Yes. We. Can.

Declaración de Obama sobre las Marchas de Inmigración del 1 de Mayo

Gray Brooks — Thu, 01 May 2008 11:12:32 EDT

Chicago, IL - Hace 2 años, vine a casa a Chicago para ser testigo de la mobilización de cientos de miles de ciudadanos e imigrantes unidos en un esfuerzo para arreglar nuestro sistema de inmigración. Hablé a los marchantes ese día y el Senador Kennedy habló a aquellos que estaban marchando en Washington. Nos dijeron, "hoy marchamos y mañana votamos". Dos años después, nuestro problema de inmigración sigue sin resolverse, y aquellos que quieran cambio tendrán que votar por cambio en Noviembre. Por eso hoy, yo invito a aquellos que marchan por cambio, a que trabajen registrando votos en los meses por venir. Su voto es su decisión.

Cuatroscientos mil marchantes estuvieron en Chicago ese día y cientos de miles de personas más salieron y se unieron alrededor del país. Ellos marchaban para ponerle una cara humana a la idea de América como un país de inmigrantes: la noción que la gente puede venir acá y buscar una vida mejor para sí mismos, y más importante, para sus hijos, si trabajan duro y se aplican.

Dos años después, los políticos siguen polarizados y el desafío sigue sin resolverse. En el aniversario de esas marchas, quiero otra vez expresar mi compromiso a la reforma de inmigración integral y que haré todo lo que pueda para traer orden y compasión a un sistema que hoy esta roto. Está en nuestro interés y es parte de nuestra tradición unirnos y resolver problemas. Como presidente, mi intención es guiarnos en ese camino.

Obama Pide Que Se Establezca Como Dia de Fiesta Nacional el Cumpleanos de Cesar Chavez

Gray Brooks — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:49:51 EDT

CHICAGO, IL – El Senador Barack Obama hoy publicó las siguientes declaraciones pidiendo la conmemoración del cumpleaños de Cesar Chávez y expresando su deseo de instituir un día de fiesta nacional en honor al éxito de Chávez en "crear una América más fuerte, más justa y más prospera como nación."

"Hoy es el cumpleaños de Cesar Chávez, y es importante que todos recordemos su vida y legado. Desde sus principios como trabajador agrícola recogiendo lechugas y remolachas en el Sudoeste de Estados Unidos, Cesar Chávez surgió para ayudar a formar la Unión de Trabajadores Campesinos, proveyendo cientos de miles de personas con mejores condiciones de trabajo y la oportunidad de vivir una vida mejor. El demostró lo que yo he creído por mucho tiempo-que juntos, personas corrientes y comunes pueden hacer cosas extraordinarias. Cuando algunos dijeron que él no iba poder organizar a los trabajadores agrícolas y enfrentarse a los finqueros, él dijo, "Sí Se Puede." Es una filosofía de esperanza y aspiración que nos inspira hoy en día."

"Chávez dejó un legado como un educador, ambientalista y un líder de derechos civiles. Y su causa todavía sigue. Al continuar la lucha de los trabajadores en todo los Estados Unidos por trato y salarios justos, nosotros encontramos fuerza en lo que logró Cesar Chávez hace tantos años. Y nosotros debemos honrarlo por lo que nos ha enseñado de hacer una América más fuerte, más justa y más próspera como nación. Por eso es que yo apoyo el llamado a hacer el cumpleaños de Cesar Chávez un día de fiesta nacional. Es hora de reconocer las contribuciones de este icono Americano a los esfuerzos que continúan hoy en día para formar una nación mas perfecta."

Michelle Obama and Soledad O'Brien

Gray Brooks — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 23:57:58 EST

Tonight on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, correspondent Soledad O'Brien aired an extended interview she held with the future first lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. Have a good evening and enjoy:

MSNBC's Brian Williams interviews Barack: Full Video

Gray Brooks — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:34:09 EST

This evening, NBC Nightly News aired part of the New Hampshire interview with Barack Obama. Whether you missed it or want to see the full interview, here it is...

Barack on Good Morning America

Gray Brooks — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 11:30:17 EST

Diane Sawyer interviewed Barack on the campaign trail in New Hampshire yesterday. Here it is from Good Morning America today:

Update: Here's part 2 of the interview.

The Week in Pictures

Gray Brooks — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:10:00 EST

Enjoy...

The Week in Pictures

Gray Brooks — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:44:53 EST

Now on Mondays, but by all means - Enjoy!

This Week in Pictures...

Gray Brooks — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 13:32:54 EST

Enjoy!

This Week in Pictures

Gray Brooks — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 13:25:20 EST

I hope that everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

This Week in Pictures

Gray Brooks — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:28:24 EST

Enjoy! (And if I don't get a chance to say so later, Happy Thanksgiving.)

Video from Des Moines: Before the Sign War

Gray Brooks — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 12:45:51 EST

Last night, as preparations for tonight's Jefferson-Jackson Dinner scale up, the time came for every campaign to decorate the arena with placards, posters, and more. Jaime filled you in last night, but here's the video as we get fired up and ready to go:

The Week in Pictures

Gray Brooks — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 23:58:03 EST

You can check out the campaign Flickr website for more photos. Thanks again to everyone who sent in pictures.

Reviews are in. Obama Wins in Philly!

Gray Brooks — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 04:19:54 EDT

MSNBC - (Howard Fineman): She talked about the process. And also that was the one time where Obama turned toward her, what we used to call in old debate language, the pivot, remember that? He turned toward her and he said look, this will not stand because if you're claiming the presidency based on your being the first lady, you've got to come clean on that. I thought that was his best debating point that he's made in any of these debates so far."

ABC News - Political Radar (Jake Tapper): I think Obama's having a pretty good night. LINK

Fox News (Major Garrett): [On Social Security] …Obama took the question and enlarged it both philosophically and tangibly. …Thus, Obama trumped the stage by giving his tax policy a philosophic core (help young earners and cash-pinched retirees), while taxing the rich with either higher income or payroll taxes. Obama's best substantive moment, by quite some distance. LINK

Atlantic - Marc Ambinder: Bottom line, before all the analysis: …Barack Obama's were more resonant… LINK

ABC News - Political Radar: "You asked me if I would pledge, and I have pledged." -- Clinton, sounding, shall we say, Clintonian. Then Obama gets a bit deeper: "We have been governed by fear these past six years." THERE is the link to his campaign message that was missing earlier this evening. It does seem like the Obama camp has plotted this out a good bit this evening. LINK

Washington Post - The Fix (Chris Cillizza) "Obama: We Will Not Be Governed by Fear": …It was a nice moment for Obama especially because both Clinton and Edwards, whose answers had preceded his own, simply said they would do everything in their power to keep Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. These debates are about creating opportunities and taking advantage of them. Obama just did it. LINK

Washington Post - The Fix (Chris Cillizza): …Obama Scores on His Background LINK

New York Times - The Caucus (Katharine Seelye): Alternative Minimum Tax - 10:39 p.m. …Mr. Obama also said he would not campaign on the Rangel plan, but here he made a smart tactical move, turning the discussion to problems faced not by the richest people in the country but by struggling single mothers. LINK

Huffington Post: Glynnis (9:48:12 PM): The reason the GOP is focusing on You is cause that's the fight they're comfortable having…Obama steps out of the corner!! LINK

New York Times - The Caucus (Katharine Seelye): Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants - 10:58 p.m. …Mr. Obama uttered a devastating phrase for anyone who remembers the 2004 campaign: he said he couldn't tell if she is "for it or against it." LINK

The Week in Pictures

Gray Brooks — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:48:44 EDT

'Short but sweet, with bonus Halloween theme'

This week in pictures...

Gray Brooks — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:45:30 EDT

So in keeping with Sunday tradition, here are some great pictures from the past week. Are you heading to a rally with Barack this week? Don't forget to send in your pictures so we can host them at the campaign Flickr website. Just email them as attachments to photos@barackobama.com. And be sure to enjoy the rally, too!

Samantha Power interviewed on Charlie Rose

Gray Brooks — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:18:28 EDT

Yesterday, senior foreign policy advisor Samantha Power appeared as a guest of Charlie Rose, speaking on a wide range of topics important to America and the world. Several times, their conversation turned to the Senator and Samantha eloquently explained the fundamental reasons that Barack is the change that America needs as a country and a community.

Where is Sam?!?

Gray Brooks — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 18:34:24 EDT

Checking out Sam's blog post, a few of us found ourselves wondering where exactly Durango is located. We knew he was in Colorado, but what we didn't know was that he drove for 6 hours from Denver to document the energy in one of the remotest parts of the state.

We pulled up Durango on a map and thought we'd share the larger setting for the photos you see below. It's another piece of evidence that our movement for change is literally everywhere:

Some other places where supporters are canvassing today, spreading the word about Barack's leadership on Iraq:

A call about a canvass...

Gray Brooks — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 23:39:14 EDT

So, it is 9pm.

There are a couple of things left to do tonight before heading home. But Loren (one amazing guy who volunteered for Barack's Senate race and now goes above and beyond, answering the phones here at HQ even - at this hour!)... Loren came back to the New Media Department and asked if any of us could help a caller.

A gentleman from New York was on hold - he'd called asking what time the Canvass for Change near him was starting. He lives in Brooklyn, so I asked him to wait just a moment and headed to the main page for tomorrow's canvass.

There are scores of events around the country tomorrow, but it only took a moment to find the events near him. It turns out that the one on Washington Avenue was the closest to him.

That canvass starts in just under twelve hours. Chances are, there is an event near you. Tomorrow, and the next day and the next, supporters are showing up to help make Barack Obama the next President of the United States. I would say that is worth getting involved in.

A Week - in Pictures

Gray Brooks — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 16:37:09 EDT

Just to add to what Sarah posted this morning, here's a slideshow of some of the events from this week. Thanks especially to everyone who sent in their pictures.

Predatory lending: An issue that affects us all

Gray Brooks — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 18:33:48 EDT

Yesterday, Kate posted a video which, if you have not seen it yet, beautifully covers Barack's time in New Orleans and the recovery that slowly continues two years after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.

One moment proves particularly striking. Talking to a crowd of neighbors, Barack spoke of the reconstruction of the Big Easy as a matter which affects us all.

       ...this is something that I think has to be done and the reason that I think it has to be done is because I think it is a symbol of what kind of country we are.

      If we don't get this right, then it tells me that we as a nation have forgotten to look out for one other.

Yesterday, in the Financial Times, Barack touched on another problem that, if we don't get right, reflects on the kind of country we are-- predatory lending.

The real victims in this crisis are the millions of borrowers who followed the rules, whose only crime was taking out mortgages that lenders told them they could afford. Normally, these borrowers could avoid foreclosure by refinancing their mortgages or selling their homes. The problem today is that they cannot refinance because no one will lend to them, and they cannot sell because the housing market has fallen. With some arguing that the effects of the worst subprime loans will not be felt until 2008 and 2009, this may be just the beginning.

We need to help struggling borrowers to weather this storm. One way to protect innocent homeowners - at least until this crisis passes - is to establish a fund to help people refinance or sell to avoid foreclosure. We can partially pay for this fund by imposing penalties on lenders that acted irresponsibly or committed fraud.

But we have to do more than just deal with the present crisis. If we do not address the root of these problems, it is just a matter of time before we will be dealing with them again.

Even if we are not personally affected by subprime mortgages, we share a common bond with those who are. We cannot continue to allow mortgage industry lobbyists to dictate the fate of our neighbors.

You Walked for Change and America Took Note

Gray Brooks — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:22:55 EDT

Saturday was an amazing success. 10,000 Barack supporters fanned out in every state in the country and America watched your doorknocking in action. Be sure to check out coverage by KSL in Salt Lake City, especially the video from the nightly news (good job, Utah!). WIS TV in Columbia, South Carolina ran a great piece.

One of my favorite titles was from the Des Moines Register: Obama chooses shoe leather over TV ads.

Sacramento, California put up a great video of the all they did on Saturday -

Keep watching to see more coverage from Saturday soon.

Update: I know I already listed several great articles, but definitely check out the Denver Post's "Obama Moms" Cradle Campaign.

Dinner for Five -

Gray Brooks — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:13:09 EDT

David Plouffe, Obama Campaign Manager, just sent the following email:

Most political fundraisers are hosted by lobbyists and filled with representatives of special interests.

But our campaign is different.

Our funding comes from a movement of Americans giving whatever they can afford, even $5, and Barack wants to sit down with supporters like you.

You were there before the beginning, and you helped spark something new in American politics. Renew your support now and you could potentially meet Barack in person.

In the next week, four donors will be selected for a new kind of fundraising dinner. If you make a donation in any amount between now and 11:59 pm EDT on Wednesday, June 13, you could join Barack and three other supporters for an intimate dinner for five.

Click here to give.

Our movement is changing the way campaigns are funded. We’re not taking any contributions from Washington lobbyists or political action committees.

More than 100,000 individual donors have demonstrated that this choice is about more than an election. It’s about each of us having a personal stake in the future of American politics.

The dinner for five is an opportunity for you to sit down with Barack and your fellow supporters and talk about what matters to you.

Get the kind of treatment other politicians reserve for special interests. Make a donation in the next week, and you could share your story and your ideas with Barack in person:

Click here to give.

With every single donation, we’re building a movement to change American politics. And this is just the beginning.

Thanks for your support,
David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Raising the Discourse in America

Gray Brooks — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:45:09 EDT

As many of you saw, Barack led the way last night, not just when it comes to the important issues of health care and education, but also in uniting our country.

The good folks at PoliticsTV have several highlights from the New Hampshire Debate, but be sure to watch the clip below where Barack turns the tables on a divisive question:

Women of America, Women of New Hampshire

Gray Brooks — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 11:50:55 EDT

These last few days have been packed but wonderful. Michelle Obama was on NBC, the boxes for this Saturday's nationwide Walk for Change shipped, Barack had amazing events in Las Vegas and Seattle, and then we watched our future president stand up for not just good policy, but good leadership in the debate last night.

I wanted to make sure you didn't miss the outstanding pictures that supporter Tim Llewellyn took at the New Hampshire Women for Obama Kickoff on Saturday.

Michelle was wonderful and it is no surprise that the young Obama daughters won over the hearts of everyone there. One nice surprise was Michelle's mother also attended the Concord, NH event.

Be sure to check out the rest of the pictures as well as the growing Women for Obama website.

After the debate – What did you think?

Gray Brooks — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 22:02:37 EDT

As Barack provided a clear example of strong, honest leadership tonight, many of us watched, cheered, and thought ever more about the direction we need to take as a society.

What did you think? Post your thoughts in the comments and be sure to check out the online polls to let others know how you think Barack did in tonight's debate.

MSNBC's poll joins one at MyDD and the DailyKos.

Update: CNN wants to hear from you.

Seattle Cheers

Gray Brooks — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:15:51 EDT

Between hearing from Chris (campaign videographer and generally great guy) and all the news stories on yesterday's rally in Seattle, the phrase that kept popping up was how the thousands cheered.

(above pictures courtesy of the AP via Yahoo! News)

And cheer you did. The crowd of Seattleites who showed up for the Seattle Kick-Off is estimated at 3,500. Needless to say, the WaMu Theater was packed, and for good reason. The Seattle Times article touches on what brings you and me, your neighbors and family together: the common drive to transform our country.

Such honest enthusiasm was in the cheering crowds, but it was also in the camaraderie as many Obama supporters lined up before the doors opened.

The Seattle and Washington State based groups did a great job organizing what was a great Kick-Off if ever there was one. Be sure to get involved with your local group of Obama supporters to find out when Barack will be in town, but further, to join in with those who Walk for Change and spread the word about the difference we can make in America together.

The boxes are going out...

Gray Brooks — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:50:01 EDT

Michael of Pennsylvania is sorting the literature. To his left, Claire of Connecticut is taking his work and forming the packets. On the other side of the conference room turned workshop, Sam methodically puts stack after stack of flyers into box after box of Walk for Change kits.

On June 9th, thousands of Americans will come together and, using the flyers, the scripts, the stickers, and so much more, knock on countless doors to spread the support for Barack Obama. Michael, Claire, Sam are part of a small legion nearing the end of a weeks long assembly process.

The boxes are stacked and waiting for pickup. Depending on number of supporters signed up for each walk, the box may be larger or leaner. And on June 9th, many of you will join this writer, the interns that make the assembly line, and other Americans who not only care about our society and politics, but also stand up and get involved. Together, we will knock on the nation's doors, introduce ourselves, and tell our fellow Americans about a man named Barack Obama.

Stay tuned to see this final week lead up to the Walk for Change. If you haven't signed up yet, you can find the nearest organized walk by just entering your zip code here. And whether you're in Iowa, Idaho, Nevada or New York – we'll see you there.

Michelle on NBC...

Gray Brooks — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:48:21 EDT

Did you have a chance to see Michelle's interview on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams yesterday? Michelle was great and the piece re-aired later in the day on MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann. You can watch our future First Lady here:

When you speak out...

Gray Brooks — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 11:02:37 EDT

Tuesday, Barack told the story of a woman named Amy whose struggle with America's broken healthcare system symbolizes our need for a changed system.

Amy got in touch with the campaign by using MyPolicy, answering the call for your stories and ideas. Thousands of Americans have reached out in text, audio, or video to talk about their experiences or give their ideas. Since Sam blogged about Amy yesterday, so many of you have stepped up and shared, too.

Cindy, in Georgia, wrote today:

The story of our son's mental illness is too long to relate in this space, however it is one that somebody should hear because he was a gifted, intelligent, and kind child with a promising life that was taken away from him with the help of the insurance companies. We appealed to our Republican senators for help. One of them replied to our e-mail with a canned response about how he thought prayer in the military was important too. What? How frustrating to have no one listen to your pleas for help. I deeply thank you for asking for ideas from the American people. The part of your plan which allows coverage for children up to 25 under their parent's plan is remarkable. So is the rest of your plan. I support you and the plan wholeheartedly.

Fifteen minutes later, Jenn of Colorado said:

...and dealing with medicare and medicaid has been some of the most difficult part about being sick. Both are a mess. Not only is there an exorbitant amount of paperwork, but there was months of delay (causing more medical bills), different answers from various medicare/medicaid employees. It feels like everyone is lost in those organizations. And being a government institution, neither should be a mess. But that's what they are. Both need a COMPLETE overhaul. Both patients and administrators are lost in the process.

I believe that Barack Obama's plan for health care could make a huge difference in thousands of American's lives.

Thank you to everyone who continues to add their voice, telling Barack their stories and their ideas. Keep it up, because this campaign is about you, about all of us moving America in a better, more responsible direction.

Generation Barack Obama - Washington, D.C.

Gray Brooks — Thu, 24 May 2007 23:11:45 EDT

Jaime M. has a great post up about Wednesday evening's Generation Barack Obama event at H20 Restaurant and Lounge in D.C. Jaime posted pictures and a video that are great reminders of the hope and energy that really can lead America in a new direction.

The District really came out to support Barack - thanks for sharing the experience, Jaime.

Obama Votes to Demand Changed Course in Iraq

Gray Brooks — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:01:32 EDT

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today released the following statement on his vote on the supplemental appropriations bill:

“This vote is a choice between validating the same failed policy in Iraq that has cost us so many lives and demanding a new one. And I am demanding a new one.”

“We must fund our troops. But we owe them something more. We owe them a clear, prudent plan to relieve them of the burden of policing someone else's civil war. We need a plan to compel the Iraqi people to reach a political accommodation and to take responsibility for their own future. It's time to change course.”

“I opposed this war in 2002 precisely because I feared it would lead us to the open-ended occupation in which we find ourselves today.”

“This President has led us down a disastrous path and has arrogantly refused to acknowledge the grim reality of this war, which has cost us so dearly in lives and treasure.”

“After he vetoed a plan that would have funded the troops and begun to bring them home, this bill represents more of his stubborn refusal to address his failed policy.”

“We should not give the President a blank check to continue down this same, disastrous path.”

“With my vote today, I am saying to the President that enough is enough. We must negotiate a better plan that funds our troops, signals to the Iraqis that it is time for them to act and that begins to bring our brave servicemen and women home safely and responsibly.”

Decorating the office...

Gray Brooks — Sat, 19 May 2007 02:11:04 EDT

Good evening. In case we haven't met, I'm Gray Brooks from the New Media team. The Chicago headquarters of Obama for America just got some important interior decorating and I wanted to show it off.

Michelle Obama brought her two wonderful daughters and, along with the children of campaign staffers, hosted a pizza party this afternoon. In one sense, everyone gathered in the Finance section for an opportunity to meet and hang out with Michelle Obama. Also, Barack's daughters, Malia and Sasha were able to see the campaign office and meet some of the staff.

Of course, the real reason for the get together was to give the walls a thoughtful influence of art. Crayons, posterboard, and an hour's determined labor by twenty children added up to be the designer touch that this office has been needing.

[Thank you for the photos, Maureen Schulman]

Do you have a question?

Gray Brooks — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:17:56 EDT

If I don't have the answer yet (and I've got quite a few so far), then I want to get you that answer soon.

Hi, everyone. My name is Gray Brooks and I am blogging here (my first time for Barack!) to let you know about a project some of us have been working on that just launched at BarackObama.com. The Answer Center is starting with humility, but my coworkers (especially the good man, Harry) and I have been hard at work in the time up till launch, so please go and look into any questions you have.

This is only the beginning. Several of us are tasked to continue the growth of the questions and answers available at your fingertips. Past presidential races have hosted FAQs, but this seems to be the first knowledge base a presidential campaign has launched. Not only does the Answer Center more quickly provide anyone faster, more specific information, what you see here is a sign of Barack Obama's campaign - one of openness and service.

On a personal note, what first attracted me to the Senator was his podcasts. What struck me most was the example of good governance. Here is a public servant who is open and forthright, not political and jaded. I realized that the leadership and service of Barack Obama is a style of governance worth fighting for.

So, again, if you have an unanswered question, please head over to the Answer Center and find your information now. It is a pleasure to serve and enable you and hundreds of thousands of other grassroots supporters who are getting active and involved today. Keep returning to check out the ever larger base of knowledge grown at the Answer Center.

Peace,

Gray B.