.

To start the conversation in your own area, sign up to volunteer today.

This is just one in a series of office opening profiles. Check back later today for more pictures and stories from “rural office rollout” celebrations across the state of Missouri. In the meantime, go to the office page to find a Campaign for Change office near you.

Barack Obama to Bring Economic Tour to Rural Missouri

John Schueler — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:04:41 EDT

The following press release just went out to media outlets across the state, announcing that Barack will return to Missouri for a series of events this Wednesday. Read on for more details...

UPDATE: Unfortunately, the Springfield event is now SOLD OUT.

BARACK OBAMA TO HOLD ECONOMIC TOUR THROUGH RURAL MISSOURI WEDNESDAY
Obama Will Spend the Day in the Show-Me State on Wednesday, July 30

St. Louis, MO – On Wednesday, July 30, 2008, United States Senator Barack Obama will embark on an economic tour through rural communities in Missouri. Obama will hold town hall meetings in Springfield and Rolla, followed by a BBQ in Union. United States Senator Claire McCaskill will be joining Obama on the tour.

This past weekend, Obama's Missouri Campaign for Change opened 24 offices throughout Missouri's rural communities. Obama's campaign has a strong commitment to Missouri's rural areas, placing offices in communities where no presidential candidate has had a presence before. On the tour, Obama will discuss his plan to strengthen the economy and bring real change for hardworking families in Missouri and across the country.

Event details are below:

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3OTH

SPRINGFIELD, MO

TOWN HALL WITH BARACK OBAMA
Glendale High School
2727 S Ingram Mill Rd
Springfield, MO 65804

Doors Open: 8:00 AM

The event is free and open to the public. However, tickets are REQUIRED. Free tickets are available TODAY, Monday, July 28th 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, on a first-come, first-served basis at the locations listed below:

Ticket Distribution Locations:

Obama Campaign for Change Office
Springfield HQ
220 South Campbell Avenue, Springfield MO

Obama Campaign for Change Office
270 West Mt. Vernon Street
Nixa, MO

Obama Campaign for Change Office
900 West Washington Street, Suite 220
Marshfield, MO

Obama Campaign for Change Office
457 South Albany Avenue
Bolivar, MO

***For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners allowed.**

ROLLA, MO

TOWN HALL WITH BARACK OBAMA
The Student Recreation Center
Missouri University of Science and Technology
705 West 10th Street
Rolla, MO

Doors Open: 1:00PM

The event is free and open to the public however a ticket is required. To pick up a ticket please visit our ticket distribution location listed below.

Ticket Distribution Location:

Obama Campaign for Change Office
905 Pine St
Rolla, MO
Tuesday, July 29, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

***For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.***

UNION, MO
BBQ WITH BARACK OBAMA
Union City Park
Entrance at corner of Christina Ave. and Water St.
Union, MO
Tickets are REQUIRED for this event. Further details will be released shortly.

To be kept informed of future events, sign up for our e-mail list or text "MO" to 62262 to receive updates on your phone (including the announcement of Barack's Vice Presidential choice when it's announced).

24 offices in 24 hours: South East Missouri

John Schueler — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:59:55 EDT

With twenty four Campaign for Change office openings occurring throughout the day, this past Saturday marked an exciting milestone for Obama supporters all across Missour i.

In the South Eastern part of the state, they celebrated the opening of five new offices in addition to their pre-existing space in Cape Girardeau. The excitement was palpable, especially in areas like West Plains where well over a hundred supporters turned out to welcome the campaign to their community and find out more about how they can help grow the movement locally.

That theme of local involvement was also a central part of the celebration in Poplar Bluff. Over fifty supporters packed into an office that houses the area Young Democrats, local Democratic candidates, as well as Barack’s Campaign for Change. People lined up against the walls, which were plastered with campaign signs and progressive slogans and tables packed with freshly made baked goods.

The whole affair felt more like a family reunion than a political gathering. Many of the attendees had grown up together, and were already friends and neighbors. So it was only fitting that Ron Pinkerton, a man who has been active in local politics for some time, addressed the crowd. He spoke about a variety of topics, including the need to be an active participant in the process, and the historic nature of this election. At one point he stopped and glanced around the room, taking in all the people surrounding him before reflecting on what this moment meant to the area.

I haven’t seen this many Democrats gathered together in Butler County since Bill Clinton first ran for President in 1992…

Justin, the Campaign for Change field organizer for the area built on that, emphasizing the need to build on moments like these.

We can’t let what we have here today be a onetime thing. We need to take this energy and build on it… I need your help. I can make phone calls and register voters all day, but it doesn’t mean as much as it does coming from a neighbor or family member like you… If we all do our part, the next time we have a meeting there could be two to three times as many people here.

Justin then gave the turned the floor over to local candidates and supporters who spoke about their desire to see change in Butler County, and how they could work together to make it a reality. Eventually the speeches stopped, but the conversation continued amongest individual attendees. One of the more prominent voices was that of a supporter who was eager to get involved.

Where's Justin? I want to volunteer, and I don't want to wait for him to call me. I want to start now.

Rural Rollout in Rolla!

John Schueler — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:36:20 EDT

Yesterday, Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change celebrated the grand opening of twenty four offices in rural communities across Missouri. Supporters came out in droves to check out the new offices space, connect with the staffers and learn more about what the Campaign for Change hopes to accomplish in the months ahead.

In Rolla, Missouri a sizeable crowd of eager supporters gathered to hear local candidates and former Senator Jean Carnahan speak on the importance of individuals taking ownership over the democratic process. After a few local politicians addressed the audience, Senator Carnahan took the stage. She fired up the crowd, and introduced a young woman named Sophia who had inspired her.

Sophia is only thirteen years old, but has been an active volunteer in Democratic politics since the fourth grade. Senator Carnahan stated that Sophia represented what’s so wonderful about this campaign. That it’s not just about changing Washington, but watching a new generation claim their stake in the political process.

That message of individual ownership really resonated with the crowd. Local Democrats thanked Jean, and State Field Director Peachy Myers, who is a Rolla native, for making rural communities a priority in this campaign. By the end of the event, many of the people in attendance decided to channel that excitement into action. They followed young Sophia's lead by signing up to volunteer; Seeking to make their voice heard and deliver real change to Rolla and the rest of Phelps County.

Campaigning for Change Across Missouri

John Schueler — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:57:49 EDT

Tomorrow, Campaign for Change offices will open their doors all across the state of Missouri. In South East Missouri, they’ve been working for weeks in preparation of this day. Holding organizational meetings across the region, meeting individually with passionate Obama supporters, and securing office space in areas that may have never before played host to a Democratic presidential campaign.

Places like Dunklin, Scott and Butler Counties will celebrate their grand openings tomorrow. Local community leaders and supporters will gather to meet the staff, socialize and plan for the road to November.

In Cape Girardeau, they’re gearing up for something a little different. Having already hosted an open house a few weeks back, they’re celebrating the rural office roll out by drawing new voters into the process. To do so they will be hosting a door to door canvass, seeking to register new and lapsed voters in the process.

Many other regions will be hosting similar activities on Sunday, July 27th. It’s all part of a nationwide “100 days canvass”, in recognition of the fact that as of Sunday we will officially be less than 100 days from the election. To find a voter registration event in your area, go here then click “go to advanced search”, enter your zip code and search for “voter registration”.

To find a Campaign for Change office in your area, go to our “rural rollout” site. There you can either search for an opening event by zip code or find your local office on a map. Supporters in Saint Louis and Kansas City should note that their offices will be opening sometime in the next week. Stay tuned to the blog here at mo.barackobama.com for more information in the coming days.

Rural Office Rollout: A Message from the Missouri Field Director

John Schueler — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:45:27 EDT

Peachy Myers, Field Director for Barack Obama's Campaign for Change here in Missouri just sent out the following e-mail to supporters across the state. Please take a moment to read it over, then find an office in your area and get involved

Dear John --

My name is Peachy Myers, and I'm the Field Director for the Campaign for Change in Missouri.

The general election is coming up sooner than you may think. This weekend will mark 100 days to November 4th.

Time flies when you're building the largest grassroots campaign in the history of presidential politics. And that's why we need to act now to organize communities all across the country and build this movement for change.

This weekend, we're kicking off our general election efforts with Campaign for Change office grand openings in locations across Missouri on Saturday. On Sunday we are launching a statewide 100 Days Canvass.

Find a 100 Days Canvass event in your area this weekend and check out one of our new office openings:

http://mo.barackobama.com/Missouri100days

These Saturday office openings are a perfect way to learn about our strategy in Missouri and get to know fellow supporters. The canvasses on Sunday will help you introduce our movement for change to friends, family, and neighbors in your community.

We have a great opportunity to succeed in Missouri, and we're rapidly gearing up for the months ahead. But we must do this together.

No previous experience is necessary to get involved. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.

Take a moment now to find an office opening and a 100 Days Canvass in your area:

http://mo.barackobama.com/Missouri100days

I hope you can join us.

Thank you,

Peachy

Peachy Myers
Field Director
Missouri Campaign for Change

P.S. -- Can't make it to an office opening or a canvass but would like to help in Missouri? There will be plenty of opportunities to make a difference as the campaign grows here. Sign up now to get involved:

http://mo.barackobama.com/MOvolunteer

Campaign for Change: Coming Soon to a Town Near You...

John Schueler — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:59:35 EDT

This photo comes to us courtesy of a supporter in Columbia, Missouri, and it marks the start of something big. Over the next week, Barack Obama's Campaign for Change will be opening offices all across Missouri.

It all kicks off this Saturday with the unprecedented grand opening of over twenty field offices in rural areas of the state. To find one in your area, go to our find events page, click "go to advanced search" and look for the event type "Missouri Office Opening" near you.

In the meantime, volunteers and staff like the ones in Columbia will be hard at work ensuring that your community will have the resources it needs to continue to build the grassroots movement for change. Join them, and help make history here in the "Show Me State"!

If you're from the area, be sure to sign up for the Columbia office opening. Stay tuned to mo.barackobama.com for more information on office openings in the days ahead.

The Medium is the Message

John Schueler — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:08:47 EDT

"They’re not selling nine foot ones, so we’ll do it ourselves…" That was the simple, straight forward logic that inspired Richard Rodriguez, an artist from Saint Louis, Missouri, to begin recreating Shepard Fairey’s iconic posters of Barack Obama.

From reading Shepard’s manifesto, it became clear to me that his desire is to allow his art and the messages behind it go viral. So I decided to make one recreation, with no clear vision of what I wanted to do with it.

As Richard went about meticulously recreating Sherpard’s artwork, word of his efforts began to spread. One of the people that took notice was Steve Smith, owner of The Royale, a restaurant and tavern that Steve refers to as a sort of “unofficial political hangout”. He came across a write up on Richard’s work, and began to ask around to find out more.

I have had Shepard Fairey’s prints in the past and I was a big Obama supporter from very early on. I got in touch with Richard and found out that he was looking for a place to hang his work. My restaurant is right off a high traffic street, so a lot of people have asked to display things on it in the past. Normally I wouldn’t agree to it but what Richard is doing appealed to me, both in the design and the message.

Last Saturday, their idea came to life. As supporters and curious bystanders gathered right off Kingshighway, a series of three nine by 6 foot paintings of Barack were displayed across the side of the building. Along the bottom of each poster featured a different word: “Hope”, “Change” and “Progress”.

In addition to those recreations, Richard brought three more variations of Shepard’s art along. They featured the same image of Obama’s face, but sport new color schemes and slogans. Bright pastels replaced the primary color palate, and symbols such as the Star of David took the place of the Obama logo. Richard explained what motivated him to introduce these new variations.

I choose the phrases 'Peace', 'Shalom', and 'Si Se Puede' because that’s the intent of the campaign, and that’s our intent. That’s the message… inclusiveness.

That’s a message that Richard will work to spread in the coming months. He plans to keep painting, and even has a Saint Louis specific portrait in the works for the area Campaign for Change field office. It’s all part of spreading the message, and growing the movement. Royale owner Steve Smith reflected on why these sorts of efforts are especially important in Missouri.

Missouri is always a swing state, and this year especially we have to take that extra step to make sure it swings our way.

Vote for Change: Building Community on the Courts

John Schueler — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:51:07 EDT

Hundreds of people gathered at Fairgrounds Park in Saint Louis, Missouri today to take in some intense 3-on-3 basketball and enjoy a variety of complimentary services offered by local organizations. As teams from across the area competed in tournament style play, locals enjoyed free food and health exams, and engaged in political discourse.

Volunteers with Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change circulated in the crowd, passing out stickers to supporters and registering new voters. Local elected Democratic officials and candidates were also present, connecting with the community and enjoying the festivities.

The third annual tournament and community fair was organized by State Senator Jeff Smith. As he told us yesterday, he feels basketball can instill life lessons in its participants that extend far beyond the court.

I learned to play basketball at parks across the northside when I was growing up, and the friendships I made and lessons I learned on the court are a big part of the person I am today… you learn about teamwork and forge deep bonds with your teammates, and you develop a competitive fire that's tough to extinguish.

That’s a passion that he hopes to see translate into political action, not only in the local community but on the national level as well.

Below are pictures from today’s event. To get involved in your own area, sign up to take part in an existing event or create your own.

Teaming Up to Promote Community and Change

John Schueler — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:56:12 EDT

Tomorrow, Missouri State Senator Jeff Smith will host his third annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The event brings together people from all corners of the community and has quickly become an eagerly anticipated tradition in the Saint Louis area. In addition to providing a full day of athletic fun, the event will include a community fair that will offer free health screenings, food and entertainment. Senator Smith took a moment to reflect on why he decided to host this event and how it contributes to the community:

First, with 75 non-profit groups planning to come and provide their services or information about how to access those services, it’s going to help a lot of folks. Second, it’s a great way for young people to have a fun day of athletic competition in a structured setting. Third, it's an opportunity for me to give back to a community that has given me so much - I learned to play basketball in parks across the northside when I was growing up, and the friendships I made and lessons I learned on the court are a big part of the person I am today.

Indeed, I bet Barack would agree with me that hoops can be a great foundation for a future in politics: you learn about teamwork and forge deep bonds with your teammates, and you develop a competitive fire that's tough to extinguish. So I'm delighted that his volunteers will join us to register voters at the event.

It may be too late to register a team for the tournament, but you can still help the Campaign for Change register voters. Local Organizers will be leading shifts at 9:30am and again at 12:30pm. The event itself will run from 10am to 4pm at Fairground Park, and is completely free of charge. For more information, please visit jeffsmith3on3.com and check back here tomorrow for additional coverage.

Unite for Change: "The only way it's going to happen is through us..."

John Schueler — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:50:05 EDT

This past Thursday, dozens of supporters came together at the Schlafly Tap Room in downtown Saint Louis, Missouri to discuss the state of our nation and the road to November. A supporter named Richard kicked off the discussion by sharing why he felt compelled to take an active role in this election.

I used to work in Europe. I was there on September 11th. We had the world’s sympathy on our side after that and it sickens me to think of how we’ve squandered that…

Other members of the group quickly followed Richard’s lead and shared their own reasons for attending. A youth counselor named Andre discussed his experience in the local community.

I deal with drug dealers and gang bangers on a daily basis. Now is the time to make a change, and the only way it’s going to happen is through us… they’re not going to have to recount the vote this year, because we’re going to double it!

Yewande, a student at Washington University, reflected on the level of enthusiasm this campaign has evoked in her normally apathetic friends.

I see my friends watching [the news] for the first time. It doesn’t matter if they’re for Obama or McCain. I mean obviously, I’m for Obama but it’s inspiring to see them get connected and involved.

Finally, a lady named Nora slowly stood to speak. She looked around the room and clasped her hands as she began to share her story.

I’ll turn sixty five next month and I’m really excited about Barack Obama… We’ve had two election night parties, and we’re fired up! We’ve helped elect mayors, and we elected the first African American city council women by the largest margin ever seen in this area… We can do it in University City!

Nora’s stirring declaration reverberated through the room of supporters, and was met with instant applause. Her words represented a deep seeded desire to make change happen not only on a national level, but locally as well.

That sentiment was soon translated into action as attendees gathered around clipboards; signing up to register voters at various events as well as agreeing to host a house meeting of their own. They lingered to socialize and exchange information for while, calling to mind what an Obama Organizing Fellow named Ken had stated at the beginning.

I haven’t had a chance to talk with you all, but none of you are strangers. I get the sense that we are all here for the same reason…

Continue to grow this grassroots movement for change. Host your own house meeting, or find one in your area.

America's Leadership

John Schueler — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:25:28 EDT

In anticipation of Barack's speech today on the Iraq War and America's national security priorities, the campaign released this ad entitled "America's Leadership". It highlights Barack's bi-partisan record and leadership on anti-nuclear proliferation measures. It is going up on the air here in Missouri very soon, but you can get a sneak peak below.

Click here for a full transcript of this ad...

Michelle in KC: An Open Letter of Thanks

John Schueler — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:42:33 EDT

Yesterday, Michelle Obama came to Kansas City, Missouri to take part in a roundtable with working women at UMKC. The topics covered a variety of issues, focusing heavily on the economic strains that Missourians are currently experiencing.

To Jim, the impact went well beyond the topics discussed, and went to the core of his granddaughter's potential. After attending the event, he submitted the following to Talking Points Memo Cafe detailing his experience, and thanking Michelle for giving him such a special moment with his granddaughter.

Dear Mrs. Obama:
My granddaughter asked me to take her to see you today at the Women's Forum in Kansas City! She's a 12 year old, bi-racial, child of a single Father (Sometimes... it's not the father's that are missing in their children's life). We didn't have a ticket to get in, but it didn't matter to her. She just wanted the chance to see you in person. So we went.
When I asked a campaign worker where we should stand to get a glimpse of you as you entered the building, we were told to follow him. He took us inside and seated us on the front row. I will never forget how her eyes glittered when you entered. She pointed out that you were taller in person and had a great dress on. Then you began to speak... and she began to listen.
She listened to you and she listened to the other women on the panel and in the audience. She heard women from all social levels and all walks of life talk about the problems that women face. I think it made it easier to understand why her father so often says, "We don't have the money for that". She also realized that you don't have to sit back and do nothing but accept your life as it is. She has questions for me about the event, but she wants to think about them for a while. I hope I can answer them.
I think it was an important event for her. She saw professional women who believe they can make a difference and I think that may have made a difference in my granddaughter's life. Thank you for that! Win or lose in November....today you made a difference in [at least] one person's life.

There are inspiring women all across America who, much like Michelle, work diligently on a daily basis to push this country forward. For more on Senator Obama's positions on women's issues visit Women for Obama.

Apply Now for Internships in Missouri!

John Schueler — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:58:42 EDT

We are now accepting applications for summer interns here in Missouri. It's a great chance to gain experience and be a part of change at the ground level. There's no better time to make an impact in this historic election. So if you're interested, apply today!

Vote for Change Hits the Warped Tour

John Schueler — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:33:35 EDT

Early last Tuesday morning a caravan of cars lined the road leading up to the Verizon Amphitheatre just outside Saint Louis, Missouri. Anxious teens and twentysomethings sat on the hoods of cars and gathered on the sidewalks, listening to blaring music and waiting for the gates to open and the 2008 Warped Tour concert to begin.

A few carloads of Obama Organizing Fellows and dedicated volunteers applied sunscreen, prepared their clipboards, and sat ready to register voters.

Soon the parking gates opened and an ocean of attendees poured toward the entrance of the concert grounds. Obama volunteers fell in and joined them, working the line with their clipboards in hand.

The crowds increased along with the temperature. A group of volunteers returned from working the outside line and exclaimed, "We got seventy!" They waved their stack of registration forms in the air as they grabbed for water cups and took shelter under the shade of the tent.

Throughout the day, a steady stream of excited young people approached the booth. Some concert-goers were already registered but were curious to know how they could help in their area. Many were eager to register for the first time.

A few of the concert-goers weren't even old enough to vote but were anxious to help with the campaign. One such group of girls approached the Obama table, and, when asked if they wanted to volunteer, the girls hesitated at first. They huddled and began to whisper. After a few moments, one girl suggested, "Well I could just pick you guys up and say we're going to the movies..." The other girls looked at each other, paused to think it over, and then nodded in agreement, reaching for the sign-up sheet. The Obama Organizing Fellow stationed at the table looked at them, confused, and the girls replied in unison, "Our parents are Republicans!" and burst into laughter.

The sun began to go down and the Obama crew packed to go home, having registered hundreds of new voters and recruited many new volunteers. A band setting up nearby noticed that the huge Obama crew was poised to depart, the lead singer offered, "Come on guys... What do I have to say to get you to stay?... OBAMA 'O8!?"

Help grow the grassroots movement for change in your own area, whether at a rock concert or in your neighborhood! Create your own event or find one in your community.

Vote for Change Hits the Warped Tour

John Schueler — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:44:43 EDT

Click here to continue reading this entry and see pictures from the Warped Tour...

4th of July Vote for Change: "Things are shifting" in Missouri

John Schueler — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 12:24:17 EDT

As Fourth of July fireworks lit up the Missouri sky and parades marched down streets across the state, Obama supporters were hard at work. Equipped with clipboards and a stack of voter registration forms, they sifted through the crowds, doing their part to ensure that every voice will be heard this November.

In Chesterfield, Missouri a crew of ten volunteers gathered at the Chesterfield mall parking lot just before dusk; a prime viewing spot for the town’s annual firework display.

After a brief meet up, they set out to find high traffic areas to try and register voters. An Obama Organizing Fellow named Marta, who was leading the effort, choose a particularly novel spot. Instead of roaming around the parking lot, she stood at the top of a tall embankment that overlooked another parking area. As people arrived for the fireworks, they’d climb up the mulch covered hill and be greeted by Marta as soon as they reached level ground. “Hi, are you registered to vote?” she’d say with a smile. Regardless of their response, Marta always warmly waved and replied “Have a happy fourth!”

There were similar scenes all across the parking area, with volunteers trying to interact with as many potential voters as possible. As the sun began to set, a few volunteers gathered to review their progress. Suzanna, who had helped out at Vote for Change events in the past, shared her thoughts as she flipped through the six new registrations she had garnered. "I feel good… I got a much better response than last time." Carol, who wasn’t having quite the same luck chimed in with a smile. "I’m hanging around you from now on… you’re good luck."

Their initially light conversation soon transitioned to a more earnest reflection on the state of politics in the area. Carol recounted how as recently as 2004 she felt like being a Democrat in her neighborhood was a scarlet letter.

When I asked for a Democratic ballot, I used to whisper it under my breath… I remember going to vote in the primaries in 2004, and the polling place was essentially empty. George W. Bush was an incumbent, so the only people who would be showing up were Democrats. It was tough... but things are shifting.

Suzanna agreed, adding that the last few months had helped inspire her.

Seeing more Democrats come out than Republicans in the primary was so encouraging for me.

While they surveyed the ever growing crowd and clutched their clipboards, a lady came up and said “I am registered, but I need to update my address. Can I do that here?” The volunteers instantly lit up, “Absolutely” said Sarah, who had taken over the hilltop position “it will only take a minute”.

As the lady signaled for her husband to come over and register as well, Carol turned to Suzanna." See, I told you you’re good luck."

When the last Vote for Change team finally turned in for the night, the tallying began.

All and all, volunteers across the state had managed to register hundreds upon hundreds of new voters just by giving a few hours of their time. Efforts like those of the local volunteers in Chesterfield illustrate that this grassroots movement for change in Missouri is real and their level of commitment indicates it will continue to grow in the weeks and months ahead. Become a part of it by signing up for an event in your area, or starting your own.

Below are photos from Chesterfield’s 4th of July Vote for Change event, along with a few highlights from other events across Missouri.

4th of July Vote for Change: "Things are shifting" in Missouri

John Schueler — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:24:39 EDT

In Chesterfield, Missouri a crew of ten volunteers gathered at the Chesterfield mall parking lot just before dusk; a prime viewing spot for the town’s annual firework display.

When I asked for a Democratic ballot, I used to whisper it under my breath… I remember going to vote in the primaries in 2004, and the polling place was essentially empty. George W. Bush was an incumbent, so the only people who would be showing up were Democrats. It was tough... but things are shifting.

Suzanna agreed, adding that the last few months had helped inspire her.

Seeing more Democrats come out than Republicans in the primary was so encouraging for me.

As the lady signaled for her husband to come over and register as well, Carol turned to Suzanna." See, I told you you’re good luck."

When the last Vote for Change team finally turned in for the night, the tallying began.

Click here to continue reading this article...

This 4th of July, Vote for Change in Missouri!

John Schueler — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:45:15 EDT

My name is Buffy Wicks, and I'm the State Director for the Obama campaign in Missouri.

I want to thank you for everything you've done so far to build our movement. Supporters like you answered the call for change in all 50 states and helped secure the Democratic nomination for Barack Obama.

Missouri will play a crucial role in our general election strategy.

We have a great opportunity to succeed here, so we're rapidly gearing up for the months ahead.

But only you can make this happen.

This Independence Day weekend, Obama supporters are coming together to help bring even more people into our political process by attending voter registration drives, walking in parades, and reaching out to folks in our communities.

Sign up to attend a July 4th Vote for Change event in your community:

http://mo.barackobama.com/MOjuly4th

The election will be here before we know it, and we cannot afford to wait to get started.

In fact, our work on the ground is already underway. Right now, Obama supporters are gathering weekly to help in voter registration events across the state.

And in the coming weeks, volunteers across Missouri will make important contact with friends, family, and neighbors to spread the word about this campaign.

Our campaign has proven the power of grassroots organizing. Now it's up to you to continue building this movement.

No previous experience is necessary to get involved. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.

Attend a July 4th Vote for Change event near you:

http://mo.barackobama.com/page/MOjuly4th

I look forward to working alongside you in the weeks to come.

Thanks,

Buffy

Buffy Wicks
Missouri State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- Can't make it to a Vote for Change event this Independence Day? There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved as the campaign grows. Sign up now and learn how you can make a difference in Missouri:

http://mo.barackobama.com/page/MOvolunteer

Unite for Change: "We Have a Chance to Make Missouri Blue"

John Schueler — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:45:05 EDT

Barack and Hillary Clinton came together last Friday in New Hampshire to express their shared vision for America. The day after that historic occasion, people all across the country came together; pushing that vision one step closer by participating in a Unite for Change event in their community.

Here in Missouri, friends and neighbors gathered to discuss local issues and express their support for a new brand of politics. At one particular meeting in Saint Louis, the excitement was palpable. As they walked in, attendees were greeted by a large orange sign that read "Change to Win" -- a reminder of Barack's strong union backing in the area. By the time things got underway, supporters filled the living room and lined the walls.

They listened intently, as the hosts began the meeting and played a video that highlighted the importance of grassroots activity along with Barack’s vision for the campaign. As the DVD reached its conclusion, Debbie, who was one of the hosts of the meeting, offered her assessment.

I think my favorite word was "organic"… because that’s what this movement is. It’s organic.

As she spoke, heads around the room nodded in agreement. Soon, people began to discuss what motivated them to take some time out of their weekend to get more involved. Katie was one of the first people to share, indicating that Barack’s refreshing approach to government was a big draw for her.

The way he operates is how politicians are supposed to act… When he speaks, it’s never "I will" or "you will", it’s "WE will".

Jennifer built off of that, reflecting on the ability of each individual in the room to bring about change.

This is our opportunity to make politics different. Barack Obama can’t do it, but we can. Each of us can push it forward in our own little way

As more people became involved in the conversation, the discussion began to take on that same organic quality Debbie had alluded to earlier. Any awkward pauses or need for moderating that may have existed in the beginning quickly disappeared. People spoke frankly and fluidly about their views. Lionel, a former Clinton supporter, discussed how he struggled with his choice throughout the primary process. He explained what ultimately led him to support Barack, and why he felt McCain was not an option.

What we’ve had over the past 7 and a half years has just been a travesty. We cannot afford to go with someone who will continue those policies.

Greg, who has been active in politics for some time, discussed the struggle of conscience he’s had with most presidential contenders in the past. He felt his ideals were not really represented, and often wound up voting for a candidate, not because he believed in them, but because they weren’t as bad as the alternative.

Barack Obama is the first candidate where my head and my heart meshed up… It’s good to know that there is a candidate that shares my values and knows that we can do better.

Click here to continue reading this entry...

WNC for Obama, Part 5: Time is Very Short...

John Schueler — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:30:43 EDT

This is the fifth and final part of an extended series documenting the origins and development of the grassroots group “Western North Carolina for Obama”. The first part recounted the early days of the group, and their early struggles to get off the ground. The second part described the group's decision to begin traveling to help with the South Carolina primary, and the third part told the story of the incredible South Carolina victory. Yesterday's installment dealt with the long transition period between the January 26th South Carolina primary and the lead-up to what would be a decisive North Carolina contest.

With the nomination fight clearly shifting towards North Carolina, the Obama campaign began to arrive in Asheville around late March. The Western North Carolina for Obama group had been in touch with members of the staff for a few weeks at that point, helping them identify potential office spaces. In early April, a few weeks before the start of Early Voting in North Carolina, some of the group leaders met with the field organizers for the first tim to discuss strategy. Paul said their main focus was letting the staff know that they were committed to helping however they could.

The first meeting was held privately with the staff a few days before we had our big meeting. We said we were willing to do whatever it took to win and emphasized that we were there to help.

Shortly after, the campaign held their first big organizational meeting in the area. Over 200 people came out to show their support and find out how they could assist Obama’s efforts in North Carolina. Many of the supporters were excited and enthused by what they heard from the staff.

However, whenever you have a new organization attempting to integrate with an established group, there are bound to be growing pains. In the days that followed that first meeting, some tensions developed between the staff and long time group members. Most of it revolved around the general strategy and what their focus would be moving forward. Paul recalled some of the issues they faced in those early stages.

It was essentially a conflict of numbers versus message. We weren’t used to dealing with such strict metrics, so it was a bit of an adjustment. There were some bruised egos and hurt feelings during the initial transition… but by the time early vote hit things were pretty synrhronized.

Over the weeks that followed, WNC for Obama members worked alongside staffers and first time volunteers registering voters, canvassing, phonebanking, and doing data entry. They also helped in less direct ways -- making sure the office was clean, donating food and perhaps most importantly, housing out of state volunteers. The Obama campaign is fortunate that for every state primary or caucus, people have come from around the country to help. Finding housing for all of the out of state volunteers can be difficult, and opening your home to a stranger can be an intimidating commitment. While most regions struggled to get a handful of reliable housing options, WNC for Obama arranged to host a staggering sixty out of state volunteers.

Click here to continue reading . . .

WNC for Obama, Part 4: The Long Road Home...

John Schueler — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:00:55 EDT

This is the fourth of a five part series documenting the origins and development of the grassroots group “Western North Carolina for Obama”. The first part recounted the early days of the group, and their early struggles to get off the ground. The second part described the group's decision to begin traveling to help with the South Carolina primary, and yesterday's installment told the story of the incredible South Carolina victory.

After being an integral part of Barack’s thrilling victory in South Carolina in late January, WNC for Obama entered a period of relative uncertainty. They had spent months wholly focused on making an impact in South Carolina, and they had succeeded. But with the importance of their own primary still in doubt, where they would head next was unclear. Mary Alice reflected on this period…

The adjustment post-South Carolina was kind of strange. We were so focused on our goal that we hadn’t really considered what would happen after we reached it. With February 5th looming, the group temporarily splintered. Some people went to Georgia, others went to Knoxville, Tennessee to help out, and another faction went to Virginia the next week to assist. We came back together after that, but many people were tired.

The long campaign season was taking its toll. Some members were tired of traveling and felt their outside lives were starting to suffer as a result of the constant trips. Others were simply worn down from the frequent canvassing and phonebanking.

As a result, they decided to scale back on the out of state trips and focus more on growing the movement in North Carolina. While they continued to use the online phonebanking tools on my.barackobama.com to call into upcoming states, they also branched out, doing more outreach in the local community. Paul detailed some of the new tactics the group adopted.

We launched local letter writing and phone calling campaigns. We also started reaching out to local politicians, approaching them and encouraging them to endorse; often e-mailing them regularly as well. We helped support some local campaigns too as a result.

Soon their membership had ballooned from around 300 to well over 700. While the group was understandable excited by the influx of new supporters, they also realized that their existing organizational model was not well suited for managing that many people. So they began to create specialized branches of the group for fundraising, voter registration, and so on. Mary Alice used the example of one particular volunteer, who would sort through new recruits.

We had a volunteer coordinator who was a stay at home mom. She’d get list of new and potential volunteers and would call to welcome them and try to slot them into a group. We delegated all these roles and responsibilities so that the group could be more self-sufficient, not relying so much on any one person.

This shifted the group from a small unit of volunteers working towards the same end to a larger organization whose specialized parts worked alongside each other to advance the whole. Of course, such a large scale restructuring brought a lot of debate within the group. They now had to decide how things would run and what the organization’s priorities would be.

Click here to continue reading . . .

WNC for Obama, Part 3: Delivering Union

John Schueler — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:43:35 EDT

This is the third part in a continuing series documenting the origins and development of a grassroots group called “Western North Carolina for Obama”. The first part recounted the early days of the group, and their early struggles to get off the ground. The second part described the group's decision to begin traveling to help with the South Carolina primary.

Despite incredible levels of enthusiasm in the Upstate region, the South Carolina staff realized that if they were to rely solely on staffers and local volunteers, they simply would not be able to contact all the voters they needed to turn out on Election Day. Of particular concern were the rural counties, where the population was scattered and the level of activism was generally low. So in mid-December, they got word to the Western North Carolina for Obama group that they would like them to lead the effort in Union County. That was a daunting request, but according to Paul, the group was ready for the challenge.

When we got the responsibility of carrying a county for Barack, everyone responded with a pumped up, ready to go mentality. There were no hesitations.

The group jumped right in, with members immediately wanting to travel to the region to canvass and get acquainted with the area. One staffer recalled a regular volunteer named Tom calling the office and saying, “If I’m going to take responsibility for this area, I need to get to know it”.

Over the next month and a half that’s exactly what they did. Every weekend, a group of WNC members would make the hour and a half trek to Union, to knock on doors and explore the towns. They'd stop at local restaurants for a bite or perusing some stores and asking the owners if they’d like an Obama poster. To them, this was about more than numbers and votes. As several members of the group stated, it was essentially a “cultural exchange”.

Things only got more electric after Barack won Iowa in early January. Suddenly the group had over 300 people who had signed up as potential volunteers, and curiosity about the candidate had reached new heights. The win had given him a sense of legitimacy in the eyes of many cynical voters, and the group was eager to capitalize on that momentum.

The next few weeks found the group coming to Union County in record numbers, not only to canvass and phone bank, but also to train. There would be no staffers positioned in their county on Election Day, so this process was crucial. Many of the more active volunteers were assigned leadership roles to ensure that on Election Day everything went as smoothly as possible. Some would oversee the phonebanking operation. Others would lead groups of canvassers into the field. Still others would ensure that the polls were open and operating as they should, while additional leaders would make sure that all volunteers had the food and supplies they needed to keep pushing until the polls closed.

Three weeks before the election, they came together in a small trailer and went over their rolls again and again. Staffers would make them play out different scenarios and freeze the action to ask “what now?” It was a tedious process, but the group left feeling confident in its ability to run the county.

They returned to North Carolina, and quickly began to fill volunteer shifts for Election Day. Catherine, a dedicated volunteer who had moved to the Asheville area in the fall, recalls the response.

[By the last few days] we had almost eighty people signed up to go to Union, to get out the vote.

That group included people of a wide array of ages and backgrounds, all wanting to help foster change in South Carolina. A trio of high school students, led by a long time volunteer named Chris, had gotten permission to take several days off from school to put up door hangers and help run a satellite operation. Tom and his wife Barbara, an older couple who had consistently volunteered, rain or shine, made trips to the region almost daily. Hugh, a retired college professor who had given over a month of his life to help in Iowa, also came down to knock on doors and set up the office. Paul even cashed in his vacation time at work to ensure that every piece would be in place by Election Day.

I took the whole week off in order to ensure that everything was in order. I called up all the members of the group to make sure they knew their shift, who they were coming with and when they were supposed to be there. These were things I had never done before, but I didn’t think twice because I was committed to winning it.

On January 25th, the day before the South Carolina primary, they began to see the effects of their efforts. Throughout the day a steady stream of volunteers from Western North Carolina came pouring into their makeshift office. The venue itself held a particular historical significance, and was a symbol in the community. Catherine summarized its history.

The location we operated out of was a worn down building that had been a community hospital. It was founded by an African American doctor named L.W. Long, around 1930, who had come back to Union to establish this center. It was the first hospital in the state to be headed by a black physician and my understanding is that for some time, it was the only hospital in western South Carolina that African Americans could go to. He kept it going for around 50 years until he died.

A plaque that detailed that history sat just outside the main doors of the building. As volunteers unloaded their cars, bringing in piles of supplies and food, many stopped to read that sign and reflect upon their own ability to make change. Inside, group members were rushing to prepare for the final push. Arranging phone bank lists, printing off Google maps, and stapling canvass packets as time seemed to melt in front of them. In less than twenty four hours, they would once again be making history in that hallowed building.

When January 26th, the day of the South Carolina Democratic Primary, finally arrived the group was anxious but ready. Paul recalled a conversation he had with a staffer affectionately known as Big Dave the night before.

We were surveying the office together and I said ‘This feels pretty good’. Dave just paused and then said ‘New Hampshire felt good too’. That grounded me a bit; I didn’t put my expectations too high so that I wouldn’t be too disappointed. I knew we had to fight for this.

Throughout the day, it became clear that the months of bonding and volunteering had produced something special. The group was able to identify problems and shift tactics without missing a beat. The staging location director, Mary Alice, and the other leaders kept pushing people out the door, getting one more shift out to help them reach their goal. Paul and Hugh realized the traditional two person canvass model wasn't efficient for rural areas, and shifted everyone they could to a faster strategy.

We had done our homework, gone over the map and gotten ourselves oriented. A lot of us had canvassed previously, and realized that we should adjust our strategy to a three person canvass. Two would walk, and one would drive to accommodate the rural area. People who had never canvassed before were walking back to back shifts. Everyone was willing to do whatever was needed without hesitation.

As the canvass teams hit the doors, many volunteers from the community came in to see how they could help. According to Catherine “the citizens of Union were so grateful for our presence, and that we cared enough to come and help in the area.”

The day flew by, and around 6:30 PM the final canvass shifts began to return to the staging location. The polls were set to close at 7 PM, so to fill the time the group shared stories, just like they had at the very first organizational meeting back in August. Paul recounted the lead up to the results.

We all gathered shortly before 7 pm and shared tales from our day. We were in the midst of a story when Mary Alice popped in at 7:01 and said Obama had won! Needless to say, we all went crazy!

People hugged, high fives were exchanged and tears were shed. As the returns from their area came in, they realized the difference their humble grassroots effort had made. Obama had won Union County with 2038 votes, compared to 1221 for John Edwards and 904 for Hillary Clinton. All those weekend road trips, doorstep conversations with undecided voters and phone calls to supporters had finally paid off. They had triumphed, not as individuals but as a cohesive group.

As they loaded up their cars that night and headed to the state capital in Columbia to celebrate their historic accomplishment, few knew where the road ahead would lead. Their only goal had been to make their voice heard, and have an impact on this election. So it was only fitting that things would eventually come full circle.

Before long, the focus of the entire nation, if not the world, would be on their home state of North Carolina. What had felt like an ending was really just a new beginning.

Check back tomorrow night for the fourth installment of the WNC for Obama series.

WNC for Obama, Part 2: The Road to South Carolina

John Schueler — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 20:34:45 EDT

This is the second part in a continuing series documenting the origins and development of a grassroots group called “Western North Carolina for Obama”. You can read the first part here.

In the fall of 2007, with WNC for Obama finally beginning to take shape, the members began to look toward the future. While they worked to ensure that people in North Carolina were familiar with Barack, they also wanted to make an impact on the early stages of the race. With North Carolina’s primary being so far back in the process, they had no assurances that their vote would even matter. So they decided to make their voice heard in their sister state, South Carolina.

The group reached out to the campaign headquarters in South Carolina, and decided that they were going to do what they could to assist the Upstate office, based out of Greenville, SC. It was just over an hour away from Asheville, which made it a reasonable commute for most of the group members, but it was still a big step. Up to this point the group had been meeting regularly, registering voters and phonebanking from a local supporter’s office, but organizing regular trips to another state would require a higher level of organization and urgency.

Walk for Change II, which was slated for September 29th, became their target. The group decided that they wanted to bring at least 100 volunteers to Greenville that day in order to canvass for Barack Obama. Paul, a group member who had been involved from the early stages, detailed his strategy for recruiting volunteers.

I utilized a lot of what Barack said in the announcement speech. I took a lot from his talking points on the issues to let people know where he stood and why this mattered. I emphasized the idea of Obama representing a new voice in politics, that his presidency would be giving the country something completely different. I wanted to motivate people to get active.

Their efforts worked, but not to the extent they would have liked. Ultimately around twenty people ended up traveling to Greenville for the second Walk for Change, far short of their goal of 100 volunteers. At first, there was a sense of disappointment among many members. They felt they should have been able to have a bigger presence, but soon came to recognize that all movements start small. Mary Alice reflected on that shift in mindset.

Over time we realized we couldn’t get too hung up the numbers. We just had to go out and lead by example.

That’s exactly what they did in the months that followed. The group made regular excursions down to Greenville, going door to door to ensure that people knew about Senator Obama’s message of hope and change. Sometimes a large mass of WNC members would make the trek, other times a lone volunteer like Hugh or Tom (usually accompanied by his wife Barbara, an expert phonebanker) would set aside a day to come out to do what they could.

During the long, tiring haul of a campaign season these efforts often felt insignificant. It was sometimes hard to gauge their progress and the number of volunteers varied from week to week. Those were the moments when the South Carolina campaign staff really helped buoy their spirits. Mary Alice remembers how the campaign staff would show their appreciation after every trip:

Peachy (the regional field director) and the rest of the staff were great about recognizing our efforts. We almost always got a call or an e-mail thanking us for coming out, and letting us know what a difference we made while informing us of the next event.

No one slipped through the cracks, and everyone’s contribution was appreciated. It was a style of organizing that they sought to emulate in their own efforts. Paul felt the stories they encountered while canvassing and interacting with voters were what made this campaign so special, and decided to share them with as many people as possible.

We started passing those experiences along in the form of an online news letter to an e-mail list we had accumulated. It kept people informed and let them share in the experience even when they couldn’t be there themselves.

This sense of community was furthered by Mary Alice’s efforts to make sure everyone had a role that suited their talents. She realized that this was a marathon, not a sprint and tired to construct the group in such a way that people wouldn’t run out of steam or fall by the wayside.

We kept people involved by having them take responsibility for things they liked. We tried to impress upon people that it was okay to miss a meeting, or skip a canvass if they had other plans. They could come back whenever they liked, without a sense of guilt. We encouraged people to take breaks if they needed it instead of burning out, and worked around personal dynamics. In other words we accepted that not everyone would work well together, and made a concerted effort not to pair up people that don’t get along. Most importantly, we thanked people, and did so publicly when possible so their efforts were acknowledged. I wanted to keep an open podium, and not hog the schedule so we could include many voices.

This relentless focus on ownership and responsibility kept the group organized even during some of the tougher stretches of the campaign, a fact that was not lost on the campaign staff in Greenville.

During the months leading up to the South Carolina primary, field organizers could always count on the Western North Carolina group to have a presence, even when the local volunteer base may have faltered. So when it came time to plan for the lead up to Primary Day, it was no surprise that they wanted big things for the group. Still, what the staff ended up doing was rather unprecedented.

They gave the group their own county.

Check back tomorrow night for the third installment of the WNC for Obama series.

WNC for Obama, Part 1: It Started with a Click...

John Schueler — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:28:36 EDT

This is the first installment of a multi-part series that takes an in-depth look at the creation and evolution of a grassroots group, from it's humble beginnings as a local discussion group to its eventual role as a key component of the campaign's ground game. We'll look at the challenges they faced, the lessons they learned, the keys to their success and the role they hope to play in the general election in November.

February 10th, 2007: Barack Obama has just delivered a stirring speech on the steps of the Illinois State capital in Springfield announcing his run for the presidency. At the same time, his campaign website, barackobama.com goes live, allowing supporters to create personal profiles and start groups in support of his efforts.

Almost instantly, thousands of supporters logged onto my.barackobama.com, creating groups that appealed to an endless variety of constituencies. While some would falter and eventually be abandoned, many would serve as the starting points for one of the largest dedicated grassroots political efforts in decades.

It started simply enough. A supporter named Ian, who had met Barack during his time in Springfield, knew that this was bound to be a special campaign, and wanted to express his support through the website. He created Western North Carolina for Obama (WNC for Obama), a place for supporters from the region to gather and discuss the campaign on a local level.

Before long the group had garnered a rather substantial membership, and Ian decided to take the next step and hold an actual event in the area. Paul, a long time group member, recalled those first efforts:

He e-mailed everyone to gauge interest in a meeting. We ended up holding a fundraiser with local politicians and supporters, but then things started to peter out.

That initial fundraiser was followed by a series of “movie nights” in which supporters gathered to watch clips of Barack’s speeches. Unfortunately, there was no long term plan of action, and the group lost steam.

The group remained dormant through much of the spring until a supporter named Mary Alice, a transplant to the area who had formerly lived in New Hampshire, took an interest in reviving the group.

I was staying at home with the baby, so I got the chance to read [Barack's] books. They inspired me to get involved in the campaign. I felt compelled to take an active role, so I got on my.barackobama.com and started shooting off e-mails to people on the list serv. At first, the response was rather tepid. One couple took an interest, but kept picking the wrong times, like Sunday mornings, so things didn't work out.

It soon became clear to Mary Alice that things would not simply come together on their own. If they were really going to build a movement in Western North Carolina, they needed to be organized. With that in mind, she signed up to attend Camp Obama in late August. The training gave her the tools she needed to achieve the level of organization that had thus far eluded the group and also motivated her to step up and take the lead.

Initially, I really didn’t want to take on the role as a group leader, but after Camp Obama I was sure she could do it. The diversity I witnessed there inspired me. I saw people of all ages, races and backgrounds coming together for a common cause. I knew people in my area supported Barack and wanted to help, we were just waiting for someone to take the first step.

Fresh from Camp Obama, Mary Alice returned to North Carolina at the end of August, determined to succeed. She renewed her efforts to activate people in the area, this time focusing more on organizing and establishing the group than jumping right into events.

The language I used when talking to people changed. It was ‘Tell me which day is best for you’ not ‘do you think you might be able to come?’ I gave people set dates and times, and asked for a firm commitment. I didn’t take no for an answer.

Mary Alice contacted supporters through my.barackobama.com and invited them to an organizational meeting. It was at that point that things really started to take off. Only a handful of people attended, but they took the time to share their personal stories and really form a bond. In retrospect, that was one of the key elements that had been neglected in the past.

If I could give one piece of advice to anyone out there trying to start a group, it would be let people get to know each other and connect. If you can get people talking about themselves, they feel like they belong.

Another valuable addition was consistent scheduling. The group hosted regular, weekly meetings. They came together at the same place, at the same time, on the same day every week. This allowed members of the group to plan their lives accordingly and develop a sense of investment.

Over the weeks and months that followed, the group would continue to grow and begin to thrive. As the numbers increased, the focus began to shift from organizational to activist. With the North Carolina primary over eight months out, the question became: what next?

The answer was obvious… South Carolina.

Check back tomorrow night for the second installment of the WNC for Obama series.

Unite for Change: Join the Conversation

John Schueler — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:08:28 EDT

Khadija, a native of Brooklyn, NY, has been actively involved in this campaign for some time. Publicly, she has made phone calls to likely voters in surrounding states, and volunteered at polling sites during the New York primary. Behind the scenes, Khadija has been focused on spreading the word and sparking discussion. She’s had many conversations with her son and friends, encouraging them to get involved, and talking with friends over the phone. It was those conversations, along with a suggestion from the campaign, which led her to plan a Unite for Change meeting for Saturday, June 28th.

[What sparked it was] an e-mail from the Obama Campaign inviting supporters to remain engaged along with my personal relief that what appeared to be an interminable primary had come to a just conclusion. It’s a celebration. Hopefully a few supporters of Sen. Clinton in my neighborhood may join as well.

She hasn’t had to do much to garner interest in the community. Just by using my.barackobama.com to post and promote her event, she has already received 18 RSVP’s. By her own admission, this has only taken a couple of hours to put into place and promote. For Khadija, the strong response has been encouraging.

[The Website] is working great, in my view. I have 18 guests thus far (14 adults and four children) and have also extended invitations to my neighbors, some of whom had been Clinton supporters.

Khadija recognizes that the election won’t be won or lost tomorrow, but that we still need to prepare for the future. In her mind, this is a chance to look back and appreciate the historic accomplishments that have been marked this primary process, while uniting for the battles that loom ahead. Ultimately, it’s a simple, accessible event.

It’s just a get together with all supporters and potential supporters and their kids. A chance to kick back for a few hours, meet person to person and celebrate the things that unite us.

Join the conversation, and help promote unity in your own community. If you’re in the Brooklyn area, you can join Khadija for her backyard celebration. Otherwise, take the opportunity to sign up for a Unite for Change event on June 28th, or start your own.

Join the Conversation: Unite for Change

John Schueler — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:15:02 EDT

[What sparked it was] an e-mail from the Obama Campaign inviting supporters to remain engaged along with my personal relief that what appeared to be an interminable primary had come to a just conclusion. It’s a celebration. Hopefully a few supporters of Sen. Clinton in my neighborhood may join as well.

She hasn’t had to do much to garner interest in the community. Simply by using my.barackobama.com to post and promote her event, she has already received 18 RSVP’s. By her own admission, this has only taken a couple of hours to put into place and promote. For Khadija, the strong response has been encouraging.

[The Website] is working great, in my view. I have 18 guests thus far (14 adults and 4 children) and have also extended invitations to my neighbors. Some of whom had been Sen. Clinton's supporters.

It’s just a get together with all supporters and potential supporters and their kids. A chance to kick back for a few hours, meet person to person and celebrate the things that unite us.

Unite for Change: "We want to do everything we can"

John Schueler — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:46:38 EDT

On Saturday, June 28th, supporters across the country will be opening up their homes to friends and neighbors in an effort to spark discussion and unite around their common values.

Already hundreds of Unite for Change events have been organized in the past few days, including a meeting in Trinity, FL, just outside of Tampa. Tal, who is hosting the event with his wife, has dubbed the gathering "South Floridians Committed to Change". For them, this isn't simply about electing Barack Obama, it's about fixing a broken system. Tal shared some of the frustrations he's encountered as the owner of a mid-sized business...

I see my 100+ employees working harder, and yet I can’t pay them more – not because I don’t want to, but because I’m competing in a marketplace that’s imbalanced. I see the cost of offering health insurance to my employees spiraling out of control, and many younger employees playing Russian-roulette by opting out of coverage to put food on the table. These are not choices Americans should have to make in 2008. For all these reasons, we want to do anything and everything we can to elect Barack Obama president.

Those are exactly the sort of personal observations and reflections that people across the nation will be coming together to share on June 28th. Even though Tal's Unite for Change house party was scheduled just a few days ago, it has already attracted 19 scheduled guests on my.barackobama.com alone. This huge swell of interest came as a pleasent surprise.

To be honest, I haven't spent much time promoting the event. I posted the invite, sent a few emails to local friends who I know support Barack and have responded to calls and emails. One gentleman said he was in a wheelchair and wanted to see if he could still take part. I told him that of course he could!

I have been shocked by the positive reaction – emails, phone calls, and people signing up. All I’ve done is post on the campaign website, and respond to a phone call from a person who is starting a grassroots Florida-based newsletter, completely on her own. The kind of grassroots involvement in this campaign is what makes it so exciting.

One of Tal's hopes is that he can use the excitement from this meeting as a platform to expand that grassroots energy.

I want to start a local effort that can register voters, and mobilize to drive voters to the polls. It is my hope and my goal that we can assemble a group of 1,000 committed South Floridians who will each produce 10 votes for Barack Obama in November. Wouldn’t that be something? That’s my goal.

That's a concept that Tal finds thrilling, and quite frankly, historic as well.

2008 could be the start of the most glorious chapter in our book yet; we could be taking part in something that our grandchildren will look back to as “the year”. How often do people live through that?

This June 28th, you can help be part of history. Follow Tal's lead and sign up to attend a Unite for Change house party or organize your own.

Three Generations of Hope

John Schueler — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:11:11 EDT

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.

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.

Matching Donations: Stories from Across the States

John Schueler — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:44:38 EDT

Yesterday, Deputy Campaign Manager Steve Hildebrand announced that we will be the first campaign in a generation to have a presence in all fifty states. This strategy is designed to empower supporters no matter where they reside and reinforce the fact that every vote, every voice matters. After hearing the news, Kim from California expressed her excitement, and explained why she thinks this strategy will elevate the quality of the political conversation in this country…

I have lived in states that only hear one side of the story and that is a dangerous way for our political discourse to occur -- no matter which Party gets to have the entirely captive audience. But, it has been particularly appalling during the last 7+ years of incompetence and outright corruption. Every American should be able to access the facts; no American should be kept in the dark by a dearth of information, a technological divide or a lack of presence by the Democratic Party.

Kim isn’t the only one speaking out. As part of our matching donors program, first time contributors get the chance to exchange notes with past donors who pledged to match their contribution. Many of them have mentioned how Barack’s dedication to voters all across America, and his commitment to changing politics inspired them to get involved.

Todd from Arkansas...

He's implementing a 50 state strategy, which will force McCain to spend money he doesn't have in places he would rather not. It also maximizes Obama's chances of turning some pink states blue. Based on the way Obama's campaign clearly outmaneuvered the other candidates in the primaries… well before anyone knew it had happened, I'm confident that Obama is implementing a very well thought out strategy. He's going to out-work and out-organize McCain. These elections are won on the margins. Bringing new people into the process is political gold. That's where Obama is going to rule.

Paul from New York…

Hey Scott! Just wanted to say keep helping Barack out! The new 50 state strategy is set to work great, and on top of that Obama is already changing the DNC by not accepting lobbyist money. It’s just another great example of how great he will be as President. In fact, I’m about to give to the DNC (something I NEVER thought I’d do) for the first time as well!

Clyde from Wisconsin…

I contributed, despite my extremely limited income, to enthusiastically support a 50 state strategy. Many people (including myself) live in a region that has been essentially abandoned by the Democratic Party because it "can't win here". The working people here have long been conditioned to accept uncontested elections and to not having a choice to make a change. A party that intends to represent the people (not the super-rich and the corporations) simply cannot allow that.

Kathy from Arizona…

I gave when I saw that all 50 states will have staff and offices to elect Barack. Thanks for caring about our country and our future.

We are on the cusp of shattering our revised goal of 30,000 first time donors over the span of just a few days. Take ownership over this campaign and help ensure that every state is active in the movement for change.

"The Most Important Part of We... is You"

John Schueler — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:38:29 EDT

Over the past few weeks we have been making a significant push to register new voters all across the country, so they can make their voice heard in this crucial election. Many of you have already responded to this call to action, organizing and participating in your own voter registration events.

In Mercer County, New Jersey, a dedicated group of grassroots supporters have been coming together for months now to help grow the movement. They recently decided to turn their attention to our Vote for Change drive, as Liz, one of the group members explained:

We have an active team, so we try to have something going every weekend. We had a brainstorming session a couple weeks ago, with about fourty people in attendance, including Harry. Harry suggested we register voters at Heritage Days in Trenton, and called the organizers of the event to get permission and register for a table. We were hoping to hang up our Obama signs and pass out Obama stickers as well as registering voters, but the organizers of the event said we needed to remain non-partisan. So I painted some plain "Register to Vote Here" signs with my kids.

While the initial circumstances might have been less than ideal, the group was determined to make an impact. Upon receiving permission to have a presence at Heritage Days, they began recruiting volunteers to help at the event.

The people staffing the table were a mix of volunteers that Harry and Marc recruited from their personal networks, active volunteers on our Mercer County for Obama team, and newer volunteers who signed up on my.barackobama. Harry was very successful in reaching out to Obama supporters and even some former Hillary supporters in his East Ward Democratic Organization -- for some of them, this was their first time volunteering for Obama. Within days, we had more volunteers than we could accommodate.

When the day finally came, there was a lingering sense of anxiety about the event. As Harry explains, weather conditions were a cause of concern…

The weather was extremely hot. I thought that would be a problem with both volunteers and patrons of the festival. However, we have some very energetic people in our organization and my fears of that did not materialize.

The group overcame the heat and ended up registering 100 new voters over the course of two days. They documented their activities, while profiling some excited new voters and dedicated volunteers. It’s an inspiring and informative video that you can view here.

Simply having an excited base does not necessarily mean you will be successful. It takes a connected organization and attention to detail. People need to know their efforts matter, as the organizers of this event were well aware. Harry explained how he connected and motivated his volunteer base:

I kept all volunteers informed … After the success of the first day, I sent e-mails to those that had volunteered and also to those that were scheduled for the next day. I thanked them and let them know how successful we were on day one.

That kind of communication is often what separates cohesive groups from collections of individuals, and leads to improved results and a better experience for everyone. For people who have thought about getting involved in a group or starting their own, Liz says now is the time to start and registering voters is a fantastic way to do it…

This is a great time to start a group for a lot of reasons. Now that the Democrats have chosen a candidate, it's easier to mobilize people to work on getting ready for the general election. We did several tabling events back in the fall before our Feb. 5th primary, and the response we've been getting recently has been much more enthusiastic.
Also, registering new voters is an activity that appeals to a lot of volunteers. We've found that people are even more likely to sign up if they know they will be at a table with other volunteers. We have a lot of people who have never volunteered for a Presidential campaign before, and this is an easy first-time activity and a way to get them involved.

Liz also shared a few lessons that the Mercer group learned during their Heritage Day event. Insights that should be helpful to anyone looking to register voters in the future:

Next time I will print out copies of a sample voter registration application to have at the table for volunteers to cross-reference so they can be sure the forms are being filled out fully. Also, be sure to have volunteer sign up forms, and invitations or information about your upcoming events. It's also good to have copies of the contribution form in case someone is feeling generous. We collected $250 three weeks ago at a table in downtown Princeton, mostly in increments of $5.

If you want to follow the lead of this dedicated group and continue to build the movement for change, click here to find an event in your area or create your own. As for the Mercer County group, this Saturday they’ll be registering voters at the Trenton Farmers Market. Feel free to join them and other groups across the nation, so we can make sure every voice is heard this November.

"We are one": Your Messages to Hillary

John Schueler — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 22:01:24 EDT

Throughout the day, thousands of supporters just like you have been sharing their thanks and thoughts with Senator Hillary Clinton. Here are just a few of the comments and stories you have shared with Hillary in the past few hours...

Trish from MO…

With Hillary's endorsement and Barack's response, the healing has well and truly begun.

Now it falls to all of us to continue this unity. We all need to put aside any hurts we might feel over things that went on in what, after all, was a political campaign, and move forward.

Can we win the General?

YES WE CAN… but only if we work together!

K. Bell from MI…

Hillary,
I just watched your speech today and I want to say from my heart that you make me proud to call myself a woman. Once again, as women always do, you have put the American people before yourself to make sure that our lives and our children’s lives are better. I am so proud of you and of America and I will support you and your legacy for the rest of my life.
Your story will be told to my daughter with pride for years to come. So I say now with the fullness of my spirit, Thank you Senator Clinton and I am sure that you and Senator Obama working together will win the White House and ensure that Universal Health care IS a reality for every American!

Maria from RI…

I used to support Hillary and from now on I will support Obama. I know I said a few harsh things about you guys and Obama on her blog but I really didn't mean them. It was a race you know. Anyways, I will join you guys from now on. Just wanted to let you know I will have my full support to Obama even if he doesn't pick her as VP. Let’s unite together and win this election!!!

Riv from OH…

For all that you've done to break down the barriers women are up against. Thank you for your dedication to our country and thank you for being real today.
I have always admired you and the example you set for women everywhere.

I look forward to seeing you and Sen. Obama take the country in the right direction. We need you now more than ever.

Sabrina in CT…

Even though we didn’t agree much, I admire your strength, grit, and tenacity. It’s been a rocky road between the both of us, but because of you, I will NEVER let anyone tell me I can't do something. Thank you for your courage, and giving women a voice!!!

Jim B from NC…

Bravo Senator Clinton, thank you!

Welcome to democrats from all corners of the candidate map. The ideals and issues of every candidate in this nomination race will now be carried forward by our one voice.

We are one.

This message of unity is spreading throughout the nation. Please continue to share your story, and thank Hillary Clinton. We must continue to grow this movement for change, and push ahead to November. You can enhance our efforts by making a matching contribution today. Every donation you put forth will be matched by another supporter, and allow you to trade your thanks with them as well. John McCain has a three month head start on the general election, and it's our job to make sure we don't fall behind. As Hillary herself said earlier today, "every moment wasted looking back keeps us from moving forward." Help us move this country forward.

Lone Star State Democrats Unite

John Schueler — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:50:05 EDT

Something remarkable happened today at the Texas Democratic Party State Convention in Austin. In the midst of Senator Clinton’s speech this morning, which was streaming to the convention, the video feed cut out. While the organizers worked to restore the stream, the crowd began to lift their voice. According to a local blog, Press Progress…

A chant went up 'O-ba-ma, O-ba-ma' that soon became 'United We Stand'. Some Clinton supporters … joined in the chant, enthusiastically poking Obama signs into the air.

Daniel from Texas, who is at the convention as we speak, added a little more detail to their account.

We joined hands, all of us. 12,000 Obama and Clinton supporters held hands together and shouted: ‘YES WE CAN, YES WE WILL!’

This marks a powerful display of unity on a remarkable day in our nation’s history. Please continue to reach out to your fellow Democrats, and help bring this party together in order to take the fight to John McCain.

Post-Primary Reflections: "We are unafraid"

John Schueler — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:31:01 EDT

This past Tuesday marked the culmination of a historic series of primaries. There are no words that could adequately sum up what this journey has meant to us all, but many of you have shared your own personal stories with us on this momentous occasion. Here are just a few of the reflections from Tuesday night:

Phil from New York…

Ever since I woke up this morning, I've been in a giddy mood, trying hard not to beam wide until we reached that magic number. I cannot even imagine the emotion of it all. Just pure elation, shared by millions in this country and millions more around the world who want so much for Barack Obama to be president.

Yes, there's still five hard months to go, and the GOP attack machine will throw everything imaginable for us. But NOTHING can stand in the way of millions of people thirsty for change. We are the ones we've been waiting for... YES WE CAN!!

Terry from California...

This is an amazing day, one that we all have worked hard for. We look forward to working from now until November to win this election!

Katherine from Florida...

I canvassed for ten hours in the pouring, freezing rain for Obama. The hard work was worth not only winning but also knowing that I am part of something important happening in our country. Thank you to Barack and the campaign for the invitation and the opportunity to participate. I look forward to continuing into the general election.

Ja from Arizona...

After following the campaign from a distance, I finally decided to trust the process again in spite of the past four years of shame and shenanigans. Tonight was my 'coming out' party as I attended my first official Obama support party to watch the primaries.
I didn’t know anyone there but the unity of vision and purpose gave the event a family feel. A sea of faces representing a hopeful America were gathered to watch yet another historic moment as Barack Obama won the delegates he needed to seal the nomination. I had chills and tears as I watched the man, in his grace, acknowledging his supporters, his competition, and the greatness of the American Way.
There was a sense of rebirth and I was struck by the reality of just what we are about and what more we are capable of doing as a people united by the desire for meaningful change. We are unafraid, and excited by the hard work ahead.

Kathleen T. from Califronia...

How amazing and inspiring our journey has been in supporting our very own... President Barack Obama! He will bring back dignity, integrity, and honor to our country and its people. The campaign has taken the "high road" and proved that politics does NOT have to be divisive in order to win. I am so happy and inspired. This will be a night to celebrate! Thank you, from the depths of my heart, to everyone who has been a part of this movement.

Rachel from Oregon...

So far, this has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life. There's an unexplainable aspect to being involved in a campaign like this. I'm 19 years old and have been volunteering for the campaign on my college campus since January and the people I've met, the skills I've gained, and the purpose I'm working for are all things I'll carry with me for the rest of my life. We did it! Now let's go beat McCain!

Jolly in New York...

I just can't contain my hope and excitement. I will be leaving for our Vote for Change voter registration drive in Harlem in just under an hour. We have so many great people signed up -- we will show the world that we are keeping democracy flowing and working to the end. I can't wait to take all the volunteers' enthusiasm to the streets.

Dennis in Missouri...

And so it begins ... Two very different candidates with two very different points of view. One is invested heavily in the system as it is and one is heavily invested in the American people. This year, we will witness an interesting campaign. For the first time in a long time, NOBODY will be able to say "there is no difference" between the candidates.

Glenn from Florida...

Politics in this country has been completely re-invented; an above the fray, take the high road kind of campaign that left no bodies in it's wake but instead motivated, dedicated, electrified and brought together a nation unlike anything that has ever been seen before.

Your dedication to this campaign and tireless efforts have gotten us this far, but we have a tough fight ahead. John McCain and the RNC have already added $45 million dollars to their warchest just this past month. We can't let up now.

Your stories are an inspiration to us all. You can share your reflections on the past sixteen months and your thoughts on the challenges to come in the comments below. And just as importantly, you can help continue to grow this movement today.

If you donate now, your contribution will be matched by a first time donor who is just now coming on board to help us with the task ahead. The primary season may be ending, but the road to November is just beginning.

Thursday Superdelegate Update: 49 New Endorsements (updated)

John Schueler — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:28:49 EDT

Today, the Democratic party continued to unify around Barack Obama. Forty seven new superdelegate endorsements were announced today, including that of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland who had been a active supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton throughout the primary process. Earlier today he released the following comments, explaining his choice...

Gov. Ted Strickland (OH)

Today, I announce my wholehearted and enthusiastic support for Barack Obama for President of the United States.
Earlier today I talked with Sen. Hillary Clinton. I thanked her for her friendship and the strong effort she put forth in this historic campaign. I pledged to work with her to unify the party and to make sure that Barack Obama wins the presidency.
Ohioans have suffered as a result of the failed policies of the Bush Administration, including job loss as a result of rising fuel prices. Ohioans desperately want real, meaningful change. And I believe Barack Obama will bring that change.

The following superdelegates also endorsed Barack Obama today:

DNC Member Garry Shay (CA)
DNC Member Yolanda Caraway (D.C.)

Wednesday Update: 28 More Superdelegates Endorse

John Schueler — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:53:06 EDT

In the wake of yesterday's historic results, a new wave of superdelegates has come forth and endorsed Barack Obama over the course of the day. Many of them took the opportunity to praise the efforts of both candidates, while expressing their support for Barack and desire for unity within the party.

Sen. Barbara Boxer (CA), Sen. Tom Harkin (IA), Sen. Ken Salazar (CO), Sen. Ron Wyden (OR), Sen. Tom Carper (DE), Sen. Frank Lautenburg (NJ), Sen. Mary Landrieu (LA) and Sen. Ben Cardin (MD) all endorsed this afternoon, issuing a joint statement that congratulated both candidates and pledged their support to Senator Obama.

As Senators who remained neutral in this contest, we are proud of Senators Obama and Clinton for breaking down barriers that some believed were unbreakable and for inspiring millions in our country to participate in our political process, many for the first time.
...Our focus now is on victory in November and on giving Barack Obama every ounce of our support, every bit of our energy, and our total commitment to do everything in our power to win the Presidency.

DCCC Chair Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD) for Obama:

"Now is the time for all of us to come together. I enthusiastically support Senator Obama. He will be our nominee, and now it's very important that we all unite behind his candidacy. He has energized millions of new voters, and if we can sustain that momentum by coming together, he will be the next president of the United States."

Senator Russ Feingold (WI):

"I've spoken with Senator Obama and made it clear that he could count me as an endorsing supporter of his at the Democratic Convention this August. Senator Obama is an effective leader, capable of leading our country into a new era, and I look forward to doing everything I can to ensure his success this November."

Former DCCC Head and Representative Rahm Emanuel (IL)
Vice-President Walter Mondale (MN)

Other Superdelegates who endorsed Barack Obama today:

Gov. Phil Bredesen (TN), Rep. John Salazar (CO), DNC David Strauss (ND) for Obama, DNC Paula Zellner (WI) for Obama, DNC Ed Cote (WA) for Obama, DNC Sharon Mast (WA) for Obama, Rep. Michael Michaud (ME) for Obama, DNC member Gray Sasser (TN), DNC member Inez Crutchfield (TN), Rep. Mike Doyle (PA), Rep. Tom Udall (NM), Rep. Bob Brady, DNC member Karen Hale (UT), DNC member Heather Mizeur, Sen. Herb Kohl (WI) (PA), DNC member Terry Goddard (AZ)

Obama Addresses AIPAC Conference

John Schueler — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:31:48 EDT

Earlier today, Senator Obama addressed members of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee in Washington D.C. He delivered an extensive speech which touched on his own long held sense of commitment to the Israeli people, while outlining many of the tough policy decisions that will await the next President of the United States.

When Senator McCain spoke to the same audience yesterday, he lobbed a variety of attacks at Senator Obama's foreign policy positions. Today Barack responded, delineating the flaws in John McCain's Iraq policy...

Senator McCain offers a false choice: stay the course in Iraq, or cede the region to Iran. I reject this logic because there is a better way. Keeping all of our troops tied down indefinitely in Iraq is not the way to weaken Iran – it is precisely what has strengthened it. It is a policy for staying, not a plan for victory. I have proposed a responsible, phased redeployment of our troops from Iraq. We will get out as carefully as we were careless getting in. We will finally pressure Iraq's leaders to take meaningful responsibility for their own future.

Here are some photos from the AIPAC Conference:

Click here to read the full text of Senator Obama's remarks.