State Update

Arizona: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:41:53 EST

Polls in Arizona are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

The map below shows the battleground states where polls are still open and where we still need help reaching our voters. Just click select the state and you will be given a list of voters to call and a brief script. In 2004, the election was decided by approximately 9 votes per precinct in Ohio. Even at this late hour, your help can still make a difference.

New Mexico: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:40:57 EST

Polls in New Mexico are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Michigan: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:36:24 EST

Polls in Michigan are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Oklahoma: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:35:08 EST

Polls in Oklahoma are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Missouri: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:30:47 EST

Polls in Missouri are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Illinois: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:29:37 EST

Polls in Illinois are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Mississippi: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:24:10 EST

Polls in Mississippi are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Minnesota: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:18:24 EST

Polls in Minnesota are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

New York: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:14:59 EST

Polls in New York are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Arkansas: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:13:52 EST

Polls in Arkansas are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

North Carolina: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:05:56 EST

Polls in North Carolina are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Ohio: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 21:01:53 EST

Polls in Ohio are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Maryland: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:56:43 EST

Polls in Maryland are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Pennsylvania: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:55:10 EST

Polls in Pennsylvania are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

New Jersey: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:53:11 EST

Polls in New Jersey are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Virginia: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:48:38 EST

Polls in Virginia are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

South Carolina: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:47:59 EST

Polls in South Carolina are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Georgia: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:39:40 EST

Polls in Georgia are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Florida: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:37:34 EST

Polls in Florida are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

Indiana: You can still make calls to Western States to GOTV

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:35:35 EST

Polls in Indiana are closed now (although if you are in line, you will be allowed to vote), but there's one last thing you can do to help this historic campaign: call states where the polls are still open to help Get Out The Vote. Even if you've never made calls before, this is your chance to participate -- a chance to be part of an historic grassroots field operation.

"Common" Calls for Change

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:45:42 EST

In the final moments of this campaign, thousands of supporters from all walks of life are stepping up to help out however they can. Lonnie Lynn, the rapper and actor known widely as "Common," is here in the Chicago headquarters this afternoon to help make phone calls to voters during our final push.

We need to make one million calls before polls close tonight, and with your help we're beginning to close in on our target.

We have the chance to make this a historic night. But to get there, we have to fight all the way through.

UPDATE: As of 4:30 Central time, grassroots phonebankers have now made over 668,454 calls. The first polls close in less than half an hour.

Reach Out to All Those You Know

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:16:37 EST

Polls are open everywhere now and the people you know, no matter where they live, can cast their vote for change. Throughout the country an unprecedented GOTV effort is in place to reach out to every voter, but you are best positioned to talk to your friends and family to make sure they vote today.

Go through your phone book and call all of your friends and family to make sure they have voted. Or get in touch through text messages or emails. Help them find their polling place by directing them to www.voteforchange.com or, if you are making calls, look it up for them. Encourage people to go to the polls together and carpool if necessary.

Make sure your friends and family understand how important this election is, not just to you but for them as well.

Let’s leave no stone unturned as we get out the vote today.

Choices: Today is in Your Hands

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:27:17 EST

In case you needed a reminder about where we've been, what we've achieved, and what today means:

Afternoon News

George Krebs — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:01:15 EST

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

Sen. Barack Obama saved his biggest Virginia rally for last -- attracting more than 85,000 people to the Prince William County Fairgrounds on the eve of Election Day.

The Democratic presidential nominee's final major rally before voters head to the polls brought Obama back to where he kicked off his general-election race five months ago -- Northern Virginia.

"I know Virginia's ready to bring about change in America," Obama told a roaring crowd that waited hours under a "Vote for Change" sign for their candidate to appear. "It starts here, Virginia," he said.

His running mate, Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., is to greet voters in the Richmond area today. The campaign released no other details last night.

"This is the last rally of a campaign that began nearly two years ago," Obama said. "We've gone to every corner of this country, from here in Northern Virginia to the rocky coasts of Maine, from the open plains of Texas to the open skies of Montana.

"I just want to say that whatever happens tomorrow, I have been deeply humbled by this journey."

...Earlier yesterday, Obama campaigned in two other battleground states, Florida and North Carolina. He radiated confidence at the end of a two-year presidential campaign marathon.

...At one of Obama's dozens of Virginia field offices, it was standing-room-only at noontime. Thirty volunteers worked the phones. A half-dozen more prepared maps and literature for volunteers to distribute door-to-door.

From the New York Times:

The 2008 race for the White House that comes to an end on Tuesday fundamentally upended the way presidential campaigns are fought in this country, a legacy that has almost been lost with all the attention being paid to the battle between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama.

It has rewritten the rules on how to reach voters, raise money, organize supporters, manage the news media, track and mold public opinion, and wage -- and withstand -- political attacks, including many carried by blogs that did not exist four years ago. It has challenged the consensus view of the American electoral battleground, suggesting that Democrats can at a minimum be competitive in states and regions that had long been Republican strongholds.

The size and makeup of the electorate could be changed because of efforts by Democrats to register and turn out new black, Hispanic and young voters. This shift may have long-lasting ramifications for what the parties do to build enduring coalitions, especially if intensive and technologically-driven voter turnout programs succeed in getting more people to the polls. Mr. McCain's advisers expect a record-shattering turnout of 130 million people, many being brought into the political process for the first time.

...No matter who wins the election, Republicans and Democrats say, Mr. Obama's efforts in places like Indiana, North Carolina and Virginia -- organizing and advertising to voters who previously had little exposure to Democratic ideas and candidates -- will force future candidates to think differently.

From CNN:

The ground war matters most now, and a little humor never hurts before a few hours of trudging through neighborhoods, looking for votes.

So in a pep talk to Sen. Barack Obama's campaign volunteers, Gov. Ed Rendell frames the stakes with the tongue-in-cheek approach.

"Gov. [Sarah] Palin and Sen. [John] McCain have been living in Pennsylvania the last few weeks," Rendell said. "I am going to start charging them income tax."

...Pat Wisch enthusiastically led her team through its ritual of checking voter registration lists, and heading off to knock on the next door or -- more often than not, on some streets -- to ring the call box to a loft apartment.
...The scope of the ground operation is stunning. In Pennsylvania, there are more than 500 paid Obama campaign staffers and thousands of volunteers. At stake for the campaign: capturing the state's 21 Electoral College votes.

From the Durham Herald-Sun:

Volunteers for the Democratic and Republican parties here were deployed en masse Monday in a last-minute push to get out the vote -- and it was clear who had the edge.

The Democrats had 3,500 volunteers in Durham County who were making calls and fanning out to various neighborhoods to talk to voters door-to-door.

...Director Mike Ashe was expecting turnout to break records today. Although rain is expected, he said the weather should not prevent people from coming to the polls.
...Paul Cox, the North Carolina press secretary for the Obama campaign, said the election is still close and they were deploying everyone they could to get out the vote.

"We're confident that we have a superior organization which will ultimately prevail election day," he said. "When the election is so close, the outcome will be determined by who is best-equipped to get their voters to the polls."

GOTV Across the USA

George Krebs — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:01:52 EST

The phones are blaring, door bells are ringing, and troops are being rallied. Supporters know that we have one last day to do all we can. And then we vote.

No matter where you live, you can make phone calls, knock on doors, talk to your family & friends, and take the day off so you can volunteer. We need to be at full speed as we head through the finish line.

We have received stories and pictures from all across the country about the frenzy of activity. Here are some stories of GOTV efforts and pictures, many of them taken at a Missouri campaign office where Senator Claire McCaskill came in to motivate the volunteers:

Allison C. from California:

I am sending a note from San Francisco, where I spent 5 hours yesterday making calls to Florida and Colorado. I have lived in California for 10 years, but I grew up in Colorado, and have been in awe of the grassroots mobilization there this month. My mother, a child psychologist who works in a diverse elementary school in Boulder, has been volunteering almost daily alongside working long days at her school and meeting with parents and kids in her private practice. Fluent in Spanish, she trained this week to be a poll watcher on election day and committed to staying at her assigned polling location to support voters until the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday.

A long-distance runner, I know that every race comes down to the last 200-yards!

Cheryl S from Illinois:

I'm one of those who individuals volunteered for the first time for a presidential campaign as an Obama supporter. It didn't really hit home how important and incredible it was until I was out in the field canvassing. I carpooled from Chicago down to Indy to canvass in Pike Township. As I'm sure the story gets repeated over and over again, the people who are involved in this campaign are amazing. I sat in a car with individuals from such diverse backgrounds and careers. The people we met were very supportive and excited but also concerned. I think everyone understood the importance of early voting and the importance of seeing this through to Tuesday and not letting up.
We couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was beautiful---sun shining, mid-70's temp. Our staging location was filled with food and the best white chili I've ever had! As one example, I think (hope) that I encouraged one person to head to their early voting location as soon as we left. It's small but it's something!

Monica L from Florida:

A cardboard cutout of Barack Obama and Groupies gathered at the West Kendall Public Library keeping voters company as they wait 4 long hours to vote today! Free photos with Barack (above) were offered to all Obama voters as a reward for their long wait. As the sun began to set, Barack was neatly packed into the trunk of his owner's car.

Today is the day, now is the time. We still have work to do through tomorrow. Get involved tonight and make a plan to vote at your polling place tomorrow.

The Talk: "The most convincing political advertisement they could ever be exposed to"

George Krebs — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:58:09 EST

Over the last few months, we have been hearing several stories of supporters talking to their families about Barack Obama. When it comes to convincing your friends and family to vote for Barack, you are his most effective advocate.

With less than 36 hours until polls open, there is no better time to have “The Talk.”

Find a good time to talk today, tell them your personal reasons for supporting Barack and talk about the issues that matter to you. Include your social circle in addition to your family. You are in the best position to win over the people around you.

Here is what some supporters are saying about their experiences having “The Talk”:

Mike L:

My Dad has been on board for months, but I was a little concerned about talking to my Mom about it. She is fiercely independent and a two-time Bush voter. She has never given to a political campaign before and she does not like politics. I called her and told her why I was supporting Barack and why I think she should too. She was impressed by my devotion and she has agreed to support Barack, and also donated some money as well! Bottom line, you shouldn't be nervous about talking to your parents, grandparents, aunts or uncles – whomever. If you show them your passion, they will see it and understand. It is the most convincing political advertisement they could ever be exposed to.

Sarah S.:

Well I have a side of my family that is very Republican. I have managed to get my brother to see the light and vote Obama! How did I do this? It actually was quite easy. I told them that things are awful out there right now. And truly Obama is the only one with a passion to fix the whole problem not just put a band-aid on certain problems while ignoring others. Obama is the rational choice for the better of this country!

Ordinary people reaching out to their friends, family and the people in their community are the heart of what campaign manager David Plouffe described as Barack's "persuasion army." There is only one day left until Election Day. So have "The Talk," and do it soon.

GOTV Weekend Status Update

George Krebs — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:56:42 EST

Supporters all over the country heard the urgent call to service this weekend; your response has been tremendous.

Yesterday, we made 431,645 phone calls, setting a one day all-time record. We knocked on millions of doors in over 20 battleground states. We drove to neighboring battleground states to get involved in the GOTV efforts. We committed to taking Election Day off for Barack.

We cannot let up now. Today we need to make 500,000 phone calls using our simple online voter contact tool , we need to knock on more doors, and we need to talk to our friends and family.

Being involved is a fulfilling experience. Here is what some of our supporters are doing today:

Marjorie P. in Wisconsin:

My husband and I were so impressed when we showed up for the GOTV at the Franklin – Oak Creek (Wisconsin) campaign headquarters yesterday. There were so many cars in the lot, we could hardly find a place to park. People were there to greet us and direct us to the person who gave us the skinny on what to do, along with a pep talk of why this is so important. Tiffany took our cell phone numbers and we had hers, in case there were questions along the way. Each volunteer was paired with another door-knocker, which makes it easier for people a bit on the timid side. It’s also safer and more fun!
Go Obama. (Don’t stop now. It’s not over until it’s over!)

Mary C. in Florida:

Here in Okaloosa County Florida, I started out my day casting my early vote for Barack Obama! It was a great feeling! I checked the ballot 3 times before I turned it in! Afterwards, I joined the local Campaign For Change in canvassing efforts and knocked on doors. We received a lot of positive feedback and set a few people on the right path when it comes to their eligibility to vote, where to vote, etc. For the handful of "Undecideds" we ran in to, I asked what was the main issue that kept them from voting for Obama and I was glad to engage in dialogue with folks and hopefully convince them to vote for Obama.

Desia B.:

I am signing into my account at my.barackobama.com and getting call lists for battleground states where you need help. I wish I could afford to go to some of these battleground states but since I can't I'll work as hard as I can for Sen. Obama from home.
I also want him to know that on Oct 18th my 91 year old grandmother voted for the first time in her life, along with my mother, my daughter and myself.
I'm so excited to be a part of this campaign for change in my small way.

Keep sending in your updates and any news from the field (blog@barackobama.com). Your GOTV work is winning the election.

"People feel like he's around when you need him"

George Krebs — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:55:28 EST

Jorge is a union worker who attended the AFL-CIO Presidential Forum in 2007. He was selected as one of the workers to ask Barack a question during the forum, and Barack's answer won him over. Following the event, he talked about why he now supports Barack:

Barack's Plan to Protect Our Environment and Create New Energy for America

George Krebs — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:35:51 EST

Barack Obama has cited environmental and energy issues as centrally important in this election. He realizes that these policies will have a broad impact on foreign policy, healthcare costs and the future of our children, extending beyond just the environment itself. Barack and Joe Biden are widely recognized as leaders in promoting legislation to benefit the environment. Their plan will protect our environment, provide new energy sources, reduce our reliance on energy and create jobs that keep pace in an environmentally conscious marketplace. Read their full plan for Energy and the Environment. Here is a portion of their plan:

Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future.
Put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars -- cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon -- on the road by 2015, cars that we will work to make sure are built here in America.
Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

"We can make sure we're good stewards of the land"

George Krebs — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:38:01 EST

Over the summer, in beautiful Bozeman, Montana, Barack discussed the fierce need to protect our environment. Barack recognizes how precious our land and natural resources are and his policies reflect that.

New York to Virginia

George Krebs — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:18:27 EST

“Virginia has not gone blue for many years, and this campaign trip could be symbolic of the significant changes that are taking place across the electoral map.”
-College Democrat member Rowland Yang, Columbia College ’11.

There is no doubt that we are on count down.

Over 130 students from Columbia University in New York City, Barack’s alma mater, left early Friday morning for McLean, Virginia and took to the trail. They are on Fall Break this weekend, spending their days off getting out the vote for Barack. By all accounts, they are a strong, visible force on the ground.

Yesterday they spent knocking on doors, talking to residents and persuading undecided voters. Each student was given 75-100 doors to work through. Today they will start up their ground game again. They are in Virginia through Tuesday and will be a part of the massive GOTV effort there.

Their efforts have been extraordinary so far. We will be following the Columbia canvassing team on the ground throughout this historic weekend. Like the Columbia students and thousands of supporters across the nation, you too can get involved in a battleground state. Whether you canvass in Virginia or in Nevada, we need you in these final three days.

Issue Comparison: Education

George Krebs — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 18:25:50 EDT

Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that the best hope for our future lies in our children. Their education policy will provide a quality education for our children and allow us to keep pace with other advanced nations. Read their top three education initiatives below. See a comparison of the Obama vs. McCain plan.

Barack Obama will reform No Child Left Behind:
Obama and Biden believe teachers should not be forced to spend the academic year preparing students to fill in bubbles on standardized tests and he will improve the assessments used to track student progress to measure readiness for college.
Invest in early childhood education:
The Obama-Biden comprehensive "Zero to Five" plan will provide critical support to young children and their parents. And they will help states move toward voluntary, universal pre-school.
Make college affordable to all Americans:
Obama and Biden will create a new American Opportunity Tax Credit worth $4,000 in exchange for community service. It will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students.

To learn more, read the Obama / Biden education plan.

GOTV Weekend Status Update I

George Krebs — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:24:17 EDT

Yesterday, we asked you to send in your plans for GOTV weekend and the response was tremendous. Some of you found creative ways to celebrate Halloween. Many of you have drawn up a strategy for what you will do to help Barack between now and Tuesday. Here is what some of our supporters are doing this weekend:

Dave W. in Ohio:

The costume (above) was worn by my step son Alex Gray, age 11 from Dayton Ohio. He came up with idea on his own.
He held a Trick or Treat poll here in southwestern Ohio.
Results: 232 pieces of candy for Obama and 102 pieces of candy for McCain

Phil G. in California:

Saturday, 11/1
530am - Awaken and off to the gym to get energized for the day!
700am- Pack the car with folding chairs, giant ice cooler, bottled water, snacks, laptop computer and broadband wireless card (see below for the reason why!)
730am - Drive 50 miles to the Riverside, California Registrar of Voters Office
830am- Get in line to cast my early vote! (Saturday)
930am - Exit Registrar's Office and begin to assist as many voters standing in line (especially the elderly) with chairs, water, snacks, etc.
930am-4pm - Continue to help and support voters in line and, during down time, boot up my laptop and wireless card and log into Neighbor to Neighbor and call campaigns to swing states from my cell phone in order to urge people to get out to vote and convince them to vote Obama!
4pm - Drive 50 miles back home
6pm-9pm - Make calls, make calls, make calls!

Sunday 11/2 and Monday 11/3
Repeat all the steps from Saturday! Drive, assist and make calls!

Connie in Massachusetts:

I will leave Saturday for four days getting out the vote in New Hampshire for Obama/Biden. I am 49 years old and have never done anything for a political campaign other than vote. This will be my eighth Presidential election.

There is a lot of support for Senator Obama in New Hampshire. I always get re-charged when I talk to a supporter. Even if people don't support Obama/Biden or aren't home, I take pride that people now know that I have been inspired to do what I am doing by Senator Obama. I think that makes a real difference to an undecided voter.

Now it is up to us - the "ground game" - to get this thing done. I am grateful to be a part of it.

Keep sending in your plans for the weekend and news from the field (blog@barackobama.com). Your work this weekend is winning the election.

Environmentalists Support Barack Obama

George Krebs — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:18:21 EDT

Since the beginning of this campaign, Environmentalists have been excited by Barack’s candidacy. His record on consistently protecting the environment is undeniable. Here is what environmentalists, from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream Waters, are saying about why they’re supporting Barack:

Brett H. from Madison, Wisconsin:

I support Barack Obama for president because he is the only candidate with an inspiring and effective national energy policy that will save us money at the pump, bring us more efficient vehicles and appliances, more clean renewable energy, and clean up old coal plants. He is a the real champion to reduce global warming and will work with local governments on practical solutions, not just supporting drilling more sensitive coast lines and wildlife refuges. I also appreciate his judgment to chose a running mate show shares his values and mine.

Mark H:

I would argue that climate change is the single largest issue for the environment and wildlife. Barack has been the most consistent in expressing the need for a new energy policy and combating global warming. He supports a cap and trade program that will put us on the right path to solving this crisis. I'm confident, as president he will stand up for wildlife and the environment in a bipartisan way and will do more for our cause than any other candidate.

Luke K. from Anchorage, Alaska:

I’m voting for Barack Obama. His vision is evident in his energy policy: I cannot wait for the day when our nation’s energy will come from clean, renewable sources and the kind of revitalization that will provide for our economy, as opposed to having to endure four more years of drilling policies that create more problems than they solve. As an avid sportsmen and backpacker, I’m also concerned for our public lands and wildlife. His commitment to these public resources is unquestioned and is one that recognizes the balancing act between conservation, recreation, and economic development, a balance that has been lacking over the last eight years and one that we can’t afford to lose for four more years.

Brett H. from Madison, Wisconsin:

I support Barack Obama for president because he is the only candidate with an inspiring and effective national energy policy that will save us money at the pump, bring us more efficient vehicles and appliances, more clean renewable energy, and clean up old coal plants. He is a the real champion to reduce global warming and will work with local governments on practical solutions, not just supporting drilling more sensitive coast lines and wildlife refuges. I also appreciate his judgment to chose a running mate show shares his values and mine.

Jack, Chicago:

Barack realized that protecting the environment wasn't just the right thing to do, it was crucial. We are constantly told by the world's leading scientists that we have as little as ten years to drastically change the way we use energy before it becomes irreversible. I think to have a leader of that unique potential has not come across in my lifetime and I don't know when it will again.

With less than a week to go until Election Day, we need to do all we can to help elect Barack. Get involved today.

"It's time you had a partner in the White House"

George Krebs — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:51:39 EDT

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have been strong advocates for unions since the beginning. This Labor Day, Barack recorded a message outlining his plans to strengthen American workers and benefit the middle class. He detailed the stark differences between his plan to support union workers and John McCain’s plan to continue the Bush policies of providing tax breaks for large corporations. (His remarks are below.)

At an event with 100 union members in Akron, Ohio, Joe Biden laid out the crucial role that unions play in protecting America’s middle class. The right to work is about more than a paycheck, he said. It is about dignity, respect and pride.

This Labor Day weekend, we don’t just celebrate the end of summer; we also honor the hardworking men and women who have made this country what it is and the American labor movement that has fought tirelessly to improve their wages, benefits and working conditions. America was built by its laborers, but today our workers are struggling just to get by in an economy that no longer works for them.
That’s why we can’t afford four more years of the failed George Bush economic policies – policies that Senator McCain has proudly embraced and promises to continue. It’s time we had a President who will stand up for working men and women by building an economy that rewards not just wealth, but work and the workers who create it. It’s time you had a partner in the White House who knows that the struggles facing working families can’t be solved by spending billions of dollars on more tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy CEOs, and that hardworking families need immediate relief.
That’s why, as President, I’ll end tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and give them to companies that create good-paying jobs here at home, and while Senator McCain is proposing $4 billion in new tax breaks for oil companies that are making record profits I’ll put a $1,000 tax cut into the pockets of 95% of workers and their families.
It’s time you had a President who honors organized labor – who’s walked on picket lines; who doesn’t choke on the word “union”; who lets our unions do what they do best and organize our workers; and who will finally make the Employee Free Choice Act the law of the land.
That is the choice in this election. We can choose to remain on the path that has abandoned workers and gotten our economy in so much trouble, or we can reclaim the idea that in America, opportunity is open to anyone who’s willing to work for it.
I’ve spent my entire career fighting for working men and women. And so has my running mate, Joe Biden, a man whose heart and values are rooted firmly in the middle class. With him by my side, I am confident that we can take this country in a new direction and restore that fair shot at your dreams that is at the core of what Joe Biden and I stand for, and what America stands for as a nation.

Joe Biden with 100 union members, families, and friends at LIUNA Local 894 in Akron, Ohio:

Weekend for Change

George Krebs — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:39:50 EDT

This is it. Everything we've done comes down to these last four days.

It is more crucial than ever that we step up.

Months of campaigning, the success of crucial issues, and a future full of promise all depend on these last four days. What we are able to do in this short time determines our success.

We need you on the ground, going door to door, making calls, and doing everything possible to get people out to vote. Whatever time you have is essential. The task is straightforward, but the goal could not be more important.

Please sign up for a shift this weekend. There are plenty of opportunities available in every zip code.

If you are in a battleground state, you can canvass and reach out to your neighbors. If you live in a non-battleground state you can Drive for Change to a battleground state or make phone calls to voters.

Sign up to get involved this weekend.

This campaign needs all of us for this final stretch. We have an outstanding organization in place. Now we each need to do our part, and do whatever we can, to push this campaign over the top and elect Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America.

Get Involved and Share Your Plans for GOTV Weekend

George Krebs — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:09:04 EDT

While Barack crisscrosses the country, reaching out to thousands of voices calling for change, it is our job to be on the ground and talk to individual voters in this final weekend. There are lots of events and plenty of activity going on from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream Waters.

Supporters are canvassing, making phone calls, and emailing their friends and family. Many are using our easy online tool. Other people are channeling their support this weekend in more creative ways.

No matter the method, the goal is the same: make sure every single voter gets to the polls on Tuesday. For this Tuesday to be historic, our efforts this weekend need to be outstanding.

We need you to be a strong force on the ground this weekend and we want to know your plans.

Make a commitment to help elect Barack and then tell us what you will be doing. Send us an email to blog@barackobama.com and tell us your plans for GOTV.

We'll be highlight all of the on ground effort this weekend, so be sure to be a part of this movement and help make history.

Workers Support Barack Obama

George Krebs — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:51:13 EDT

Workers across every sector of labor are excited by Barack’s candidacy. He and Joe Biden have a consistent record of supporting unions and America’s middle class. Here is what workers are saying about why they’re supporting Barack:

Thomas:

Working families across America didn’t need the government to tell them these are tough times and that they are worse off today than they were last year—indeed worse off than before the Bush Administration took office nearly eight years ago. That’s why nearly every union in the country, the AFL-CIO, and the Change to Win Federation have endorsed Barack Obama for president and why all of us need to mobilize our family members, friends, and neighbors to ensure his election.
What is at stake in this election is nothing less than whether or not our children will be able to realize the American Dream: Are they destined to experience a life of low wages, scarce jobs, and lack of proper health care or can we turn the country around so their families can at least achieve if not improve upon the standard of living of our generation?

Steve in Colorado:

We have a company with 28 employees that covers the Front Range. We would see nothing but a promise under an Obama plan. Eight years of Bush Cheney have been devastating to the small business environment. The things that are specifically being talked about like the 3,000 dollar tax credit for a new employee, I don't know that a lot of people who don't own small businesses get that - that's a big deal to us, that makes it a lot easier to hire new employees.

Thomas K:

This is the ultimate crossroads election for America's working families. Electing Barack Obama and Joe Biden is the only hope for turning this country around and securing the American Dream for their children and grandchildren. Another four years of Republican control will produce more of the same--declining wages and fewer jobs, more aggressive employer resistance to organizing workers, continuation of the health care crisis, and no voice for working families in Washington.

Jerome B:

Barack Obama offers a thoughtful alternative to this economy based on speculation, now that trickle-down economics has really slowed to a trickle. He has plans for thoughtful economic planning, and thoughtful consideration of the needs of working people as part of this planning. It seems to me he has genuine interest in the problems of those who are not truly represented by the extremists, and the entertainers of various sorts, who claim to speak for them. Instead it seems to me that he will give the working people of America a chance to speak for themselves, and to speak truth to power.

That is why I support Barack Obama for President.

With less than a week to go until Election Day, we need to do all we can to help elect Barack. Get involved today.

Environmental & Energy Policy Comparison

George Krebs — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:21:51 EDT

When you line up Obama’s energy plan against McCain’s, the differences are clear. On issue after issue Obama sides with working families and environmentally sensible policies. Just look at the comparison chart below.

Morning News

George Krebs — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:40:38 EDT

From the Miami Herald:

Former President Bill Clinton stumped alongside Democratic nominee Barack Obama for the first time this campaign season in a late night outdoor rally that attracted more than 35,000 supporters.

Taking jabs at Republican nominee John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin as a vice presidential pick and denouncing the last eight years of President Bush's administration, Clinton echoed the rallying cries for "change" that have been a trademark of the Obama campaign.

"Folks, we can't fool with this," Clinton told the boisterous crowd that braved the chilly conditions at Osceola Heritage Park. "Our country is hanging in the balance, and we have so much promise and so much peril. This man should be our president.''

..."I worked hard to bring you back into the Democratic fold," Clinton told the crowd, referring to his 1992 and 1996 victories. "It's time to come back again so we can move America forward."

..."We all wish that the last eight years looked a lot more like the eight years we had when Bill Clinton was in the White House," Obama said.

With five days looming until the Nov. 4 election, Obama told the riled up crowd they would have to "work over the next five days like our life depends on it."

He added; "We have to do everything in our power. . . . We will not just win Florida, we're going to win this election and together, we will change this country and we will change the world."

From the USA Today:

Johnie Jennings raps on the storm door of a small white house on Louisiana Street in this former steel town. On a recent Saturday morning, no one in this neighborhood of alternately shabby and spruced-up houses is eager to rush to the door.

"Are you going to vote early?" she calls through the door to Danny Dalworth. Jennings' jacket is purple and yellow, the colors of the Service Employees International Union. Her voter list tells her that Dalworth, 60, supports Democrat Barack Obama, whom the union has endorsed. "Do you need a ride? Everybody in the household going to be voting?"

In the last days of the presidential campaign, battlegrounds such as Indiana, Florida, Virginia and Colorado are thick with political foot soldiers: Democrats such as Jennings -- "You've got to have on comfortable shoes and be ready to talk," she says.
Thousands of new voter registrations and reams of opinion polls won't mean much if campaigns can't get voters to actually vote. Get-out-the-vote efforts, known as the "ground game," are the final, crucial act in the political drama of electing a president.

...Supported by Obama's well-funded campaign, Democrats are dispatching thousands of volunteers to key states, using voter databases of their own to target areas rich with potential votes.

...Since Labor Day, the Obama campaign says, it has talked to 12 million voters through phone banks and canvassing. "I most definitely think (Republicans) do not have the edge this time," says Jon Carson, Obama's national field director.

The campaign has 1.5 million volunteers "in every corner of every state," he says. "We're working incredibly hard to build a neighborhood organization."

...Despite the sophistication of the Republican effort, the Obama campaign's sheer size and its spending have allowed Democrats to mount challenges in states long considered GOP locks. Take Virginia, which -- like Indiana -- hasn't backed a Democrat for president in 44 years.

...In Indianapolis, Sonia Cook goes twice a week to a phone bank run by the AFL-CIO. Every other weekend, instead of babysitting her grandchildren, she canvasses door-to-door.

Cook has plenty of time to help, she notes, because she was laid off from her foundry job in July. "You know how a lot of people sit and complain and complain? Something -- bam! -- hit me on the head. Well, what am I doing about it?" she says. "Hopefully, if Barack Obama wins, I'll feel like I had a part in it."

From Bloomberg:

Barack Obama and John McCain sought to charge up supporters and reach out to as many undecided voters as possible in the final stretch of a presidential campaign mostly being waged in a half-dozen states.

Obama is spending most of his day in Florida, after a rally in another Republican-leaning state, North Carolina, where he's in a close fight with McCain.

...Along with Florida, both candidates have been focusing on North Carolina, Virginia, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The six states combined have 103 of the 270 Electoral College votes needed to claim the White House. All except Pennsylvania went to Bush in the last presidential election, yet polls show Obama statistically tied or ahead of McCain in each.

Obama also is challenging McCain in four other states that went for Bush in the last two elections: Indiana, Missouri, Colorado and Nevada. He already has solid leads in the states that went for Democrat John Kerry in 2004, which have a total of 252 electoral votes.

...Obama cautioned his supporters against over-confidence. "Don't believe for a second this election is over," he said at an outdoor rally in Raleigh, North Carolina.

From the Washington Post:

Donnell Stewart dragged her 19-year-old son out of the house, again, on a bright Saturday morning for the same reason she had all those other weekend mornings. "We're going Obama- eering," she sang out.

Desmond knew well not to argue. When he moved home last year after he was injured and lost his football scholarship at Hampton University, his mother told him he had to do two things to live under her roof: "You will go to college," she said. "And you will volunteer for Barack Obama."

Nearly every weekend since, they have gotten in the "Obama-bile" -- Stewart's beat-up maroon SUV, plastered with "Got Hope?" decals and other Obama bumper stickers -- and driven hours from their home in Catonsville, Md., to volunteer. The vehicle's transmission conked out last week.

..."I'd hate to think if [Obama] lost, I was home doing my laundry," Stewart told Desmond one Saturday last month.

So the dirty clothes were in a pile as they left their one-story cottage with an Obama-Biden sign in the yard and two in the front windows. Mom pulled her hair back in a pony tail, threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt she bought at her first Democratic National Convention. She and Desmond headed south to Virginia, part of a groundswell of African American participation this election.

...The Stewarts' first stop was the Obama for America office in a run-down Alexandria strip mall, two doors from a burned-out laundromat and around the way from a Check Into Cash shop, to pick up registration forms and instructions. They were handed out by an Asian man in his 20s, who gave a quick and emotionless briefing.

...On this day, Stewart pushed past her feelings and followed the young man's instructions to stand in front of a Springfield strip mall soliciting unregistered voters.

"How long do we have to be here?" Desmond asked as they arrived. "I'm about to feel like a goon running up to people in the parking lot."

"As long as it takes," Stewart told him. "Until we feel done. Do what you've got to do, boo!"

League of Conservation Voters Endorses Barack Obama

George Krebs — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:10:17 EDT

In serving its mission to provide factual information about Congressional voting records relating to environmental legislation, the League of Conversation Voters Scorecard gave numerical ratings to both Presidential Candidates. Barack Obama earned a score of 96, the highest rating they gave to a Presidential Candidate all year. John McCain, however, earned a score of 26. You can see the entire score sheet here. On the site you can also see each candidate’s completed questionnaire and a breakdown of their voting record. As his voting record proves, Barack has been a consistent supporter of Environmental issues.

Seniors Support Barack Obama

George Krebs — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:17:35 EDT

Seniors all across the country are excited by Barack’s candidacy. With the addition of Joe Biden in August, Barack added another strong voice to the ticket for the issues seniors care most about. Here is what seniors, from New Hampshire to Nebraska, are saying about why they’re supporting Barack:

Bunny from Long Island, New York:

I don't want my generation going out with the rest of the world looking down on my country, and that is why I’m voting for Barack Obama. Barack Obama will restore our image abroad, and we once again will be respected and emulated by the rest of the world. For me the choice was clear in this election -- it was either four more years of the same or something new. I’m choosing something new. The first vote I ever cast was for Franklin D. Roosevelt; my next (and not last!) will be for Barack Obama on November 4th.

Eugene B. from South Omaha, Nebraska:

There’s so much enthusiasm for Barack. It’s time for someone new, somebody who isn’t too entrenched in Washington can … make some sweeping changes.

John from Mt. Sterling, Ohio:

Obama is different – he’s genuinely compassionate for the individual. We need someone in government at the top who has new ideas and new ways of treating people. We need someone who realized who he works for – us! Obama understands that.

Barbara from Londonderry, New Hampshire:

I am a grandmother and every time I look at my one year old grandson I know that this is his future. I don't know what I can do, but it makes me want to do something.

With less than a week to go until Election Day, we need to do all we can to help elect Barack. Get involved today.

Barack's Plan to Strengthen Social Security

George Krebs — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:13:12 EDT

For seniors, there is too much at stake in this election. The issues confronting the next President will include healthcare, income taxes, and pensions. Social Security will certainly be addressed and it is important that the program be in good hands. Barack Obama knows we need to protect our seniors and strengthen Social Security. He and Joe Biden will not allow Social Security to be privatized and dependant on the whims of the market. They will secure more funding for the program from employers and those making over $250,000 to keep it solvent for years to come. Watch this Blueprint for Change clip below which clearly breaks down Barack’s Social Security plans.

Video: Seniors for Barack Obama

George Krebs — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 18:09:21 EDT

As a young boy, Barack was raised by his grandparents and since then has been forever appreciative of seniors. This commitment is reflected in his policies, his voting record, and his natural understanding of the needs of seniors in America. A few weeks ago the Seniors Vote Team put together a video highlighting Barack’s commitment to seniors. The video includes testimonials from Barack’s former colleagues, his family, campaign volunteers, and veterans who are united in their confidence in Barack to stand up for seniors and for all Americans. There is less than a week remaining before Election Day. Please send this video around and get involved to help elect Barack Obama.

Alliance for Retired Americans Endorses Barack Obama

George Krebs — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:02:06 EDT

Just two weeks ago, the Alliance for Retired Americans endorsed Barack Obama as the best choice for retirees. The Alliance is a nationwide organization with over 3.5 million members that advocates on the behalf of senior citizens over a range of issues.

Barack was particularly recognized for “strong support for Social Security in a time of economic anxiety.” His stances on healthcare, prescription drugs and taxes have also won him support in the senior community and made the choice clear for the Alliance. The full text of the endorsement is below:

Citing his strong support for Social Security in a time of economic anxiety, the national Alliance for Retired Americans today endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President.
“Retirees are more worried than ever,” said Alliance President George J. Kourpias, adding, “not only are they concerned about their own retirement security, but they worry about what lies ahead for their children and grandchildren.”

“Barack Obama opposes Social Security privatization, because he knows that we can’t gamble away our savings on Wall Street. He will fix our health care mess, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and do away with income taxes for seniors earning less than $50,000. We are proud to support the Obama-Biden ticket,” Kourpias said.

In contrast, Kourpias noted, John McCain fully embraces President Bush’s plan to privatize Social Security, having voted three times to take money out of the Social Security Trust Fund and create private accounts tied to the roulette wheel of the stock market.

“George Bush and John McCain must be the only two people left who think Wall Street is good place for Social Security,” said Don Rowen, President of the Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans, which represents 30,000 members. According to the Congressional Budget Office, Americans’ retirement accounts have lost up to $2 trillion in the past 15 months.

Rowen said that retirees were “deeply offended” this summer when John McCain, who receives $23,000 in annual benefits, said it was “an absolute disgrace” that younger workers must pay for current Social Security beneficiaries. “Over 500,000 Iowa residents receive Social Security – they are our elderly, our widows and widowers, and our young children who have seen a parent die. Helping them is not a disgrace,” Rowen said.

According to the October 6 Wall Street Journal, Senator McCain would pay for his health care plan by cutting $1.3 trillion in Medicare and Medicaid over ten years. Kourpias said the McCain health care plan, which would lead many companies to eliminate retiree health benefits, would be “paid for on the backs of millions of senior citizens.” Under our increasingly privatized Medicare program, Kourpias added, “many seniors are paying more and getting less” for their medical bills and prescription drugs.

The 3.5 million member Alliance has paid staff and grassroots activists in key states and congressional districts. It is also running paid advertising to educate and mobilize retirees on Senator McCain’s record on Social Security.

Join the movement of seniors pushing for change. Get involved today.

Barack's Plan to Bring About Real Change for Our Economy

George Krebs — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:12:21 EDT

By every measure, Barack Obama is the best choice for the American worker. He is committed to policies that stimulate the economy and revitalize the middle class. Barack’s plans include a tax cut for working families, the creation of American jobs, the improvement of our national infrastructure and a promise to support worker’s rights to organize. Below are a few of Barack’s policy initiatives for the economy. Read more about Barack’s economic plan.

Labor
Obama and Biden will strengthen the ability of workers to organize for fair wages, health care, and secure pensions. Obama and Biden will fight for the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. Obama and Biden will ensure that labor appointees support workers' rights and will work to ban the permanent replacement of striking workers. Obama and Biden will also increase the minimum wage and make sure it remains a living wage year after year. Read more »
$1,000 Tax Cut for Middle Class American Families
Barack Obama and Joe Biden will cut income taxes by $1,000 for working families, because the economy needs to be revitalized from the bottom up, not the top down. Read more »
Create Jobs through Fair Trade
Obama and Biden believe that trade with foreign nations should create American jobs, not send them overseas. They will stand firm against agreements that undermine our economic security. Read more »
New Jobs Through National Infrastructure Investment
Obama and Biden believe that rebuilding our highways, bridges, roads, ports, and air and train systems will create jobs, ensure safety, and bolster our long-term competitiveness. Read more »

Afternoon News

George Krebs — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:12:41 EDT

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Sen. Barack Obama came full circle yesterday by summoning the earliest days of his presidential campaign for the inspiration to make his ninth-inning pitch in this Ohio bellwether.

...Obama excited 4,900 supporters in the Canton Memorial Civic Center by harking back to the message of change and cooperation that launched his nomination back in snowy Iowa in February 2007.

...Focusing on the nation's economic crisis, Obama said citizens are well beyond partisan squabbles and want action.

"Understand, if we want to get through this crisis, we need to get beyond the old ideological debates and divides between left and right. We don't need bigger government or smaller government. We need better government -- a more competent government -- a government that upholds the values we hold in common as Americans."

...Obama and his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware, also are expected to return to Ohio before the Nov. 4 election. In Canton yesterday, Obama wooed voters in one of the state's most consistent swing counties, Stark County. Kerry won it by less than 0.5 point in 2004, and Bush won by 1.8 points in 2000.

Obama sought to sum up the case for his presidency with the election looming.

..."In one week, at this defining moment in history, you can give this country the change we need."

Interviews with Obama supporters filing out of the Canton rally revealed human conditions that underpin a desire for change. Douglas French, 55, who works for a Canton plastics company, said he was unemployed during much of the Bush presidency when the factory where he worked was moved overseas.

"When I lost my job, I lost the means to support my wife and my family, and I lost them, too," said French, who is divorced. "That's why I need change."

Ernie Sheeler, 73, said he is retired and receives Medicare, but he can't afford co-payments for medication he needs. "I really need a change in health care," he said.

From CNN:

State election officials said Monday that early voting already has reached record levels as the presidential campaign enters its final week.

Nearly a fifth of registered voters in Georgia already have cast ballots, an election official says.

As of Monday, 30 states either are allowing voters to vote in person early or are accepting absentee ballots, and election officials are reporting record turnouts. Voting problems, ranging from computer glitches to long lines, have been reported in a few states.

As of Monday, more than 1 million voters, nearly a fifth of registered voters, already had voted in Georgia, according to Matt Carrothers, a spokesman for Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel. Four years ago, 422,485 Georgians voted early, Carrothers said.

Most of this year's voters, 85 percent, have voted in person at early voting sites, according to Handel's office.

...In North Carolina, which has become a battleground state in the contest between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain, more than 1.2 million voters already have cast early ballots, representing 20 percent of registered voters, according to the state Board of Elections.

"There is a great deal of excitement created by both sides, but certainly by the Democratic presidential candidate," [Johnnie McLean, the board's deputy director] said.

In Florida, more than 1 million people have voted at early voting centers throughout the state, the Florida Department of State said Monday.

...[Jennifer Krell Davis, communication director for the department] estimated that nearly a quarter of the state's 10 million registered voters would vote either in person early or by absentee ballot.

"People really want to make sure they have a chance to cast their ballot, and voter interest in high," she said.

From the New York Times:

On a visit to her husband's campaign office here the other day, Michelle Obama was handed a phone and a script of talking points and made calls to a few undecided voters. Mrs. Obama mixed policy on taxes and health care with chitchat about Ohio, laughter about her life in politics and tidbits about her family.

After a couple of calls, she realized that she had not been following the typewritten notes. "I didn't look at the script," she said, speaking more to herself than to the volunteers on the phones next to her.

...[Mrs. Obama] is now regarded within the campaign as a disciplined and effective advocate for her husband.

...By the standards of a national political campaign, Mrs. Obama does maintain a somewhat limited schedule. (She has stumped outside Chicago on 20 of the 57 days since Labor Day, the traditional start of the fall election season.) Most of the time she is at home taking care of the couple's 10- and 7-year-old daughters.

But when she is at political events -- occasionally with Mr. Obama, though much more often on her own -- she is drawing large crowds, speaking with new confidence and generally avoiding gaffes as she confronts one of the trickiest tasks in the campaign. Many voters view first families as symbols of the nation, and Mrs. Obama is selling a package that for large numbers of Americans poses a real change.

...In one sign of the campaign's confidence in her, Mrs. Obama is being deployed where it matters most. Since Labor Day, she has spent three days campaigning in Florida and two days each in Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as days in other swing states (sometimes two in a day).

She usually holds rallies (her biggest was with 11,000 people in Gainesville, Fla., last week) or small round tables on the needs of working women and military families, the two groups she speaks about the most. On Saturday, she delivered the Democratic Party's weekly radio address, urging her husband's supporters to turn out on Election Day.

...On "The Tonight Show," she noted that she and her husband still sparred privately like the lawyers they are, and added: "You want to know how Barack prepares for a debate? He hangs out with me, and he's ready."

At the Akron rally, she drew appreciative laughter from many in the audience when, her voice at once growing hushed and yet rising in pitch, she referred to her husband as "baby" while sharing an anecdote.

"My assumption," she said, "is that Barack Obama is going to be the underdog until he is sitting in the Oval Office. At the start of this, I said to him, 'Look, baby, you can do a lot of things.' He believes he can do a whole lot. If he works hard, he can change the world."

But, she added, if he is to win, he needs for his supporters to be sure to vote. The audience erupted in applause.

From the Boston Globe:

Kathleen Shepard, 59, a real estate agent from Weston, started waking up at 3 a.m., worrying about the direction of the country - the economy, the dependence on foreign oil. She wanted to influence the election, but living in liberal Massachusetts, she knows her vote is unlikely to change the electoral math on Election Day. Last week, she said goodbye to her husband, her dog, and her Coldwell Banker office, and flew to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to campaign for Barack Obama.

Across town in the Back Bay, Carter Gaffney got in his Ford Explorer and drove to rural Cadiz, Ohio, to spend his nights in a farmhouse spare bedroom and his days in a two-person Obama campaign office. Kimberly Grose, 50, a healthcare consultant from the South End, called her clients, told them she was taking time off, and flew to Florida. She has been volunteering 15 hours a day for Obama in West Miami.

Scores of voters in Massachusetts, fearing they can have little influence over the course of the election in a home state all but certain to vote Democratic next week, are flocking to distant battleground states hoping to make a difference there.

...Such political nomads have appeared in previous presidential campaigns, flowing from solidly red or blue states to contested ones. But political observers and campaign strategists say the phenomenon has exploded this year. More are volunteering and traveling farther, and more are political neophytes who are interrupting careers to do it.

...For the fight in New Hampshire, the Obama campaign is sending e-mail blasts to local Democrats. "Volunteering in a battleground state is the most important thing you can do right now to make sure Barack is elected president," said one recent e-mail to supporters in the state.

The campaign said it recruited some 2,000 volunteers from Massachusetts to descend on the state in recent weekends, and plans to raise the number to 5,000 for the final weekend before Election Day. Stefani Koorey, a humanities professor who lives in Fall River, has been one of them, campaigning in Nashua.

"I can't give them money," she said, "I can give them time. And that's my gift to the campaign because I know if he doesn't win and I didn't do everything I could, it's my fault."

...Dorothea Jones of Roxbury has been campaigning for Barack Obama in Durham, N.C.

"I believe fully in the political process, I try to do what I feel is most helpful, and North Carolina is one of those states that is a swing state and I felt I could be very helpful."

AFL-CIO Endorses Barack Obama

George Krebs — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:34:36 EDT

Earlier this year, the AFL-CIO, the nation’s largest federation of unions with over 10 million members endorsed Barack and our campaign. The endorsement reflects Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s continued commitment to unions and their members.

Unions throughout the country, from the National Education Association to the Iron Workers have all cited Barack’s record on labor and his support for the middle class.

With this endorsement, our campaign gained the backing of hundreds of thousands of volunteers knocking on doors, making phone calls, distributing fliers and generating shop floor discussions about why Barack Obama is the best choice for working families. See the momentous endorsement below.

AFL-CIO Votes to Endorse Senator Barack Obama for President

Endorsement Triggers Largest Ever Mobilization of Working Families AFL-CIO Program to Reach Union Voters Nationwide, 13 Million in 24 Priority States
Calling Sen. Barack Obama a champion for working families, the top leaders of AFL-CIO unions today voted without opposition to endorse him for president of the United States, thrusting the labor federation’s largest ever grassroots mobilization effort into high gear.
“In so many ways―on jobs, health care, gas prices and the war in Iraq―our country is headed in the wrong direction,” AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said. “Barack Obama has proven from his days as an organizer, to his time in the Senate and his historic run for the presidency, that he’s leading the fight to turn around America. He’s a champion for working families who knows what it’s going to take to create an economy that works for everyone, not just Big Oil, Big Pharma, the insurance companies, the giant mortgage lenders, speculators and the very wealthy. We’re proud to stand with Sen. Obama to help our nation chart a course that will improve life for generations of working people and our children.”
In its endorsement statement, the AFL-CIO General Board cited Obama’s strong support of working families on issues such as health care reform, fair trade that will lift up workers here and around the world, retirement security and the freedom to form unions and bargain for middle-class living standards. Obama has a 98 percent voting record on working families’ issues, compared to just 16 percent for Sen. John McCain.
“Senator Barack Obama has secured the nomination of his party in a campaign that has energized millions of Americans and spoken to the hopes and dreams of people from every corner of our nation,” read the AFL-CIO General Board’s statement to endorse Obama. “His leadership can re-engage disenfranchised Americans and bring our country together.” The General Board, which includes presidents of all 56 unions in the federation as well as Executive Council members and representatives of state and local federations, trade departments and constituency groups, votes by per capita membership.
“Senator Obama has advocated a change of direction for our nation that mirrors the priorities of the labor movement,” the statement continued.
The endorsement is not only a stamp of approval; it marks the beginning of a huge, united political mobilization among working class voters. The AFL-CIO will focus on mobilizing more than 13 million union voters―including union members, families of members, retirees and members of the AFL-CIO community affiliate Working America―in 24 priority states, working to elect U.S. senators and representatives, as well as state and local candidates.
“We’ll work our hearts out for Barack Obama,” said AFSCME President and AFL-CIO Political Committee Chair Gerald McEntee. “Our program is going to be worker to worker and neighbor to neighbor. We’re ready to mobilize. We’re ready to rock and roll. This country and our people are ready for change.”

The organizational tactics and technologies employed by unions are the same ones this campaign is using to elect Barack Obama. With a unified labor movement at our backs, it’s time to organize.

Morning News

George Krebs — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:20:37 EDT

From the Winchester Star:

Thirteen days before he hopes to win Virginia's 13 electoral votes, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., made a presidential campaign stop in Loudoun County Wednesday.

Speaking before an estimated crowd of at least 35,000 that had packed into Leesburg's Ida Lee Park, the 47-year-old Democrat connected with his Northern Virginia supporters only hours after addressing a similarly enthusiastic audience in Richmond.

Obama is relying on his connections in the commonwealth -- current Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, a Democrat, is the national co-chairman of the Obama for America Campaign, and former Gov. Mark Warner, a candidate for U.S. Senate, is providing some of his campaign donations to bolster Obama in Virginia -- as part of his quest to be the first Democrat since 1964 to grab the state's 13 electoral votes.

He was joined in Leesburg by both Kaine and Warner, as well as the Democratic Party's 10th District House of Representatives candidate, Judy Feder.

"Ah, look at this, look at this!" Obama said after being introduced by Kaine in Leesburg.

"On this beautiful fall day, it is good to be back in Virginia.

"I know some folks don't think so, but this looks like the real Virginia to me. This looks like authentic Virginia."

Obama noted the concerns of the commonwealth. People from Martinsville to Leesburg are worried about their jobs, their schools, and their health care plans, he said.

The last 13 days of the campaign are crucial, Obama said.

... "We can't let up, and we won't let up, because change never comes without a fight," Obama said.

From the Boston Globe:

...Democrat Barack Obama's campaign has poured people and money into Florida in building the largest field organization ever assembled in the Sunshine State.

Obama's campaign says it has deployed 500 paid staff members and boasts 160,000 volunteers in Florida, an unprecedented network that is hunting for votes via telephone, e-mail, and old-fashioned, door-to-door personal contact. Combined with a barrage of advertising, the Florida blitz will cost much more than the $39 million the campaign initially budgeted.

...The Florida operation raises the Obama campaign's commitment to strong field organization to a new level. [Director of the Obama campaign in Florida Stephen] Schale, a veteran of Florida politics, presides over a network of Obama regional offices that buzz with young staffers and volunteers armed with wireless laptops.

...The operation is especially evident on the ground, beginning with its vast voter registration drive. The campaign boosted the Democrats' registration advantage over the Republicans to almost 658,000 voters out of 11.2 million in the state. That edge is nearly double the Democratic margin four years ago.

From Bloomberg:

Joe Biden is the Reggie Jackson of presidential politics this year.

Jackson is the Hall of Fame baseball player who was known as "Mr. October" for always delivering for his teams when the stakes were highest, during the World Series played in that month.

When presidential candidate Barack Obama chose the Delaware senator as his running mate in August, it was viewed as a conventional pick that did little to energize the Democratic Party. In the last six weeks, Biden, 65, has emerged as one of campaign's greatest strengths.

...Biden "brings a lot of experience and clout to the world stage," said Douglas Mapes, 32, an Obama supporter and part-time student in Bremerton, Washington, who voted Republican in the last three presidential elections and was president of his Young Republican Club in high school.

...Biden also has emerged as one of the campaign's most active press spokesmen. While Palin's exposure to the media has been minimal, the Democrat has given more than 140 interviews since he was chosen by Obama on Aug. 23, according to his spokesman, David Wade.

...On the stump, Biden emphasizes both his long career in Washington and his working-class roots in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

During a campaign stop in Henderson, Nevada, an area heavily dependent on construction and service jobs in nearby Las Vegas, Biden cautioned against overconfidence in the closing weeks of the campaign.

"We cannot be complacent about this, man," Biden said, warning Republicans would ratchet up the negative campaigning against Obama, 47. "They are going off to get the bathroom sink."

From CBS News:

Barack Obama brought two more Joe's to the spotlight today, "Joe the Hedge Fund Manager" and "Joe the CEO," as he continued to aggressively defend his tax plan. During a rally at the Richmond Coliseum, Obama argued that he is on "Joe the Plumber's" side while the more affluent Joes are allied with John McCain.

"Joe's cool, I got no problems with Joe. All I want to do is give Joe a tax cut," he said referring the Ohio plumber.

"But let's be clear who John McCain's fighting for. He's not fighting for 'Joe the Plumber', he's fighting for 'Joe the Hedge Fund Manager'. John McCain likes to talk about 'Joe the Plumber' but he's in cahoots with 'Joe the CEO.'"

...At the rally, Obama made several attempts to explain and defend his plan to roll back the Bush tax cuts.

"Let me just see a show of hands - how many people make less than a quarter million," Obama asked the crowd of more than 10,000. After the majority raised their hand, Obama promised cut their taxes and said he was willing to raise his own.

"I do want to roll back the Bush tax cuts for people like me, I don't need a tax cut. I didn't need it back in 2000, or 2001, 2002," he explained. "So me rolling back those tax cuts on the wealthiest Americans so we can give relief to the nurse to the teacher and the bus driver and the janitor."

Morning News

George Krebs — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:15:17 EDT

From the Wall Street Journal:

Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain head into their third and final presidential debate on Wednesday night amid renewed optimism about the economy.

...The two White House hopefuls meet Wednesday night following a huge gain in the stock market on Monday and mixed results on Tuesday that were spurred by a government plan to buy stakes in the largest U.S. banks. Even with markets rebounding ... Wednesday's scheduled topics of the economy and domestic policy will give the two men a much-watched platform to appeal to undecided voters.

Wednesday's debate is scheduled for 9 p.m. Eastern at Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y. The economy and domestic policy also dominated much of the first two debates as the financial crisis spread and markets seesawed. Each candidate will be allowed two-minute answers, followed by a five-minute discussion for each question. The rules also call for Obama and McCain to make two-minute closing statements.

Obama's campaign -- which unveiled new proposals of its own on Monday -- called McCain's plans "a day late and 101 million middle-class families short," saying they won't give tax relief to 101 million families, including 97% of senior citizens. Obama's newest proposals include a partial moratorium on foreclosures and allowing withdrawals of as much as $10,000 from retirement accounts without a tax penalty for two years.

From the Toledo Blade:

With the wind whipping off Lake Erie behind him yesterday, Barack Obama added his endorsement to President Bush's plan to buy into struggling banks to help recover from a national credit crisis.

He held his press conference at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon. He has been staying at the resort since Sunday night preparing for his debate tonight in New York with John McCain.

Mr. Obama also took five questions from reporters before taking his multivehicle entourage through Oregon to the Chrysler Machining Plant in Perrysburg Township for a surprise meeting with shift-change workers.

...Mr. Obama said "the idea of injecting capital directly into banks is a good one," in response to Mr. Bush's proposal to have the government buy a $250 billion share of struggling banks.

"It gives taxpayers a better chance of getting their money out potentially. It also gives the Treasury some more direct mechanisms to monitor and apply some ground rules to participating banks," Mr. Obama said. "But it is very important that there are some regulatory requirements ultimately that go with these injections of cash."

He said the plan must crack down on "excessive CEO pay" and make sure the equity share acquired by the government is a good deal for taxpayers.

...At the 3 p.m. shift change at the Chrysler plant in Perrysburg Township, workers clumped around Mr. Obama, pumped his hand, got their pictures taken with him, and urged him on.

Fred Hogue, 41, of Toledo, held Mr. Obama's hand in the air as he yelled, "Barack Obama - next president of the United States."

"It's an exciting time for America right now. It's an exciting time for UAWs all over America," Mr. Hogue said. The UAW has endorsed Mr. Obama, and the union stewards were wearing Obama/Biden T-shirts.

From the Seattle Times:

Sen. Barack Obama's campaign said Tuesday its army of nationwide workers has registered millions of voters and Democrats now hold a 3.34 million voter edge in 13 battleground states.

With voter-registration deadlines past in most key states, Obama's aides said data show that in 13 swing states there are 1.49 million more Democrats and 61,438 fewer Republicans registered than there were at the time of the 2004 general election.

Obama's campaign said it's erased GOP advantages in Iowa and Nevada and dramatically increased its edges in Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Morning News

George Krebs — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 08:05:36 EDT

From the Detroit Free Press:

Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama rolled out a sweeping plan for jump-starting the U.S. economy Monday, saying he hopes to get it implemented as soon as possible.

The plan would rewrite the U.S. response to the economic turmoil swamping the nation even as the stock market showed historic gains Monday, with Obama promising immediate tax relief for families making less than $150,000 a year, a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures by any financial institution being bailed out by the government and penalty-free hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts.

..."We've already lost three-quarters of a million jobs this year, and some experts say that unemployment may rise to 8% by the end of next year. We can't wait until then to start creating new jobs," he said in a speech in Toledo.

...It not only could stabilize the financial markets and provide relief to families, Obama said, "It's a plan that begins with one word that's on everyone's mind, and it's spelled J-O-B-S."

...Obama's plan specifically calls for cutting taxes, not raising them. Families making less than $150,000 a year would get an immediate $1,000 tax credit.

...Obama's plan was welcome in Toledo, which -- like many Michigan communities -- suffers from a lagging economy and a disappearing manufacturing base.

"I like that he's going to be more supportive of the middle class because that's what I am, and I feel like soon I'm going to be nothing," said Toledo resident John Cathers, Jr., 54, who is a self-contractor. "I work 19 hours a day, seven days a week, and I still struggle."

From Reuters:

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama walked door-to-door in a working class Ohio neighborhood on Sunday, urging committed Democrats to vote for him and trying to win over wavering independents.

Obama's stroll down Shrewsbury Street in Holland, Ohio, was a relatively rare foray into retail politics for the Illinois senator.

..."Remember: everybody can vote right now. There is early voting in Ohio. Don't wait," Obama, his sleeves rolled up, said as walked down the street knocking on doors, shaking hands and fielding questions in the Toledo suburb of modest brick homes.

With 20 of the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the Nov. 4 presidential election, Ohio is a central front in this year's campaign and was the state that secured Republican President George W. Bush his 2004 reelection victory.

...Several of the people Obama met stressed their anxieties about the U.S. economy, which many economists believe is headed for a recession amid the global financial crisis that dragged major U.S. stock indices down some 18 percent last week.

"We're in a scary time right now," said Mike Klear, a truck driver who hauls steel for a small firm called Keep It Moving of Toledo. "We just had a meeting Saturday ... about how everyone is scared what the future holds."

Klear said he was an independent who typically supports Democrats and planned to vote for Obama.

Obama exhorted Democrats to vote -- early, if possible, as permitted in Ohio -- and he passed out flyers with information about where to cast their ballots before election day.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Vanessa DiStefano knocked on an apartment door on the city's east side Saturday morning, and a small, frail woman answered. She was 98 years old, the daughter of a slave and, most importantly, an undecided voter.

DiStefano and her boyfriend, Josh Olson, Los Angeles residents who traveled to Nevada to canvass for Barack Obama, spent the next 15 minutes asking her what she thought about the election and telling her why they liked the Democratic candidate. When they left, they were confident they had won Obama another convert.

...As election day nears, thousands of Californians are trekking to Nevada to try to swing the Silver State blue. It may happen. Obama has led all the state polls this month even though Nevada hasn't sided with a Democratic presidential candidate since 1996.

Obama aides won't say how many Californians have headed east, but staffers acknowledged they are putting extra emphasis on their "Drive for Change" campaign to get Californians to Nevada.

...DiStefano and Olson traveled to Las Vegas with a group organized by Eric Garcetti, the Los Angeles City Council president who is Obama's Southern California chairman. At the group's orientation at the Tropicana Hotel, college students sat alongside grandparents, and first-time volunteers were next to veteran campaigners.

...Each volunteer was given a "walk kit," an envelope with pamphlets about Obama (some in Spanish), information on early voting, and the names and addresses of 40 or so voters whom the campaign has identified as Democrats or as "persuadable independents" (a full 15% of Nevadans are registered independent).

Then, the campaign turned the volunteers loose.

"I absolutely hate knocking on doors and talking to strangers," Karen Klabin admitted as she and her family headed to their assigned precinct. "But this is just so important."

...Klabin and the volunteers didn't come to Nevada just to talk to voters about their candidate -- they were also gathering intelligence. The campaign asks volunteers to characterize each voter with an "Obama ID" -- which gauges their support for the candidate. The final stretch is known as the "persuasion period," and the campaign wants to make sure it focuses on people who can be counted on to vote for Obama.

...As they swapped stories, the volunteers came to a consensus: The economy was on the mind of almost every voter.

...Although he was fighting a cold, Garfield said that he, like most of the volunteers, would be up bright and early Sunday to canvass some more.

From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

Michelle Obama looked out at a St. Paul field house filled with supporters of her husband Monday afternoon and told them: "For me, this is not just politics. It's personal. It's personal for me, it's personal for all of us now."

And with that, Democrat Barack Obama's No. 1 campaign surrogate put the presidential race in the most personal terms possible.

During her appearance at Macalester College, and an earlier one in Rochester, Michelle Obama stuck closely to the campaign's tight focus on the economy, mostly filtering it through her experiences as a wife, daughter and mother.

With three weeks to go until Election Day, she steered far from the negative tone that has increasingly marked the campaign, never once mentioning Republican John McCain, her husband's opponent in the race for the White House.

The closest she came in her half-hour speech was at its beginning, when she asked the crowd of more than 4,000, "are you tired of that subprime leadership in the White House?"

Obama repeatedly boiled down her message to a simple formulation: "Don't we deserve leaders who get it? [I've been campaigning] for 20 months with the sole task of telling you Barack Obama gets it. That's all I know. I can't speak for anyone else.”

Morning News

George Krebs — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:35:34 EDT

From the New York Times:

As Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. puzzles out the perfect tone to take with Gov. Sarah Palin in Thursday night's debate, he is getting advice from a woman who has been an intimate since he was a grade school student with a stutter and a paper route.

"He's been my best friend all my life," said that person, Mr. Biden's sister, Valerie Biden Owens, in an interview in August. "I opened my eyes and he was there and he said, 'Let's go.' I was his sidekick."

As Mrs. Biden Owens, 62, spoke, she summoned the ghost of her younger self, a kid sister trailing awestruck behind her big brother, Joey. Mrs. Biden Owens resembles her older brother -- the bright eyes, the oval face, the quips, the way she remembers names and birthdays -- but, really, she has led him, too, running through his life like garden ivy.

She has managed every one of his campaigns, from high school class president to his New Castle County Council race to his first Senate bid, a 1972 upset victory, to his minefield of a presidential run in 1988.

...As Mr. Biden has written in his autobiography, his trust in his sister is complete.

"They finish each other's sentences -- they're the yin and yang of the Biden family," said Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky.

...Mrs. Biden Owens said her family -- along with Mr. Biden, there are two other brothers -- does not know how to do it any other way. "It's just how we grew up," she said.

...She is married to Jack Owens, one of Mr. Biden's closest friends from law school, and they now live only 15 minutes away.

"Valerie Biden was the cornerstone that allowed me to sustain and then rebuild my family," Mr. Biden wrote in his autobiography, "Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics."

"It was a gift," Mrs. Biden Owens said, more lightly, all these years later. "I got to practice on Beau and Hunter before I screwed up my own kids."

...When they were children, Mr. Biden was a member of the safety patrol, but he turned in his shiny blue badge rather than report his sister for her bad behavior on the bus one day.

At the University of Delaware, he vetted all of her suitors.

...Thinking ahead to Thursday night, right before her brother takes the stage in St. Louis for the debate, Mrs. Biden Owens said: "I don't have to tell Joe anything. I'll just give him a hug and tell him I love him."

From the USA Today:

Leaving behind a campaign trail lined with cheering voters, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain returned to a somber capital Wednesday to help move an economic recovery plan through Congress.

Both men arrived in the Senate chamber two days after the House rejected the $700 billion bailout proposal in a historic vote that sent markets tumbling around the world and prompted renewed calls for action.

Congressional leaders, touting a sense of momentum buoyed by McCain and Obama, said they hope a revised bill approved by the Senate will receive House support in a vote expected Friday, but some rank-and-file members remained skeptical.

Obama returned to the sedate Senate chamber Wednesday evening. Senators began to fill their seats as the junior senator from Illinois started speaking.

"All of us have the responsibility to solve this crisis because it affects the financial well-being of every American," Obama said. "We're in a very dangerous situation. … Millions of jobs could be lost."

...After the Senate vote, Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., addressed reporters together. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., said: "This vote tonight, I think, was the turning point."

The revised Senate bill includes a provision to raise the $100,000 cap on federally insured bank deposits to $250,000.

From the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

Barack Obama returned to "Minnewisowa" on Wednesday, vowing to clean up messes in far-off places called Wall Street and Washington.

...The visits, the 11th and 12th to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa in just over a month by Obama, John McCain and their running mates, were the latest evidence of just how crucial these states have become to both campaigns.

"Minnewisowa" is a fanciful name coined for a battleground region rich in electoral votes that has been relentlessly targeted by strategists for both presidential campaigns.

Taken together, the three states yield 27 electoral votes, more than either Ohio or Florida, traditionally considered the jackpots in presidential elections.

The Democratic presidential nominee Wednesday called for swift action on a rescue plan for the nation's financial sector, while declaring the crisis that necessitates it "an outrage" caused by "the greed and irresponsibility that has dominated Washington and Wall Street for years."

Addressing a crowd estimated at 15,000 by the La Crosse Fire Department, he added: "While there is plenty of blame to go around ... all of us now have a responsibility to solve this crisis because it affects the financial well-being of every single American. There will be time to punish those who set this fire, but now is the moment for us to come together and put the fire out."

From the Los Angeles Times:

Jeffrey Platt wasn't sure what he was going to hear when he took the afternoon off from his struggling architectural firm to see Bill Clinton make his first campaign stop for Barack Obama.

...But under a blazing sun at the University of Central Florida on Wednesday, Platt, 52, said he heard what he was hoping for, a full-throated Clinton endorsement of Obama.

"Here's why you ought to be for Barack Obama," Clinton said with a passion some felt had gone missing. "He's got better answers -- better answers for the economy, for energy, for healthcare, for education. He knows what it will take to get this country back on track."

Platt left satisfied. "He finally got aggressive," he said after Clinton's speech in this battleground state where the race for 27 electoral votes is tight. "He made it apparent the country is in trouble and Barack Obama is the help we need."

...Clinton's praise was effusive when he talked of the lower half of the Democratic ticket, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden, whom he called "a superb choice." "He's got a better vice presidential partner," Clinton said of Obama in a line that brought cheers.

It was the first of two stops in Florida (Fort Pierce was also on the schedule), with more planned in other battleground states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and Nevada. Clinton urged the crowds of several thousand to knock on doors for Obama. "You don't have to say one bad word about Sen. Obama's opponent. You just have to tell them the truth," he said.

...In a crisp gray suit, waving happily from a silver Suburban as he departed, the former president seemed in his element, having laced his speech with the "feel your pain" empathy that served him well in two successful runs. "People are waking up with their guts in a knot. . . . Sooner or later, you won't be able to buy a refrigerator on an installment plan."

"He spoke directly to me," said Karla Fountain, a 37-year-old photographer. "My husband and I are in trouble with our mortgage; my small business has taken a slump."

Morning News

George Krebs — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:39:40 EDT

From the Associated Press:

Democrat Barack Obama said Republican John McCain's long advocacy of deregulation contributed to the current financial crisis and letting his GOP rival continue those policies as president would be a gamble "we can't afford."

After the House defeated a bill Monday to bail out the financial industry but also impose new federal controls on it, the Democratic presidential candidate said that McCain has "fought against commonsense regulations for decades, he's called for less regulation 20 times just this year, and he said in a recent interview that he thought deregulation has actually helped grow our economy."

"Senator, what economy are you talking about?" Obama asked.

Speaking to a packed gymnasium at Mountain Range High School, Obama associated McCain's economic views with a news report about the six-term Arizona senator's closeness to the gambling industry, without ever mentioning the news story itself.

"I read the other day that Sen. McCain likes to gamble. He likes to roll those dice. And that's OK. I enjoy a little friendly game of poker myself every now and then," Obama said. "But one thing I know is this — we can't afford to gamble on four more years of the same disastrous economic policies we've had for the last eight."

...Speaking minutes after the House bailout vote, Obama also called on Congress to stay in Washington and pass a bailout bill.

"One of the messages I have to Congress is: Get this done," Obama said. "Democrats, Republicans, step up to the plate, get it done."

Obama said he's confident Congress will eventually work out something, however. "But it's going to be a little rocky," the Illinois senator said.

...Obama said he talked with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other leaders, who were trying to figure out the next step.

Obama said he knew the vote "was a hard thing to do for Congress."

But "today, Democrats and Republicans in Washington have the responsibility to put make sure that the emergency rescue package is put forward that can at least stop the immediate problem that we have so we can begin to plan for the future," Obama said.

From the Boston Globe:

If you have already made up your mind in the presidential race, is there any point to waiting until Election Day to vote?

For millions of voters over the next few weeks, the answer will be no. Confident in their choice of John McCain or Barack Obama, they will line up around the country to cast early ballots - at Albertsons grocery stores around Las Vegas, next to the Barnes & Noble at the Friendly Center shopping plaza in Greensboro, N.C., and in the student union at Drake University in Des Moines.

The rush to vote early, abetted by the growing liberalization of state election laws, reflects a quiet revolution in American voting patterns that is reshaping the presidential race. The very notion of Election Day, when Americans gather in school gyms, community centers, and fire stations to pick a president, is slowly giving way to drawn-out election windows - weeks-long periods when voters, at their leisure, can cast ballots at designated spots or send them by mail.

...This year, some voting specialists believe that as many as one in three voters could have their decision banked before Nov. 4, compared with one in five who cast early ballots in 2004 and roughly one in seven who did so in 2000, according to Census surveys and Associated Press tallies.

Voters in several states, including those in the important battlegrounds of Iowa and Virginia, have already begun voting. Over the next few weeks, people in more than 30 states will join them. The shift toward early voting has enormous consequences for presidential campaigns, transforming the way they build turnout operations, allocate staff and money, and push messages in the media and in TV ads.

But Obama's campaign, which has built what many political veterans believe is the best-organized presidential campaign ever, is also making a big push on early voting, which may help him put up a serious challenge for reliably GOP states such as North Carolina and Indiana.

Yesterday, Obama's North Carolina campaign posted an Internet video of Obama, just before taking the stage at a rally in Greensboro on Saturday, urging supporters to vote as soon as the state's early-voting window begins, on Oct. 16.

"It can't be easier, but you've got to make the effort," Obama said, pointing backers to his campaign's sophisticated website, voteforchange.com, where they can register and find their early-voting locations.

...Republicans and Democrats have been engaged in a fierce fight over early voting in Ohio, where, for the first time in a presidential election voters can cast ballots early with an excuse. From today through Monday, Ohio voters will be able to simultaneously register to vote and cast ballots, a window that Republicans argue disproportionately benefits Democrats. The Ohio Supreme Court and a federal judge yesterday rebuffed GOP-led legal challenges, allowing the early voting to proceed.

Voters who seek to preempt Election Day are driven by varying motivations: impatience, a desire to avoid crowds, schedules that make getting to the polls difficult.

...With record turnout expected in a number of states, state election officials are actively encouraging voters to cast early ballots, because it lessens the demands on their offices on Election Day.

Colorado has been running public service announcements urging people to vote once the state's early-voting window opens Oct. 20. "It's a really strong message here," said Stephanie Cegielski, a legal specialist with the Colorado Secretary of State's office. "Get your vote in early."

From the Sarasota Herald-Tribune:

Former president Bill Clinton will campaign for Sen. Barack Obama in Orlando and Fort Pierce [Florida] on Wednesday, the Obama campaign said today.

...Clinton is the only Democratic presidential candidate in the past 30 years to have won Florida.

...The Orlando event takes place at University of Central Florida at noon.

The event in Fort Pierce, in St. Lucie County, starts at 2:45 downtown.

From the Jewish Telegraphic Agency:

A new Jewish political action committee is encouraging, the Jewish Council for Education and Research, is organizing "The Great Schlep" over Columbus Day Weekend, Oct. 11-13, in an effort to help tip Florida to the Democratic nominee.

An Internet video starring Jewish comedian Sarah Silverman, which was viewed about 1 million times in its first day of release, boosted the effort.

“It's clear from any sort of political operative you talk to that the best way to persuade somebody is for them to talk to someone they trust,” said Mik Moore, a co-executive director of the new Jewish Council. “Our indications are that these are the best people to make the case. And we've seen a huge amount of interest in doing this.”

Organizers intend to provide travelers with training and materials, and they are hosting a social event on the evening of Oct. 11.

Morning News

George Krebs — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:55:59 EDT

From the AP:

Democrat Barack Obama said Wednesday that Republican John McCain may criticize Wall Street executives now but failed to speak out against their huge salaries a year ago, and still backs policies that favor the wealthy over working families.

He accused McCain of acting like a populist now that Wall Street's meltdown threatens the economy. But Obama said that disguises McCain's true philosophy: "The idea that if we give more and more to those with the most, prosperity will trickle down to everyone else."

...At a rally in a ballpark near Tampa, Obama boasted that he introduced legislation more than a year ago to give shareholders an advisory vote on determining the pay for corporate CEOs. He said McCain opposed the idea.

"He's suddenly a hard-charging populist, and that's all well and good," Obama told a crowd of about 11,000. "But I sure wish he was talking the same way over a year ago, when I introduced a bill that would've helped stop the multimillion-dollar bonus packages that CEOs grab on their way out the door."

Obama complained that McCain opposed the bill, which did not become law, and similar proposals.

The Illinois senator also said he "blew the whistle" on big severance packages for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac executives after the government took control of the mortgage giants this month.

That referred to Obama's Sept. 8 response to a news report that the departing heads of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stood to receive millions in severance payments. Obama wrote to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and the government overseer of Fannie and Freddie to ask that the payments be blocked.

From Bloomberg News:

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain offered a guarded embrace of the Treasury Department plan to rescue ailing financial firms, with both outlining extra conditions and finding themselves in the rare position of competing for attention with Congress.

The two nominees agreed that any proposal to aid U.S. financial markets must include provisions for recouping government money and returning it to taxpayers.

...Obama said the government should get a stake in any company that benefits from the bailout.

``If taxpayers are being asked to underwrite hundreds of billions of dollars to solve this crisis, they must be treated like investors,'' the Democratic presidential nominee said in Clearwater, Florida.

...Obama said the plan to stabilize the financial markets should also include provisions for the government to purchase troubled mortgages directly, rather than just mortgage-backed securities, to provide help to taxpayers struggling to keep their homes. He also wants an independent oversight board.

He suggested taking a stake in companies rather than simply taking on their troubled assets. ``If the government makes any kind of profit on the deal, we must give every single penny back to the taxpayers who put up the money in the first place,'' he said.

Obama accused President George W. Bush of trying to panic lawmakers and the public into rushing forward with the rescue plan, saying taxpayers shouldn't be expected to hand the administration a blank check.

``The president's stubborn inflexibility is both unacceptable and disturbingly familiar,'' Obama said, making an indirect reference to the administration's pressure on Congress in the run-up to the Iraq War. ``This is not the time for my-way- or-the-highway intransigence from anyone involved.''

...Obama reiterated his call for an additional economic- stimulus package. He said it should be dealt with separately from the market-rescue legislation.

From the Washington Post:

Speaking to reporters at a hastily called news conference here, Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama said he would press for the Friday debate to go forward. "I believe that we should continue to have the debate," he said. "I think that it makes sense for us to present ourselves before the American people, to talk about the nature of the problems that we're having in our financial system, to talk about how it relates to our global standing in the world, what implications it has for our national security, how it relates to critical questions, like the war in Iraq and Afghanistan."

And if it turns out that the candidates must be present in the Senate on Friday, "We've both got big planes. We've painted our slogans on the sides of them. They can get us from Washington, D.C., to Mississippi fairly quickly."

...Obama said he was in daily contact with Democratic leaders in Congress and with Paulson, and said he would return to Washington if he thought his presence would be useful in striking a deal. But Obama said that, given the stakes, he viewed the debate as a valuable use of the candidates' time.

"It is going to be part of the president's job to deal with more than one thing at once," he said. "I think there's no reason why we can't be constructive in helping to solve this problem and also tell the American people what we believe, and where we stand, and where we want to take the country."

He continued, "So in my mind, actually, it's more important than ever that we present ourselves to the American people and try to describe where we want to take the country and where we want to take the economy, as well as dealing with some of the issues of foreign policy that were initially the subject of the debate."

From the LA Times:

The campaign isn't over, but the voting is underway.

Before watching the presidential debates and without waiting for the next round of TV ads, millions of voters who have made up their minds about John McCain and Barack Obama will cast ballots before election day, thanks to expansive new early-voting laws.

In parts of Georgia, voting began last week. In Iowa, residents may vote at county auditor offices starting today. And in Ohio, a battleground state that Obama and McCain each view as crucial to making it into the White House, voting opens Tuesday.

...More than 30 states have adopted methods allowing people to vote before Nov. 4 -- no excuses needed.

About 14% of the electorate chose early balloting in the 2000 campaign. That figure jumped to 20% in 2004, and this time around it could rise to more than 30%, according to Paul Gronke, head of the early voting information center at Reed College in Oregon.

In Los Angeles County, early voting begins Oct. 7. The county has done away with early voting conducted on touch-screen machines at select polling places, and instead accepts ballots submitted by mail or in person through election day. The last day to request an early ballot is Oct. 28.

...The Obama campaign has hung posters in hundreds of barber shops across Ohio, providing a toll-free phone number people can call for information about early voting. Obama is shown sitting in a barber chair, wearing a smock.

...Early voting gives the campaign more than a month to track such supporters and make sure they follow through and vote.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Earvin "Magic" Johnson on Wednesday night returned to his hometown to back Democrat Barack Obama for president, telling residents they can help turn around the city's economy if they vote in November.

"He's talking about change," the former NBA and Michigan State basketball star said of the Illinois senator. "The man has a plan. He's a visionary. He's a man of action."

Johnson, 49, spoke to more than 250 people at a town hall-style event inside a Lansing middle school. He was joined on stage by Melody Barnes, Obama's senior domestic policy adviser; Earl Graves, the publisher of Black Enterprise magazine; and four local leaders.

Johnson endorsed Hillary Clinton during the Democratic primaries and campaigned with her.

"Those days are over, though," he said to loud applause. "All the people who are feeling bad about Hillary, you've got to move beyond that."

Johnson got a bigger applause when he said ending the Iraq war would save $90 billion.

"We can use that money to invest in our own people and that alone will create a lot of jobs," he said.

Johnson said his heart was "broken" for Lansing and Michigan, which have high unemployment rates because the automotive industry is shedding jobs.

...Obama has said he would appoint the first White House Director of Urban Policy to help cut through federal bureaucracies. He also has said he would create jobs by rebuilding roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects.

When the panel took questions from the audience, one questioner asked how to get people outside inner cities to care about urban issues.

"First of all, you've got to vote," Johnson said. "That's the most powerful thing we can do."

He said high school dropout rates are too high in the black community, and he challenged people to be better parents by policing each other's children, going to church and spending time as a family.

"It's up to us," Johnson said.

Morning News

George Krebs — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:01:33 EDT

From the Reno Gazette-Journal:

In a 20-minute speech focused almost entirely on the economy, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., sought to win over skeptical voters in this overwhelmingly Republican county Wednesday, promising policies that would support rural economies, specifically mining.

That a Democratic presidential candidate would campaign in the rural outpost traditionally ignored by major Democratic candidates shocked many in the crowd of 1,500 in Elko [Nevada].

"Why is he here?" asked an incredulous Susie Ellis of Carlin.

The registered Republican brought her two children to hear Obama's speech and sheepishly said she is leaning toward voting for him in November.

Obama, who campaigned in Elko twice before the Democratic primary, said towns like Elko are a key to his campaign strategy of appealing to more than the traditional Democratic coalition of voters.

"Elko, I need you to make it happen," he said. "There's a reason we keep coming to Elko. In the past, presidential candidates didn't come here. The attitude was, if you're a Democrat, you went to Vegas. If you were a Republican, I don't know, you just don't show up.

"But this place is like places all across the country, people who are working hard, giving back to their communities and who have been forgotten."

...Obama spent the bulk of his speech linking the recent financial crisis and state of the economy to Republicans' "failed philosophy" that favors "those with the most and hopes prosperity trickles down."

"Let me be clear, what we've seen the last few days is nothing less than the final verdict of this failed philosophy," Obama said, repeating a line he's been using since the weekend's collapse of two major investment firms: "It's a philosophy that has not served the interest of the American people or the American economy."

...Obama drew Republicans, Democrats and nonpartisans to the event.

...Pete Lutz, a welder from Trinidad, Colo., was visiting friends in Elko. The Democrat, in dusty boots and a frayed John Deere cap, said working families always fare better in economies overseen by Democratic presidents.

"I think he would help the smaller people," Lutz said. "When Bill Clinton was in there, he did a lot of good. President Bush is just a warmonger who keeps the same old people."

From the Washington Post:

[Barack Obama] held two events today, one in Elko, Nev., another here [in Las Vegas]. He chided Sen. John McCain some at both. "Yesterday, John McCain actually said that if he's president, he'll take on the, quote, old boys' network in Washington," Obama said in Elko.

"I am not making this up. This is someone who's been in Congress for 26 years - who put seven of the most powerful Washington lobbyists in charge of his campaign - and now he's the one who will take on the old boy network?" Obama continued. "The old boy network? In the McCain campaign, that's called a staff meeting."

...By nighttime, Obama got a little more revved up. At a rally inside a baseball stadium here, Obama opened with a rousing "Si se puede" and joked about playing the slot machines while he was in town. But he quickly brought the crowd back down to a more serious level. He told people they could sit down -- rather than standing in their seats -- and said it had been a "difficult day, in a difficult week, in a difficult year," as he launched into what is becoming a standard part of his stump speech, about the financial meltdown.

"I didn't just read a poll and say, 'Oh, hey, this is a change election,'" he said.

From the Associated Press:

Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden said Wednesday it took a financial crisis on Wall Street for Republican candidate John McCain to realize the U.S. economy is in trouble.

"Where was he a week ago, a month ago?" Biden asked as he campaigned in suburban Toledo at the beginning of a two-day bus tour.

..."I don't doubt John cares," Biden said of his Senate colleague, who has long supported reducing corporate regulation. "He just doesn't think we have any responsibility to people who are hurting."

Stocks skidded again Wednesday as the government bailed out insurance giant American International Group Inc. The Federal Reserve is giving a two-year, $85 billion loan to AIG in exchange for a nearly 80 percent stake in the insurer, which lost billions in the risky business of insuring against bond defaults.

Wall Street had feared that AIG, which has its tentacles in various financial services industries around the world, would follow the investment bank Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. into bankruptcy

...Biden's bus tour was to take him through areas of Ohio devastated by job losses in manufacturing and the auto industry.

...Biden told supporters that McCain would only continue what has happened under the Bush administration. He cautioned that McCain was using the same language that Bush used eight years ago as a candidate, employing labels like "reform."

"We have seen this movie before," Biden said. "What we know is the sequel is always worse."

Biden ended the first day of his tour by urging college students to imagine a nation more respected overseas and committed to change at home. He told about 4,500 people at a rally at the College of Wooster, about 50 miles south of Cleveland, that U.S. standing worldwide had been hurt by the Bush administration. An Obama presidency would change that, he said.

"Imagine a country where we lead by the power of our example and not by the example of our power," Biden said.

From ABC News:

Running in Ohio is an intricate process, because campaigning there is like running in separate states.

State regions -- the northeast, the northwest, the Cleveland area and the old Rust Belt -- are drastically different.

...The Obama campaign is counting on sheer numbers to help the Illinois senator win the important region. It has 70 field offices in Ohio, compared with McCain's 40.

Jenn Brown, regional director for the Obama campaign, said the best weapon in the competition for voters is the neighbor-to-neighbor contact, because it shows "somebody who understands what you're going through, somebody who's facing the same economic challenges that you are."

The Obama campaign has volunteers beating the pavement and knocking on doors, and former teachers making signs.

Experts said the grassroots campaigning, phone calls and door-knocking might be able to add up to 1 to 2 percent on election day, which can decide a race. Just ask Al Gore or John Kerry.

Morning News

George Krebs — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:52:58 EDT

From the Wall Street Journal:

The U.S. banking crisis is shaking up the presidential race as well as the agenda of the next president, forcing both candidates to confront a financial calamity.

John McCain and Barack Obama jockeyed to seize an advantage on the financial crisis, signaling how Wall Street's troubles have become a bigger concern on Main Street. ...Democratic candidate Sen. Obama blamed the crisis on Washington's deregulatory bent over the past three decades.

...Sen. Obama singled out the Bush administration's deregulatory push for what he described as "the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression." While Sen. McCain wasn't at fault, he said, "I do fault the economic philosophy he subscribes to...one that says we should give more and more to those with the most and hope that prosperity trickles down."

...Sen. Obama said he spoke about the market turmoil Monday morning with his economic team, including former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker and former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers.

...In a March speech on financial-market overhaul, Sen. Obama called for extending commercial-banking regulations to investment banks, hedge funds and mortgage brokers. He called for a commission that would monitor threats to the financial system. He said deregulation that culminated in 1999 with a partial repeal of the 1930s' Glass-Steagall Act, which had separated investment banks and commercial banks, had been driven by lobbyists and was intended primarily to facilitate mergers.

..."We are going to have a lot of rebuilding to do," Sen. Obama said at a rally in Colorado.

From the Denver Post:

In the cool of the Alibi Lounge on the south side of Pueblo, David and Juanita Andrews relaxed Monday in their vinyl seats and toasted Barack Obama.

...Their prediction on the day Obama spoke to thousands nearby at the Colorado State Fair grounds? He may not have won Pueblo in the Democratic primary, but his humble roots and appeals to the working class on economic issues will go over big in the steel town now struggling with poverty and joblessness — a town that mirrors many rural stops in Western battleground states.

"The middle is disappearing," said David Andrews. "A lot of people are out of work. We don't like that."

Obama seized on those themes during his speech.

...He blamed Republicans for the Iraq war, lapses during Hurricane Katrina and a teetering Wall Street.

"They don't know how to govern," Obama said of the GOP. "But they're good at campaigning."

He recalled the 2004 election when, he said, Republicans switched focus from education and health care to swiftboats and windsurfing.

"We can't allow them to make the election about small things," he told the crowd.

...Speaking earlier in Grand Junction to a crowd estimated by the Mesa County Sheriff's Office at 5,800, Obama noted that McCain "doesn't get what's happening between the mountains of Sedona where his home is and the halls of power where he works.

"Why else would he say that we've made great progress economically under George Bush? Why else would he say that the economy isn't something he understands as well as he should? Why else would he say, today of all days, just a few hours ago — think about this, we just woke up to news of financial disaster — and this morning he said that the fundamentals of the economy are still strong. Sen. McCain, what economy are you talking about?"

..."It was a strong speech. He has a lot of confidence. He is someone willing to go outside the box," said Clement Frost, chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

Obama made a number of references to the importance of protecting water and pursuing renewable energy.

"If you want renewable energy and new green jobs right here in Colorado, if you want a president who will protect our environment and make sure that water is still falling in the places that need it here in Colorado, . . . then I ask you to start knocking on doors," he said.

That impressed many attendees.

"He went to some local issues like water," said retired environmental scientist Frank Nemanich. "I think it's really great to see someone come to western Colorado and do that."

From the Detroit Free Press:

Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden delivered a sharp but hopeful message right to the heart of the embattled autoworker today, as he visited a factory in Flat Rock that builds the Ford Mustang and other Ford- and Mazda-brand cars.

“Keep the faith,” U.S. Sen. Biden confidently told a few hundred workers at Auto Alliance International, as he shook hands and made his way through a crowd that had gathered for his afternoon visit.

“Keep the faith,” he said repeatedly.

Calling the automotive industry “the backbone” of the U.S. economy, Biden said he was fighting to help get automakers the $25 billion in loans they have been lobbying for to transition to a more fuel-efficient future.

Biden said the loans would pass “if I have anything to do with it.”

“Folks,” he said, “this is the muscle, the heart, the soul, the sinew of everything about American industry, and it’s automobiles, and we’ve got to bring back the industry.”

...Looking around the room and gesturing to the workers around him, he said, “This is no joke. ... This is what built the middle class of America. … If we let these jobs go, well, shame on us, man, shame on us.”

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

Although Barack Obama and John McCain aren't likely to square off in a debate on science issues before the election, both candidates have answered 14 science-themed policy questions posed by an organization representing many of the nation's scientists. ...Here are some highlights.

On maintaining American leadership in science and technology: Obama proposes doubling federal funding for basic research in the physical and life sciences, engineering and mathematics by 2018, as well as boosting government research grants for young scientists, to encourage them to stay in their fields.

...Climate change: Both candidates acknowledge that human activities -- specifically, the burning of fossil fuels -- are playing a role in global climate change. Both support a market-based "cap and trade" system that sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions and allows businesses to buy and sell pollution credits that help them meet the lowered emission requirements.

McCain's plan would allow more greenhouse gases than Obama's; McCain proposes reducing carbon emissions to at least 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2050, while Obama's goal is an 80 percent reduction in the same period.

Energy: Obama wants to expand federal spending on energy research by $150 billion over 10 years to address such areas as more fuel-efficient cars, energy-stingy buildings, and ways to capture and store the greenhouse gases emitted by coal-fired power plants.

...Stem cells: Both candidates say they support using federal money to pay for research using stem cells derived from human embryos. Obama says he would expand the amount of federally funded research by lifting President Bush's August 2001 executive order, which restricted work to just those few embryonic stem cell lines that existed at the time. Obama says the ban "has handcuffed our scientists and hindered our ability to compete with other nations."

...Scientific integrity: Both candidates say they oppose attempts to alter or suppress government scientific reports that conflict with a president's personal views, such as on climate change.

...Obama says he will establish new guidelines to prevent political bias from affecting government reports. He says he will create a new position of chief technology officer to make sure all federal agencies have the right policy and infrastructure. Obama also says he will strengthen the role of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Morning News

George Krebs — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 06:08:27 EDT

From the Detriot Free Press:

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told two Michigan audiences Monday that his Republican rival, John McCain, is trying to reinvent himself as an agent of government change despite his U.S. Senate record of supporting President George W. Bush and policies that squeeze the middle class.

...[T]he Illinois senator hammered at economic anxiety to crowds at Mott Community College in Flint and North Farmington High School in Farmington Hills.

He said that both McCain and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, are avoiding talking about the economy.

In Flint, Obama said that he -- not McCain -- has consistently advocated changes in tax policy, education, the war in Iraq and the U.S. auto industry that will create jobs and help average families who are struggling.

"You can't just make stuff up. You can't just reinvent yourself," he said of McCain. "The American people aren't stupid. What they're looking for is someone who has consistently called for change."

It was a head-on response to McCain's campaign shift to position himself as a maverick who will change Washington's culture of partisanship and special interests, and to disassociate himself from the unpopular Bush.

"They spent a lot of time talking about John McCain's biography, which is compelling, and Sarah Palin's biography. She's a mother, a governor, a moose shooter -- and that's cool stuff," Obama said of his opponents during his hour-long town hall in Farmington Hills. "Then they spent a long time talking about me. They didn't talk about the issues."

...Many in the crowd of about 1,000 in Farmington Hills agreed. Beverly Corr, 68, of Farmington Hills is retired from Michigan National Bank and thankful for a low mortgage on her condo.

"Right now, I can hardly see daylight," she said. "I feel it every time I buy gas or food."

...Obama used the August national unemployment rate of 6.1% -- the highest in five years -- to criticize Bush's stewardship.

Obama said the McCain campaign is deliberately avoiding the U.S. economy, hoping instead to make the presidential election a contest of personalities.

Obama told the crowd of 250 in Flint that he, not McCain, would revitalize the U.S. auto industry with billions of dollars to develop electric and alternative fuel vehicles that will create new jobs.

From the Associated Press:

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will eventually have to defend "some fairly extreme views" on climate change when she starts granting interviews as Republican presidential hopeful John McCain's running mate, her Democratic rival Joe Biden said Monday.

"Her views on everything from global warming to a host of other things, if they are as presented, they are pretty far out there," said Biden, Democrat Barack Obama's running mate, during a town hall-style meeting. "She's going to have to defend those positions."

...A woman in the crowd of about 1,000 people urged Biden not to "be afraid to debate her." Biden said he would debate Palin just as he does his female colleagues in the U.S. Senate.

"The idea that somehow, there's a woman, 'oh my God, I don't know how to deal with this,' I think guys who think that way have never been around strong women," Biden said.

Biden also pledged help for laid-off paper workers, courted Catholic voters and claimed to be a longtime Green Bay Packers fan.

The economy is a potent issue here, where paper companies have announced plans to lay off hundreds of workers in recent months. One of them introduced Biden: Greg Hinds, a union worker who is losing his job at Hoffmaster Group Inc. in Appleton along with 300 colleagues next year in a downsizing. The Delaware senator said he and Obama would put people back to work building infrastructure like roads and bridges and would support tax and trade policies to keep jobs in the United States.

..."I've never seen a time when so many middle-class Americans are living with such anxiety," he said. "It is stunning how out of touch this administration and John McCain are."

From the Los Angeles Times:

Entering the final stage of the race, the two presidential campaigns are plotting strategies that rely on vastly different readings of the electoral map, with Democrat Barack Obama competing hard in a large number of traditionally Republican states and John McCain, the GOP nominee, focusing on a small set of familiar battlegrounds.

...National polls suggest the race is a tossup. In presidential contests, though, the trick is stringing together victories in enough states to clear a 270-vote majority in the electoral college.

With the election less than two months out, each campaign is reevaluating the map. Privately, McCain strategists acknowledge they are up against a mighty field operation assembled by the Obama campaign, which McCain's team has been hard-pressed to match.

..."We had no illusions that this was going to be anything but close," David Axelrod, Obama's lead strategist, told reporters recently.

... Obama's plan has been to maximize his chances by trying to win states that were out of reach to Democrats in recent elections. He is making serious investments of staff and advertising in 18 states, 14 of which voted to reelect President Bush in 2004.

The idea is to hold on to all of the states that Democrat John F. Kerry won in 2004, then peel off enough traditionally Republican states to put Obama over the top. So, even at this late point in the contest, the Obama operation boasts dozens of paid staff and multiple offices in states such as Montana and North Dakota.

Other states that Republicans won in 2004, but which Obama is now targeting, include Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia. And the campaign says it is not abandoning its ambitions in Alaska, even after Palin's selection as McCain's running mate.

"One of our strategic goals here is to wake up on the morning of Nov. 4 with as many pathways to 270 electoral votes as possible," David Plouffe, Obama's campaign manager, recently told reporters. Nov. 4 is election day.

...Some conditions in the battleground states seem to favor Obama. Voter registration in key states has been trending Democratic. In Pennsylvania, a state with 21 electoral votes, registered Democrats now outnumber Republicans by more than 1.1 million, up from 484,000 in 2000.

Republicans enjoyed a registration edge in Nevada and Iowa in the 2000 and 2004 elections. Not anymore.

In Georgia, a state that hasn't voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in 16 years, Obama maintains a paid staff of more than 100. He has opened more than 30 offices, attracted nearly 5,000 volunteers and registered more than 92,000 new voters there, according to the campaign. A nonpartisan study of TV advertising released at the end of July showed that Obama had aired more than $1.8 million worth of ads in Georgia over the previous seven weeks, compared with nothing for McCain.

From the Oxford Press:

The Oxford [Ohio] campaign supporting the Barack Obama presidential campaign officially started Sunday evening, Sept. 7, with an overflow crowd at the local campaign headquarters, 32 W. Walnut St.

As a crowd gathered inside and grew with a line down the street, organizers moved the formal ribbon cutting outdoors where the temperature was more comfortable. Oxford mayor Prue Dana cut the ribbon, while emphasizing the importance of having such political offices as a means to encourage voter registration.

Dana said that having an office in town is symbolic because registration drives promote voter turnout on election day.

"The job of this office in the next three weeks is critical," she said.

...Don Daiker, an Oxford resident who was a convention delegate pledged to Obama two weeks ago, said the office is not financed by the national Obama campaign but is actually being paid for with money from several Oxford residents.

Daiker called the office "spacious" and said it will be a "beehive of activity in the coming weeks."

...[Patrick] Frank said he studied history in college and said, "I know what America is, what America has been and what America could be." He told the assembled Democrats that Barack Obama shows him what America can be. He said he will be in the newly-opened office every day to answer questions about the candidate and encouraged volunteers to come in to help.

National Democratic Ethnic Coordinated Caucus: "He is one of us"

George Krebs — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:08:34 EDT

The caucuses at the Democratic National Convention may not get all of the glamorous attention that the evening speeches get, but they highlight the people who make up the foundation of the party and this campaign.

At the National Democratic Ethnic Coordinated Council Meeting this morning in Denver, Irish-Americans, Italian-Americans, Lebanese-Americans, and supporters of many other ethnic identities met to discuss Barack’s commitment to Ethnic Americans and their plans to mobilize voters in their communities between now and November.

Here is what some of what our supporters at the event were saying:

Marty D.:

I feel vindicated by the Obama Campaign. They are reaching out and they understand how important this work is. I look out here -- half the people here I haven’t met before -- and new people are getting involved. We have people participating in the Greek-American, Irish-American, Catholic-American, Polish-American caucuses, as well as a number of others. We’re building the organization state by state, in addition to nationwide. With the work we do between now and election day we’re going to deliver a strong Euro-Ethnic vote for Obama. We have our work cut out for us. Let’s go do that work.

Margaret B.:

I’m Irish-American and Barack Obama’s roots on his mother’s side are from Ireland. The things Irish-Americans care about, the labor movement, the social issues, are things that Barack Obama is passionate about.

His story is the story of our grandparents. Most Irish-Americans are middle class and they work hard. Obama’s story has shown that if you work hard and do your best, you will be successful. He is one of us.

David Burd, Ethnic Vote Director, Obama for America:

Folks in the states have been working with communities and at events. This is something the Obama campaign cares about deeply. How you can get involved: In the field, do outreach. Talk to your neighbors, organize house parties. Help with voter registration. This is not just about winning this campaign, but building for the future. We want to organize now and keep those contacts strong.

During the discussion, attendees were surprised with an appearance by DNC Chairman Howard Dean who emphasized the vital role that Americans of all backgrounds in all states are playing in this election. Jim Zogby, the chair of the meeting, celebrated the broad spectrum of people who make up this campaign and praised Barack.

“We have a candidate who uses our language, who identifies with us, and talks our talk.”

Voices for Change: Linda from Springfield, OH

George Krebs — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:47:21 EDT

As a junior in high school the fall of 1960, Linda was President of the Springfield, OH Youth for Kennedy chapter. When John and Bobby Kennedy came to speak in the town, 50 miles west of Columbus, Linda got to sit on a little platform on stage. “John Kennedy first inspired me to vote,” Linda said. “JFK’s campaign, like Barack Obama’s, was also about hope and optimism.”

Now, Linda works at Wittenberg College, also in Springfield, as an events coordinator in the Alumni Office. She is years removed from her days supporting Kennedy’s presidential campaign, but sees the same promise in Barack. “The history I’ve lived through has allowed me to recognize his fabulous leadership when I saw him,” she said. Through this campaign she has volunteered her home to be used to house visiting supporters, contributed to the campaign and made clear her willingness to do whatever is needed. “I’m going to get involved through campus if necessary and do things there. One way or another we’ve got to get him elected.”

Obama says that we’re not going to be governed by fear. He’s very intelligent and he does not talk down to us. He doesn’t tell us things are going to be easy. He says that we’re Americans and if we come together, if we can have hope and optimism, we can solve our problems. He respects his fellow Americans and talks above the petty politics. I really admire that.

As Linda explains, much of the Wittenberg motto echoes Barack’s approach to politics and his life story.

At Wittenberg our motto is ‘Having light, we pass it onto others.’ We want the students to take that education and go out into the world, make a difference. This is a lot of what Barack Obama has said and has done in his life. It’s not enough to be a citizen; you have to be active in the life of our country.

The circumstances this country is facing and Barack’s message of greater political participation has persuaded Linda that her ideas and her effort are needed. “I’m working on a committee to elect a female democrat in our district to congress. It’s the first time I’ve ever done this,” she said. “This time we’re at a point where people have to stand up and be counted. You can’t just give lip service – the times require this.” Like Barack, Linda believes deeply in a commitment to public service.

Barack’s Christian faith has formed a lot of his values. At Wittenberg we have a strong service component. I see that in Barack Obama. He says that we’re in this together. Our country needs us to be active, whether it be in politics, government, the school board or state government. Right now, I’m very pessimistic about the direction our country is going in. Obama says that we can be better than we are, we can do more than we’ve done.

Linda has made the decision to take part in this campaign. For her, even without a huge salary, she can’t sit on the sidelines because the stakes are too high.

I work in education, so I don't make a whole heap of money. But you have to prioritize. I’ve given a few times and will give more. If not me, then who else? This is important. This is our future. Republicans have spent millions of dollars – we have to counter that. We’re not going to roll over, but it takes money to hit back.

The response to Barack’s campaign throughout Ohio and the country has amazed Linda. Even in her community, which is traditionally republican, her neighbors are standing up for change. “I’m seeing people my age, in their 60s, who have never been involved in politics, never been politically active in their lives, say that now is the time, and Barack Obama is the person who can lead us out of the mess that we’re in,” she said. “We’ve had it with the way things are. For our children and for our grandchildren we need to win this election.”

Voices for Change is a series featuring profiles of Barack Obama's grassroots supporters from across the nation. The people who make up this movement come from all different backgrounds, but they share a common goal – to help bring about fundamental change in Washington.

Voices for Change: Linda from Chesterland, OH

George Krebs — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:47:34 EDT

Whenever Linda finds an interesting article in the newspaper about Barack, she immediately cuts it out to send to her son Luke, who is in college. If she sees it online, she e-mails it to him. As a Chesterland, OH native (a suburb east of Cleveland) she recently sent her son, a basketball enthusiast, an article about LeBron James’ official endorsement of Barack and another great piece from the Cleveland Plain-Dealer about Michelle Obama. She sends more unusual Barack articles to close friends.

Linda, a psychotherapist in private practice, is a registered independent. “I don’t like to be tied in to a particular party and have never been actively involved in politics,” she says. “I always vote and usually stay informed, but I’ve never kept up with an election like I’ve followed this one.”

From the very beginning I was drawn most to Obama very clearly. I like his message and his sense of the larger picture. Beyond his oratory skills, he has the ability to listen. He obviously has a lot of charisma, but is also grounded. Sometimes people get carried away with themselves. He sees the larger vision, but is also inclusionary with people and personal. He speaks the truth of experience which makes him accessible. And he’s a bridge builder. With all of the bridges that got burned these last years, especially on the world scene, he wants to understand the different positions of people and heal the vision of the U.S. in the world.

Linda is inspired by Barack’s unconventional background and his by-the-bootstraps rise from modest beginnings.

I love his background and the world he grew up in. Instead of having everything laid out for him, he worked his way up on his own. It’s a departure from the old politics we’ve come to know. He’s a fresh, new face and has fresh ideas. Also, the fact that he is a black man gets me excited because we are so close to having a black person in the highest office in the country.

Linda is optimistic about having a president who is able to change political discourse and bring a range of voices into the process. The way Barack has approached this campaign and handled the issues that have come up has amazed her.

I’ve gone on the internet to listen to most of the speeches. I don’t like getting sound bites from the media, so I like to listen to the whole thing. I particularly liked the race speech he gave in Philadelphia. When he speaks to address a controversy, at the same time he holds true to himself and sees both perspectives. When I hear him I get a sense of hope I’ve never gotten before in politics.

This sense of hope is particularly welcome in a time when so many people are struggling throughout the country.

The economy is of course an issue. We’re all feeling the pinch of the economy. Food, gas, and nearly everything is getting more expensive. When I’ve bought plane tickets recently they’re much more expensive than usual.

Linda is taking a part in this campaign because she wants to see change in this country. She doesn’t want to imagine the alternative. “What if he didn’t win?” she says. “That whole prospect scares me. It would be an enormous loss for the potential of this level of change.” As November approaches, she has committed to continue to follow the election, be involved, and, of course, send her son clips about Barack from the newspaper. “I’m excited about this election in a new way that I’ve never felt.”

Voices for Change: Bob from Portsmouth, Virginia

George Krebs — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 13:04:57 EDT

Bob of Portsmouth, Virginia knows what it means to serve our country. He served in the Army for 24 years and has worked in the government for a total of 45 years. For 17 of his years in the Army he was a broadcaster. “I’ve talked to a lot of interesting people,” he said, “President Reagan in Korea and Bush Sr. in Japan.”

At 65 years old, he also has “long been a registered Republican. The only time I was going to vote Democratic was for JFK if he had run in 1964,” he said. After years of irritation with the current administration, Bob began to look for other candidates in this election and became inspired by Barack.

I’m from Iowa originally and was born in Des Moines. When Barack won Iowa I said, ‘Let me listen to this guy.’ I did some research online and followed him through the primaries. I was impressed. This is a man who has a lot of common sense and a hope for changing things. Without hope, there is no goal in life.

This last Wednesday, Bob and his girlfriend Silvia saw Michelle Obama and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine speak at the Harrison Opera House in Norfolk. “She was a fantastic, dynamic speaker and reflects what Barack is all about,” he said. Governor Kaine spoke of taking care of our veterans and making our country safe. As a veteran and in his current role on staff at the Norfolk Naval Base (“The largest naval base in the world,” he notes), these issues hit home with Bob.

Barack Obama cares about veterans. We need to help our soldiers who come back from overseas with no job, disabilities, and no healthcare. Barack will make this national policy. Homeland security is very important to me. I was a cop for 8 years with the Department of Defense. Some of the security even within our defense system isn’t good enough. We need to protect our sailors, soldiers and airmen.

Having a president who listens to the nation’s citizens and values their ideas is significant for Bob. Barack’s commitment to involving ordinary people is proof of this.

I like the way he cares a lot about the grassroots. He said, ‘I want you to plan the political platform for the Democratic Party.’ At the meeting I went to we talked for six hours about five different issues. One of the biggest issues was education. The students of tomorrow will run this country; we need to provide them with top notch education. We need to have a curriculum that teaches cultural differences from an early age and teaches a second language.

Bob is not a political regular. “I’ve never been involved in politics before and never donated money,” he said. In his first campaign he is fully immersed.

I give to this campaign because I believe in it. My girlfriend Silvia and I also went to two campaign office grand openings. For the office in Portsmouth, we bought banners, streamers and posters to decorate the office. We brought refreshments for all of the supporters who came. We wanted the office to look professional and to make a good impression. Then, that same Saturday afternoon, we went to the opening in Chesapeake.

Bob has surprised himself by his involvement in this campaign, but has no doubts. “I want to see this man be our president,” he said. “He’s the man for the job. With the ideas he’s got and our help, he’s going to be great.” Having inspired people around him, Bob is ready for the sprint to the general election. He wants to bring as many people into the campaign as possible. With his eye toward November, Bob said, “I’m fired up.”

Voices for Change: Cathie from Pennsylvania

George Krebs — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:07:20 EDT

Less than a hundred miles from Cathie’s home in southern Pennsylvania, Barack Obama gave a compelling speech in mid March addressing the role of race in America entitled “A More Perfect Union.” The speech, given at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, amazed her and inspired her to follow the campaign intently.

"His approach to the issues of race and diversity is so incredibly real, honest and compassionate," she said. "I too have family and friends whose perspectives I disagree with, but that doesn't mean I don't care about them. It was an incredibly powerful speech that gave serious insight into Senator Obama's character. Wow."

After following the campaign for several months, it became clear to Cathie that the most powerful means of change would come through listening to a broad range of voices. She has grown tired of a government that is exclusive and shuts out those who do not agree with them.

He’s interested in listening to people. He brings us into decisions and no other politician has done that. He speaks an important message that focuses on what we can do, not what he can do. When Barack Obama is president his culture of inclusion will filter down. Instead of closed doors, people will demand a different kind of government that is transparent and open to the common man. He can’t change the world, but he can inspire people to make a difference. He is open to compromise and looks at all options.

The idea of citizens taking a greater role in the political process resonates with Cathie. She studied mass communications in graduate school and knows broadly supported movements are wholly effective. Through our involvement, and Barack’s leadership, we can create this change.

I am not new to the voting process. I voted for the first time in 1970. But this year, for the first time ever, I see the potential for real change. Not just in Washington, but in us, the citizens of the United States. We are being offered the opportunity to change our country. As president, Barack Obama will bring all of us to the table. I believe he will help us heal the rift that divides us.

Cathie and her husband, like many Americans, are feeling the stresses of a strained economy. “The cost of everything is going up,” she says. “I can’t even afford to put my husband on my medical insurance plan.” Their daily lives are also affected by rising costs. “We’re staying in when we would go out and drive. We go out to dinner a whole lot less. We’re actually moving to get closer to where I work because I’m spending $300 a month on fuel.”

Still, Cathie gets paid once a month and contributes once a month. It is important to her that she is doing what she can to win in November.

I’m donating because it’s one thing I can do right now to make a difference. I can’t imagine losing this election…I’ve been very impressed by the campaign he is running. He doesn’t take money from lobbyists or PACs. It’s clear too many politicians take directions from the lobbyists who are talking to them, rather than everyday people telling their side of the story.

Cathie is clear about the role of individual supporters in this broad campaign. She knows that she is a part of a powerful movement, and whatever she is able to give will make an impact. She explained that Barack “seeks all of our voices, but each and every one of us has to carry our small piece of this victory. It takes many drops of water to make an ocean. Your voice matters more than you know. Your voice could be the one that turns the tide.”

Rebecca in Minnesota: "I want things to be better"

George Krebs — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:25:44 EDT

Rebecca of Eagan, Minnesota is a newcomer to political campaigns. She has never been involved in politics before and has never focused on any of the candidates. Last year Rebecca started to follow Barack’s campaign and now, at 64 years old, she is fully engaged as one of our top phonebankers in the country.

She made more than 5,000 calls during the primaries and caucuses and logged over 700 calls to Ohio in July alone. Even from the suburban Midwest, Rebecca has had an impact on voters in cities and towns from the Redwood Forest to the Gulf Stream waters. She has decided that this election is too important, and by making calls she play an active role in the campaign.

My brother lives in Iowa City and got involved there. When Barack won in Iowa I said, ‘Maybe I’ll volunteer.’ I work four days a week, but I decided that I would make time. I started calling and it was easy. The website is so well done. I’m not very computer literate, but it was simple: the next number to call came up on the screen, the script is there with what to say – it tells you everything.

After calling 14 states throughout the primaries, Rebecca admits to having some favorites. She liked calling North Carolina, Indiana and Mississippi most because “they were friendly, respectful and kind.”

Although there have been some unpleasant interactions, she found most people want to be engaged in this election. “I’ve been surprised,” she said. “There have been a few who said, ‘That’s my business,’ and hung up, but many are very polite and want to learn more.”

In this campaign, Rebecca has been inspired and empowered to help the campaign in any way she can. She believes deeply in Barack’s vision and the movement for change needed in our country. With the general election quickly approaching, she is determined to spread the message. Her calls have been fun and have produced some memorable stories.

I called a man whose wife was voting for the very first time. She is a big Barack supporter, and even though he is a lifelong Republican who finds it hard not to vote for Republicans, he said he is going to vote for Barack with her. She has all the kids involved.

Asked whether she plans on making calls for the general election, she said immediately, “Oh yeah, I already have. I call on weekends and every Wednesday I call during lunch at work.” In Barack, Rebecca sees someone “so caring and genuine; he’s the real deal.” She is dialing phone numbers and doing whatever she can to help win this election.

I have 12 nieces and nephews – they’re like children to me. Six are adopted of all races and it has been wonderful for our family … I want things to be better for my nieces and nephews. I want change for all of them.
I just feel that if we let this opportunity pass by we will miss something that will make a huge difference for this country and the world.

You can join Rebecca and the thousands of volunteers across the country by donating a few minutes of your own time to help reach out to voters – as she says, “It’s simple.” Learn how you can get involved and make calls from your own home.

Voices for Change: Dave in Glen Alpine, NC

George Krebs — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:40:33 EDT

Every Friday in western North Carolina, Dave sits around a table with a handful of former Marines for lunch. When the topic turns to politics, Dave shares why he supports Barack. “I support him wherever I go,” he says. Dave is 66 years old and is a former Captain in the Marine Corps who hails from Glen Alpine, a rural town with a population of just over 1,000. He is also a proud, lifelong Republican. A number of years back he worked on a Republican congressional campaign in Colorado. “My daughter, who’s a Democrat, and I had an agreement that we would never talk about politics,” he says.

Then, last year, he started following Barack and listening to his message. Dave became convinced that in order to accomplish change, we need to work in a nonpartisan way. He even went so far as re-registering. “This past year I registered as ‘uncommitted,’ or independent, just so I could vote for Barack Obama in the primary,” he beamed.

Barack is going to be able to attract capable, courageous, people into government service. The president leads the country and encourages citizens to act. The last president who was a force in that office was Reagan. What drew me to Senator Obama was listening to him. He has his fabulous values, a lot of courage, and he’s unflappable. When McCain started talking about staying in Iraq for years, I was convinced. Democracy only works well through people; when they care and participate and when they’re inspired and led to do so.

In Dave’s view, people have been cut out of the process all too often in recent years, and his area is seeing the strains of this approach first hand.

The biggest issue for us here is the economy, the economy, the economy. North Carolina is suffering less than most, but the cost of petroleum, driving, fertilizer, and harvesting is exacerbating the agricultural problem and driving up the food costs. They’re destroying preserved land to produce energy here. Greed has run us into disaster when we have CEOs who make 400 times what the average worker makes.

Dave feels an urgency to be involved. “At no time since FDR led us out of the Depression, and not since then, has our country faced such a damaging prospect,” he says. “Nothing but dramatic change will save us.”

Every single day between now and the general election I’m going to be supporting Barack. They just opened up a headquarters near me in North Carolina. I haven’t been down yet, but I’m going to be. I’ll make telephone calls, write, speak, and advocate for Barack.

This campaign is changing the way we view electoral politics and Americans of all backgrounds are taking part. Join Dave and the millions of others who have made a clear statement that the time for change is now. “My mother, who is 89, gave birth to me as a Republican,” he said. “She too voted for Barack.”

Voices for Change is a series featuring profiles of Barack Obama's grassroots supporters from across the nation. The people who make up this movement come from all walks of life, but they share a common goal – to help bring about fundamental change in Washington.

Strengthening our Economy

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:52:55 EDT

The downturn of the economy is affecting Americans all across the country. From the gas pump to the supermarket, each of us feels the burden of a declining economy. Barack has solutions. As President, he will provide a tax cut for working families which will benefit 150 million workers with tax credits of up to $500 per person, or $1,000 per working family. He will establish a $10 billion Foreclosure Prevention Fund to increase emergency pre-foreclosure counseling and help families facing foreclosure. As a strong supporter of American workers, he will raise the minimum wage, index it to inflation and increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to make sure that full-time workers earn a living wage that allows them to raise their families and pay for basic needs.

Find out more about the economy here. For information on other policies, navigate the “issues” tab on top of the site or click here for the full “Blueprint for Change” platform.

Kennedy & Obama: A New Generation of Leadership

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:50:44 EDT

Throughout this campaign Barack has talked about the deep need to bring in Americans from every part of the country and this campaign reflects that. In embarking on an ambitious 50-state strategy, Barack has made it clear that every state matters and by paying attention to every state, as he says, “together we can make a better world.”

In this historic event at American University, Caroline Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy endorsed Barack enthusiastically. Caroline said that Barack offers that “same sense of hope and inspiration” her father did. Senator Kennedy said “it’s time” for a candidate “who can renew our belief that our country’s best days are still to come…it’s time for Barack Obama.”

Vote for Change: Registering D.C.

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:42:33 EDT

Voter registration has long been one of the most important undertakings of this campaign. Throughout the summer, supporters across D.C. have taken to local parks, festivals and the streets to hold Vote for Change events. Every newly registered voter makes a difference and brings another needed voice into the political process. For both those who register voters and those who are registering to vote, it is an empowering experience. Afterwards, some supporters spoke about the experience.

Nina F.:

Yesterday I went to the cafe "Busboys and Poets" off U Street in DC for the Vote for Change kickoff. We went for Eastern Market, which is a transitional area … destitute and prosperous living side-by-side.
We registered some really important people, who I have a feeling no one else would have "invited" into this process if we had not been there. We also registered a young unemployed woman who had recently moved and had forgotten to re-register. She copied her new phone number from a resume she was taking door-to-door.
Now I'm determined to go to homeless shelters, parole boards, WIC and food stamp offices, and more places where "marginalized people" are -- to underline to them how important they are to this democratic process. Voting is not made easy in this country, which is why this effort is so important.
Thank you Obama volunteers, let's take this to November! Great work yesterday.

Angela G.:

It was wonderful to see the diversity of those supporting Barack. It was inspiring.

Nina A.:

The first person I registered was a homeless man in a wheelchair. He told me he had not voted since he was discharged from the Marines in 1972.
The last man I registered didn't believe he'd be able to vote because he is an ex-convict. DC laws have changed, though, so that ex-cons who have successfully been out of the system for 5 years or more may now vote. This man was so happy. In his words, he was near tears. He felt like he had finally paid his debt and been accepted back into society. This was the first election that he is not apathetic about and he is actually allowed to register.

There are plenty of voter registration drive events taking place in Maryland in the next month alone. Click here to find one in your community, or sign up to host an event.

Strengthening our Economy

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:42:04 EDT

Find out more about the economy here. For information on other policies, navigate the “issues” tab on top of the site or click here for the full “Blueprint for Change” platform.

Vote for Change: Registering the Ocean State

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:39:06 EDT

Voter registration has long been one of the most important undertakings of this campaign. Throughout the summer, supporters across Rhode Island have taken to local parks, festivals and Main Street, to hold Vote for Change events. Every newly registered voter makes a difference and brings another needed voice into the political process. For both those who register voters and those who are registering to vote, it is an empowering experience.

Julie S. of Providence turned the event into an afternoon outing for the family. "This was a great experience for my 8 year old, 10 year old and her friend. We look forward to participating again in the future," she said.

There are plenty of voter registration drive events taking place in Rhode Island in the next month alone. Click here to find one in your community, or sign up to host an event.

A True 50-State Campaign

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:36:58 EDT

At a rally at Rhode Island College in March, Barack noted that “nothing worthwhile this country has ever happened, except somebody somewhere was willing to hope.” With each state a valuable voice, and a strong sense of hope from each part of the country, we can create a meaningful voice for change.

Listening to America: Dana H. in Providence

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:31:59 EDT

Dana H. likes to get involved. Rather than sitting on the sidelines as decisions are shaping the world around her, she gets involved to promote an “active citizenry that will hold the leadership of this country more accountable.” To her, Obama is a special candidate who can navigate the complex political scene and bridge the partisan divide. On Tuesday, Dana held a Listening to America event in her apartment – in an effort to take steps towards the active citizenry she wants to be a part of. When asked about the event last week, Dana was looking forward to discussing topics ranging from education to labor practices.

I think that Obama's thoughtfulness is what drew me to him. He is the first candidate in a long time that I have actually been interested in what he is going to say. I think the problems that we face in America today are very complicated and they cannot be solved with simple sound bite friendly resolutions or policies. I think that Obama understands the complicated nature of the political scene. And I also appreciate that he is a good politician and his campaign is a creative one that doesn't take the old electoral map for granted. I like that the campaign has offices in every state regardless of whether there is a chance of Obama winning there. All these things allow for grassroots organizing from the bottom up that will allow more democratic candidates to get elected to city councils, state assemblies, and the US congress.
The DNC platform meeting is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the political process in a new and kind of more intimate way. When I looked online, I realized that there weren't any platform meetings open to the public in Providence, so I decided to make mine public. I wanted this meeting to be open to people that I do not know so that I can get to hear what other people care about and what they hope that the Obama campaign will achieve.
Through our event, I hope that people in the neighborhood who would have otherwise never know each other will be able to forge friendships and connections and will want to work together later on in the campaign.

Hosting an event is a great way to connect with fellow supporters and get involved. Your energy, your enthusiasm, and your support are what drive this campaign.

Sign up on my.barackobama.com to host an event or find events in your area. And after you create your event, email us at blog@barackobama.com to tell us about your event and the issues that are important to you.

New Energy for America: Energy & Environment

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:27:21 EDT

Barack recognizes that energy challenges and the environment are enormously important and he is absolutely clear in his position on the issue. “I don't believe that climate change is just an issue that's convenient to bring up during a campaign. I believe it's one of the greatest moral challenges of our generation,” he said. As President, he will promote a “Cap and Trade” plan to reduce carbon emissions to necessary levels, make polluters pay, and support clean energy. He will increase fuel economy standards and provide incentives for automobile manufacturers to build new fuel-efficient cars. He will invest $150 billion over 10 years in clean energy to spur the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure to be a model around the globe.

Find out more about Energy & the Environment here. For information on other policies, navigate the “issues” tab on top of the site or click here for the full plan for new and alternative energy sources in America.

A True 50-State Campaign

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:19:37 EDT

Throughout this campaign Barack has talked about the deep need to bring Americans into the political process from every part of the country and this campaign reflects that. In embarking on an ambitious 50-state strategy, Barack has made it clear that every state, including Massachusetts, matters and by paying attention to every state we can be an effective force for change. In February Governor Patrick and Barack joined forces to rally supporters in downtown Boston. Massachusetts is crucial to the 50-state strategy because, as Barack says, “we can’t be satisfied with a politics that says it’s smart to divide a nation.”

Vote for Change: Registering the Bay State

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:55:05 EDT

Voter registration has long been one of the most important undertakings of this campaign. Throughout the summer, supporters across Massachusetts have taken to local parks, festivals and the street, to hold Vote for Change events. Every newly registered voter makes a difference and brings another needed voice into the political process. For both those who register voters and those who are registering to vote, it is an empowering experience.

Beth G.

I asked to go to a corner near my home that is a major cross road, with lots of traffic, a subway stop, a bus stop, not to mention liquor store! Students celebrating end of academic year! There was a very dynamic mix of people. Many people would say ‘no’ to registering and then hear me chatting with others at the bus stop, and kind of warm up to the idea, after listening in. I also thought it was helpful to be with two other middle aged women. We enjoyed ourselves.

Judy R:

I also registered a 76 year old man who was a Republican-he came quite close to apologizing for being a Republican-- and we laughed about an Obama supporter signing up a Republican!

Ram I:

About twenty people attended the meeting at Nashua Public Library. The local ABC TV station covered the meeting.
One of the participants stated that her grandfather who was 92 years old Republican told them about Barrack Obama after he did some research. That is why she and her spouse have joined the Obama campaign.

There are plenty of voter registration drive events taking place in Massachusetts in the next month alone. Click here to find one in your community, or sign up to host an event.

Listening to America: Jonathan K. in Cambridge

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:28:29 EDT

Jonathan K. is not just a father of two and a biology professor, he is also an engaged citizen who is deeply committed to a political process that is honest and accountable. For years Jonathan has been working with parents across the area on education reform at the local and state level. For him, hosting a Listening to America event is a direct means of being incorporated in the national dialogue. Calling the event “Science in Education,” they will meet with other scientists and interested parents to formulate ideas for successful K-12 science and technology education that will benefit children across the country. Jonathan spoke with us on the phone before the event about his support for Barack and his commitment to ensuring science becomes a top priority in national education.

Though I was initially an Edwards supporter, a friend convinced me to come to an event on Cape Cod at which Obama was speaking. In his brief talk he hit on two key issues for people like me who are ardent supporters of public schools: Reforming the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) Act and increasing support and salaries for teachers…I had the sharp sense that Obama was stone honest as an individual and spoke the truth in everything he said. Those two - plus his anti-war stance - won me over.

I had been involved - along with thousands of others in Massachusetts - in an effort to prevent the erosion of public education by the imposition of high stakes tests as the graduation requirement. Such high stakes testing has recently been expanded to the sciences, both in Massachusetts and nationally. We have a group of scientists and science teachers in the Boston area who believe this policy undermines science education in our public schools. In an age of digital TV, global warming, and emerging new diseases, every young person needs a sound science education. So I felt that we were in a position to contribute on this important but under the radar issue.

At the meeting we hope to identify 1-3 issues of highest priority in enhancing science education, that require or will respond to federal policy initiatives. Hopefully some of these might be considered as planks for the national platform.

Hosting an event is a great way to connect with fellow supporters and get involved. Your energy, your enthusiasm, and your support are what drive this campaign.

A True 50-State Campaign

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:23:58 EDT

At a rally in the Meadowlands, Robert De Niro endorsed Barack as he cast the candidate as “too inexperienced” to make the naïve decisions that have harmed our economy and compromised our security. With each state a valuable voice, and a strong sense of hope from each part of the country, we can create a meaningful voice for change.

Strengthening our Economy

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:20:24 EDT

Find out more about the economy here. For information on other policies, navigate the “issues” tab on top of the site or click here for the full “Blueprint for Change” platform.

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Vote for Change: Registering the Garden State

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:18:25 EDT

Voter registration has long been one of the most important undertakings of this campaign. Throughout the summer, supporters across New Jersey have taken to local parks, festivals and the city streets, to hold Vote for Change events. Every newly registered voter makes a difference and brings another needed voice into the political process. For both those who register voters and those who are registering to vote, it is an empowering experience.

Debra of Somerset:

As we got there, a large crowd was getting ready to head out, we felt inspired. Mr. Coleman was there with a mike announcing areas that were chosen and a cheer went up with each announcement. We chose to take one of the areas no one else had taken and headed out. We were really pleased that almost everyone in the Valley Fair section of Newark was registered and we helped with address changes. We had a great day and would love to do it again!

Verita of Hackensack:

Wow! My first time getting people to register to vote was a wonderful experience. In fact I am attending Passaic Community College right now, and I will make sure I get a lot of the college students there to register. My husband and eleven year old son came along and every one pitched in to get new people to register. I am willing to do what I have to do to get Barack elected.

Patricia of Plainfield:

Our group of volunteers signed up 200+ new voters in a short period of time. It was a good experience, we met a lot of nice folks and often heard that we were "preaching to the choir" because everyone in the area was an Obama supporter.

There are plenty of voter registration drive events taking place in New Jersey in the next month alone. Click here to find one in your community, or sign up to host an event.

Listening to America: Kathy J. in Flemington

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:15:15 EDT

Kathy J. is a common sense Democrat. Rather than ostracizing one political party, Kathy wants a president that will represent all people and give every idea a fair shake. She wants a political process that engages the citizens it represents, which is why her Listening to America platform meeting event on Monday is called “Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport.” These platform meetings will generate ideas for the country which will be relayed back to the Democratic Party for the formation of the national platform. Kathy is particularly interested in health care and an ethical government, but is looking forward to where the conversation will lead.

Before the event, Kathy spoke to us about her support for Barack and about the meeting:

I want someone who will be president of all Americans. I have absolutely hated feeling like a second class citizen in my own country under President Bush and having comments made like "a vote for a Democrat is a vote for the terrorists" and the insinuations that if I disagree with this administration's policies, I am not patriotic. I don't want Republicans to feel like that - I don't want anyone to feel like that. I want a president who will work to find the common ground that unites us and who will inspire people to come together around visionary solutions to the enormous problems that face us instead of being locked in petty partisan battles.
Through our event, I hope to discover what issues are most important to people and to be able to help them reach some consensus around solutions to those issues in the context of having fun and enjoying good food and companionship.
My personal issues have to do with preserving our representative democracy and include electoral reform, the corrupting influence of money and special interests, restoring the constitution, and the problem of the replacement of a free and independent press by corporate-owned media which provides entertainment and propaganda rather than seeing their job as informing the electorate.

Hosting an event is a great way to connect with fellow supporters and get involved. Your energy, your enthusiasm, and your support are what drive this campaign.

True 50-State Campaign

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:10:45 EDT

At a Maryland Democratic Party Rally in 2006 Barack spoke in support of Democratic candidates from across the state to foster a progressive voice. He spoke against the Iraq War, in support of first-rate education and efficient energy solutions.

Vote for Change: Registering Maryland

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:08:31 EDT

Voter registration has long been one of the most important undertakings of this campaign. Throughout the summer, supporters across Maryland have taken to local parks, festivals and the street, to hold Vote for Change events. Every newly registered voter makes a difference and brings another needed voice into the political process. For both those who register voters and those who are registering to vote, it is an empowering experience.

Here’s what Carol from Columbia had to say about a registration drive she held:

“It was a very fun event! All of my volunteers I met for the first time. Two very nice people came all the way from Northern Virginia to Maryland. Everyone was excited, enthusiastic, pumped, and ready to register voters. The registrants themselves were excited, all dying for the opportunity to vote for Senator Obama as the next President of the United States.”

There are plenty of voter registration drive events taking place in Maryland in the next month alone. Click here to find one in your community, or sign up to host an event.

Strengthening our Economy

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:06:40 EDT

Find out more about the economy here. For information on other policies, navigate the “issues” tab on top of the site or click here for the full “Blueprint for Change” platform.

Listening to America: Nancy T. in Baltimore

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 13:01:34 EDT

This Thursday, Nancy T. will be hosting a group of engaged Obama supporters at the Baltimore for Barack Clubhouse on Eastern Ave. Her meeting is a Listening to America event, called “At-Risk and Homeless Youth,” part of Barack’s ceaseless effort to bring more people into the political process and encourage participation. These platform meetings will generate ideas for the country which will be relayed back to the Democratic Party for the formation of the national platform. Nancy’s meeting is focusing on at-risk and homeless youth, inspired by a series she read in the Baltimore Sun and the gravity of the situation children face.

What is unique about the Obama campaign is the engagement of common people at the grassroots level and the notion that we can contribute something no matter how well connected (or not connected we are).
I hope to accomplish a few things at this meeting. First to gather input about what needs to be done at a national level on the issue of youth homelessness and at-risk youth and to make sure our party is taking a stand to put this issue on the front burner, because many of the issues with great impact to our nation stem from problems in our marginalized youth population: HIV/AIDS, drugs, crime, violence, and the continuing cycle of poverty. I also want to harness some of the energy that has started with the Obama campaign to improve local conditions in our city once the campaign is over, and I believe that in the spirit of Barack Obama, all change has to come from us, from the bottom up not the top down, and this is how it begins.

Hosting an event is a great way to connect with fellow supporters and get involved. Your energy, your enthusiasm, and your support are what drive this campaign.

Vote for Change: Registering the Green Mountain State

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:48:32 EDT

Encouraging greater political participation has long been an important principle of this campaign. Throughout the summer, supporters across Vermont have taken to local parks, festivals and Main Street, to hold Vote for Change events to register voters. Every newly registered voter makes a difference and brings another needed voice into the political process. For both those who register voters and those who are registering to vote, it is an empowering experience. In May, voters descended on Burlington to participate in a broad Vote for Change event. WCAX reporter Andy Potter was on hand.

A group of Obama supporters met in front of Burlington City Hall, preparing to move out in small groups to register voters. Leading the effort were Vermont Attorney General Bill Sorrell and State Representative Rachel Weston (D-Burliington). "Hit the streets and register more people to vote here in Vermont," Weston told the group. "Barack Obama has been bringing more people into the fold."
…On such a nice spring day, a lot of people weren't home. But then the pair struck paydirt -- an apartment building with unregistered residents. Sorrell administered the Vermont oath that voters take when they register. "You solemnly swear that whenever you give your vote or suffrage touching any matter that concerns the state of Vermont, you will do it so as in your conscience..." he began.
They registered three people here alone. It leaves the impression that their work at registering voters is never finished.

Vermont’s voter registration process varies somewhat from those in other states. For more click here. There are voter registration drive events taking place over the course of the summer. Click here to find one in your community, or sign up to host an event if there are none near you.

New Energy for America: Energy & Environment

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 12:45:39 EDT

A True 50-State Campaign

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:26:27 EDT

With the general election less than four months away, staff and volunteers across the country are preparing for a true 50-state campaign. People throughout the Green Mountain State are mobilizing to get involved in ways that are unprecedented in a national campaign. They are using my.barackobama.com to host voter registration drives and discuss strategies for the general election. In June, Barack came through Unity, NH with Senator Clinton, a town where they each won 107 votes, to make it clear that if we all join together on the issues we care about, we can make real progress in our government. Several Vermonters were on hand to see the momentous event, and Susan Smallheer of the Rutland Herald was there to describe it.

"Vermonters Descend On, Preach, Unity"
Hundreds of Vermonters streamed across the New Hampshire border Friday to witness political history on a ball field next to the tiny Unity Elementary School.

This western edge of New Hampshire has seen its fair share of political powwows in recent years, and Friday's rally between former political foes in aptly named Unity between Democratic Sens. Barack Obama of Illinois and Hillary Clinton of New York was no different.

From the comforts of her home, and via the wonders of modern telecommunications, [Sherry Merrick] called voters in Oregon, Montana, North and South Dakota, North Carolina and Indiana.

"People are concerned about the price of health care," said Merrick.

Merrick, who is originally from Ohio, said her Republican family was supporting Obama, to the amazement of their longtime friends. "They are all voting for Obama," said Merrick, noting that the war in Iran and weakening U.S. economy were the reasons why.

Supporter events and voter registration drives are taking place from Burlington to Brattleboro. As the Rutland Herald alluded to, all of the tools to make phone calls, host events and become active can be found through your my.barackobama.com account from the comforts of your home. We need supporters in every part of the state to grow our campaign for the work ahead. No matter where you are, you can sign up to host events and take part in our movement for change.

Listening to America: Laurence M. in Woodstock

George Krebs — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:18:41 EDT

Last week in Woodstock, supporters gathered on the Appledore Farm to formulate ideas for the Democratic Party platform. Laurence M. hosted the conversation with the goal of creating a truly “bottoms-up” democracy. When asked about the event, Laurence was looking forward to adding citizens' voices to the national conversation.

What drew me to Barack is simple: He conveyed a sense of forthrightness and focus that I felt long overdue. And that was when he was running for the Senate. Now that he has embarked on this larger mission, it becomes more complex and diffuse. The reason I decided to organize an event this evening was to try in a small way to address some focus.
I come from Switzerland, where bottoms-up democracy has been practiced for over 200 years. It is inherent to the system, and the country would be unthinkable without it. It is a wonderful concept of empowerment. However, it contains a great level of responsibility on the part of those individuals at the “bottom.”
My approach this evening will begin with that. If want to be taken seriously in this process, we need to take the process seriously. We will define 2-3 areas we feel we could address and then try to hash out some direction. My general sense of consensus has been hammered into me during over 40 years. I hope we will find a way to make a contribution, which combined with hundreds more – a huge amount of information to be digested if this is done seriously – will create the far greater whole.

Hosting an event is a great way to connect with fellow supporters and get involved. Your energy, your enthusiasm, and your support are what drive this campaign.

Donor Video Profile Steve W:

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 22:00:08 EDT

The excitement for Barack’s candidacy has been building across the Nutmeg State for months. With an energy that is contagious, volunteers and supporters have been organizing events and mobilizing voters to engage in the campaign. A Connecticut volunteer and donor, Steve W., is most excited about Barack’s ability to repair our image abroad.

Vote for Change: Registering the Constitution State

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:55:38 EDT

Voter registration has long been one of the most important undertakings of this campaign. Throughout the summer, thousands of supporters across Connecticut have taken to local parks, festivals and the streets to hold Vote for Change events. Every newly registered voter makes a difference and brings another needed voice into the political process. For both those who register voters and those who are registering to vote, it is an empowering experience.

Natasha of Trumbull:

It was a very inspiring and life changing day. I brought my 15 year old daughter and we walked the streets of Hartford to register new voters. My most inspiring moment was when I stopped a young man waiting at a bus stop and asked if he had registered to vote. He politely said ‘no.’ I then asked him ‘why not?’ He responded by saying that he could not because he did time in prison. I then asked him a number of questions that I had been told to ask if I were to meet a former prisoner. His answers to the questions lead me to believe that he indeed met the requirements to register. He began to show hope in his eyes, as he began to give me the information for me to complete his application. When asked what political party he wanted to register with, he asked ‘What party is Obama?’ I said ‘Obama is a democrat.’ In a moments’ breath, standing at a bus stop, I witnessed a young man’s sense of pride and inspiration as he proclaimed, ‘check off democrat.’

Tina of Manchester:

It was an exhilarating experience. My teenage son and friend took to the streets of Hartford and --on absolute great day weather wise--we embarked, speaking to people about their right as an American citizen. Some welcomed the opportunity. Most others were already registered. And for those who were apathetic, we had the wonderful opportunity to educate them on their civic right and responsibility to be part of the democratic process.
Thank you for the experience.

There are over 60 voter registration drive events taking place in New York in the next month alone. Click here to find one in your community, or sign up to host an event.

Unite for Change: "Be the Change"

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:47:48 EDT

Over 30,000 supporters showed up for Unite for Change events across the country, several of them right here in Delaware. They gathered with neighbors and spoke about their support for Barack Obama and what they can do to become part of the political process. Afterwards, the hosts described their events and a writer for Greenwich Post wrote about the enthusiasm the author witnessed.

Hunter S. of New Haven:

My event was quite honestly one of the most moving and exciting moments I have had as an adult American, in terms of my relationship with democracy. I was very committed to the outline provided by the campaign and made it the structure of the early evening. What I also did was add time on either side of the hour for the sharing of my story and the video as well as the sharing of the stories of my guests. Because so many more people came than I had anticipated I was so happy I had given us social time to meet one another. It is indeed the building block of a community committed to changing our relationship to government and its citizens.
…My party had people from all walks of life! We had an urban inner city high school librarian, a real intellect. A young polish immigrant, 23 years of age and recently a US citizen, social workers, people who ran a non-profit museum with a camp for children committed to science and inventions that serves a very diverse population.
Many people were almost in tears as we talked.

Denise W. of Glastonbury:

We must have change in this country. I had meetings Wednesday and Thursday nights, had guests coming Friday and had to work until 2PM on Saturday but when I saw that there was only one event scheduled in the towns around me, I knew I had to 'be the change I want to see in the world' and host an event in my home. We had 38 people attend and all but a few volunteered to help the campaign.

The Greenwich Post was on hand for a Unite for Change event at a local coffee shop that attracted a bevy of supporters ready to take the next step…

In Greenwich, two women who have met each other recently through the campaign, Annie Watson and Susan Nisinzweig, decided to co-sponsor an event and called it “BaRock The Vote.” It was held at Arcadia Coffee Shop in Old Greenwich.
Ms. Watson and Ms. Nisinzweig have never been active in a campaign until now. On June 17, they held a voter registration drive at Greenwich High School and on June 28 they received a big response from residents.
The goal of the meeting was to show people a variety of ways that they could get involved and participate in this campaign. Those who attended discussed voter registration drives, canvassing, house parties, phone banking and more. They sold buttons, stickers and T-shirts designed by New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson. From selling merchandise and small donations, the Greenwich group collected $2,000 for the campaign.
…For those who wanted to stay and “rock,” Greenwich band HCA and the F played for the event

Want to “step up” and get more involved in the campaign? Use the tools on the my.barackobama.com site to connect with neighbors and help with the general election campaign. Find out more here.

Listening to America: Ann P. in Bridgeport

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:36:03 EDT

Ann P. of Bridgeport is a community organizer of 25 years. She has been inspired by Barack’s commitment to elevating public dialogue and his willingness to tackle the complicated issues that confront us. Ann sees the “Listening to America” platform meetings as a way to bring more voices into this campaign’s movement of change. This Wednesday, Ann will be hosting a meeting to elevate political dialogue in this country.

I was continually impressed with the campaign's approach and on-the-ground organization. I believe Obama's management style, gifts and talents in running the campaign are a great testimonial to the kind of "manager" he will be when he takes office in 2009.
When I saw the invitation by the Obama campaign to participate in providing ideas and input into the Democratic Platform, I saw it as a great opportunity to engage volunteers in the 5th Congressional District in a new way. This is an opportunity to build the movement towards truly honoring and respecting the ideas and creativity that exists within the public square, as well as providing a tool to further strengthen the above mentioned democratic process.
One hope will be to have a one page document summarizing the key themes and concerns of those present--along with some compelling testimonials about their hopes, dreams and vision for the future.

Hosting an event is a great way to connect with fellow supporters and get involved. Your energy, your enthusiasm, and your support are what drive this campaign.

Strengthening our Economy

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 21:17:46 EDT

Find out more about the economy here. For information on other policies, navigate the “issues” tab on top of the site or click here for the full “Blueprint for Change” platform.

Vote for Change: Registering the First State

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:58:20 EDT

Voter registration has long been one of the most important undertakings of this campaign. Throughout the summer, supporters across Delaware have taken to local parks and festivals to hold Vote for Change events. Every newly registered voter makes a difference and brings another needed voice into the political process. For both those who register voters and those who are registering to vote, it is an empowering experience.

Lee from Newark chose the Fourth of July celebration at the University of Delaware stadium as the site of her recent voter registration drive.

I was drawn to Senator Obama by his ideas about foreign policy, diplomacy, and healthcare; by how he articulates his position. I became a certain supporter after I heard Michelle and then Barack speak in Wilmington in February.

Initially, I had suggested the Newark Fourth of July celebration because it is well attended and the main event for the day. That day it rained, but while the event wasn’t as well attended because of the weather, it was still a success. Our U.S. Senator Joe Biden stopped by. He thought it was great and thanked us for registering voters.

We engaged people who stopped by, we talked about Senator Obama’s health insurance policy with an uninsured woman—we used the health insurance fact sheet we were given. We found all different types of people and talked about issues they could relate to. We engaged in dialogue with people who didn’t have our views, and we listened.

As we were packing up, I saw a foreign language teacher I knew with a student. The student was from Iran and had just become a citizen. We stood under an umbrella in the rain to get the registration card out of the car, and I thought how amazing it was that for the first time in her life she will be able to vote in a truly free election…talk about bringing people into the political process! That definitely made it worth it. It was really meaningful to register those who will vote for the first time.

Click here to find a voter registration drive in your community, or sign up to host an event.

Unite for Change: "Step Up"

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:51:53 EDT

Anita M. of Wilmington:

It was a great group, diverse in every way. The DVD was a conversation-starter, and everyone in the room spoke about why we all were here. People were eloquent, amazing. I wish I'd taped it.

Asked why she decided to host the event, Anita said, “I thought it was my turn to step up.”

Want to “step up” and get more involved in the campaign? Use the tools on the my.barackobama.com site to connect with neighbors and help with the general election campaign. Find out more here.

Listening to America: Judy in Dover

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:21:35 EDT

A week ago, Delawareans gathered at Listening to America events to discuss ideas for our country, as part of Barack’s ceaseless effort to bring millions into the political process. They discussed the most important issues we’re confronting, including the economy, healthcare, Iraq, education and energy. The results of these Platform Meetings are being incorporated into the formal process that culminates in the adoption of the platform at the Democratic Convention in August.

Judy R., an Obama supporter from Dover, titled her event “Taking America Back.” Her Platform Meeting focused on everything from Iran to civil liberties. We spoke to her a few days before the event.

I have been very enthusiastic about Barack ever since his speech at the 2004 convention and since reading his books. When I went on line to look for an event near me, it seemed as if every event was a bit of a drive and so I decided to have my own event. What I hope to accomplish is the chance to meet with other like-minded people for an exchange of ideas. The War in Iraq is a big issue for me. Social issues and civil liberties matter to me because there are simply things in this world that are just right, just and fair. While I would not put myself in the super-patriot category, I do love this country enough to be very upset at the way in which Bush has ignored our constitution, all moral codes of conduct and after all these years of…Bush in the Oval Office, I think it would be wonderful to have a president who is intelligent, ethical and deliberate in his thought process.

Hosting an event is a great way to connect with fellow supporters and get involved. Your energy, your enthusiasm, and your support are what drive this campaign.

Vote for Change: Registering the Empire State

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 19:31:28 EDT

Voter registration has long been one of the most important undertakings of this campaign. Throughout the summer, thousands of supporters across New York have taken to local parks, festivals and even the Brooklyn Bridge to hold Vote for Change events. Every newly registered voter makes a difference and brings another needed voice into the political process. For both those who register voters and those who are registering to vote, it is an empowering experience.

Deanna from Brooklyn chose the "Drop the Rock & Love Hip Hop" event at the West 4th Street courts as the site of her most recent voter registration drive:

I've been doing voter registration drives in Brooklyn since May 2007 through our Brooklyn for Barack group, but this NYC event came up as a friend was organizing an event to promote her work with youth through hip-hop music, artists and videography. We thought this would be a great way to reach young people in the city.
Volunteers were very motivated by the energy of the day. A few new ones were asking how they could organize their own voter registration events around the city. I gave them some tips and directed them to groups local to their neighborhoods.
We registered over 70 voters (new and address changes) and about 30 volunteer sign-ups.

There are over 60 voter registration drive events taking place in New York in the next month alone. Click here to find one in your community, or sign up to host an event.

Getting Involved in a True 50-State Campaign

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 19:17:52 EDT

With the general election less than four months away, staff and volunteers across the country are preparing for a true 50 state campaign. People throughout the Empire State are mobilizing to get involved in ways that are unprecedented in a national campaign to make sure every voice is heard. In the Hudson Valley, supporters are using my.barackobama.com to host voter registration drives and discuss strategies for the general election. Hudson Valley Times Herald-Record reporter John Sullivan described the energy he is witnessing:

Anyone and everyone can get involved.

Harnessing the power of the Internet, the Barack Obama campaign has made it possible for stay-at-home moms, teachers and even high school students to donate money, hold voter registration drives and organize campaign rallies.

Local Obama volunteers are betting on that technology and their grassroots movement to drum up support for the Democratic senator's presidential campaign in the mid-Hudson as the next phase of the race begins.
"It was very exciting during the primaries, and now it's going to get exciting again," said Sonia Ayala, one of two Obama delegates from New York's 19th Congressional District. "I don't remember past elections in which regular folks not involved in the Democratic Party wanted to get so involved."
…"I believe this is, for my generation and the future of my kids, the most important election in our history," said Ayala, a mother of two.
…Angela Valles-Edwards has used the site www.barackobama.com to help build a presence for the Obama campaign in Dutchess County.
"I just picked up the phone and said, 'Is it OK if we have a voter registration drive?' " recalled the 43-year-old administrative assistant from Fishkill. "When I got the OK, I put it on the site, and people responded."
…"Barack Obama's message, not just of hope, but of unity, is what has been so powerful, and I think that combined with his empowerment of ordinary people like myself has made it possible."

Voter registration drives are taking place from NYC to Rochester. As the Times Herald-Record noted, all of the tools to host events and become active can be found through your my.barackobama.com account. We need supporters in every part of the state to grow our campaign for the work ahead. No matter where you are, you can sign up to host events and take part in our movement for change.

Working Together for a Better America

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 19:02:56 EDT

Barack came through NYC with Senator Clinton last month to make it clear that if we all join together on the issues we care about, we can make real progress in our government. He spoke about creating coherent energy solutions and an effective healthcare policy for all Americans.

Also, check out this video from last fall that catalogues the excitement sweeping through New York:

Listening to America: Joey in Tribeca

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:53:48 EDT

Joey in Tribeca was a “hardcore, ‘religious right’ type Republican for 20 years,” as she puts it, until she saw that Barack is leading a campaign that’s different than what we’ve witnessed in American politics before. After hearing that ordinary Americans were being asked to contribute their ideas to the national Democratic platform, Joey was convinced and decided to host a platform meeting. We spoke to her a few days before the event.

This is a prime example of how Obama is different...and does not just talk about being so. When is the last time, if ever, Americans were asked to weigh in on what matters most to them (not just the "experts") in terms of governing our country? I think this was a perfect example of democracy in action and I was happy to be a part of it. I hope to cull all of the ideas, hopes and worries of my community into a digestible format of platform ideas and send them off to the campaign in hopes of being heard and represented.

With the goal of bringing lower Manhattan into the emerging national conversation, the platform meeting called “Tribeca For Change 2008” encouraged participants to dictate the direction of the conversation. Joey is particularly concerned with the economy and homeland security, but mostly she’s excited about the American people being involved in every facet of the political process.

I plan to literally "host" the meeting and have people bring up the topics they want to discuss. I will help narrow the topics down and gain consensus as to what to cover. As far as what topics I want to discuss, they include the economy and building a better, more equipped workforce. I personally think this is done through a ground up education reform, including a plan where college is made more accessible to anyone who wants to go. Because I live in NYC, homeland security and terrorism is a very important topic to me. But also, I fear where US and Arab relations are going in the future. I think the way to fight burgeoning terrorism is to support and provide alternate education and sustenance programs in the Arab world. We need to give an alternative to the extremist schools and fight the ideology, not the people.

Hosting an event is a great way to connect with fellow supporters and get involved. Your energy, your enthusiasm, and your support are what drive this campaign.

Sign up on my.barackobama.com to host an event or find events in your area. And after you create your event, email us at blog@barackobama.com to tell us about your event and the issues that are important to you.

Voices for Change: Teresa in Suffolk, VA

George Krebs — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:09:15 EDT

This campaign is different. It’s made up of ordinary people from all over the country who have rejected the politics of the past and embraced a movement for change. Teresa from Virginia had never before been engaged in politics and considered the political system “unsalvageable.” This campaign has restored her faith. Teresa is a mother of two and a wife balancing her course load as a graduate student studying counseling. As a first time donor, Teresa writes:

I am 29 and voting for the first time in my life. I have always been annoyed with politics and felt that my voice was unheard so it didn't matter if I voted. Barack Obama has inspired me to take a stand. I truly believe that Barack Obama is our chance, America's chance to finally become the democracy that we are supposed to be … I am a Hispanic mother, wife, and graduate student whose family falls within the working class, and I am certain that this is our chance to make a difference. This is our chance to unite and finally include the American people when it comes to politics.

We talked with Teresa on the phone to ask her a bit more about why she was inspired to take ownership in this campaign and help motivate others to join the movement.

Teresa is drawn to Barack both for his message and for how he has been able to engage so many supporters, especially her family.

I’m really busy as a student and a mom, but I make sure I’m involved. I have an Obama sticker that I always wear, and everyone who knows me knows I’m a big supporter. All of the people supporting this campaign have been amazing. My mom is making phone calls, and this is the first time she’s been involved in a campaign. I’ve also told a girlfriend to register on the Obama website, and both of my kids have Obama t-shirts. He’s bringing people into the process.

The issues facing the country aren’t just exercises in political rhetoric. They hit close to home for Teresa. Her brother is in the armed forces, and the economy has put a strain on daily life. It convinced her that she had to get involved.

The war is a big factor for me because my brother is in the Navy. What we’re doing in Iraq isn’t working. There are so many issues here in America that we need to focus on. Families can’t even afford to buy houses, and we’re one of them. We need to focus solutions on helping average people. … Barack Obama is the one who will solve the problems for the ordinary people in this county.

Teresa’s dedication to this movement for change is steadfast. Asked whether she thought she could keep up the level of energy and enthusiasm until the general election, she said, “Maybe even more so!”

Teresa’s contribution was her first in a political campaign, and she hopes to inspire others to give. She plans to continue getting the word out in Virginia and doing what she can to help the campaign. “People love Barack,” she said. “To the people of Virginia who are unsure about the election, I’d say, ‘Educate yourself and know the issues.’ … Barack will represent the ordinary people.”

Across the country ordinary people are taking part in this campaign for change – many for their first time. Join Teresa in being a part of this historic movement.