Brett Brownell's Blog

Promote The Vote Block Party, With Jay-Z, Diddy, and Mary J Blige

Brett Brownell — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:49:01 EST

On the eve of Election Day 2008, Jay-Z, Diddy, Mary J Blige, and Russell Simmons threw a block party in North Philly to Promote the Vote for Barack Obama. Thousands of people showed up on Broad Street near Temple University to show their support as well.

Polls open in Pennsylvania in 8 hours! Go to www.voteforchange.com to find your polling location.

13 Days to Go - Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter Rallies Volunteers

Brett Brownell — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:37:07 EDT

19 Days Left "Out of State Volunteers: You're Never Too Young"

Brett Brownell — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:58:59 EDT

Greg and Halle of New York submitted this story about their kids joining them as they came from New York to Pennsylvania to volunteer last weekend:

Along with their parents, these children came all the way from New York to help swing Pennsylvania for Obama. The kids felt very strongly about helping the campaign. In their own words, here are some of the reasons Obama's youngest supporters are getting involved:
"I want children to live in a happier, safer and cleaner world," says Ben.
Dylan knows that, "Senator Obama will work hard so that all children and grandparents get the medicine and doctors they need."
Emma wants, "The war to stop and Obama will try to make it stop when he is president."
"I am eight years old," says Zoe, "and George Bush has been the president my whole life. I want to finally have a president I can be proud of."

22 Days to Go "Hillary Clinton to Pennsylvanians: Jobs, Baby, Jobs!"

Brett Brownell — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:24:38 EDT

With the corn fields of Horsham, PA stretching off in the distance, Senator Hillary Clinton addressed a passionate crowd of supporters from Montgomery and Bucks Counties. Thanking those who came to the event, she discussed the critical importance of Pennsylvania, which she said would likely hold the key to the White House on November 4.

Looking at the issues facing middle class Pennsylvanians, while also reflecting on her own support for Barack Obama in this election, Hillary told the crowd that "this election is too important to sit on the sidelines of history." She encouraged voters to focus on issues such as the economy and jobs, and support policies that strengthen the middle class. "The middle class," she said, "is at our core as a nation," going on to add that when the middle class isn't strong, the United States isn't strong.

In a speech that drew sharp comparisons with the Republican ticket throughout, Hillary led the crowd in a boisterous chant of "Jobs, baby, jobs!" a strong and contrasting message with the "Drill, Baby, Drill" chats that have become a rallying cry at GOP campaign events. She stressed that job creation is the answer to the economic downturn, and that in this election, only Barack Obama offers the steady , grounded leadership capable of steering us out of the current economic crisis.

Hillary explained that as she travels the country, she is often asked "Who are you for?" A better question to ask, she said, is "Who is for you?" It is the question she asked herself before setting out to campaign for Barack Obama and Joe Biden and she left no doubt in her speech today how she answers it for herself. "Barack Obama and Joe Biden are for you," Hillary declared. Acknowledging that times are tough, Hillary argued that the American people are tougher than the times, and that the results of this election will shape an entire generation to come. Urging her supporters and all Pennsylvanians to vote for change in this election, she painted a picture of a re-emergent America, founded in a revitalized middle class and steadied by Senator Obama's leadership.

-This post was written by PA New Media correspondent Patrick Furey.

29 Days to Go "Bruce Springsteen Rally in Philadelphia Video"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:46:21 EDT

In case you were not one of the 50,000 people attending Bruce Springsteen's "Change Rocks" concert in Philadelphia this weekend, and even if you were, you can watch a wrap up of it here:

32 Days to Go "Barack Visits Montgomery County, PA"

Brett Brownell — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 22:01:30 EDT

Senator Obama spoke to a large crowd this morning from the ten yard line of the Abington High School football field. It was reported today that America has experienced its ninth straight month of job loss, and more than 750,000 total jobs have been lost since January. Watch the video below from today's rally, and learn how Senator Obama plans to create five million new good paying jobs that can't be shipped overseas:

After the rally, Barack stopped by Penny's Flowers in Abington and bought a dozen white roses for his wife Michelle. It's their 16th wedding anniversary today...

33 Days to Go "U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy - PA 8th District"

Brett Brownell — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:55:25 EDT

U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy explains why Barack Obama's plan for Iraq and his approach to foreign policy are the right direction for America. Congressman Murphy is a veteran of the Iraq War and currently represents Bucks County, Northeast Philadelphia, and part of Montgomery County in Washington.

34 Days to Go "Pittsburgh - The Hill District Hope Mural"

Brett Brownell — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:10:19 EDT

The last few months have been busy for Ray. While working full time, he's been planning and organizing an ambitious community project in The Hill disctrict of Pittsburgh. Much like the Barns for Obama paintings of the midwest, Ray wanted to create a large mural across the side of a building. But in this case, the structure would be the side of a taxi cab headquarters in the heart of Pittsburgh.

So this weekend, after many weeks of planning and seven days of non-stop work by dozens of local community members, artists and youth, actress Gloria Rueben from the hit show ‘ER’ helped unveil the 'Hope Mural’. The mural was kicked off last weekend by Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack as a community development project to beautify the neighborhood and promote team building in the Hill District. The mural depicts an image of Senator Barack Obama and will stay in the neighborhood permanently.

The mural was created in a paint-by-number fashion so everybody could participate in the project and all supplies, including the space for the brick wall, were donated by local community members.

If you're in Pittsburgh you can see the mural for yourself on the corner of Wylie Ave and Kirpatrick St.

36 Days to Go "Northeast Philly - Women For Obama"

Brett Brownell — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:29:37 EDT

This post was sent in by Robin of Philadelphia:

Yesterday we had our "Women for Obama" rally in Northeast Philly and I think everyone who participated would agree - it was a RUSH! The day began with an unpromising weather forecast and I was uncertain how many people would show, as we had organized this so last minute (we got the word out just this past Thursday afternoon!) My friends and I arrived at the corner of Roosevelt Blvd. and Tyson Ave just as things were getting started - there were just a few women gathered at the corner - one with a wonderful sign perched upon the end of a hockey stick proclaiming "Hockey Mom for Obama". As we joined them we were immediately buoyed up by the honking, thumbs up, and cheers of traffic passing by. As we set up and unfurled our 5 yard long "Women for Obama" banner the chorus of honks and cheers grew. Soon there were 35 of us - mostly women, children and two devoted husbands (mine being one of them) with all kinds of signs: "Families for Obama" "N.E. Philly for Obama", "69 year old White Woman for Obama"... As my husband remarked, one of the things that was especially entertaining (and encouraging!) was seeing the wide variety of people driving by who honked, waved, cheered, and even took pictures - men and women, young and old, white, black, Latino, Asian in every form of transportation- motorcycles, beat-up pick-ups, shiny SUV's, and those great big 18 wheelers with their belly rumbling horn blasts! Of course we encountered some ugliness too - a few racists remarks and one young fellow in a truck who revved his engine and spewed exhaust over a small group of children gathered at the corner. But for the most part it was an energizing and uplifting morning that left us with a great feeling of connection as "Women for Obama" as well as the joy of experiencing the enthusiasm of so many Philadelphians for the Obama-Biden ticket!

39 Days To Go "Carole King at Reading Terminal Market"

Brett Brownell — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:08:11 EDT

Legendary singer Carole King rallied Center City Philadelphia residents at the Reading Terminal Market and listened to audience comments and questions. She discussed why she supports Barack, how important it is to volunteer, and how everyone matters in this election no matter your age.

41 Days To Go "Michelle Obama and Jill Biden Urge Pennsylvanians to Register and Vote"

Brett Brownell — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:28:32 EDT

Patrick Furey submits this story about Michelle Obama and Jill Biden's rally in Philadelphia today:

With less than six weeks to go in the election, the Francis Myers Recreation Center hosted an electric Rally for Change in southwest Philadelphia. Standing onstage under a banner proclaiming “Change”, and in front of a mural with the faces of the community and the words “I remember wishing and praying I could make a difference” across the top, Michelle Obama spoke to excited supporters.

Some fifteen hundred members from the community and the greater Philadelphia region came to see our next First Lady, and community took center stage at the event. From the podium, the sound of children playing could be heard from the playground around the corner from the stage.

Cheers and applause greeted Michelle Obama as she stepped onto the stage with Mayor Michael Nutter and Jill Biden. Michelle stressed the importance of this election as an opportunity for change, both as a conduit for the hopes of young people joining the political process, and the addition of older voices joining for the first time. “The movement we are seeing,” she stressed, “isn’t about us, it is about you,” noting that each voice in this election comes from a different path, with different stories.

Reflecting on the blue collar upbringings of both herself and of Barack, Michelle highlighted issues such as the looming economic crisis, fixing the broken healthcare system, and ensuring affordable education for all American children. Michelle stated unequivocally that the United States needs a president who will enact policies that reflect the struggles Pennsylvania families are dealing with. “Let me tell you something,” she announced proudly, “Barack Obama gets it.”

Encouraging all Pennsylvanians to vote, Michelle talked about the upcoming voter registration deadline of October 6th, and urged supporters to register as many new voters as possible in the upcoming days. “The power of this election is in your hands,” she announced to the cheering crowd, and with a single vote, everyone in this country can make a difference this November.

41 Days To Go "Young Entrepreneurs For Obama"

Brett Brownell — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 09:31:10 EDT

This story was submitted by California resident Hallie Warshaw:

" I was visiting my brother in the Mt. Airy suburb of Philadelphia on Labor Day weekend, and I took my 1 year old nephew on a walk. On the corner in front of the Mt. Airy SEPTA train station, I saw this scene. Two neighborhood friends, 11 years old and 8 years old had an iced tea and lemonade stand on the corner to raise money for Obama. They told me they were too young to vote, so they wanted to do something. They knew the issues and had raised around $70 when I saw them at around 3:00PM, and they had been out there all day, and it was hot, in the mid 90's that weekend, but they were determined.

If this photo doesn't define this election and what the Obama ticket stands for, I don't know what does..."

44 Days To Go "People Your Age Aren't Afraid of Change"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:29:26 EDT

Jessie Wolfe, a student at Temple University shares her story and photos from today's campus event:

"Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Mayor Michael Nutter showed how much they think the youth vote will matter for the 2008 election by visiting Temple University for a Voter Registration Rally. The Rally that took place in the Temple Student Activities Center attracted over 200 people.

Headline Speaker Dean spoke about how the youth vote is the key to taking the Presidency from the GOP. Dean stated, "We need real change in this country and people your age aren't afraid of change."

The overall feeling among students was that they finally felt that politicians, like Dean, are taking the youth vote seriously and that they will have an impact on this election."

45 Days To Go "Take Your Daughter To Canvass Day With Jill and Ashley Biden"

Brett Brownell — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 20:02:25 EDT

Today was Take Your Daughter to Canvass Day in Pennsylvania. All over the state mothers and daughters went door to door talking to their neighbors about why they support Barack Obama and Joe Biden. It was a beautiful afternoon and a great way for mothers and daughters to spend a day together while working to bring the right change to Washington, D.C.

Jill Biden and her daughter Ashley kicked off the event in Jill's hometown of Willow Grove. Mothers and daughters from all around the Montgomery County area grabbed packets filled with voter registration slips, Obama/Biden literature, and a list of voters in the neighborhood, then set off to talk to people on their list.

After some canvassing, Jill and Ashley made a visit to the Norristown campaign office. There they helped volunteers make phone calls to potental volunteers and Obama supporters.

To learn more about Take Your Daughter to Canvass day and other women's events click here.

46 Days To Go "Howard Dean Fires Up Philadelphia Volunteers"

Brett Brownell — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:28:27 EDT

Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, spoke to volunteers and community organizers this afternoon at the Philadelphia center city campaign office.

It was a passionate address in which he defended the efforts of all types of community organizers: PTA members, librarians, AND campaign volunteers. "WE are community organizers", he told the fired up crowd.

Dean also stressed the need to restore America's moral authority in the world and remember that this election is about our children. "Barack is the first next-generation President", he said, before thanking volunteers and staff members for their efforts and indulging in a world famous Center City Soft Pretzel Company pretzel.

48 Days To Go "Joe Biden Visits Media, PA"

Brett Brownell — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:31:11 EDT

Joe Biden spoke yesterday in Shannon Scully's hometown of Media, PA.

"There were over 3,000 people, it was a beautiful afternoon, and the setting was fantastic," she says.

Here are some pictures Shannon took using the Share Your Story feature found on pa.barackobama.com.

49 Days To Go "Barack On Solving Our Economic Crisis"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 22:06:15 EDT

Barack Obama spoke today in Golden, Colorado about the critical state of the economy in the United States. Watch this video and learn about his solutions for this crisis:

50 Days To Go "Familiar Faces"

Brett Brownell — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 21:40:31 EDT

Monday. September 15, 2008.

This weekend Pennsylvania was excited to host numerous familiar faces who helped out with voter registration drives all around the state. Jurnee Smollett was on stage at the National Step Show Competition at Temple University, Kate Walsh spoke at UPenn as well as a house party with the Biden family, Kal Penn fired up students at Penn State University, and
?uest Love registered voters at Rittenhouse Square.

Note: ?uest Love video coming soon...

51 Days To Go "Tuesday Is Phone Bank For Education Day"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:53:38 EDT

On Tuesday September 16 from 5:00 - 9:00pm you are invited to visit your local Pennsylvania field office to phone bank for education. We will be calling members of the community to discuss Barack's education policies.

The event features a conference call with current chair of the Obama for America Education Committee and former National Teacher of the Year Jason Kamras.

To find your local Obama field office click here.

52 Days To Go "Obama Supporters At The National Step Show Competition"

Brett Brownell — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:14:50 EDT

Saturday September 13, 2008. Philadelphia - Temple University.

Dozens of Temple University students joined actress Jurnee Smollett as she registered voters at the National Step Show Competition this evening. The show, held at Temple's Liacourus Arena drew a crowd of over 3,000, and Jurnee and the volunteers made sure they were registered to vote.

There was stomping, stepping, dancing, clapping, and even some pyro technics. Talk about FIRED UP!

57 Days To Go "65 Offices Now Open"

Brett Brownell — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:47:12 EDT

Tuesday. September 9, 2008. Doylestown & DuBois.

Count em: 1...2...63...Doylestown makes it 64...and DuBois makes it 65.

65 Obama offices are now up and running and ready for you to visit in Pennsylvania. So whether you live in Philadelphia or Erie, there's probably one close by.

To find an office click here.

Photos from the Doylestown and DuBois office opening parties were provided by Doylestown organizer Peter Nilsson and a volunteer in DuBois. Peter would like to note that the cake was half chocolate half vanilla, the speaker is Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia addressing the above-capacity crowd of 207 people, and he is the one on the left waving. The young civil servant in the hat and the organizer speaking to the crowd in the final pics are DuBois residents.

58 Days To Go "Calling All Ages"

Brett Brownell — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:06:39 EDT

Monday. September 9, 2008. Scranton.

The Scranton office was was thrilled to receive four hours of volunteer efforts from twenty local high school students. All together they made 1,384 phone calls, and reached out to potential Obama voters, supporters, and volunteers.

Remember, even if you're not old enough to vote you can still get involved!

Thanks to Matt McCabe for submitting these photos using our Share Your Story link found here.

59 Days To Go "Out Of State Volunteers Braving The Elements"

Brett Brownell — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:59:30 EDT

With Hurricane Hannah's wind and rain pouring down, a team of volunteers from New York spent the weekend in Scranton. It was Out-Of-State Volunteer Kick Off Weekend in Pennsylvania. And this group of brave volunteers helped make it a successful kick off.

Border state residents can play a huge role in this election. If you want to volunteer and you live in a state other than Pennsylvania click here.

And of course we invite all Pennsylvania residents to volunteer by joining their neighborhood teams here

60 Days To Go "Biden Up The Street"

Brett Brownell — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:24:27 EDT

Friday. September 5, 2008. Langhorne.

I wasn't sure if I would NEED to go to this event. But Peter and Sharon, the new media road crew traveling with Joe Biden needed an extra hand filming. So I went. And it was a rousing speech. Biden is ready to eat the Republicans alive, and Jill is ready to raise us higher than 19th in the world in education.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc3WzMqVJ20

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAUSoXqr3yc

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

61 Days To Go "And Joe Is On FIRE"

Brett Brownell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:35:29 EDT

Thursday. September 4, 2008. Bucks County.

Joe Biden was FIRED UP today. The audio could have been better, but I just assumed he was so hot he melted some integral wiring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAUSoXqr3yc&feature=user

Plus, we now have a sweet new ticker on our homepage that scrolls through different options for you to get involved. Go team PA New Media!

www.pa.barackobama.com

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

62 Days To Go "Barack, The Second Time. And The Third."

Brett Brownell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:30:07 EDT

Thursday. September 4, 2008. York & Lancaster.

The family drove out, each of us VERY tired to the events. Our youth vote director, our new media intern, and our policy intern, all packed in my Saturn straining to stay awake during the early morning drive.

But when you see the next president of the United States in person. And you're one of only about 50 people able to watch him speak in the morning. And then one of about 10,000 people able to watch him speak in the afternoon you wake up. Fast.

Video by the Obama Road Team:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RF650s7WOU

And photos by Me. The last by Prince Spells:

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

63 Days To Go "The Great Diplomat"

Brett Brownell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:04:03 EDT

Tuesday. September 2, 2008. Doylestown & Bryn Mawr.

She was the highest ranking female official in U.S. history. She was Secretary of State under Bill Clinton. She was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. And she was in Doylestown and Bryn Mawr College today to show her support for Barack Obama. Madeleine Albright. We were honored to have her in town today.

1) Photos from her Doylestown visit to the Obama campaign office and Bryn Mawr college:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157607133902756/

2) Video from her Bryn Mawr college appearance. Note: she appears at approximately 24 mins of the video:

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/684440

3) Her message to women voters in Pennsylvania:

http://www.pa.barackobama.com/pawomen

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

64 Days To Go "Editing The Biden Video"

Brett Brownell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:41:31 EDT

Tuesday. September 2, 2008. Philly.

Unfortunately, I don't remember much about today other than editing the Biden video. I thought it might be too late, since I didn't get to it until later in the day. But it proved well worth hustling today to get it done. It's kind of time warp since it was posted yesterday and edited today. But you get the point. Yesterday it was the story of the day, today, the editing of it, is the story...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_cPsh7i2yg

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

65 Days To Go "Biden's Homecoming"

Brett Brownell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:14:21 EDT

Monday. September 1, 2008. Scranton.

I'm having trouble embedding videos, so I'll just post the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_cPsh7i2yg

And here are photos:

http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157607065748427/

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

66 Days To Go "SFBO Video Done"

Brett Brownell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:12:32 EDT

Saturday. August 30, 2008. Philly.

SFBO = Students For Barack Obama
Video = Video
Done = Done, but you can't see it yet cause it's not approved.

Happy to have it done. It was a whirlwind trying to find time for it.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

67 Days To Go "Brits For Obama"

Brett Brownell — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:02:00 EDT

Saturday. August 20, 2008. Pittsburgh --> Philly

It's the third time I've slept at my supporter housing in Pittsburgh. Bless their souls. I love that house.

I wake early. Exhausted, but still beaming from my first night seeing Barack Obama live. The heart of the campaign season is beating now, and we're... well... the blood? It's a good feeling. And although there is another five hour drive ahead, I invite it.

The first stop, before heading out of town is the Pittsburgh office. I meet with a local videographer who filmed the Pittsburgh watch party a few nights prior. He gives me the tapes from the night and we discuss our respective convention experiences. Meanwhile, we talk about our feelings over John McCain's surprise announcement of Sarah Palin as his V.P. choice. It's the front page story on the paper.

Then it's time to head back. I have a co-pilot for this drive. Tommy. He's an English chap who came all the way from London to help with the campaign. He lives in Philly right now, but wanted to see Barack out here in Pittsburgh. So, he flew here, and I was happy to give him a ride back. He wanted to see some of the state. I told him it looked a lot like "This", as I pointed to the trees, farms, and rolling hills in our windshield.

It was refreshing to have a passenger in the car. I've been doing a lot of driving, and for the most part Barack's voice on "The Audacity of Hope" audiobook was my only company.

We spent the first half of the drive talking about our thoughts on the once-in-a-lifetime experience last night - The first event Barack did as the Democratic Nominee for President, and we were there. Our feelings were similar, but our eloquence quite different. He, an Oxford English major, me a photographer with a slight southern drawl. But we agreed, this was the man of our generation, this was a figure we could believe in, get inspired by, tell our kids and grandkids about. We agreed.

The rest of the drive we spent talking like old friends. Ambitions, relationships, and rugby.

It was a microcosm for what this movement is all about. International comrades, an invitation to see your country, gathering in a small park in a town you've never heard of with 10,000 new friends and a man who will serve as your leader, role model, and president.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

68 Days To Go "The General Election Season Begins In Pennsylvania"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:47:20 EDT

Friday. August 29, 2008. Beaver

The drive to Pittsburgh. Again.

Beaver, Pennsylvania is about 30 minutes North of Pittsburgh. It's closer to Cleveland than it is to Philly. It might even be closer to Chicago than it is to Philly.

It was the first official stop for Barack Obama and Joe Biden after their nomination.

Approximately 8,000 people showed up at a little community park in the city of Beaver. Walking up, I saw swarms of police, men in suits, and barricades. It was different than the energy of a rock concert. It was tension on top of excitement. It takes a lot of energy and a lot of man power to control that size crowd.

It was my first time to see Barack speak live. My camera bags were swept and sniffed. And after what I assume is the average amount of confusion and hectic buzz I was allowed into the press area of the event.

I mingled with the crowd and interviewed about five people who were waiting in line. I asked them their thoughts on Barack's speech, their thoughts on Sarah Palin and why they supported Barack. Most were working middle class Steelers fans who laughed when I mentioned Sarah Palin and spoke with a serious humble tone when discussing their reasons for supporting Obama. They wanted to end the war, they wanted to get better care for the soldiers who came home, and felt like he was the perfect evolution for America.

It's always a struggle for me to do these interviews at first. I wrestle with the question, "Who am I going to pick?". Who's going to get a camera shoved in their face and a handshake from me asking if they can be interviewed for Barack's website? Where do I even start.

I scan the line and start with a group of service industry union members in purple shirts. One by one they find an excuse not to be interviewed and pass me on to their friend and their friend until finally I meet someone who is happy to be on camera and speak about Barack.

Once I get this first interview the others are much easier to find.

The motorcade is running late. Very late. So we all wait. Patiently.

Finally, they arrive with much fanfare and flashing police lights. It's like nothing I've ever seen. There are dozens of people with bags, laptops, sportcoats, attache's. I try to find Barack or Joe in the crowd but it's impossible. Later I'll figure out this is the traveling press. They are a herd of reporters always on the move. I wonder if they ever sleep. I remember I rarely do and find the question rhetorical.

After a few minutes Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania walks up to the gazebo with Joe Biden and Barack. He introduces Senator Biden who speaks gregariously, having arrived fresh off the successful convention momentum. He introduces Barack very casually and the whole place erupts. All 8,000+ of them.

Before I start shooting I soak in Senator Obama's presence. He moves with stature and confidence. He's chill. He's smiling. He's tall. Michelle, Jill and Joe sit on wooden stools by his side as he speaks.

Once I take a moment to soak in the experience as a bystander I begin to take video. Then stills. Then more video. I wish to focus on one, but I know I've got to get both. So I keep switching and moving locations as gracefully as possible.

And this is what I come up with:

I'm quite pleased.

Afterwards I thank our western PA press official for helping me get into the event and tell her it was a real pleasure. We talk about our stressful days for a few moments and then I'm off to find my car so I can get to my saintly Pittsburgh supporter housing volunteers and send a report back to Philadelphia before falling asleep like a boulder.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

69 Days To Go "I Accept"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:33:46 EDT

Thursday. Augst 28, 2008. Philly.

I'll tell my kids about this day.

This was the strongest sense of social unity I have felt since 9/11/01.

Thanks to Barack and Michelle and everyone who brought them to this point.

Now let's get this guy elected because it's right and we can't waste this chance.

http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157607002911256/

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

70 Days To Go "Biden's Boys"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:51:13 EDT

Wednesday. August 27, 2008. Scranton, PA.

I shouldn't send texts while driving, but Barack Obama is speaking to me. Literally.

As I listen to him read "The Audacity of Hope" I find his words so rich and intelligent that I have to make note of them. So I send a text to myself while driving North on I-81 and 476 through "Biden Country" every time I hear a great word.

Barack talks of the DRUBBING he took when he lost his first race for Congress.
He takes a REPOSE from work to appreciate daily life and his family.
His daughters DEMURELY pose for photographers during his swearing in at the Senate.
He continues to choose the perfect words for each sentence.
SUBJEGATED.
STIGMATIZED.
SEMINAL. And on and on.

Our next president speaks well and has a good vocabulary. How refreshing!

It's been many years since I felt personal enlightenment. Strangely enough, the last time was in 2000 during the Gore/Bush election when I was a senior in college. But today, while on my way to Joe Biden's old neighborhood, I feel an immense sense of enlightenment and Hope once again, while listening to "The Audacity of Hope", read by the author.

I arrive at my destination in Scranton. There's a news truck and cars parked up and down the street.

Inside, some of Senator Biden's closest friends from childhood have gathered to watch his acceptance speech as he becomes the official democratic candidate for Vice President. There are lots of people, lots of food, and a TV in each room playing the convention.

In the living room Joe's childhood friends Larry Orr and Tom Bell stress that Joe Biden is a leader. They tell me that when they were kids Joe was always the one planning what the group would do. Whether it was where to play baseball or what movie to see, they knew Joe had the answers.

After knowing Joe for over five decades now, Tom says, "Barack Obama will be a better president because of Joe Biden. I know it. He improves the character of everyone around him."

I head back to Philadelphia feeling honored to have joined these men and their families. They told me before Joe went on stage that they believe a part of him will still be in Scranton while he speaks. After the event ends and I drive out of the Electric City back to Philadelphia, I feel that part of Joe still lingering. It was a feeling of strength. And hope. And of limitless potential.

Tomorrow, Barack will speak and accept the nomination to be President of the United States. I'll be watching with thousands of people in the grass in front of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were written. I will keep my phone close by.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

71 Days To Go "88th of the 19th"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:48:03 EDT

Tuesday. August 26, 2008. Philly.

I biked to Independence Mall, the grassy area surrounding Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution were signed. This will be the location of Philadelphia's Barack Obama acceptance speech watch party in two days. I'll be filming and sending live feeds and interviews to the big screen, so I need to set up. We met Kevin the IT guy, and the producer of the event, whose name escapes me at the moment. They're really on top of it and it's going to be a spectacular, memorable, and unforgettable night. I can say that with confidence because I'm writing this after the event.

Meanwhile, this evening was Hillary Clinton's speech at the convention. In my opinion, her speech was the most notable, well crafted, and inspiring of the convention. I felt like she owned it. The whole election could be in her hands and she did a wonderful inspiring her voters, and inspiring everyone to vote for Barack. We watched it in our headquarters office on our one TV. In the photo you'll notice there's noone sitting at the desks. This is because the entire office is gathered around the TV. I'm not posting photos of everyone watching in order to protect their privacy. But it was a really emotional night. HRC, as they say, was able to do what noone had done in weeks: get people at our office to stop working. And it all happened on the night of the 88th anniversary of the 19th amendment. 18 million cracks all these years later. Who would have ever thought it way back in 1920.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

72 Days To Go "Nancy Grace"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:30:21 EDT

Monday. August 25, 2008. Philly.

We're gearing up for the convention this week. It's going to be crazy busy. In the meantime I met Nancy Grace today...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN471zK8WWI

I tried embedding, but it's not working. So you can just watch the link.

Thanks for reading.
Brett

www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

73 Days To Go "The One And Only"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:26:53 EDT

Saturday. August 24, 2008. Philly?

Unfortunately, I simply don't remember today. I'm writing this 10 days later. And since there's nothing on my ical for this day, I just have no idea. My apologies.

Thanks for reading.
Brett

74 Days To Go "Neighborhood Teams Video Screening"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:46:14 EDT

Saturday. August 23, 2008. Philly.

I was too tired to remember most of the day, but I do know that I finished a really solid draft of the Neighborhood Teams video. I showed it to our Field Director, and two organizers at the central Philly office. They loved it. I think it might be the work I'm most proud of to date. I feel like it will get a whole batch of people fired up and ready to volunteer.

A few of us celebrated and took a night to be social by walking down to a pub just off of South street. I don't remember the name, but it was perfect. Quiet. Cobblestone street. A just a few blocks from Independence Hall.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

75 Days To Go "Penn State Move In"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:41:00 EDT

Friday. August 22, 2008. Philly --> State College --> And back to Philly

If you're going to document registration events at Freshman move in days on campuses all over Pennsylvania, you better not ignore Penn State. Even if it means you have to drive 3.5 hours each way to get there. And even if you have to get home at 3:00AM. But I got to interview the president of the students for Barack Obama group, some student interns, and I filmed some separate footage that might be used in a national TV ad. We'll see.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

76 Days To Go "Seven"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:24:21 EDT

Thursday. August 21, 2008. Pittsburgh.

Part of the success of this campaign and of Senator Obama's leadership stems from his ability to connect with people. So yesterday, when John McCain could not answer the simple question, "How many houses do you own?", we were reminded again that it's much easier to feel like Barack Obama connects to us, and not a man who doesn't even know how many houses he owns.

Check it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PJRMmf1KZQ

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

77 Days To Go "Backstage With Barack Winners"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:12:54 EDT

Wednesday. August 20, 2008. Pittsburgh --> Lancaster --> Philly

Matt is asleep in his office. Not at his desk. But on the floor.

Matt is an organizer in Pittsburgh. He's tall. Thin. And he was up all night working on installing the new servers at the office. That's not his job description, but if we only followed our job description flyers would never get made, data would never get entered, people would never get called, and the Pittsburgh office would not have internet or data storage.

I walk into Matt's office at 9:00:AM. He's on the floor. I knock softly. He pries his eyes open. By 9:02 he's sitting at his desk and we're starting our meeting. The topic at hand: The Hill District mural project. A local artist named Ray wants to paint a big Obama mural across the side of a building. The owner of the building has given him permission. So we're planning to make an event and video about it.

Ray, Matt, and I, with sleep in our eyes (some of us more than others), discover some beautiful connections within this story. We learn about The Hill District's history as a hub for Jazz, how Freedom Corner stands at the gates of this proud region of Pittsburgh. But we also learn through discussion and research that this area has been neglected. It's aesthetically worn and the people are in need of simplicities like a neighborhood grocery store. They strongly support "the Illinois Senator with the funny name", and are ready for him.

So we plan to make a documentary about this mural. It will be a community event. Kids will be invited to paint. Neighbors will be invited to the unveiling. And we will learn about the rich history of The Hill.

After getting very inspired and worked up I realize I have neglected my parking meter. I bike back to my car in a hurry and find 0:00 flashing on the meter. But all that resides on my windshield are a few dead bugs and some smears of who knows what. A small win.

It takes me 30 minutes to get out of Pittsburgh. I know where I'm going, but I can't get there. A bridge takes me to another bridge and while I'm given a beautiful view of the city from the southside hill, it's not where I need to be. Finally, I find my way and head to Lancaster to meet with Eric and Anthony.

In May Eric donated $25 to Barack's campaign and wrote a short essay. The contest, called Backstage With Barack, was intended to help raise money for the campaign, with the chance to win a trip to Denver to meet Barack backstage just before he gives his acceptance speech. Eric had donated before, but this time, he figured, why not donate again.

So last week Eric got a call from David Plouffe, campaign manager for Barack Obama. Eric had been chosen as one of ten winners. He would be going to the convention and would meet Barack backstage just prior to Barack's acceptance speech.

His guest would not be his wife. Or his son. But Anthony Stukes, a young man he counseled at an alternative school and has kept in touch with over the last ten years since Anthony was a teenager.

We talked for an hour on camera about their story. How Eric had left his job at the YMCA as an administrator to get more involved directly with kids' lives. How Anthony had come from a foster care background and risen to become a youth counselor and leader.

Afterwards Eric was kind enough to treat both Anthony and I to dinner at a great restaurant on the outskirts of town. With cornfields surrounding us we talked about our goals, dreams, diversity, and took pleasure in our gathering together.

When dinner was over, we took a stroll through a local gallery which featured paintings of farmers, country workers, and Amish families. I said goodbye to Eric and Anthony, wished them a pleasant time at the convention, and asked them to say hi to Barack for me. They said they would.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

78 Days To Go "Pitt Move In"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:58:31 EDT

Tuesday. August 19, 2008. Pittsburgh.

It's your last day with your parents. It's their last day with you. They're sad. You're scared. You're about to start college and enter into adulthood. What better way to step into adulthood than to register to vote!

That was the goal today. Upper-class student leaders, student volunteers, and staff organizers were registering voters all over the Pitt campus today. Most of the Freshmen were 18 years old, so the November election would be their first time voting. Exciting.

There's a law in Pennsylvania that says you can register to vote on your campus address. Every state is different, but Pennsylvania is cool. We allow students to register at their campus address so they don't have to worry about absentee voting, or driving home to vote. They can roll out of bed, brush their teeth (or not), go to class (or not), and then vote somewhere really close.

So all the students who registered today, and others who will register up until early October, will not only be participating in democracy and changing the future of the country, but they won't even break a sweat doing it.

Video from today coming soon.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

79 Days To Go "Back To Pittsburgh"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:00:48 EDT

Monday. August 18, 2007. Philly --> Pittsburgh.

My sunburn from the Delaware River registration event wasn't TOO bad this morning. I packed some gear, and I don't remember how else I spent my afternoon. But I'm sure it was filled with work until I found time to leave for Pittsburgh yet again. Tomorrow is University of Pittsburgh's move in day, so we're going to document all the voter registration and reach out to the new Freshmen.

I'm becoming friends with I-76. The PA Tollway. It's winding and long. Sunoco stations and very few exists for 5 hours. Sabraro pizza and cars with the guts to do 80 MPH. And corn. Lots and lots of corn.

I don't have cruise control so I can never get too comfortable. I listen to The Fountainhead on audio CD. Once in a while I test the radio. You never know what kind of gold you can find on FM in the middle of Pennsylvania. Not surprisingly, it's a lot of country, static, and pop/rock from yesteryear.

$15.25 in tolls later and I'm there.

In Pittsburgh, my host family has left the door unlocked for me. What common values we share when they trust me to show up at their house, door unlocked, at 11:45 at night. John and Susan. Thanks again. You have given me the best bed of all time.

Tomorrow it's "Pitt". Starting bright and early, right on time, at 9:00AM.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

80 Days To Go "Regin' On The River"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:44:20 EDT

Sunday. August 17, 2008. Point Pleasant.

Registering voters and reaching out to volunteers is not always easy. But if you're creative, like Pete, Ryan, and Crystal it's always a fun adventure. They brought some water-proof signs, a banner, and sealed some voter reg forms into a plastic bag, then trudged out into the middle of the Deleware River to catch support from hundreds of tubers floating down the river...

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

81 Days To Go "Yield To Horse And Buggy"

Brett Brownell — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:14:53 EDT

Saturday. August 16, 2008. York & Lancaster.

I drove to York to document a Harleys for Obama event and to drop off some "Buy American, Vote Obama" stickers to the York office.

I drove to a farm just south of Lancaster to meet with a woman who owns a horse and buggy and uses them to spread the word to rural voters about Obama.

I drove to New Holland with Field Organizer Wes to document a neighborhood team meeting in a suburban neighborhood. Plus I talked them into being in our neighborhood team commercial which is coming soon.

And I drove home and talked about energy policies with my mom on the phone.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

82 Days To Go "Harleys and Beef"

Brett Brownell — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:54:39 EDT

Friday. August 16, 2008. Philly.

I'm writing a few days after today. So the memories are blurry. But I know this was one of those planning days. The York Harley event tomorrow. Next week's college campus events. And even a night of being social tonight with my good friend and former touring mate "Beef" and some new friends from our headquarters office.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

83 Days To Go "Lurking"

Brett Brownell — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:27:15 EDT

Thursday. August 14, 2008. Philly.

This was also on the front page of the local section of the Philadelphia Inquirer (apparently I'm a lurker)...

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/26945389.html

Meanwhile, I spent the day editing. We will have two new videos soon.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

84 Days To Go "I Love Sansom"

Brett Brownell — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:10:52 EDT

Wednesday. August 13, 2008. Philly.

America's Town Hall is a product of the Democratic National Committee. The goal is to collect questions from people on the street, then have democratic officials answer the questions in Denver at the national convention. The twist is that we collect the questions on video, so there's a face and a real person represented.

Our new media director, Kevin, our communications director, Sean, and I met at Rittenhouse Square, a popular park in the center of town. Armed with a clipboard, some notes, and a camera we got to work. Kevin recruited friendly participants who were on their lunch break, while I filmed them, and Sean talked to the press.

There were a few local news stations there, the Philadelphia Inquirer paper, the local NPR station, and maybe some others. I don't know for sure. But it was an interesting experience filming these nervous participants, while the press filmed us.

The second participant Andrey, from Russia, had to gather himself. His nerves were getting the best of him. And I certainly understood why. Five minutes earlier he was eating lunch on a bench. And now he had me in his face, three local news cameras, a radio station, and newspaper reporters listening in to his question. It was like this for all the participants.

But this is a worthy event to cover. It gave the chance for ordinary citizens to ask anything they wanted with the possibility of getting straight up answers.

Most questions were about health care, the economy, gas, and alternative energy. One woman was walking her two babies in a stroller. She was happy to participate because she was upset with the school system and wanted to know how education would be improved under the Democrats and Obama's plan. One man owned a small business and wanted to know how health care could become more affordable, not just for him, but for his employees. One guy even wanted to know what Senator Obama's goals were with the space exploration program.

We had 15 people participate. 15 regular people, literally picked off the street. 15 questions. 15 stories. All of them were genuinely concerned about certain issues. And it reminded me that this is the season where we have to begin to find answers.

Later in the day I collected interviews with Terrance, Tiye, and Isabel, field organizers from the Philadelphia area. Their job is to represent two wards each within the city.

A ward is a section of a city (I'm learning something new every day). The average size of a ward, by looking at the map, seems to be about 10 blocks by ten blocks. Maybe more. I'm not sure of the science of it. But each organizer represents two wards of the city. Then anyone who wants to volunteer for the campaign within those sections of the city coordinates and communicates with Terrance, Tiye, Isabel, or any of the numerous field organizers. It's an awesome system. It's a neighborhood team, just like the ones Barack organized in Chicago.

So Terrance, Tiye, Isabel, and some other awesome people are based in the central Philly office on Sansom and 15th. The office is a large, wide open, 2nd floor space with lots of painted Obama signs, maps, and a general feel of community, family, and fun.

I wandered in late in the evening, as I do a few times a week. The first thing I saw was Isabel and three other organizers doing yoga in the middle of the room. So naturally, because the environment permits it and we all need to relax, I joined them. It was a great session.

This is why I love being here and being a part of this campaign. The people you work with are so refreshing, so inviting, so cordial. It's a job. But days like today reminded me it is often times more than just that.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

85 Days To Go "Norristown Jenkintown"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:56:30 EDT

Tuesday. August 12, 2008. Norristown & Jenkintown.

Two cities only 30 minutes from Philadelphia, but seemingly a world away. Gazebos in the middle of the town. Fire stations that look like Mayberry. Obama offices next to Whole Foods in strip malls. Not the Philly I've become accustomed to.

I interviewed three volunteers and a field organizer for our next video. I woke up this morning feeling refreshed. I walked away from the interviews feeling even fresher. The organizer it turns out is a state delegate, and the volunteers were so pleasant in person and on camera that I forgot I hadn't slept much in the last 2 weeks. I'd write more, but I'm actually going to go do something social tonight with long time friends.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

86 Days To Go "A Planning Day and Text News"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 22:43:54 EDT

Monday. August 11, 2008. Philly.

Today was a planning day. Scheduling upcoming interviews, planning some new flyers to be made, emails emails emails. And I was sluggish. What I remember about today was being unfortunately tired. But there are two new videos coming very soon, and hopefully this band called Boca Chica from Pittsburgh will be able to serve as the background music. I stumbled upon them while documenting a nighttime voter registration session on Carson St. in Pittsburgh. They were playing banjo, acoustic guitar, and stand up base in the doorway of a warehouse party. I checked them out on myspace and now I can't stop listening to them. Their music is perfect for some of the upcoming videos. Hopefully you'll hear, see and agree.

Meanwhile, I'm in a fight with my roommate. Not my human roommate, but my canine roommate. Lucy, the golden retriever it seems has taken too much of a liking to me. She busted through my bedroom door , jumped on my bed and would not get down. I wouldn't have a problem with it, but she's not... ya know... my dog. So after trying as peacefully as possible to get her off the bed, I had to pick her up. She responded with a growl. The first I've ever heard from her in two weeks. We haven't really been the same since. Hopefully we'll make amends.

Lastly... TAKE OUT YOUR CELL PHONE RIGHT NOW.

And text "VP" to 62262. You'll be the first to know Barack's Vice President choice. Seriously, do it. Right now. Go on...

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

87 Days To Go "The DNC Platform"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:42:18 EDT

Saturday August 9, 2008. Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania was honored today to host 187 Democratic party committee members at the Democratic National Committee Platform Meeting in Pittsburgh. Every state in the U.S., as well as American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands was represented.

Their mission was to approve and finalize the official Democratic party platform, or in other words, agree upon the ideals, issues, beliefs which Democrats will unite around during the 2008 election.

This platform was not created in a typical, behind-closed-doors manner. Instead, the Democratic party opened its doors, and ears, by allowing Americans to speak their minds and help shape the platform directly.

During the last month, 1600 meetings were held all over the United States. During that time, a total of more than 20,000 people showed up to discuss the issues that mattered most to them and in their communities.

Among other needs they expressed were those for quality, affordable, health care; a stronger more competitive economy; and a Manhattan or Apollo Project level of commitment to achieve energy independence in the next ten years.

And the Democratic committee listened.

So, today, in the city of Pittsburgh, in the great state of Pennsylvania, Democratic party members united for change. Governor Janet Napolitano of John McCain's home state of Arizona proudly presided over the meeting. The committee members were also proud to note that the platform was adopted with the help of Barack Obama AND Hillary Clinton supporters.

From my point of view it was an inspiring day to see such a diverse group of representatives uniting around what is undeniably the voice of their country's people, and the voice of various leaders within the party.

Today seemed to be a clear indication of the unity between Democrats. There were honest smiles, hugs, hearty laughs, and even some Kodak moments all around. Plus, the feeling that nothing can be accomplished without working together filled the room.

The 2008 Democratic national platform meeting was such a smooth success that it was adjourned 2 and 1/2 hours early.

You can find more about the official Democratic platform by going to: www.democrats.org, and you can see a video about this entire platform process during the National Convention later this month.

Lastly, I'd like to say thank you to Susan and John for volunteering their house to me the past two nights. They said their son was my exact same age, had graduated from film school, and was working in New York as a grip on movie sets. Hmm. Sounds familiar.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

88 Days To Go "Pittsburgh!"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:34:52 EDT

Friday. August 8, 2008. Pittsburgh.

It was hard to wake up. I had been at the office late the night before sorting through photos of the office opening and Worldwide Moment. I had a 5 hour drive ahead of me to Pittsburgh. And...shoot...I forgot something at the office.

Kevin was nice enough to watch my car in the alley while I ran upstairs. Someone should probably have been watching him watching my car. It was dark and scary down there.

The drive to Pittsburgh was not easy. My eyes were heavy. So much so that I decided to get coffee for the first time in a long time. But I made it. And filmed

-The Howard Dean Register For Change event on Freedom Corner where Howard Dean, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and Janet Napolitano, the Governor of John McCain's home state of Arizona, encouraged people to register to vote.
- Voter registration with two Pittsburgh team members at the Steelers/Eagles game at Heinz field where I met a guy named Dave who had a five year old daughter, had been in prison at age 16, and was an Obama supporter.
- East Carson street registration at the Roots concert where the group I was filming included four guys not over the age of 21, and a lawyer who had practiced in London for five years.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

89 Days To Go "Worldwide Moment"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:12:44 EDT

Thursday. August 7, 2008. Philly.

Years ago I had an idea for people around the world to take a photograph at the exact same moment. Today that dream became a reality. After months of promoting all over the internet that day arrived. It was August 7 in the United States because we based the moment on the start of the Olympics in China: 08.08.08@08:08.

Now that the day arrived I felt busier than ever before, but completely in the right place. I was importing footage, preparing to document the grand opening of one of the 28 offices around the state, answering last minute emails about Worldwide Moment, and even doing a last minute phone interview with a Southern California radio station regarding the project.

The office opening was a vibrant experience. Everyone had morphed from hustling, sweaty shorts and flip flops to jackets, ties, and dresses. There were 1,000 people at the Philly office opening, the one I attended. The Mayor came to speak. The food was awesome. Hundreds of people signed up to volunteer.

I left the office 8 minutes before The Moment. I decided I would spend it at JFK park where the famous LO/VE fountain resided. I peddled my bike, overloaded with gear towards the moment of peace. Backpack, tripod, camera bag. I could have stopped anywhere and taken a picture. But I wanted the moment to be somewhere special. Looking back, it might have been even more interesting to just go about my day without planning anything. I would probably have been in the elevator of the office if I didn't "try". Exciting.

So here are some photos from the office opening, and my photo from 08.08.08@08:08+08hrGMT. It felt like Christmas. And I was quite happy to have initiated this momentary holiday of photography with the help of so many friends and supporters, and to have participated in this grand opening of an office which will serve as the base for so much great work.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

90 Days To Go "Filming Everywhere"

Brett Brownell — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 22:54:32 EDT

Wednesday. August 6, 2008. Philly.

Today I met Hai, Joel, Julian, and Michelle. They were kind enough to stand as subjects for the next web video we're going to make about joining your neighborhood team for Obama.

There are so many people to meet. I am just a visitor into their lives for a short time. I hope I learn from them. Hai, who drove all the way from New York to help me with the video, Joel, who organized a 1,000-person team of volunteers in West Philly, Julian, who commutes from Philadelphia to New York every day, and Michelle, who met me in the middle of JFK park with five minutes notice.

Meanwhile, Nicole, the person who is volunteering her home to me while I work on the campaign, has a dog named Lucy. And I love coming home to her every night.

This is such a beautiful experience. Barack Obama is bringing us together. You can't deny it. I'm seeing it every day.

Thanks for reading.
Brett

91 Days To Go "The Good With The Bad"

Brett Brownell — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:43:23 EDT

Tuesday. August 5, 2008. Philly.

Today was the day my friend's car got broken into.
Today was the day the entire laundry room cupboard came crashing down for no good reason.
Today was the day I lost my keys.

But today was the day I met Jorge, an immigrant to the U.S. from Ecuador. His story was very similar to mine. He was an artist. He had never worked for a campaign before. He had been through a long string of depression and shyness. And getting involved with this Campaign for Change changed all that. I interviewed him in front of City Hall for a few minutes. He told me how he started as a volunteer. Then he became a Fellow. And now he's a Field Organizer. Then I put the camera down and we just talked. We connected like people everywhere are. Finally. Something is really really happening right now. The 60's doesn't have to be the last period in history to earn a job-well-done stamp.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

92 Days To Go "No Train No Gain"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:14:40 EDT

Monday. August 4, 2008. State College.

The entire staff woke up on the camp grounds after a brisk night of fresh air and a bear sighting, which did not deter these hardcore nature enthusiasts:

The staff drove into town and gathered for training on the PSU campus. This core group and their passion will be vital to helping Pennsylvania go for Barack. Plus, it was quite thrilling to hear Joe Paterno's son Jay give a talk in the locker room, then walk us down the hallway to stand on the field of the biggest stadium in the United States, Beaver Stadium, where over 107,000 people can gather. We had a few less people than that, but the "Obama" chants roared nonetheless. The training lasted all day, and impromptu groups even gathered at night to continue discussions and brain storming sessions.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

93 Days To Go "To State College We Go"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:46:49 EDT

Sunday. August 3, 2008. State College, PA.

I caught up on some emails and footage logging in the morning, then filmed an interview with Laura, a long-time Obama supporter from Northeast Philly. She told me the story of how her daughter made it into the Philadelphia Inquirer a few months back when they were cleaning up a city park and registering voters. Her daughter had finished cleaning the park and was holding up a sign encouraging park-goers to come register and vote for Barack. Laura was so proud. She continues to host many events every week with the help of her daughter.

After the interview it was time to drive 4 hours to State College, home of Penn State University, to our state-wide PA for Obama training meeting and camp out. During the drive the clouds were just asking to be photographed.

Finding the campground was not easy. The road was long and winding, much like the next 93 days will be. But at the end was a feeling of relief, clear skies, and a community of people celebrating the opportunities ahead, much like 94 days from now will be.

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

94 Days To Go "Lots of Weekend Events!"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:23:27 EDT

Saturday. August 2, 2008. Philly & Pottstown.

The morning saw Richard and Ernesto registering voters at Cousin's Supermarket in Northeast Philly.
The afternoon saw Jennifer, Matt, and a host of other people registering voters and canvassing in South Philly.
The evening saw Chris holding down the fort and representing in Pottstown at the First Saturday antique car show.

Everyone had fun, reached out to a lot of new voters, and even helped me film the next Pennsylvania for Change web video (soon to be released).

It was a beautiful day all around.

These were taken with my camera phone. I didn't have my still camera with me:

Thanks for reading.
Brett
www.pa.barackobama.com
To get involved and volunteer in your state visit:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/statepages

95 Days to Go "First Friday!!!"

Brett Brownell — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:33:10 EDT

Friday August 1. Philly.

There is a tradition called First Friday in Philadelphia, which happens the first Friday of every month, when all the museums on 2nd street in Philadelphia stay open late. They open their doors for free to the public, plus artists gather from all over to showcase their work on the street. Lots of citizens gather to check out the art, and each other. It's a constant flow of people and a great place to register voters.

Four fired up volunteers from Northaest Philly sold loads of Obama buttons and signed up dozens of voters. I haven't seen such a successful voter outreach yet. There was a line of people waiting to sign up! (And the photography, painting, and digital art showcased up and down the street was quite inspiring as well).

Thanks for reading.
Brett

96 Days To Go "New Hope"

Brett Brownell — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:00:45 EDT

Thursday July 31. New Hope, PA

Not only is New Hope a quaint town on the NJ/PA border with a great group of volunteers, but in my opinion its name certainly rings true to the spirit of this campaign, as shown today by the new volunteers registering voters in that city.

Barack brings new hope to people like me who have voted in the past for the "best of the so/so candidates". But today, as I documented the efforts of volunteers registering voters up and down Main Street, I thought, "I don't have to vote for the best of the so/so candidates this time. I have new hope and proof that there is a politician inspiring people young and old that they can step up, face the challenges of new experiences, and break down social barriers."

A man in a suit and tie walked up to one of the volunteers and asked, "Can I register with you if I'm a republican?".

"Sure", the volunteer said.

"No... You don't get what I'm saying. I mean are you going to throw my registration away or steal my information if I mark Republican on the form?"

The volunteer laughed. "No. We're not going to do that."

The man in the suit proceeded to fill out the form cautiously (and marked Republican on the party box). He seemed upset that we were wearing Obama buttons on our shirts. "So you're supporting Obama", he said with a scorn. "Why?". It was the first time I'd come face to face with that kind of anti-Obama citizen on the street.

"Well," I said. "For one thing, foreign policy is very important to me. I want to see the United States' made safer through diplomacy, not aggression. And I think Barack has the ability to improve our standing in the world."

He said I supported a One Country World because in Europe Obama was talking about how we have to be one country, one world. He said he thought that was wrong. He just wanted to be the United States, the World's Police, and that was ok by him.

While I didn't agree with his opinion, the volunteer and I did discuss the issues with him freely, right there on the street. He said he wasn't really for either candidate, but he'd been voting republican for a long time. By the end of the discussion he decided to learn more about Barack and hoped to have more talks like this in the future.

After we parted ways I got the sense that he had actually listened and learned from us. Getting involved, the opportunity to express your opinion. And most importantly, getting inspired to learn and educate yourself.

I departed New Hope with new hope and headed to another volunteer meeting in Germantown.

Thanks for reading.

Brett

97 Days To Go: "You're Never Too Young"

Brett Brownell — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:15:59 EDT

Wednesday July 30. Philly.

Today I attended and documented a Neighborhood Meeting for Obama. I swung my camera bag and tripod over my shoulder then rode my bike to 744 South Street. The group was awesome.

It was billed as a young adult meeting, but the group welcomed in some adult passerby as well. There were about 10 people, ranging in age from about 13 to 50. They talked about where Barack and John McCain stood on a variety of issues and then discussed their own opinions as well. There were discussions about education, the war in Iraq, health care, the environment, abortion, affirmative action, and oil/energy. Everyone, no matter their age, had an opinion. And everyone was respected.

I was astounded to see how interested these young minds were in society and the world around them. And although it was similar to a classroom setting, no one made fun of anyone, disrespected their teacher, or threw a spit ball.

After the discussion was over, the group hit the streets to try some voter registration. I followed group leader Leah, her 13 year old cousin Bailey and his 15 year old sister and 13 year old friend. Just picture it: three kids, not old enough to drive, taking time out of their summer night to learn about the democratic process and get involved in a campaign. What an experience.

They're already Barack supporters, and although they're too young to vote this time, they hope he wins because they would be old enough to vote for his re-election in 2012.

Also,

Here's a link to the first Pennsylvania for Obama video we put together this week highlighting two groups of volunteers organizing in the Philadelphia area:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKAXIloCOpo

Thanks for reading.
Brett

98 Days To Go: "First Video Blog Done"

Brett Brownell — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:57:38 EDT

Tuesday July 29. Philly.

It's 10:45 at night. The day started at about 9:00am. I'm leaving the office. Today we planned some upcoming video shoots and I sent off the first Pennsylvania video blog for approval. The video is about some of the volunteers who are organizing at two of the Philadelphia offices. The video will probably be posted tomorrow.

A few friends mentioned today they were proud of me for moving here to take this job with the campaign. I suppose it has been a long unpredictable road to get here. But now, as my friend Dawn said, I'm "a little activist" trying to make something I believe in happen.

Like many people involved in this campaign, both staff and volunteers, I have NEVER done anything like this before. But being here and doing my job well, and being a part of this community is a better feeling than I have ever experienced. I can only imagine what it'll be like when we win.

As you'll see with these videos there are a lot of people volunteering for Barack Obama. Feel free to join! Just go to www.barackobama.com and click on your state. I'll be working in Pennsylvania. www.pa.barackobama.com.

Thanks for reading.

Brett Brownell