Jenn Prosser's Blog

Polls close in 30 minutes

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:30:30 EST

There are thirty minutes left until polls close.

You can vote until 7:00 p.m. As long as you are in line at 7:00 p.m. you are allowed to vote. If you have any problems, call 1-877-CO-08-VOTE (1-877-260-8868). Stay in line. Every vote counts. Let's deliver Colorado for Barack!

On the Ground: Election Day in Arapahoe County

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:03:59 EST

We are now halfway through Election Day, and across Colorado supporters are voting and helping others get out to vote.

There is a lively buzz filling the staging location in Aurora, where dozens of volunteers are making phone calls to remind folks to vote. Other volunteers are stopping by between canvass shifts.

Ginger the staging location director told me about what today means to her:

We've been practicing today for the past two weeks, and we have this down to a fine tuned machine. Barack has elevated this whole area, and empowered this community. I'm inspired by the passion and the people who walk in here step by step. Today I would say we had at least fifty brand new people we've never seen before. I am so proud to be a part of this.

Have you voted already? Share your voting story with us and then come help get others out to vote. If you haven't voted, there are only five hours left until polls close. Find your polling location .

Polls have opened in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:00:06 EST

Polls have open in Colorado.

Have you voted yet? Find your polling location here. If you have already voted, help get others out to vote and volunteer at a staging location near you.

Final words from Michelle

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:12:14 EST

Michelle recorded this video before her rally today in Littleton:

Click here if you need to look up your polling place location. Sign up to volunteer. Every vote counts!

Day three: Don't stop now

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:34:26 EST

Remember to vote tomorrow, if you've already voted help get others to vote. Sign up here.

Day Two Comes To A Close in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:48:18 EST

The second day of get out the vote is nearing its end, but volunteers across Colorado are still working hard. Thousands of Coloradans spent their Sunday evening calling folks and reminding them to vote, whether by returning their mail-in ballots to a drop off location or going to the polls on Tuesday.

When call time ended, supporters helped with data entry and preparing for the next day.

Here are some photos from today:

You can still help out in the last crucial days. Sign up to volunteer at a location near you or make calls to battleground states. Tomorrow will be another big day for GOTV.

Day Two: Californians Canvass Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 20:26:25 EST

Coloradans aren't the only people working to help Barack win the Rocky Mountain State -- thousands of volunteers from states such as Utah, Maine, New York, South Dakota and even Alaska have traveled to Colorado and are knocking on doors and calling folks to get out the vote.

I spoke with a couple of Californians who had arrived in Denver yesterday. Danielle told me why she came to Colorado for the last few days.

There wasn't much we could do in California so we decided to come to Colorado. This is our big push to get people to vote -- to not be complacent, to not get over confident about Barack being ahead in the polls. We're making people to get out and vote and just do everything we can to make sure we actually win.

Angelo, another Californian, had just returned from knocking on doors when I spoke to him. He told me about one of the people he had met while canvassing.

There was a Republican on my list who I started talking to. He had voted Republican his entire life but he was on the fence -- he didn't like McCain but he didn't know anything about Obama. I know a bit about Obama, I'm not going to say I'm an expert in any way. But I talked to him. I asked him what mattered to him and tried to put it into context -- that it would help you and the ones you care about more if you vote for Obama rather than McCain. And he said he would vote for Barack.

It's not to late to join the campaign. Sign up to volunteer.

Day Two: Get Out The Vote in the Colorado sunshine

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:07:23 EST

On average, Colorado gets 300 days of sun per year. Volunteers have taken full advantage of two of those days by knocking on doors all over the Rocky Mountain State.

Others are getting their warmth from the energy inside the staging locations where they are making phone calls and helping to run the biggest grassroots campaign Colorado has ever seen.

Lynn has been volunteering in Denver for months and will be there through the end. She told me about the importance of the last four days:

It's important to volunteer at any time, but the last couple days are crucial. We are keeping up the sustained effort for Barack and Mark Udall and we need every volunteer we can get. We're not getting complacent, we are keeping our momentum that we've built through the past few months so that we can make sure Barack wins on Tuesday.

This office has become a community and it's this marvelous world of spirit and enthusiasm and filled with wonderful people. Seeing the smiles around the offices, being a part of something so, it has probably extended my life.

There are two more days of sunshine and two more days of campaigning, and there's still time to help out today. Visit a staging location near you and help Barack win Colorado this Tuesday!

If you don't live in Colorado, find a GOTV event near you to volunteer today.

Barack has two words for Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:12:37 EST

Yesterday, the streets of Pueblo were filled with thousands of people, as Barack stood on the corner of South Union and D Street, talking to Coloradans one last time before Election Day.

He said:

Colorado, I have just two words for you: three days. Three days. After decades of broken politics in Washington, eight years of failed policies from George W. Bush, 21 months of a campaign that has taken us from the rocky shores of Maine to sunshine of California, we are three days away from bringing fundamental change to the United States of America.

Don't believe for a second that this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power will concede anything without a fight, we're going to have to work like our future depends on it these last few days, because it does. But I know this Colorado, the time for change has come, we have a righteous wind at our backs. And these last few days, if you will knock on some doors for me, if you will make some phone calls for me, if you will stand with me and fight by my side, then I promise you we will not just win Pueblo, we will not just win Colorado, but you and I together we are going to win this election and we are going to change the country and we are going to change the world.

Here is a video from the event:

With only two days left before Election Day, we need your help! Sign up to volunteer and make sure Barack wins Colorado this Tuesday.

Get out the vote, Colorado!

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:40:50 EDT

Today marked the beginning of the end. Today was the start of GOTV - the final four days, the time when hundreds of thousands of supporters across the nation knock on doors and call voters reminding them to get out the vote.

This evening, we stopped by a staging location in Colorado Springs that was run by a volunteer named Marco.

He said:

We had over 100 phone bankers and nearly 100 canvassers, including about 18 people who came in and hadn't even signed up to canvass. It's a wonderful thing.

Steve, the phone bank captain at the staging location, took a second between training volunteers to tell us about his day.

He said:

We had teenagers phonebanking, we even had an 11 year-old making calls with her dad. Everyone had such an upbeat positive attitude, it has been great.

We need all the help we can get these last few days, sign up to volunteer near you!

Early voting ends in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:32:44 EDT

Over the past two weeks, hundreds of thousands of Coloradans have voted early either by mail-in ballot or visiting an early vote site.

Supporters have been sending us their early voting stories, and here is what some of them have been saying:

I voted early on October 25th, in Englewood at the Civic Center. It was great! Thanks for the most fantastic campaign in history! -Patty

You are so organized, and so are we! We've voted, and so have our neighbors. You should see the cars lined up for the mail-in ballot drop offs. It's great! -Mary

My vote is in and so are five friends'! -Homer

I voted at the County building -- 200 Oak Street in Fort Collins this morning! I dropped off my husband's absentee ballot (another vote for Obama!) and figured while I was there, since there wasn't much of a wait, I'd vote!

I was all decked out in my halloween costume, which made a lot of the workers there smile as I joked "I don't look like myself today!" when presenting them with my ID. -Margie

Michelle draws big crowd in Colorado Springs

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:07:58 EDT

On Tuesday, Michelle returned to Colorado for her second visit in October, this time traveling south to Colorado Springs, where she spoke to around 2,500 people about the election and the importance of early voting.

Before the event started, Michelle shook hands with the 300 people who listened to the event outside after the auditorium filled up. During her speech, Michelle expressed her delight at retuning to Colorado at the end of the campaign. She said:

It has been 21 months and I can probably count down the hours. We have seven more days and once we get through this day, we'll be almost done, it will be six! This journey has been wonderful for the Obama family -- we have seen so much. And I have been traveling around even more this week, because we're in the final days. But it is good to come back to the states that have given us so much. Colorado is really one of those states -- you guys have been amazing.

Michelle talked about the incredible sacrifice of the military members and families in the Springs. She said:

Our hearts go out as I think about all of our troops our men and women who are away today and fighting and taking care of this nation across the seas. But it also reminds me that we cannot forget the loved ones left at home. Whether you are a parent or a child or a grand parent, we have to remember that when our troops go to war our families go with them, which means that we have to make sure that they come home to families that have been cared for.

That is one of the reasons that the conversations that I have been having with military families all across this country has meant so much to me -- it has opened my eyes to the challenges that you uniquely face. And I know that once this nation understands more about those challenges we will be unified around solutions around answers around discussions to make your sacrifice not so hard.

Here is a video of the event:

Today is the last day to vote early in Colorado. You can find your early vote location here.

Barack and Michelle will return to Colorado on Saturday

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:01:55 EDT

Denver, CO -- U.S. Senator Barack Obama will join with Michelle Obama to host a 'Change We Need Rally' on Saturday, November 1st, at the intersection of S. Union Avenue and D Street in Pueblo.

This will be Sen. Obama's fourth trip to Colorado since the Democratic National Convention in August.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1st

CHANGE WE NEED RALLY WITH BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA

Union Avenue Historic District
Intersection of S. Union Avenue and D Street
Pueblo, CO 81003

Public Entrance: Corner of C Street and S. Main Street, located in the heart of the Union Avenue Historic District

Gates Open: 1:00 PM
Program Begins: 3:00 PM

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required. Members of the public are encouraged to RSVP here. Space is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Ben Harper performs for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:20:01 EDT

The day before 100,000 people piled into Civic Center Park to watch Barack speak, several hundred gathered in the Greek Amphitheater to see another Colorado favorite talk about the election -- Ben Harper.

The musician and his wife, actress Laura Dern, flew to Colorado Saturday to talk to folks about voting early for Barack. The pair started in Denver, where they headlined a R2B event.

Ben spoke to the crowd before he performed two songs. He said:

There is a danger in suggesting who other people should vote for, and I recognize that. But I think there is a greater danger in being silent out of fear. And I'm proud to be here as one voice in a collective voice of millions of people who can bring Barack Obama into the White House.

They then traveled north to Boulder with actor Zach Braff, where around 1,600 students gathered to hear Ben perform and listen to Zach talk.

Here are some photos from the event:

Zach Braff entertains early voters at CU

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:46:28 EDT

Ordinarily, you might think it would be a struggle to get students to spend an hour at a political event during the weekend, but this is not your average election and Zach Braff is not your ordinary political speaker.

That's why 1,000 students turned out at Mary Rippon Amphitheatre on Saturday. The star of 'Scrubs', as well as Ben Harper and Laura Dern, spent the sunny autumn afternoon entertaining the students and talking about the critical role they play in the election.

Zach told the crowd:

For months and months, I've been trying to get young people to vote, and my main message has been it doesn't matter who you vote for -- you get out there and vote. The most important thing is that you vote. I've been saying that for so long, and I'm tired of saying that. So I'm now going to come out and say "you've got to vote for Barack Obama."

I've been watching the news and they keep saying that Colorado is the new Florida. So I said, "get me on a plane to Colorado and tell those young people who use the interweb that they got to vote." You have to vote, you guys. You can vote early up until Halloween at the Rec Center. I love the Rec Center, it's the best. You can do a lot of things at the Rec Center, I'm sure -- I've never actually been to the Rec Center. But if I were to go to the Rec Center, I would vote.

Rebecca was at the event, proudly sporting her "I voted early for Barack Obama" button. She told me why she had voted early for Barack:

I voted because I'm tired of oil companies running our country. I want to bring to change to America. I think there are a lot of people who are suffering and it's not right.

I didn't want to wait in those lines. I would have, if I had put myself in that situation. But it's so easy to vote early. Why put yourself in that situation? It could take you a couple of hours on election day, it took me 10 minutes the other day.

Hillary visits Aurora

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:57:32 EDT

There are only eight days until Election Day and the excitement is growing across Colorado. People from across the country are visiting Colorado to take part in helping Barack win the Rocky Mountain state.

Last Friday, Senator Hillary Clinton was one of those people. She visited Aurora, where she spoke to around 1,600 people about why Barack must be elected on November 4th.

She said:

This election is too important for anyone to be on the sidelines of history. This election will determine whether or not America gets back on the right track for the kind of future that all of us, our children and generations to come deserve.

Hillary has been fiercely campaigning for Barack, traveling all over the country to talk to folks about why they should vote for him. She said she has seen strong support for him wherever she goes:

I have been all over the country and from Florida to New Hampshire to Pennsylvania where I was this morning. Everywhere I go people are being convinced that they must join with us.

I believe that on the merits, voters are recognizing what the Obama/Biden ticket offers. I also believe that the economic crisis that we have been enduring and that unfortunately will continue to play out over the months ahead is a wake up call to all Americans because for the months a head because, as the governor was saying, just looking at the returns here in Colorado and the number of people who have already voted, Barack Obama will be elected not only by Democrats, but by Independents and Republicans who know we have to change.

Here is a video from the event:

Joe visits Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:27:27 EDT

On Tuesday, Joe Biden came to Colorado for the first time since August. It may have been a few months since he was last here, but the vice presidential nominee certainly made the most of his visit -- stopping in Greeley and Commerce City on Tuesday and Colorado Springs and Pueblo on Wednesday. Over 7,000 Coloradans came out to see him over the two day trip.

The Senator spoke about the state of the economy, Barack's and his dedication to helping the middle class and the importance of voting early in Colorado. Speaking to an enthusiastic crowd at Sierra Hills High School in Colorado Springs, he said:

I want you to turn off the TV about red states and blue states. I want you to turn it off. I want you focusing on one thing -- get out now and vote now. Because you know something is going to come our way. You know these guys are not only going to throw the kitchen sink, they're going to find the bathroom sink. There's going to be a lot coming our way. Maybe I've been down this road too many times before, but we cannot afford to wait. So for those of you who have not voted yet… you have no excuse, go vote now.

We have the best ground operation this state or any state has ever seen. We have committed volunteers, we have over fifty offices… We are not taking a single thing for granted. The stakes in this election could not be higher. This is the single most important election any of you no matter how young or old you are in this gymnasium will have ever voted in.

Here is a video from his stop in Greeley:

After his two rallies on Monday, the Senator stopped at the office in Parker, thanking the volunteers for their hard work and encouraging them to give all they can to the next two weeks.

Patrick was one of the volunteers at the office when Joe showed up.

He said:

I got a phone call saying that somebody might come in the office that night, so I stopped by to make some phone calls. It was amazing seeing Biden, there was just this energy that filled the office when he entered the room. He was right there in front of me, while he gave his speech. He even pulled my baby brother out of the audience and held him while he was talking. He was incredibly nice and it was really inspiring to get to see him in person.

An email from Senator Ken Salazar

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:27:23 EDT

Senator Ken Salazar just sent out this email and we wanted to share it with you:

Dear Jenn,

I just got back from touring Colorado with Governor Bill Ritter and former Governor Roy Romer, and I wanted to share a little bit about the trip.

After hearing from so many Colorado families who are struggling because of the disastrous Bush-McCain economic policies, it was clear that Barack Obama is the only candidate who can bring the change we need and fix our economy.

But the McCain campaign is hard at work here in Colorado trying to distract voters by spreading false personal attacks about Barack with "robocalls," mailings, and a flood of TV ads.

We need to fight back against these distractions and get the truth out in our communities and neighborhoods.

Volunteers are already out in full force doing the kind of work that wins elections -- knocking on doors, making phone calls, and talking to undecided voters about Barack's message of change. But they need your help.

Watch this short video of volunteers working for change, then sign up to join us and help win Colorado for Barack.

With only 12 days left until Election Day, the McCain campaign and the RNC are focusing all their energy on lies and distortions, and doing their best to distract Coloradans from the issues that really matter.

They're even employing "robocalls" so sleazy that some Republicans think they've gone too far -- John McCain himself thought so when they were used against him in 2000.

With such serious issues up for debate in this election, it's alarming to see the McCain campaign continue to distract voters rather than talk about the real issues at stake.

As a Coloradan and close friend of Barack, I think we can agree that Coloradans deserve better -- that's why we are out there right now fighting back in every corner of our state.

By focusing our positive energy, we can show the undecided voters of Colorado what this campaign stands for and share with them Barack's message of change.

Watch the video -- then sign up to volunteer and help make a difference here in the Rocky Mountain state:

http://co.barackobama.com/cospreadthetruth

And please be sure to forward this message to friends and family who may not know the truth about Barack.

Thanks for all that you do,

Ken Salazar

P.S. -- From now until Oct. 31st, every day is election day. Log on to VoteForChange.com now to find your early vote location and go vote early today:

http://CO.VoteForChange.com

Barack will be in Denver and Fort Collins on Sunday!

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:18:48 EDT

Barack is returning to Colorado on Sunday, October 26th for two early vote for change rallies!

EARLY VOTE FOR CHANGE RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA
Civic Center Park
Central Denver Park District
Denver, CO

Sunday, October 26th
Gates open: 10:00 a.m.
Program begins: 11:30 a.m.
RSVP Here

EARLY VOTE FOR CHANGE RALLY WITH BARACK OBAMA
The Oval on the Colorado State University Campus
Public Entrance: University Ave. and West Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80523

Sunday, October 26th
Gates open: 1:30 p.m.
Program begins: 3:30 p.m.
RSVP Here

Both events are free and open to the public. Tickets are NOT required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Senator Salazar casts his vote for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:40:47 EDT

Today was the the forth day of early voting in Colorado and already hundreds of thousands of people have cast their ballots.

On Monday, Senator Ken Salazar was one of the first people to vote, stopping by the Denver Elections Division shortly after polls opened. With his nine-month-old granddaughter in his arms, the Colorado Senator cast his vote for Barack.

Early voting is going on from now through October 31st. By voting early you can avoid the long lines on Election Day and help Barack win Colorado by volunteering on November 4th. You can find a list of places to early vote in your county here.

Governor Kaine campaigns in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:43:28 EDT

With less than two weeks left until November 4th, Colorado is shaping up to be one of the most important states in the election. As proof of Colorado's importance, Tim Kaine, the governor of another important battleground state, Virginia, traveled out west to campaign for Barack.

Speaking to a crowded room in Loveland, the Governor said:

They have me camped out in Virginia all the time because Virginia is like Colorado, we could go either way. Most of my weekends are spent campaigning in Virginia. I said I'll give you one weekend out-of-state between Labor Day and Election Day and they said come to Colorado.

Governor Kaine described three of the most important issues to Americans today: becoming energy independent, fixing our economy by supporting the middle class and small businesses and establishing universal health care. He outlined Barack's policies for each of these issues explaining why Barack offers the best solutions for America.

Governor Kaine explained that Barack will give tax cuts to 95% of Americans and will eliminate capitol gains taxes for small businesses.

He said:

I want big businesses and wealthy individuals to do well but they just don't need our help, they're going to do well. The people who need our help right now are the small businesses and the middle class. We need to help the middle class and the small businesses that are the backbone of the economy. Small businesses are responsible for the overwhelming majority of job growth in this country, an overwhelming majority of Americans work for small businesses. We ought to be targeting our strategies to them.

Senator Obama and Senator McCain define success differently and their definition of success tells you how they'll govern. I want somebody who is going to govern by putting the middle class and small businesses first. And that person is Barack Obama.

Bringing change to Main Street Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:41:00 EDT

When Barack came to Colorado last month, he told 3,000 people in Westminster, "I am running for President because we simply cannot afford four more years of an economic philosophy that works for Wall Street instead of Main Street, and ends up devastating both."

In support of Barack's dedication to Main Street, the Colorado Campaign for Change has been holding a series of Main Street Meetings across the state, bringing together small communities to talk about what issues matter to them.

Last week, State Senator Jim Isgar, Governor Bill Ritter and Senator Ken Salazar stopped by Carvers restaurant in Durango where the campaign was holding a Main Street Meeting. While there, they spoke to a crowded room of around 65 people about rural issues and protecting Colorado's water.

Two days later, Colorado Policy Director Joy Silvern traveled to Berthoud where she answered questions about how Barack will lower taxes and develop universal health care.

One of the Berthoud locals, Steve, owns a small business. He told the group about what an Obama/Biden administration would mean to him.

He said:

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

Joe Biden will be in Pueblo tomorrow!

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:37:28 EDT

This Wednesday, October 22nd, please join Joe Biden in Pueblo, where he will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.

Early Vote for Change Rally
with Joe Biden

Union Depot
132 W. B Street
Pueblo, CO 81003

Public entrance at the South Corner by the Parking Lot Area.

Wednesday, October 22nd
Gates Open: 12:30 p.m.
Program Begins: 2:15 p.m.

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

So you want to vote for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:34:50 EDT

There are still eight days left to request a mail-in ballot by mail, and you can pick up a mail-in ballot from your county clerk's office through October 31st.

Watch this video and learn more about voting by mail:

If you have questions, visit our Mail-in Ballot page.

Vote Today!

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:43:30 EDT

Colorado State Director Ray Rivera just sent out this email and we wanted to share it with you:

Dear Jenn,

From now until the end of the month, every day is Election Day in Colorado.

Early voting is fast, easy, and it could make the difference in this crucial battleground state. Show your friends and family that you've made up your mind and you're ready for change now.

Barack recorded a short video about Early Vote in Colorado.

Watch the video and find your early vote location today:

Early voting is simple, safe, and convenient. It's also a vital part of our strategy.

The more supporters who make their voices heard now, the more energy and resources we can devote to our get out the vote efforts closer to Election Day.

Vote early today and see if you can get five or more friends to vote early with you.

All across the country, supporters like you are working together to grow this movement for change. We know that Colorado families can't afford four more years of failed Bush-McCain policies.

That's why we need you to help make sure we have an advantage in Colorado before Election Day.

Take a moment now to watch the video, fill out some basic information, and make your voice heard:

http://co.barackobama.com/ColoradoEarlyVote

This is our chance to take America in a new direction -- so the next four years don't look like the last eight.

We can't do this without you.

Thanks,

Ray

Ray Rivera
Colorado State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- After you vote early, help Barack bring the change we need to Washington by making sure others vote early as well. Join us for a neighborhood canvass and help get out the vote. Learn more now:

http://co.barackobama.com/COgetinvolved

Colorado Energy Tour: The Campaign for Change visits New Belgium

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:13:10 EDT

On Monday, the Colorado Campaign for Change RV, equipped with solar panels, again took the road -- this time on a statewide energy tour. On the RV were Governor Bill Ritter and former Secretary of Transportation and Energy, Frederico Pena.

The morning started off in Fort Collins where they were joined by Denver Mayor and former brewery owner John Hickenlooper for a tour of the New Belgium brewery. New Belgium is the third largest mid-sized brewery in the United States and is known as a model of sustainability and eco-friendly practices. In 1999, New Belgium became the largest private consumer of wind-power electricity at that time and the first wind-powered brewery in the country.

At the end of the tour, Mayor Hickenlooper praised the brewery and explained why how New Belgium is an example of the kind of companies that Barack supports and will continue to support when he is president.

He said:

Imagine a country where you have a leader in place who has that same sort of sense about the need to transform our country, the need to do it with respect to both how we consume and how we produce and understands the opportunities that are a part of that. It's not built of desperation or a lack of hope, it's built out of a sense of an ability to create jobs and create a different energy future, to create a different economy and at the same time be responsible stewards of the environment.

You guys have definitely done it here at the New Belgium brewery, there are companies doing it around America and what we badly need is a leader in Washington D. C. who will partner with the states and develop a new energy economy in this country. So that's one of the reasons why I so heartily embrace Barack Obama's campaign for presidency because I believe he has the vision for that new energy economy.

Here are some more photos from the first stop of the energy tour:

The Denver Post endorses Barack

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:59:06 EDT

The Denver Post editorial board endorsed Barack today in an article that will run in Sunday's Perspective section of The Denver Post.

Here are a few clips from the editorial:

In just 16 days, a presidential campaign that has raged for almost two years will at last come to an end.

In that time, America has undergone profound changes. And for most Americans, those changes have not been for the better.

...The speed and virulence of the worldwide liquidity crisis, caused by the collapse of the junk mortgage market, has stunned most Americans and has led voters, who now review their shrinking retirement funds and rising unemployment rates with alarm, to focus overwhelmingly on America's economic ills.

Given this inescapable economic agenda, The Post believes Barack Obama is better equipped to lead America back to a prosperous future.

It's time to change course.

What's the chance that Obama will reach out in such a bipartisan fashion? Actually, he has a long record of doing exactly that. We don't mean his brief tenure in the Senate so much as his successful run as a community organizer in Chicago.

Republicans love to mock Obama's history as a community organizer. But here was a man with no money to offer, no patronage to dispense, no way to punish his opponents. All he could do was to work with people from all walks of life, liberals and conservatives, business people and the unemployed, and bring them together in common cause for a better community. Could there really be better preparation to reunite a worried and divided America to again pursue our "more perfect union"?

As novelist Christopher Buckley said in endorsing Obama, the Illinois senator "has a first-rate intellect and a first-rate temperament."

With the help and prayers of the American people, we believe those talents can also make Barack Obama a great president.

RFK Jr. visits Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 18:50:48 EDT

Last week, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. toured Colorado, talking to folks across the state about the solutions for global warming, restoring America's relationships abroad and why he is supporting Barack.

In Boulder, Bobby spoke at a gathering of about 100 people.

He said:

Today we have these people on Capitol Hill who know nothing about our country. Who just look at our country as a place where people can come from across the earth and make a big pile for themselves and whoever dies with the most stuff wins.

But we know there's something more to our country than that, and that's the thing that we love, that's the thing that we're proud to give to our children.

And I can tell you this that I believe truly in my heart that the only person who is able to re-establish that prestige and that love for the United States and will do it very, very quickly, is Barack Obama.

Coloradans are already voting for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:55:06 EDT

Earlier today, Colorado State Director Ray Rivera sent out an email reminding everyone to request a mail-in ballot so they can vote early for Barack. And people in Colorado responded, telling us that they have already voted for Barack.

Ray:
4 votes for Obama are in from my family!!!
-George

I delivered my ballot and voted for Obama and Biden and delivered it to the Election Commission office in Denver on Mexico street
yesterday! Let's hope this election goes the right way.
-Susan

Mark your lists. both my wife, Rethea, and I voted by mail on Saturday. We voted a straight Democratic ticket to not only get Barack elected, but also to give him the Democratic support he will need in both houses of Congress to save this country and turn it around.
-Robert

I proudly voted for Senator Obama yesterday! As did my 56 year-old neighbor who was voting for the first time! Her 18 year-old grandson -- obviously a first-time voter -- will be dropping off his mail-in ballot for Senator Obama today!
-Theresa

I did vote for Barack by mail last week! Go Barack! Colorado for Barack!
-Marc

My vote is cast! Obama 08!
-Andrew

State Senator Andy Kerr casts his vote for Barack.

Ray,
We have already voted for Barack through absentee ballot. In fact my entire family, of fifteen registered voters, have added to the Barack totals in Colorado.
YES WE CAN!
-Ned

Obama team,
I received your message regarding requesting a mail in ballot. Not only have I already requested and received my mail in ballot ... I have voted and returned my ballot. I voted for Barack. My wife did also.

In all my years (I'm only 50), I've never been so enthusiastic about voting for a young man who seems to embody intelligent change such as Mr Obama. Barack's ability to articulate change, his vision, his ability to hear and dialogue with people of differing opinions, his background ... overall, impressive!!! I'm thrilled at the opportunity to place this man in the white house.

Count a total of 2 votes already in Barack's column. Good luck! Thank you for your efforts. Keep up the good work.

Best regards,
-Ben

Already voted for Barack and so did my first voting son!
Thanks,
-Becky

Did you vote for Barack today?

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:31:08 EDT

Colorado state director, Ray Rivera just sent out this email:

Dear Jenn,

Every day is Election Day in Colorado because you can vote by mail from now until October 28th.

Voting by mail could make the difference in this election. The race is neck-and-neck in Colorado, and with only three weeks left until Election Day, we don't want the country staying up late waiting on results from Colorado.

Show that you have made up your mind and are supporting the Obama-Biden ticket by requesting your Mail-In ballot today.

Take a moment to request your Mail-In Ballot now.

Mail-in voting is convenient and saves you from potentially long lines on Election Day. It's also a vital part of our strategy here in Colorado.

The more supporters who make their voices heard now, the more energy and resources we can devote to our Get Out The Vote efforts closer to Election Day.

This year's Colorado ballot is also the longest ever. With mail-in voting, you can vote at your convenience in your own home and make sure you have time to review and fill out your entire ballot to vote for Democrats up and down the ticket.

Take a moment now to fill out some basic information and make your voice heard:

http://www.voteforchange.com

Don't forget to invite five friends to request their Mail-In Ballots and follow the voting instructions -- be sure to put on the right amount of postage and sign and date the outside of your ballot.

If you're a first-time voter, remember to include a copy of your ID.

We can't do this without you.

Thanks,

Ray

Ray Rivera
Colorado State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- After you've requested your ballot, come volunteer at your local Campaign for Change office. For each volunteer shift you complete between now and October 20th, you'll be entered for an opportunity to meet Barack the next time he's in Colorado. Sign up now to volunteer:

http://co.barackobama.com/COvolunteer

Vote early in Colorado!

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:01:47 EDT

Usually, people vote on the first Tuesday in November, but in Colorado, polls open a week from tomorrow and thousands of people have already cast their vote by using a mail-in ballot.

Last week, while Kal Penn was traveling around the state visiting colleges, he took a moment to record this video for us about voting early and getting involved in the Campaign for Change:

Isaac Slade of The Fray also stopped by the office to request a mail-in ballot so he can cast his vote for Barack early and skip the lines on election day.

Have you requested a mail-in ballot yet? If not, you can download the form here.

If you already have your ballot, take a creative photo of you voting for Barack, submit it to Colorado@barackobama.com and you might see your face on the Obama blog!

Rural tour gets some local attention

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:54:23 EDT

For the past three days, Colorado Obama staff and a number of politicians including Governor Bill Ritter, former Governor Roy Romer, Senator Ken Salazar and Congressman John Salazar have been traveling across the state in an RV. They have been visiting the rural parts of Colorado talking to folks about why Barack is the best choice for rural America.

Here is some of the press coverage the tour is receiving:

From the Pueblo Chieftain:

...Romer was the main attraction Thursday - a Democratic legend coming home to support Obama.

"I would never have imagined when I was governor that one day, Colorado would decide the presidential election," Romer said as he shook hands and exchanged hugs with well-wishers. "But that's why I'm here, to do what I can to help Barack Obama over the finish line." A veteran of thousands of political rallies, Romer hardly missed a beat in connecting Pueblo and the national financial crisis to the presidential race. "When I was governor, we worked hard to bring new jobs to Pueblo and right now we need to revitalize our economy," Romer told the group. "I want a president who is calm and cool under fire, and is inclusive in taking advice, and that's what I see in Senator Obama."

From the Canon City Daily Record:

Sen. Salazar told the crowd that Obama knows "the world does not begin and end in Denver, Colorado.

"Fremont County is important to him, important to you, important to all of us," Salazar said. "We do not want four more years of Bush-Cheney policies in the White House. We need to restore the American dream."

From the Montrose Daily Press:

After the event, Olathe corn and onion grower John Harold called Obama's farm record "marvelous," in relation to rural Colorado. He said the Farm Bill ensured food independence. Lose that, he said, and systems collapse could eventually follow.

Harold said the recent chaos on Wall Street has stopped most of his onion commerce with Mexico, where until recently he sent truckloads of produce per day.

"My business in Mexico stopped," he said. "You can't do anything (business). Barack Obama has enthused a younger generation. My contention is, they have to get involved."

From the Fort Morgan Times:

Being a "swing state" has brought a lot more attention to Colorado during this presidential campaign, Ritter noted.

"I've never seen a presidential campaign like this in Colorado," Salazar said.

Ray Rivera, state director for Obama for America, said everywhere the Obama campaign goes in the state, people say they've had enough of the way the country's been run over the past eight years.

These people have enabled the campaign to go where Democrats have never been welcomed before, he said.

"The campaign is what we see in this room," Rivera said, adding that local supporters need to get the word out.

Eva Longoria wants you to vote

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:40:51 EDT

It's something that guys dream about -- Eva Longoria, visiting their college campus, talking to them about how much they mean to her.

Last Saturday, it actually happened.

Eva, as well as actors Kal Penn and Adam Rodriguez, spent the day visiting college campuses around Colorado talking to students about their vital role in this election. The three started their day at Auraria campus where they spoke to several dozen students about the upcoming election and the importance of the youth vote.

Eva said:

People keep complaining about the government, complaining about Bush, complaining about the economy. But complaining is not going to change it -- only you are going to change it. Obama has said many, many time "change can not start at the top. It starts with us." That's the middle class, that's college students, that's you and you and you.

Colorado is a swing state. Colorado is one of the deciding states in this election. You don't want to be known as the state that lost hope for the rest of the country. You want to be the state that changed the face of the nation by standing up and showing up and saying 'no more, we want change.' The people who are going to bring change to this country are you.

The actors then traveled up to University of Northern Colorado, where a field filled with students listened as Adam Rodriguez from CSI Miami spoke to the crowd.

He said:

The biggest part of what makes mediums like Youtube and Facebook so powerful is their capacity to spread virally. And that's what you guys need to be today, you need to be the Facebooks and the Myspaces and the Youtubes once we leave here. You guys are the ones who want change and that's why you're here today. The important part is what you take from here and what you do after you leave here today. Let's spread this virally. Let's take this excitement we have, this opportunity to create change, and let's be a part of making that change -- this change that is going to carry us through the rest of our lives.

Here are some more photos from the actors' day in Colorado:

Vote for Barack and see your face on the Obama blog

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:39:13 EDT

In the next couple days, people across Colorado will have the opportunity to vote for Barack as mail-in ballots start arriving in mailboxes.

If you have requested a mail-in ballot, we want to see your excitement as you cast your vote for Barack. Send your most creative photos of you filling out your mail-in ballot to Colorado@barackobama.com.

Send your photos by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20th and you could see your photo on the Obama blog! The best photo will be featured on the national blog; the runner up will be on the Colorado page.

If you haven't requested a mail-in ballot yet, you still can. You can avoid the lines on Election Day by requesting a mail-in ballot. This year's ballot is the longest in Colorado's history, and mail-in ballots give you the time to research the issues before you cast your vote. Visit our mail-in ballot page to learn more.

Voter registration deadline: TODAY!

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:31:32 EDT

Today is the last day you can register to vote in Colorado.

Use the Vote for Change tool below to check your registration, request a mail-in ballot or register to vote.

Be sure to tell your friends and family about Voteforchange.com so they can vote for Barack and make sure that he wins Colorado on November 4th!

Sebelius talks to Coloradans about Barack's plan for small businesses

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:45:01 EDT

On Tuesday, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius visited Colorado, stopping in Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver to talk to Coloradans about Barack's plans to support small businesses.

In Denver, Kathleen was joined by four other women, including Lieutenant Governor Barbara O'Brien for a panel discussion about small businesses. Speaking to a crowd of around 60 people in Denver, she said:

You don't need to go any further than the local news station to know this country is teetering is on the brink of an economic crisis, the likes of which we haven't seen since The Great Depression. For a lot of Colorado families and for a lot of families in our state, those economic woes were not a surprise because they've really been struggling with the cost of groceries and gas going up, jobs disappearing in this country; 660,000 jobs have been lost this year alone across America.

There are serious economic challenges and I think it has become abundantly clear that we cannot continue to do what we've been doing the past eight years and expect it to turn out differently. Albert Einstein said that awhile ago, he called it insanity. And that's really what voters are faced with in this upcoming election.

Senator Obama has focused on the challenges facing those working families, feeling that it starts with a fair tax policy, that you have to shift to reward work once again and that working men and women should get a tax break. He has proposed a $500 per worker tax break. Ninety-five percent of the citizens of this state will get a tax break from the Obama administration just from that one element alone.

He thinks it's important that small businesses be recognized as the engine of the economy that they are here in Colorado, in Kansas and across the country. Most workers work for companies employing fewer than 50 people. And those employers would no longer pay capitol gains tax as a way to incentivize additional investment in hiring new workers.

And that really is compared to the McCain tax policy which not only continues the Bush tax breaks, which at one point John McCain opposed -- now he supports and supports continuing those tax breaks. Senator McCain has proposed the need to add an additional $300 billion in tax breaks for the wealthiest corporations and the wealthiest individuals in the country -- starting with the big oil companies; they would get a big chunk off the top of that. No tax plan for working middle class Americans, most would not receive any relief at all, under the McCain tax plan.

One of the panelists, Leanna Clark, is a co-owner of a public relations firm that has been experiencing difficulties paying for their clients' health insurance because of the problems in the economy.

She said:

I love what I do. I love the business, the staff and the clients. But I hate a lot of what goes along with owning a small business -- primary in my mind is the rising cost of health care. Over the past nine years at my company we have seen our health care costs increase 219%. And we are a company who philosophically believes in covering the health care costs for our employees and will continue to do so, but nobody can bear that kind of increase without making some kind of adjustments.

I believe that Barack Obama gets it and the plan that he is proposing makes a lot of sense. I asked a lot of questions, and I did a lot of research… Senator Obama's direct tax credit to my company would cut what we're spending annually on health care in half, and that is amazing.

Here are some more images from the Governor's day in Colorado:

All star volunteers meet Barack

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:21:19 EDT

Two weeks ago the Colorado Campaign for Change issued a challenge to supporters across the state: whoever knocked on the most doors over a weekend would get the opportunity to meet Barack. And last Monday, when Barack returned to Colorado, eight volunteers from across the state shook hands and spoke with the senator before he took the stage at Mount View High School.

Christine was one of those canvassers -- she knocked on around 400 doors in Arapahoe County over the course of two days and on Monday she found herself in front of Barack.

Here's what she said about the experience:

When he walked into the room I was speechless. He is a very real and genuine person. I felt that he really does care about what we all think, what we all are going through out here in the real world. I am prouder than ever to support and campaign for this man and know that he will put America back on the right track.

Christine brought her son Jordon with her. She says the seven-year old was incredibly excited about meeting the senator. She said:

He told me after that he was very nervous about meeting him. I know that he will remember this day for the rest of his life. And, my hope is that I have taught, and will continue to teach him that being a citizen of this country is about something more than just yelling at the television when you disagree with your leaders -- it is about putting actions with those words. It's about more than just voting. That if you see something wrong you do whatever you can to make it right. It is about getting out there and doing whatever you can to change the world in which you live. As he grows up I hope he holds on to the memories from this election and knows that he was part of something special.

Here are photos of some of the other volunteers who got to meet Barack:

Michelle fires up Farrand Field

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:28:28 EDT

Yesterday, Michelle spoke to a crowd of around 9,700 at CU, talking about the importance of registering to vote.

Here's a video from the event:

Lauren, a supporter from Boulder, wrote this post on Talking Points Memo about her experience at the event:

My daughter called me yesterday to ask me if I was going to go hear Michelle Obama speak. Truthfully, I was not sure if I should take the time out of my schedule to go...but when my daughter asked and I realized that it would inspire her to go, I decided it was too important not to go.

My daughter is 23. She has only voted in one disappointing presidential election. I have been doing my best to inspire her to participate in this election. She has watched Obama speeches on Cspan with me. We have had meaningful discussions about the candidates and their positions.

Today we went to CU campus in Boulder to hear Michelle Obama. The level of organization of the campaign was immediately apparent because in order to enter the field that was chorded off, you had to fill out a form giving your name and address, indicating whether or not you were registered and where you stood in terms of your vote i.e. definitely voting for senator Obama, unsure, etc. I realize that they would know exactly how many people entered the field while not really able to account for those remaining outside the chords.

The crowd was of course mainly made up of young voters while mixed with middle age and elderly. There was a huge voter registration stand setup on the field as well as people in the crowd in hats that said 'register here' with clipboards in their hands.

We heard from Senator Mark Udall's wife. He is our congressman and running to fill a republican senate seat which he stands a good chance of winning. And we heard from Colorado's first lady. There was a famous retired Bronco's football player who spoke about how he voted for the first time in the last election and he had regrets about not voting before that. He gave a speech encouraging everyone to vote.

Michelle has her own presence and charisma. The crowd came alive most when she spoke. Personally I think she was born to be a 'first lady' and she does a great man like Senator Obama justice. They are well matched. While she talked about all of the issues we would expect including health care, the war, etc... she did mention the economic crisis and her own opinion that her husband would be the best man to lead our country in a healthier direction. Being at a university addressing students she reminded everyone that she and Barack got through their expensive education with student loans and had not paid them off until several years ago. Then she asked us if we wanted a president who knew what it was like to grow up in the working class, who had student loans, who watched his own mother struggle with the healthcare/insurance system as she struggled with cancer before her death, a president who could relate to the lives of a majority of americans?

She spent time discussing the fact that Bush won CO by less than 100,000 votes in 2004. She reminded everyone that the registration deadline is Oct 6 and encouraged everyone to help them meet a goal of registering 4200 new voters and announced that they were half way there.

My favorite part was when she invited us to imagine our country being led by President Obama...to envision it. That felt good!

As we left, I realized my daughter was now very inspired. She asked for a stack of voter registration forms and where they needed to be delivered. As we walked back to the car she started calling friends on the phone to ask if they were registered. I had previously made her some get out the vote cards with different email sites that support registration and she now felt more motivated to get them into people's hands. The Obama shirt I ordered for her had arrived when I got home and she asked me to get it to her so that she could wear it to a dance club tonight.

I have no doubt that she will get some of her friends registered and she said she wanted to volunteer with me on election day. All in all I am very glad that I went with her to share the experience of seeing Michelle today and to see my daughter become more motivated and inspired to participate in her government. I am sure we will always remember this day.

From the Denver Post: The only life story that matters: yours

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 20:30:25 EDT

The only life story that matters: yours
by Dottie Lamm and Marilyn Van Derbur Atler

As two women who have done extensive public speaking, we know that telling one's life story is important for initial credibility. And, certainly, all the contenders for president and vice president have compelling stories. Yet we need to look beyond these stories and ask, "What's your story line for America?"

This election is not about their life stories from the past. Instead, it is about the life stories you and your children will live out in the future.

Before you vote on what story you want your family to live, here is a comparison of the candidates' positions on some issues of urgent concern to women:

• Taxes: Despite the distortions from opponents' ads, the Obama/Biden team will lower taxes for the middle 95 percent of working families. The McCain/Palin team, on the other hand, will continue the Bush tax cuts to the top 1 percent of Americans.

• Equal pay for equal work: Sen. Obama co-sponsored legislation to overturn a Supreme Court decision making it more difficult for women to challenge pay discrimination. Sen. McCain opposed the same legislation, calling it "a great burden on business."

• Child care and child protection: While in the Illinois Legislature, Sen. Obama helped to dramatically expand day care services and passed legislation to ensure young children are taught how to protect themselves against sexual predators. Sen. McCain has outrageously distorted the facts of this accomplishment in a new ad which tells voters that Sen. Obama "wanted to teach 5-year-olds about sex," before they could read.

• Violence against women: Sen. Obama voted for funding to prevent domestic violence and abuse. Sen. McCain has voted against all such programs, including a grant to aid children who have witnessed family violence.

• Reproductive choice: Sen. Obama says it's never been more important to protect a woman's right to choose. While in the Illinois Legislature, he was the chief sponsor of a bill requiring that hospitals providing emergency services for sexual assault victims and also provide medically accurate information about emergency contraception. Sen. McCain brags about his zero percent rating on pro-choice issues. According to a Sept. 21 New York Times editorial, "Mr. McCain, whose website proclaims his dedication to overturning Roe v. Wade, would appoint justices who could be expected to lead the charge to eliminate the right to abortion."

His running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has said that she would not support abortion even in cases of rape or incest.

The Constitution gives women the right to vote. Thousands of early 20th century women fought for, marched for and went to jail for this right.

Your vote is also your choice. What life stories will you, your children and your grandchildren live?

Choose wisely.

Dottie Lamm is former first lady of Colorado. Marilyn Van Derbur Atler is author of "Miss America By Day" (Oak Hill Ridge Press, 2003).

Coloradans share what Social Security means to them

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:12:59 EDT

There are around 557,000 people who receive Social Security benefits in the state of Colorado. That is 12% of the population. Ninety-one percent of those recipients are seniors.

Last Wednesday, two of those recipients joined Governor Ritter and Paul Teske, a professor of public affairs, for a panel discussion about Social Security. They shared with a room of around 100 Coloradans why Social Security plays a crucial role in their lives.

Vivian became dependent on Social Security after she suffered an accident at work. She talked about why it was important to her that Social Security remain a government program and not be privatized.

She said:

Years ago, I put money in a company that some of you may remember, Silverado. I first lost money then. And then in 1998 thinking things would get better, I did it again. A lot of us who worked for government agencies at the time, we lost thousands of dollars. So I did not have that money. Privatizing social security, believe me, is not the answer, I found out the hard way.

No way can we privatize it. No matter what terminology you want to use, privatizing or personal accounts -- it is the same thing. It is just unstable, you cannot depend on it. My social security is my primary income right now… if it wasn't for social security I would not have the quality of life I have now, I would not be able to survive on a day-to-day basis.

And that is one of the many reasons why I support Barack Obama. Because he does understand exactly what we as everyday workers, everyday individuals, have to go through. I hope no one ever has to go through what I went through but unfortunately I have met too many people in Colorado and across the states that their only income is social security -- that is all they have, they do not qualify for other programs. If they did not have social security they would not be able to survive. Barack Obama is the one who understands that need.

Harriet talked about how four generations of her family rely on Social Security.

Here's a video of her sharing her story:

As president, Barack Obama will help people like Vivian and Harriet by completely eliminating income taxes for 65,000 seniors and eliminate the need for 316,000 seniors to file a tax return here in Colorado. Senator John McCain has proposed a tax cut that would leave the middle class behind, failing to cut taxes for 1.69 million households in Colorado including 480,000 seniors.

The First Debate

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:39:39 EDT

Last night Barack and Senator John McCain had the first of three presidential debates.

In Denver, over a hundred people showed up at the Downtown Tavern to watch the debate. Before the debate, the booths of the bar were crowded with people making phone calls reminding undecided voters to watch the debate.

Ann showed up an hour and a half early to call voters and remind them to watch the debate.

She said:

I started volunteering recently, so I decided to kill two birds with one stone and come here to make calls then watch the debate. A lot of undecided voters that I've been calling say they're going to watch the debate, so I think that will help Barack.

After the debate, I spoke with Rachel who was really pleased with Barack's performance.

She said:

Knowing that Senator McCain has so much experience debating, I was a little concerned about the debate before, to be honest. But Barack did really well and showed how strong he is on foreign policy and other issues.

Christian author Don Miller visits Colorado Springs

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:25:41 EDT

Christian Author Don Miller says he never expected to get involved in a political campaign. Yet a month ago, he stood in front of thousands of people, with millions more across the country watching him on television, and gave the closing prayer for the first night of the Democratic National Convention.

Last Tuesday, the New York Times best-selling author of Blue like Jazz and Searching for God Knows What returned to Colorado for a Conversation about Faith and Politics, speaking to a hundred people in Colorado Springs about why he was working to help elect Barack.

He said:

I feel like one of the reasons that I'm here is 20 years from now, when my kids say "What did you do during that election? What did you do when the first African-American man was nominated for president? What did you do when that Christian man stood up in the Democratic Party, dad?" I want to say "I got on board. I went around the country. I made calls." And when they asked "But dad didn't people yell at you?" I would say "Yeah, they did. But I stood strong, because you defend your brother in Christ when he's being attacked and when he's being lied about. You stand up for him." And that's what I want to do for Barack Obama.

We need this president right now. The world needs this president right now. The world is looking for us to choose this leader, to say that we're moving forward, we're sorry for many of the things we have done in the past, here is our gift to you. I think the world needs this leader at this time.

Don told the crowd about how he identifies with Barack and how, while religious voters are often thought of as more conservative, Barack's policies are more representative of the Christian faith.

Here's a video from the event:

New TV Ad: "A Stronger Economy"

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:05:11 EDT

CHICAGO, IL - Today, the Obama-Biden campaign released a new 60 second TV ad, A Stronger Economy, which has Senator Obama telling the American people what he will do as President to put the middle class first and get our economy back on track.

You can watch the ad here:

A message from Kevin Puleo: How you can help us win in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:26:20 EDT

The Colorado Campaign for Change Field Director, Kevin Puleo, just sent out this email:

Dear Jenn,

As of today, there are just 40 days left until Election Day, November 4th. That's not a lot of time.

That's why thousands of supporters like you are already working in every corner of Colorado to spread Barack's message of change in their communities.

Two weeks ago, we sent out an email asking you to join your local Neighborhood Team -- and since then, people all across the state have gotten involved, including Scott from Denver.

Our team put together a short video about why Scott decided to start making a difference in his community.

Watch the video to learn how you can have an impact, and sign up to join your own local Neighborhood Team today.

In 2004, George W. Bush won Colorado by just 100,000 votes.

This time around, we are in a very close race and have a real chance to win here. But it's going to take all of us working together.

That's why Neighborhood Teams are already out in force, doing the kind of work that wins elections -- knocking on doors, registering people to vote, and letting supporters know about Mail-In Ballots.

Since supporters like you know your communities better than anyone else, we're counting on you to help put us over the top in Colorado.

Join your Neighborhood Team today and reach out to your community:

http://co.barackobama.com/COneighborhood

We can't do this without you.

Thanks for all that you do,

Kevin

Kevin Puleo
Field Director
Colorado Campaign for Change

P.S. -- An easy way to make sure that your voice is heard in this important election is voting by mail. Requesting a Mail-In Ballot is easy, and voting by mail is safe, convenient, and lets you avoid lines on Election Day. Take a minute to request your Mail-In Ballot and encourage your friends to do the same:

http://co.barackobama.com/COmailin

Another 12 offices open in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:41:49 EDT

Last week, the Colorado Campaign for Change opened another 12 offices across the state, bringing the total number of offices to 31.

From Five Points to Woodland Park, Steamboat Springs to Castle Rock offices are popping up all over Colorado -- helping reach out to our supporters across the state. The dedication and hard work of our volunteers is what fuels this campaign and so we are working to make sure that there are offices all over Colorado to accommodate that support.

Here are some photos from the office openings:

Grand Junction gets its first visit from a Democratic Candidate in 60 years

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:32:00 EDT

Sixty years ago, a train carrying President Harry Truman rolled into Grand Junction. It was Truman's legendary "Whistle-Stop Tour" that helped him win the 1948 campaign for the Presidency. It was also the last time a Democratic candidate for President visited Grand Junction -- until this past Monday when Barack visited a record sized crowd of 5,800 at the Cross Orchards Historic Site.

People came as early as 5:30 in the morning to stand in line. A group of people brought juice, fruit, and bagels to feed others waiting line.

Cathy was one of the first people in line and told us how the huge line made her and her friends feel:

I think it means that we have a chance. I think it'll be so close... but there's no question that this community has been invigorated.

Real excitement and disbelief that there were so many Democrats here! When I went to get my ticket, it was so exciting to see so many people come out. Democrats, independents or Republicans that are willing to hear the other side.

Barack was introduced by Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and US Senator Ken Salazar. Energy independence, revitilizing rural America, and Colorado's natural resources are among the most important issues here in Colorado, both Governor Ritter and Senator Salazar touched on these subjects.

Governor Ritter said:

We know something about energy in this state. We know that it's important to strike the right balance. You see, the future of this country has to be diversified in its energy use. So it is about natural gas, but it is also about solar, and wind, and geothermal, it's about energy efficiency, energy conservation, it's about all those things and there's one candidate in this Presidential race that understands if we diversify, we secure and that is Barack Obama.

Senator Salazar next spoke to the crowd and addressed the importance of rural America and western Colorado's most important resource: the Colorado River.

He said:

Some people think that when we talk about the Colorado River issues and protecting our Compact that it's a silly issue. It is not a silly issue for rural Colorado, for our farmers, our ranchers, and our communities in the west who understand the importance of water. Barack Obama will protect the Colorado River Compact. John McCain said he wants to open it up. We won't let him do that.

We caught up with several volunteers while there and compiled this video:

Canvassing Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:36:07 EDT

Last weekend, the Colorado Campaign for Change challenged each of its regions to see which one could knock on the most doors over the weekend. Well, the work paid off because volunteers across the state knocked on over 85,000 doors and had face-to-face conversations with nearly 25,000 Coloradans. Thanks to all our volunteers for their hard work - these conversations with your neighbors about Senator Obama's message of change are what will make the difference in November!

Special congratulations to the winner of our regional door-knocking challenge - the Northeast Denver region! As a prize the Northeast Denver field organizers were presented with the Golden Door Knocker award.

Other states are starting to notice the incredible work that is being done in Colorado and as a result we're upping the ante. Our friends at the Virginia Campaign for Change have challenged us to see which of the two key battleground states can knock on the most doors this weekend.

You can join the Colorado Campaign for Change this weekend and help us show the state that calls itself the "Mother of Presidents" that when it comes to this election, Colorado will be the one that will send Barack to the White House. Find a canvass near you.

Obama Directly Addresses Coloradans in Two-Minute Ad: Plan for Change

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:25:17 EDT

CHICAGO, IL – The Obama campaign today released a two-minute advertisement in which Senator Obama will speak directly to the nation on his view of the state of the economy and what he would do to fix it if he is elected president. The ad will begin today nationally and in battleground states around the country.

Watch the ad...

New TV Ad: "Fundamentals"

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:03:27 EDT

CHICAGO, IL - Yesterday of all days, with Wall Street in crisis, John McCain declared that the "fundamentals of the economy are strong." That shows how disturbingly out of touch he is with what's going in the lives of ordinary Americans. Following Senator McCain's out of touch belief, the Obama campaign today released a new 30 second TV ad called "Fundamentals."

Watch fundamentals...

Pueblo is Fired Up for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 02:28:15 EDT

Last month, when Barack accepted the Democratic nomination in Denver, he promised to return to Colorado soon. Today, he fulfilled that promise, visiting both Grand Junction and Pueblo.

Barack's visit to Pueblo was one of the biggest political events ever held in the city and the energy was incredible. People drove from across the state to see the senator.

Judy and Linda, two sisters from Pueblo, showed up at the Colorado State Fairgrounds for the rally at 9:30 this morning. I talked to them after the event.

This was Judy's first time seeing Barack speak. She said:

"He talked about everything we need. We need change. This event made history."

Here are some photos from the event:

Colorado students unite for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:11:19 EDT

Yesterday, a group of students from across Colorado came together for a Campaign for Change Youth Leadership Conference, where they learned about their crucial role in helping Barack win Colorado.

Colorado Youth Vote Director, Jacqui Barry, lead the conference. She talked about the important role that young people have played in history and what that means for the campaign. She said:

It was the student activists in the civil rights movement who marched. It was the Student Activists that took the buses to Bergmingham and marched. It was the Student Activists who fought for Women's Liberation and said women deserve rights.

And now, today, it's the student activists in this room that are going to change the course of this country. It's you guys who are going to win Colorado. And it's us that are going to win this country and, in course, change the world.

Barack will be in Golden on Tuesday!

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 13:37:57 EDT

Barack will be in Golden on Tuesday, September 16th. Details below:

Barack Obama in Golden
Colorado School of Mines
Lockridge Arena
1651 Elm St.
Golden, CO 80401

Tuesday, September 16th
Doors Open: 7:00 a.m.
Program Begins: 9:30 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public -- however, tickets are required. Space is limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ticket distribution locations

Distribution times:
Sunday, September 14th
and Monday, September 15th
from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Campaign for Change Office -- Golden
710 Golden Ridge Road
Suite 108
Golden, CO
View Map

Campaign for Change Office -- Arvada
7402 West 57th Avenue
Arvada, CO
View Map

Campaign for Change Office -- Morrison
19423 North Turkey Creek Road
Suite 1
Morrison, CO
View Map

Campaign for Change Office -- Lakewood
9797 W Colfax Avenue
Lakewood, CO
View Map

Barack will be in Grand Junction on Monday!

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:56:13 EDT

Barack will be in Grand Junction on Monday, September 15th. Details below:

"Change we need" event with Barack Obama
Cross Orchards Historic Site
3073 F Road
Grand Junction, CO 81504

Monday, September 15th
Doors Open: 9:00 a.m.
Program Begins: 11:00 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public. However, tickets are REQUIRED. Member of the public are invited to pick up their free tickets at the location listed below beginning at noon on Saturday, September 13th. Free tickets are first-come, first-served. There is a two ticket per person maximum.

Ticketing Location
Western Slope Regional Headquarters Campaign for Change Office
844 Grand Ave
Grand Junction, CO 81501
View Map

Barack will be in Pueblo on Monday!

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:20:14 EDT

Barack will be in Pueblo on Monday, September 15th. You can RSVP here. Details below:

"Change We Need" rally with Barack Obama

Colorado State Fairgrounds
Grandstand
1001 Beulah Avenue
Pueblo, CO 81004

Monday, September 15th
Doors Open: 2:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 4:30 p.m.

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

Statement of Senator Obama on the anniverary of the 9/11 attacks

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:12:04 EDT

In remembrance of the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Senator Obama released the following statement:

Today, we honor the memory of the lives that were lost on September 11, 2001, and grieve with the families and friends who lost someone they loved in New York City, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. We will never forget those who died. We will always remember the extraordinary efforts of our firefighters, police and emergency responders, and those who sacrificed their own lives on Flight 93 to protect their fellow Americans. And we give thanks for the Americans defending us every day in our communities at home, and in our military abroad.

On 9/11, Americans across our great country came together to stand with the families of the victims, to donate blood, to give to charity, and to say a prayer for our country. Let us renew that spirit of service and that sense of common purpose. Let us remember that the terrorists responsible for 9/11 are still at large, and must be brought to justice. Let us resolve to defeat terrorist networks, defend the American homeland, stand up for the enduring American values that we cherish, and seek a new birth of freedom at home and around the world.

Senator Salazar and Colorado veterans share their support for Barack

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:06:25 EDT

Roughly ten percent of Coloradans have served in the military, making Barack's experience as a member of the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee an important qualification for Coloradan voters. Last week, about two dozen of those men and women came to the Colorado Campaign for Change office in Colorado Springs for a veteran to veteran phone bank.

They reached out to other veterans in El Paso county by calling them and talking about why they are supporting Barack.

Dave, an Air Force veteran who served in Vietnam, told us about the evening.

He said:

I think it's a really nice sign of the vets getting involved in the Obama campaign, how the military is reacting to this whole episode, I think everybody is ready for a change.

Senator Ken Salazar visited the event, thanking the veterans for their service to the country and for helping to get Barack elected.

After speaking to the vets, he joined them in making phone calls.

Colorado Republicans for Obama

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:15:54 EDT

Barack believes that politics is about more than being a Democrat or a Republican, it's about people coming together to bring about the change that our country needs.

In honor of that message, we sat down with a few Republicans this week and asked them why they are supporting Barack.

Here's what they told us:

Obama Campaign Announces Colorado Latino Advisory Council

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:55:07 EDT

The Colorado Campaign for Change just sent out this press release:

Obama Campaign Announces Colorado Latino Advisory Council

DENVER, CO - Today, the Obama Campaign announced the formation of its Colorado Latino Advisory Council, highlighting the continued growth of support Senator Obama is receiving in the Latino community statewide. The advisory council is made up of key labor, community and faith leaders and elected officials from across the state, who will advise the campaign on issues important to the Latino community, as well as play an active role engaging and mobilizing Latino voters in their local communities.

"I am honored to have the support of these leaders that have dedicated their lives to advancing opportunity - not just for Latinos; but for all Americans. They've all fought tirelessly for an economy that rewards work and the workers who create it, a quality education for our children, access to affordable health care, civil rights and voting rights," said Senator Obama. "With their counsel and support, we will continue building our movement for change in every community in Colorado and across the country."

"Latino voters will play a pivotal role in the November election, and our job is to ensure we are communicating Senator Obama's message to this key community," said National Council Chair, Federico Peña. "The members of the advisory council bring a breadth of knowledge, experience, leadership, and action to mobilizing Latinos here in Colorado. Over the next two months, we will be out talking about the contrast between Senator Obama's commitment to changing the direction of our country and putting in place an economic plan that works for America's middle class families and McCain's plan to continue the failed Bush economic policies of the last eight years."

Former State Senator Polly Baca said, "Senator Obama represents the kind of leadership that will fight for America's working families and will help create opportunities to empower our communities across America at this critical moment in history."

"As the Latino community continues to get to know Senator Obama, it is clear that he is the right candidate for our issues and is the best candidate to deliver the change that America desperately needs," said State Senator Abel Tapia. "Senator Obama not only understands the struggles and diversity of our community but because of his personal history and background he will stand with us and be a fighter for our issues."

Basil Sabbah, Chairman of the Board of Solera National Bank, said, "He will create jobs here in America, lower taxes on the middle class, reform our education system, and ensure that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. I look forward to continuing to work to elect Senator Obama as the next President of the United States."

Colorado Latino Advisory Council Members:

Katherine Archuleta, Senior Policy Advisor to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper; President of the Board of Directors, Latina Initiative

Polly Baca, Former State Senator

Richard Baca, Retired Higher Education Administrator, Mesa State College

Patricia Barela Rivera, Former CO District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration

Adrienne Benavidez, Attorney, District Director with the State of Colorado

Celina Benavidez, Director, Division of Human Resources and Administration, Colorado Department of Transportation

Juana Bordas, President, Mestiza Leadership International

State Representative Ed Casso, House District 32

Zee Ferrufino, Owner, KBNO Radio

Debra Gallegos, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Colorado Department of Transportation

Rick Garcia, Denver City Council Member, District 1

Dr. Eric Gonzalez Juenke, Professor of Political Science

Lucia Guzman - Pastor, United Methodist Church; Director, Denver Council of Human Rights/Community Relations; Former Executive Director, CO Council of Churches

Arturo Jimenez, Denver Public School Board Member, District 5

Paul Lopez, Denver City Council Member, District 3

Rich Lopez, Owner, Greeley Printers

Denise Maes, Chairwoman, Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Debbie Marquez, DNC Member, Eagle County

Chris Martinez, Chairman, RTD Board of Directors

Ramona Martinez, Chair, DNC Hispanic Caucus

James Mejía, CEO, Denver Preschool Program

Christopher Meza, Denver Business Owner

Judy Montero, Denver City Council Member, District 9

Keith Montoya, Owner, Doc 1 Solutions

Dianne Ortiz, Vice Chair, Pueblo Chicano Democratic Caucus

Gil Ortiz, Political Director, Laborers Union, Local 578, Colorado Springs

Dan Pabon, Attorney, Holland and Hart; Denver Young Democrats

Federico Peña, Chair, National Hispanic Advisory Council; National Obama Campaign Co-Chair; Former Mayor of Denver; Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and Transportation

Theresa Peña, School Board President, Denver Public Schools

Mannie Rodriguez, Chair, Colorado Democratic Party's Latino Initiative; Member, Democratic National Committee

Basil Sabbah, Board of Directors Chairman, Solera National Bank; Founder, Boa Energy Drink

Dr. Anna Sampaio, Board of Directors, Latina Initiative; Professor of Political Science

Jennifer Sanchez-Trujillo, Chair, Pikes Peak Latino Initiative (Colorado Springs)

State Senator Paula Sandoval, Denver, District 34

State Senator Abel Tapia, Pueblo, District 3

Rudy Torrez, Housing Counselor, Adams County; Obama Neighborhood Team Leader, House District 5

Speaker Ruben Valdez, Former Speaker, Colorado House of Representatives

Ed Vigil, Costilla County Commissioner, District 1

Dede's story

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:36:12 EDT

This past summer, over one hundred people joined the Colorado Campaign for Change as Obama Organizing Fellows, spending six weeks of their lives helping Barack win the state of Colorado. Many of these fellows stayed with the campaign and became field organizers - others returned home afterward, staying involved with the campaign as volunteers.

I met one of the fellows, Dede, last week. After her fellowship ended Dede's husband, Shawn, left for his second tour in Iraq. Dede had to leave the campaign after Shawn was deployed so she could take care of their two year-old son, Michael.

She explained why she supports Barack. She said:

The main reason I was drawn to Obama was because he was the first politician to actually care about the families of soldiers. He cared if my family was together and he understood that when a soldier is deployed, the whole family is deployed -- the soldier's life isn't the only life that is put on hold. I know soldiers that the first time they got to see their child was when they were two. It's not right.

I'm really for any candidate who is for bringing the troops home and not having us over there indefinitely. How I feel about the war in Iraq right now is that it's not really designed to be won, it's designed to be maintained. And every soldier I've talked to who has been deployed over there and has come back has said that they don't really know why they're there - that they don't really have a clear mission. Even when I ask my husband, "what's the mission?" He's like "I don't know."

Dede talked about being a military wife. She said:

My husband and I met after he came back from his first tour of Iraq, he was there for a year. And then we got married. And then a month after this little guy was born, he was deployed to Afghanistan for a year. When he got back he only had a year left of his enlistment of his six year enlistment. So then three days before he was supposed to get out, two days before Christmas, we found out he was going to get stop loss -- he was going to be deployed again to Baghdad for fifteen to eighteen months. He didn't want to do that obviously. It was a pretty bad Christmas.

Being a military wife is hard. My husband and me, we really love each other, and maybe we're still in the newlywed phase because we've had to be apart for so long. But I've seen a lot of marriages crumble, just because of the time. Husbands come back and they're angry. It's definitely hard. We have one child and that's difficult enough -- we want to give him so much, that's why we're stopping at one for now, but I see families that have three or four children and the father or mother gets deployed for two, three, four tours. It's a strain. Usually the spouse that's not in the military ends up not being able to really work, which is what happened to me.

Dede and her husband moved from to Colorado Springs in April, she joined the campaign two months later. She told me about working for the campaign. She said:

When I first started on the fellowship, I wasn't sure if I could do it -- so much goes into a campaign, but then I realized it's got to be done, someone's got to do it. And I said I would, so I'm going to do it. Once I got the hang of it, it was a breeze. And it was fun.

The best thing about it was just meeting all the different people who I would have never had the chance to talk to or meet otherwise. You really build relationships with people, and you really care about people. Even though I'm not heavily involved with the campaign anymore, people still call me and invite me over for dinner. I feel like it wasn't just a fellowship, it really was building community - something that I haven't felt since I was little.

Even though she had to leave the campaign, Dede says she still comes into the office.

I still try to come in and do data entry for as long as Michael can stand it. I don't think I've come to terms with it being over. I just really hope that with all sacrifices everyone's making -- the time and energy and seeing how hard everybody works, that Barack gets elected, because it will horrible if he doesn't.

Fort Morgan celebrates labor

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:48:24 EDT

In 1894, Congress declared the first Monday of September to be a federal holiday. The holiday, Labor day, was to be a "day off for the working citizen." Yesterday, the Morgan County Democrats got together for a picnic at Riverside Park in Fort Morgan.

Kerrie was there registering voters. She talked to us about the movement for change in eastern Colorado.

She said:

I came on board with the campaign in February, and we had a great turn out for the caucus in our small little town in Wiggins -- we had 14 people show up. Some of the women cried because they were just so excited.

Here's a video from the event:

4k in 4 days: We did it!

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 12:36:43 EDT

We reached our goal of registering 4,000 voters in only three days!

Since the beginning, our campaign has been dedicated to getting people involved in the political process and creating a grassroots movement that reaches out to people across the country. Because of this, volunteers both new and old have spent dedicated their Labor day weekends to reaching out and bringing new voters into the democratic process and helping to spread our message of change we can believe in.

The enthusiasm and energy of our volunteers put us over the top in just three days. Let's take that momentum and register even more voters!

Find a 4k in 4days event near you and spend this Labor Day helping Barack win Colorado!

Update: 4k in 4 days

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:26:19 EDT

The Convention may be over, but the energy that surrounded it remains and has been turned into action.

This weekend, across the state people are getting involved with the Colorado Campaign for Change's Convention Weekend of Action. The goal is to register 4,000 new voters in four days and we're well on our way to meeting it -- between Friday and Saturday alone we registered over 2,600 voters.

There are tons of 4k in 4 days events going on all over Colorado. This morning in Pueblo, the campaign had a great presence at the Fiesta Day Parade.

Nearly 150 voters were registered at this event alone!

Later on this afternoon, I caught up with Joy and her Vote-mobile. Joy has spent the last two weekends registering voters in the town of Elizabeth in Elbert County.

She has been excited by the change she has seen in her home county. She said:

It's a great experience. We're establishing a basis for future elections. We're looking to establish a long term trend in this county by getting people registered, not just elect a very good president.

Kal kicks off the Convention Weekend of Action

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:36:33 EDT

This weekend volunteers across Colorado are taking the momentum of the Convention and registering voters throughout the state.

Kal Penn visited a few local offices this afternoon to thank the voters for the work they are doing and spent a few hours making phone calls to undecided voters in Arapahoe county.

Here's a few photos from his visit:

You can get involved this weekend and help out our movement for change by finding an event near you.

Colorado goes back to school with Kal Penn

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:47:30 EDT

While it may seem like the Convention was the only thing happening in Colorado this week, across the state thousands of college and high school students went back to school. Excited about both the Convention weekend of action and schools going back into session, Kal Penn, otherwise known as Kumar from “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” spent the day talking to college students and getting them registered to vote.

Kal spoke to over a hundred students at CU this morning, proving that even at 9 a.m. on a Friday morning the Buffs are Fired Up.

Proving that Barack’s policies cross not only party lines but also the lines of school rivalries, Kal then traveled to CSU where he spoke to students and spent the early afternoon registering voters and signing up volunteers. Addressing the crowd at CSU, the actor said:

If you remember when we were kids, CNN and MTV used to always run these stories about how we weren’t going to vote, that we didn’t care enough. But in the last eight years, things have actually gotten bad enough for that to change – we’ve all got friends and family over in Iraq, can’t afford healthcare, can barely afford an education, gas is $4 a gallon. So it’s been interesting to see around the country is that if you are between the ages of 18 and 35 you are registering to vote.

In Ohio, the election was decided by 118,000 votes in 2004. There are around 600,000 college students there. In all the swing states, including Colorado, the margins can be closed by the just the college or youth vote.

Kyle, a student at CSU, was delighted when he saw Kal at his campus and was even more excited when he found out the actor was volunteering for Barack. He said:

Before this, I hadn’t paid any attention at all to politics. My buddy has been ragging on me to get registered to vote, so because of him, I decided to take it more seriously this year. And I’m excited that the first time I’m going to vote it’ll be for Barack. After Barack’s speech last night and meeting Kal today, I feel like my life is complete. Now I need to volunteer and do my part to get Barack elected.

Coloradans take action at Mile High

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:31:17 EDT

In the hours leading up to Barack's acceptance speech, people are taking the energy of Mile High and turning it into action. Throughout the stadium, people are registering to vote, signing up to volunteer and even making phone calls to make sure that people across Colorado tune in to watch Barack's speech.

Cheryl, a volunteer who traveled from Washington state to help out in Colorado, talked to us about the amount of excitement that is flooding Mile High.

She said:

We're calling voters in Colorado and telling them to watch Senator Obama speak tonight, and tell them how great he is. And then if they make 12 phone calls, then they're put in the drawing and they might get to sit on the floor -- there are about 100 seats down there. Make 12 phone calls and then you get a chance to sit close to Senator Obama. It's packed, we have 100 phones here and I'm looking for phones all the time. They love it and they're so enthusiastic about making calls for Barack.

Scenes from Mile High: The doors are open

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:57:51 EDT

The doors of Mile High are open and thousands of people are already inside the stadium waiting for Senator Obama's speech.

Jodi, a Denver native, brought her daughter August to Mile High to see Barack's speech. Jodi told us why she is supporting Barack:

Because it's time for a change, it's for my kids' future. I'm doing this for my children, so that's why I'm here and why I was excited to bring my daughter. It's history in the making -- she may not get it now but when she's my age it'll mean a lot to her. This is the first time in history that they've allowed someone like me, someone like my daughter to see the speech.

We also talked to a group who had traveled up from Colorado Springs for the speech. Angie told us how excited she was to be apart of today. She said:

It's a dream come true. We've worked really hard and it's all come to fruition. It's really wonderful.

Another one of the group, Kevin, talked about what how this campaign has affected Colorado. He said:

I just feel like we're at a really amazing point in history right now and it's amazing to be a part of it. This has been so exciting for Colorado and Colorado Springs. It's amazing the number of Democrats that have come out of the woodwork. You tend to feel isolated in an environment like that, but it's really amazing to see how people come together and really start getting behind this campaign; it offers hope.

Coloradans Congratulate Michelle

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:36:26 EDT

Michelle's speech on Monday night earned rave reviews across the board, reminding the country why Barack worked so hard to win a date with her years ago. The day after she spoke, we invited you to send her a note of congratulations on her big night.

We've posted just a few of the many notes of encouragement that flooded our inboxes below:

Hello Michelle,

I realize it's highly unlikely that you personally read this email, but it seems worth the chance. My name is Nicole and I am a graduate of the SSA program at the University of Chicago. While I was a student I had an opportunity work as an intern with you and Pam as my supervisor during the summer of 1998. I now live in Denver. I during my internship having an opportunity to hear Barack speak and Pam introduced Barack, who was an alderman at the time, as the man "who will someday be president." I remember that moment like it was yesterday. I am tremendously proud to have had a moment to meet the two of you years ago in chicago and to be a part of contributing to your election.

Sincerely,

Nicole
Denver

That was amazing and I will be proud to see you as our future first lady. As a single mom I struggle with providing health care for myself and my son, but the harder I work the more I see that it will one day pay off. I see great things for our country when the Obama family is in office! Thank you.
Kallie
Frisco

Michelle - I am a registered republican and I am voting for Barack Obama for President! I am ready for change! The Obama team is just what our nation is in need of. I watched last night and I just watched your speech again today and you knocked it out of the park. Your speech came from the heart and it showed! Enjoy this week in Denver it's nice to see our city in the national spotlight. Best to you and your family!

Stephanie
Louisville, CO

Dear Mrs. Obama,
I am a second grade teacher and you have a message all of my students need to hear. I have 23 students and over half of them are on Individual Literacy Plans. (Their reading is below grade level.) They need to believe that they can succeed.
After listening to your speech I will start each day telling myself to believe in the world as it should be and to continue to work for that change. Thank you for your contributions to the change in our country.

Filled with hope,

Lynn
Aurora, CO

I had to laugh when my 5 year old daughter asked for a play date with Barack Obama's daughters. You are wonderful and I can't wait to have you as our First Lady.
Kaethe
Evergreen, CO

Veterans and others come together to talk about the issues

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:45:55 EDT

Tonight, the Convention's theme of service brought together a group of people for a watch party in Colorado Springs. While the event was called "Veterans for Obama Convention Watch Party," the gathering proved to be much more diverse. Among the guests were high school students, a few people who had protested the Vietnam War, and veterans of all military branches.

Before watching President Clinton's speech, the group shared their stories about what made this election so important for them.

Ed is a survivor of the Holocaust and a Marine Corps veteran. He said:

What draws me to Barack is his diverse background, the diverse parentage, the fact that he, in my opinion, has a world vision. That is one thing that American politicians have been sorely lacking. We have a habit of viewing the world from an American perspective. And we don't live in an American world -- we live in a much broader world. In order for us to succeed and America to retain its prominence in the world, we have to understand the world. I think in this area, Barack Obama will be not just a great American president, but a great statesman of the world. And that is what this country sorely needs.

Dan and Chris were the youngest guests at the party. While too young to vote, the two have compensated for their vote by spending the last two weekends canvassing and getting others out to vote. Dan talked about what an Obama administration means for his future. He said:

I think it's time for a change. A big problem obviously is global warming, and it's more affecting us, because it's our future. And that needs to be changed because we don't want to end up losing Florida, I like that place. But it's not just affecting us in America it's affecting people all over the world, and I'm not sure that John McCain would be the best solution for something like that. If I could vote, I would vote for Obama, but instead I'm going out and knocking on doors.

One of the hosts, Elaine, shared her story. She said:

I haven't been behind a candidate in a long, long time. I think it's absolutely disgusting what the Bush Administration has done to this country, not only on the war but on the economy. There shouldn't be such a split between the rich and the poor, with no middle class. And I will do absolutely everything I can do to make sure Obama gets elected, because I think he's a man of vision and he's a man of empowering people. He's certainly empowered me.

Ed another veteran, talked about the difference between Barack and McCain on military policies. He said:

I spent 27 years in the US Navy including two deployments to the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam war. I have been a person who has almost always voted Republican, I have pretty conservative values, but I think the Republican Party has abandoned us, almost across the board. What is particularly shameful is way the military has been treated by the Bush administration, starting with General Shinseki and on down the line. I have no confidence that John McCain will change any of that, I view him as a continuation of the Bush policies and the Bush mistakes. On the other hand, I see Senator Obama as an inspired leader, someone who shares my ideas on where the government needs to improve not only in terms of the military but also in terms of energy and the environment and other things that I think are important. So for the first time in my life I am getting politically involved and supporting Senator Obama.

Delegates give back to Denver

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:22:48 EDT

Barack got involved in politics because he was motivated by his work in the south side of Chicago, helping the local communities that had been devastated by the closure of steal mills. Our campaign is dedicated to continuing Barack's message of working in local communities, and today the Obama campaign and the DNC took it one step further as national delegates participated in a number of Delegation Service Projects across Denver. One group of Colorado delegates spent the morning at the Denver Rescue Mission, where they toured the homeless shelter and prepared lunch for the people there.

Here are a few photos:

We then went to Curtis Park, where delegates from California, West Virginia and New York were taking part in Mayor John Hickenlooper's plans to plant a million trees by 2025. Excited by the energy of the green convention and Hickenlooper's plans for a more environmentally friendly Denver, the New York delegation took it a step further, planting three Choke Cherry trees today and donating 80 of saplings to a local school where, once mature enough to plant, they will join the other three, to create New York Row.

Check back later for a video.

Women's issues -- they're about much more than women

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 20:06:37 EDT

Today marks the 88th anniversary of women's suffrage. In honor of that and all the incredible ways women have been transforming politics, we are dedicating the day to women and issues that are important to us.

We started this morning with a women's economic round table, where Michelle and Joe spoke with four female governors and four women panelists who shared their stories and spoke about why they are eager to see change in Washington.

Before the event, I spoke to a few of the women who were attending the event, asking them to share their thoughts on the importance of women's issues.

One of the women, Juana told me:

I think we're going through a shift in America about women. I mean, I'm an early feminist and I think that early feminist agenda was about education, it was about health, it was about jobs. And I don't think we can lose sight of that. When women first started to talk about change, we weren't just talking about change for women -- we were talking about a different kind of world where our children live. And I think we need to get back to that. And it's not about women it's about the kind of world we want to leave our children.

Merle also thought that the concept of "women's issues" affected a lot more than just women. She said:

I think that when you talk about issues that affect women, you forget that as they affect women and as they affect families that basically they affect all of us. I think that it's critical that we approach what we view as women's issues -- involving children, families, things like that -- sometimes we don't focus enough on the fact that working on those issues is really working for everybody. And those issues sometimes get dismissed or sidetracked off into women's issues when, in fact, they are issues that are absolutely critical to all people.

I asked to share their thoughts on the candidates and their policies.

Dottie, a former Hillary supporter, said:

I'm not a person who had trouble switching to Hillary, even though I was very loyal to her and worked for her, because I think Barack shares many of her ideas… McCain has consistently voted with Bush and he is a continuation of Bush. Do you want a continuation of Bush's eight years? Because that's what you're going to get with McCain.

Merle also voiced her disapproval of McCain's policies. She said:

We can start right away with McCain's support of an incredible pro-life platform. I think he's disingenuous about it -- it's clear that he has no support for a woman's right to choose. I think he's hidden that policy, but if you look into his record at all, that's one of the worst things he has done and it's one of the worst things that denigrates women.

The women all agreed that the women's issues don't just affect women--they also have a great impact on their children, their families and the lives of everyone they know.

Juana told me how the election was about her family and in a way, passing the political torch on to her daughters. She said:

The first person I voted for was John F. Kennedy and now I have three daughters and they're all going to vote for Barack Obama. And that's what I want to see -- a change in generation, with people like me and Dottie and Merle all sitting here helping the younger people really structure a new kind of America.

The convention starts: the Colorado Delegation Breakfast

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:28:14 EDT

This morning started off with delegation breakfasts. The Colorado delegation met up at the Grand Hyatt downtown, where over two hundred Coloradans talked, ate and listened as CDP Chairwoman Pat Waak and other prominent figures addressed the crowded room.

Here are a few photos from the event:

Check back later for a video.

The Democratic National Convention starts tomorrow!

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:02:36 EDT

The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Denver tomorrow. People across the state of Colorado are Fired Up and the Mile High City is buzzing with excitement.

Here's a video to fuel the excitement:

"Register for Change" wraps up in Denver

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:31:33 EDT

For the past two months, DNC chairman Howard Dean has traveled around the country helping to register voters and build support for Barack with his ‘Register for Change’ bus tour. He wrapped up the tour, stopping at Denver’s Auraria Campus, where he spoke to students, supporters and other Coloradans about the upcoming Convention and the important role Colorado will play in this election.

Here's a video of the event:

A message from Joe

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 14:34:20 EDT

Joe, Barack's new Vice Presidential Nominee, just sent out this email and we wanted to share it with you:

Jenn --

I'd like to thank you for the warm welcome I've received as the newest member of this campaign.

What you and Barack have accomplished over the past 19 months is incredible, and it's an honor to be part of it. I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting involved.

I recorded a short video message about how I hope to help in the weeks ahead.

Please take a minute to watch the video and share it with your friends:

Over the next few weeks, I'll be doing a lot of the things you've done to grow this movement -- reaching out day after day in neighborhoods all across the country, connecting with people who are hungry for the change we need.

This is no ordinary time, and this is no ordinary election. I plan to do everything I can to help Barack take back the White House.

I don't need to tell you that John McCain will just bring us another four years of the same. You can't change America when you supported George Bush's policies 95% of the time.

Barack has the vision and the courage to bring real change to Washington. But even he can't do this alone.

Join me by getting involved in your community -- and reach out to your friends and family to get them involved as well.

Please watch this video and pass it on:

http://my.barackobama.com/bidenvideo

Thank you,

Joe

More Coloradan's voice their excitement about Biden

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:49:09 EDT

Colorado is Fired up and Ready for Biden. Here are some more messages that people have been sharing with our new Vice Presidential Nominee:

Mr. Obama and Mr. Biden,
This is a Great day for me. I am ecstatic! I'm pleased to say that in May of 2007, an Obama and Biden ticket was my prediction. Unbelievable as this may seem, it made sense to me then and it makes sense today for the change we so desire and need for our country. Hope has driven me since May of last year, and today you made HOPE a tangible thing.
Thank You!
Frances in Jeffco

There's a song that came out in the sixties, and the lyrics were "let it please be him, oh my dear God, it must be him, it must be him..." and I've been singing it about you for weeks! I am beside myself with excitement and happiness, Joe. You and Barack make an inspired and dynamic team. Let's GO GET 'EM!
Patti in Adams

Dear Mr. Biden,
I am a 48 yr old mother of 2 beautiful girls, my husband is a Disabled Veteran from Vietnam. I've watched our countries politics very closely throughout my life as one of my ancestors signed the Constitution,(his brother was hung by the British after participating in a rebellion) Naturally, I have a piqued interest in the health of our democracy.
What I see today makes me cry on a daily basis. Greed has taken over our country and it grows throughout the fabric of our government and our society. Few people understand that our goverment was hijacked so many years ago when we wrote into our legislation that a Corporation had constitutional rights, but no responsibility to the public, only it's shareholders. The philosophy of a free market economy presumes that the people involved are honorable and trustworthy in thier dealings, this is not the case today.
We must work to stop this insanity.
I send my blessings to you and Barack to be protected in all you do. You are working towards true justice and we are blessed as a nation to have you as our representatives. It can be dangerous, as you know, but we must stand up for the truth as it is a driving force in us as humans. May God bless all that you do.
Lucy in Arapahoe

Barack and Joe Biden form a union of "spirit & experience". As a U.S Army veteran, I will be proud to call this team the next Commander's-in-Chief! My hope for both of them is that they see not only the need to protect the country from our enemies - both foreign and domestic - but also to re-kindle the human spirit in the lives of all of us that see our "neighbors as residing next door and thousands of miles away. My hope is yours with all the audacity that it takes.
Mike in Centennial

Just a note to say I think the wait was worth waiting for and Joe Biden is a splendid choice for your VP running mate. He brings intellect, experience, honesty, energy and a very "colorful" personality and presentation to the ticket. Bravo!
Joseph in Clear Creek County

Joe,
I have worked most of my life. At age ten I began delivering newspapers and retired from United Parcel Service at age fifty-five. Through those years I learned what work was and that you must earn respect because you can't buy it - it's certainly not given away. I was blessed to work for "United Parcel Service" where I experienced working in New York as a community worker. I then worked with the "Teamsters" in Detroit Michigan where I was the "United Parcel Service" Human Resources Manager. Later I retired after serving past President Jimmy Carter in Atlanta, Ga. as the "United Parcel Service" representative with "The Atlanta Project". While working in the schools in S.W. Atlanta I was called the "Dream Merchant" because I delivered dreams to people who were so disillusioned about life that they had stopped dreaming. I merchandized dreams and helped people succeed through their dreams and help not only themselves but others around them.
Congratulations on your being "the choosen one". You and Barack represent to me what I represented to the many in Atlanta, Ga., a chance to reverse the downward "helpless-hopeless spiral" and deliver to me fresh dreams that I can realize. You two are now my "Dream Merchants".
Gene in Arapahoe

Congratulations! I believe that you are a great choice to compliment Barack Obama as a running mate.
Energy + Experience = Change that will happen.
Anita in Adams

Joe, Thank you for all you have done throughout your career for America. Thank you for agreeing to be our next Vice President. The first vote I cast for President of the United States was the vote I cast for George McGovern. I wept as I cast that vote. They were tears of joy and of hope and of faith in what America could be. Now, for the second time in my voting life, those wonderful tears are back this morning. You and Barack embody that hope, joy, and faith that now...at long last now...I can see again what America is and, more importantly, can become.
God bless you and keep you,
Christine in Highlands Ranch, CO

Mr. Biden,
Welcome to the White House, I am so proud to be an American this year, and am so hopeful for what this ticket can bring to the White House and will support you in whatever way I can in getting our country back on track.
Chase in Denver

I am from the swing state of Colorado. Working mom of a college age child. Hard time affording college, I am a Realtor and a Mortgage Broker, so you see why times are hard. Joe Biden is an excellent choice. Welcome Senator Biden. Please win this race, so I can get my life back.
Thank you so much.
Suzanne in Denver

Joe, welcome to the team! When I heard you talking today about putting the kids to bed and talking about finances, that really struck a nerve. My husband and I did just that last night after finding out his company had decided to freeze all raises indefinitely. They were never more than a token to begin with, but the loss of even that little extra income is a slap in the face when store-brand deli turkey is $8.49 a pound. We're educated people, my husband and I, and we expected to be able to give our child that same kind of foundation. With hard work and sacrifice, we assumed we could provide for our little girl. We assumed wrong. I feel like it's our dreams that have been frozen indefinitely.
So keep fighting, Joe. Let's turn this country around. I'm behind you and Barack 100%.
Laura in Arapahoe

Surprise, surprise, Senator Obama faced a tough decision, studied upon it, then made the best choice possible.
Personally, I'm not surprised anymore, I'm beginning to expect it.
After eight years of an administration with all the ethics and scruples of the Nixon era... a wise, thoughtful commander-in-chief will be such a breath of fresh air.
Adam in Denver

It's not too late to send a message to Joe. Share your thoughts with the senator about him being Barack's running mate.

Coloradans welcomes Biden to the Obama campaign

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:22:42 EDT

Today, people across the state of Colorado are showing their excitement for Barack's running mate, Joe Biden. Here's what they have been saying:

Colorado couldn't be more excited that you were chosen as Obama's VP! Congratulations, and I look forward to seeing you this week in Denver!
Kristopher in Longmont

Congratulations! This is fabulous news. The best presidential ticket in my lifetime. Exactly what the USA needs.
Winefred in Denver

Senator Biden, I am the retired Colonel from the Colorado State Patrol and have testified before your committee for the International Association of Chiefs of Police. I am very pleased to see you on the ticket. As a registered Republican, I have had it with them and completely support the Democratic ticket. You definitely have my vote.
Lonnie in Larkspur

This is an excellent choice! Congratulations to Senator Biden. What an amazing ticket and I can't imagine how we can fail in November. I hope you know there are millions out there doing their part. As a long-time precinct leader, I have never had such an easy time finding volunteers.
Teresa in Erie

Senator Biden,
Welcome to the Change that is revolutionizing America today! That change is the fresh fire that Senator Obama has brought to the nation and arguably the world. We are all very tired of partisan politics and are glad that you are a strong advocate for reaching across party line to accomplish that which is best for our nation and our role in the world!
Good luck!
Emanuel in Longmont

Dear Senator Biden,

I am so pleased to know you will be the next Vice President of the United States! Barack Obama choosing you as his running mate, once again proves to me that he is the right person to lead us back to being the great nation we were before George Bush. I have watched you for a while now and have always been impressed with how you handle yourself. You are just what we need! I truly believe we have a "dream ticket" now and am so excited to take back the White House. Deep in my heart, I feel with you and Senator Obama our future is bright again and hope truly is alive.
Sincerely,
Sheila in JeffCo

Congratulations and Welcome to the campaign. As a Veteran, I want the Country I fought for back. You and Barack are our Hope and Inspiration for the Future. There are no other options.
John in JeffCo

Dear Senator Biden,
My husband, Jim, and I want to express our support for your joining this history making movement for change in our country. We are in our late 50's and were life long registered Republicans until 2006, when, sick of the Bush administration, I said, "let's change our registration to Democrat, so we can volunteer and campaign for Barack Obama!" And we did just that and have volunteered since before the caucuses in Colorado. This is the first time since I've been old enough to vote that I have actually BELIEVED a presidential candidate's words and promises!! It is indeed time for positive change in our nation and we believe Barack Obama with the support of the people and Congress can accomplish this kind of change. You were who we were hoping Obama would choose for a running mate so we are VERY happy with the announcement of this news!
Best of Luck to you and please know that we are two people in Colorado who will be behind you and Sen. Obama all the way to the White House!
Respectfully,
Alexis in Arvada, Colorado

You can still send a message to Joe to welcome him to the Obama campaign.

Barack chooses Biden!

Jenn Prosser — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:19:28 EDT

I just received this text message from the Obama campaign:

Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP Nominee. Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3pm ET on www.BarackObama.com. Spread the word!

Join me in welcoming Senator Biden to the Obama campaign by sending him a welcome note .

How many houses does John McCain have?

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:20:31 EDT

Today, the Obama campaign released a new 30-second TV ad, Seven, discussing just how out of touch John McCain is with the struggles of everyday people. The ad highlights John McCain's desire to just offer more of the same economic policies we've gotten from President Bush, as just yesterday he declared "the fundamentals of our economy are strong" and lost track of how many houses he owns.

We wanted to share the ad with you:

Share your feelings about McCain's houses and why Barack will offer the best solutions for America by writing a letter to the editor to a local Colorado paper.

From 1908 to 2008, house brings people together around the Convention

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:28:28 EDT

In 1908, Baby Doe Tabor's brother built a house for the Democratic National Convention. One hundred years later, dozens of Denver's LGBT community leaders gathered at the same house to discuss what they were ready to do to help elect Barack to the White House.

The evening was filled with excitement as the guests discussed the upcoming Convention. Colorado Delegate Jackie St. Joan was at the party, and talked to us about why she decided to run for a delegate position. She said:

My mother believed in people taking control of their lives and believing in leaders in this country and making the country better. One of the ways she and I became close was by watching the Conventions, starting when I was a kid way back to 1956. So when I found out that the Convention was coming to Denver I decided that I had to try to become a delegate.

The party also had a strong message of unity. Jackie addressed the group, explaining why she thinks it's important for Hillary's delegates to have the opportunity to vote at the convention. She said:

I was asked by a reporter, "What is the one thing you really want to do this convention?" I said "I want to stand up and raise my hand for Barack Obama for the people who elected me to do that." I think the Hillary delegates want that too, and if the situation were reversed I think we would want it that way as well. So I hope that everyone will welcome the Clinton supporters into the Obama camp and the Clinton supporters will feel at home among us.

Consistent with the message of unity, the Co-Chair of Hillary's LGBT steering committee, Anthony, spoke to the crowd. He said:

I had this epiphany -- Hillary Clinton supporters, we had hope as well, and unfortunately that didn't work out. I wanted the first woman president of the United States but I also want a President in the White House that looks at me as an American, period. I now have that hope again, it just looks different. Barack is still going to stand for the same rights that Hillary stood for.

Hillary will always be in my heart. And as long as she is in office I will full heartedly support her. But now, for the President of the United States, on August 28th at Invesco Field, Barack Obama is my candidate.

Anthony finished speaking to the crowd of about 70, asking them to get involved in the Obama campaign. He said:

We can't do this alone, and we can't just talk to gays and lesbians, we have to tell our family and our friends, anyone that we know, why they should support Barack Obama. We are a key and powerful voting block, but we cannot do this alone.

The romantic side of volunteering

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:34:59 EDT

For over a year now, volunteers across the country have devoted themselves to this campaign. It is only because of their hard work that the campaign has come this far.

Kitty and Dan are examples of the kind of volunteers that energize the Colorado Campaign for Change. Last weekend they spent six hours canvassing, but the day they chose to spend volunteering wasn't just any day, it was their 11th anniversary.

Kitty explained why they decided to spend their special day knocking on doors:

My husband's a workaholic, so I can only claim his time on certain days. Our anniversary was one day that we got to decide how to spend it, so we decided to spend it canvassing.

Dan said that their involvement in the campaign is about more than just an activity for them, it's something they share with their whole family:

I see this as family activity. We've taken the girls to a lot of events so far and we've tried to involve them as much as you can involve a seven and a nine year old. We are trying to show them the importance of living your beliefs, so that they can see it's not just something to talk about and then put away in a box -- it's something that you go out and pursue.

This is the first time the couple has volunteered for a political campaign. Kitty said:

This is our first time being politically active. We realized that voting's not enough. In 2000 and 2004, we voted and we didn't get the president we wanted, so we realized that the only way to get Obama elected is to do more than just cast our vote.

And getting involved with the campaign has been a great experience - we've built relationships with people we wouldn't have known otherwise. Some of our neighbors we've known for years, but we've only ever talked to them about our families and such. So we took a bit of a risk and said 'hey do you want to come to a political event?' They came and we got to really have some deep discussions that we wouldn't have had out at the curb. I really like that aspect of it. And then to find out, that there's people who didn't even know they could get involved. It never even occurred to them until you're at their door.

Do you have a special volunteering story? Share it with us in the comments below.

Colorado campaign for change offices flooded with volunteers

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:20:37 EDT

November 4th may feel like it's still a ways off, but Coloradans are feeling the fierce urgency of now and are working hard to make sure that Barack wins the Rocky Mountain state. This weekend, thousands of people across the state knocked on doors and made phone calls - reaching out to tens of thousands of Coloradans and telling them about why this election is so important.

Even when the weekend finished, the offices were still swarming with volunteer -- showing the commitment and excitement Colorado has about the election.

At 10:00 this morning, dozens of volunteers were making phone calls, being trained on data entry and getting ready to knock on doors.

After spending six hours in volunteering yesterday, LaVerne arrived this morning before the staff even got to the office. She said:

We were so excited about this campaign -- so it doesn't matter what time of day it is, we're fired up and ready to go.

And even given the early hour of the day, LaVerne said her phone calls were still helping out the campaign:

It's been great talking to fellow Coloradans about the election and getting involved with the campaign. The first phone call I made today was this man who was really excited to find out he could volunteer.

If you want to get involved in the campaign, visit your local Colorado Campaign for Change office .

Convention Tickets

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:08:02 EDT

The Colorado Campaign for Change General Election Director, Anne Filipic, just sent out this email:

Dear Jenn --

In just three weeks, Barack Obama will accept the Democratic nomination for president right here in Colorado.

On the last night of the convention, more than 75,000 people like you will take part in this historic moment.

Barack is opening up the Democratic National Convention the way you have opened up the political process in Colorado. He will deliver his acceptance speech at the largest stadium in Denver, and he wants supporters like you -- who built this campaign from the bottom up -- to be there.

That's why we're giving away a limited number of credentials to the event.

Learn more about how you can request your credential for a front-row seat to history.

Barack's acceptance speech will be the biggest night of this campaign so far, and we know that demand for credentials will be very high.

The number of seats we can give away is limited -- that's why we want to make sure you know how you can have the opportunity to join us.

Coloradans who take action and volunteer with the Campaign for Change before the convention will qualify for an opportunity to receive All-Star seating for Barack's speech.

This is an opportunity for you to be a part of an amazing event.

Find out how you can request your credential for Barack's acceptance speech.

Barack can't do this without you.

Thank you for all that you do,

Anne

Anne Filipic
General Election Director
Colorado Campaign for Change

Four more offices open in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:24:10 EDT

The campaign in Colorado is growing rapidly. Just last week another four Colorado Campaign for Change offices opened across the state. Over 900 people attended one of the events in Thornton, Fort Collins, Golden and Aurora.

Local politicians, staff, supporters and volunteers turned out in masses to show their excitement about the campaign and find out how to get involved.

In Fort Collins, so many people from Larimer and Weld counties showed up that the party poured out of the office and onto the sidewalk.

Aurora's office opening was an incredibly diverse gathering, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to find out to help Barack win Arapahoe Country.

In Golden, supporters met with field organizers where they learned about the different volunteering opportunities that are going on in JeffCo.

Colorado State Director Ray Rivera spoke to the people of Adams County about the important role that Colorado will play in the election.

Here is a video of the office openings:

Happy Birthday Barack!

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:53:15 EDT

Today is Barack's 47th birthday. To help celebrate the Senator's birthday, let's give it our all today and throughout this week. As Senator Obama turns 47, get out there and knock 47 doors, or make 94 phone calls (47x2!), and encourage your friends to do the same.

There are events going on in Pueblo, JeffCo, Boulder, Colorado Springs and elsewhere in the state. Check the events page to find a way to get involved today.

If you want to wish Barack a happy birthday, you can also send Barack a birthday message.

Coloradans offer their solutions to a better America

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:31:58 EDT

Since he was a community organizer, Barack has strongly believed that the best policies come from the people - their experiences, stories and ideas shape the most efficient solutions for our country.

In the spirit of Barack's philosophy, the Colorado Campaign for Change held two Solutions for Colorado events last Saturday, as part of a series of forums that will be going on across the state from now through October.

The first event was in Pueblo, where Rep. John Salazar joined National Deputy Policy Director Carlos Monje and Colorado Policy Director Joy Silvern to talk about the economy.

The room was packed with nearly 200 people from Pueblo and the surrounding area. Rep. Salazar spoke to the group about the economic problems he's seen in the past eight years, from the huge rise in diesel costs to the sky-rocketing national debt.

One of the people at the event, Elaine, shared her story with the audience. Elaine was a property manager for a low-income housing development. She talked about how her work had helped empower one of her tenants -- Elaine hired her to help maintain the houses, the woman became progressively more involved in the housing development, and then took over when Elaine retired. The woman now works to help other people who are in situations like hers. Elaine said:

I hope that everyone here will carefully think about it when you go to the polls and think about the loss of these programs for people and what will happen if we have another four years of what have had.

Later that afternoon, Joy and Carlos drove to Windsor where they, with Speaker of the House Andrew Romanoff, spoke around 120 people about the energy concerns in Colorado.

At both events, the Coloradans split into groups where they discussed what ideas they had to help solve the issues. Campaign staff listened to their conversations and collected the ideas to be passed on to Barack's policy team in Chicago.

Here's a video of both events:

The next Solutions for Colorado event is happening this Saturday, August 2nd. House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, Denver City Councilman Paul Lopez, New West Side of Economic Development Executive Director Veronica Barela and State Senator Mark Ferrandino will be speaking about housing. For more information visit the Solutions for Colorado page.

Governor Richardson visits veterans

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:02:39 EDT

Last Friday, while Barack proved that he is ready to serve as Commander-in-Chief and met with global leaders at their level during his tour of the Middle East and Europe, one of his strongest supporters at home spoke to veterans at the American G.I. Forum in Denver. Days after Barack visited to the troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson spoke of Barack's commitment to honor our country's sacred trust with veterans of past and future wars.

There are over 415,000 veterans in Colorado, making veterans care one of the most important issues in the state. Governor Richardson addressed a crowd of around 250, talking about his dedication to helping military families and the work he has done to help them in New Mexico -- and why this issue is one of the reasons why he is helping to elect Barack Obama. The Governor said:

There is saying in Spanish. Dime con quién andas, y te diré quien eres. Tell me with whom you walk, and I will tell you who you are.

One of the reasons I walk with Senator Obama, is because of his long record of standing up for our veterans and their families.

Senator Obama knows we need a foreign policy that includes talking to our enemies as well as our friends. That makes us stronger, not weaker. Barack Obama will help make America strong and respected and once more the example for the world to follow.

We also need a President with good judgment, who will not get us into wars we don't need to fight, and who will only use the world's best military where it is truly needed and where the use of force is unavoidable.

Barack Obama has been clear and consistent throughout this entire campaign. He opposed the Iraq war before it began, and he will end it as President because it isn't making us safer.

Richardson also talked about the policies Barack will enact when he is president:

As president, Obama will ensure we honor the sacred trust with our nation's veterans. In an Obama administration, the VA will provide benefits and care that will be accessible, high-quality, reliable, responsive and fair, year after year. He will care for our wounded soldiers; improve the transition to civilian life; fully fund VA medical care; improve the quality of VA health care; fix the Veterans Benefits Administration; honor veterans with the benefits and services they have earned, and rebuild and repair the military. It is a necessary investment for a great nation to maintain an all-volunteer force, and more importantly, it is the right thing to do.

Barack Obama is a man of principle and impeccable character. He is a patriot who loves this country with all his heart. He is an extraordinary leader.

I am proud to be on his team, I am proud to call him my friend, and I know he will make an outstanding President of the United States.

Pablo, an Air Force Veteran from Pueblo, traveled up to Denver to see Governor Richardson. He said he was very impressed with the speech:

It was good for our membership and for our community. I couldn't think of a better person other than Senator Obama himself to address that membership than Governor Richardson. I was happy to hear him recognize the Hispanic veterans' contributions to the armed services from the past to the present and all the work that we've done. I really feel like the people needed to hear that.

With 100 days until the election, Colorado turns out to knock on doors

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:32:45 EDT

Last weekend marked 100 days until the election. To mark this significant date in the campaign, Obama's Campaign for Change and Forward Colorado teamed up with people across the state of Colorado to knock on doors and talk to Coloradans about the upcoming election.

In Denver, over 100 people came to the 100 Days to Change canvass, where supporters and volunteers learned about voter registration and going door-to-door to build support for Barack and Representative Mark Udall who is running for U.S. Senate.

Governor Bill Richardson and City Councilman Paul Lopez stopped by to talk to the crowd about the crucial role that Colorado will play this November and why the work of the volunteers is the most important part of this campaign. Speaking to the crowded room, Governor Richardson said:

Politics has become impersonal. Politics many times is fundraising, it's media, it's cable, it's Fox News. But the most important part of politics is what you're doing -- talking to people, grassroots, canvassing, face to face, looking people in the eye and answering 'Why Obama?' … What's most important is the personal contact you have with them. The fact that you're canvassers, that you're going door to door, it's going to be critically important.

Jesus, one of the field organizers from Colorado Campaign for Change, and Brenda, a field organizer from Forward Colorado, gave a training on canvassing and voter registration, getting the group of supporters fired up and ready to canvass.

The crowd was a mix of experienced volunteers and precinct captains from the caucus and a number of newcomers -- canvassing for the very first time. Saif was one of those first-time canvassers, and he told us about why he wanted to get involved:

Keeping up on the daily political news, I've been hearing a lot of the negative campaign smears that the McCain camp are putting out against Obama, and this is my opportunity to be a representative voice and address those distorted facts and reach out to people and encourage them to vote.

I'm pretty excited to be a part of this movement and engage in active campaigning. Being a part of the process, it's not only politically empowering but socially empowering especially at this point in our history. It's gotten to a point where we can really bring change from the ground up.

Former Nebraska Sen. says Obama has the better plan for Iraq

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:15:24 EDT

From the Denver Post

By Bob Kerrey

As is often the case in politics, the most important questions do not get debated while the most trivial ones are pushed front and center. Such is the case with the current attacks by Sen. John McCain's supporters purporting that Sen. Barack Obama's failure to support the surge demonstrates he has been wrong on this important foreign policy question.

Since I, like Sen. McCain, also supported the Iraq war, I believe I am on pretty solid ground in making this statement: Assessing all facts available to us today, Sen. Obama's judgment six years ago looks a whole lot better today than either Sen. McCain's or mine was back then.

But here's the problem. Arguing about who was right or wrong in 2003 or even who was right or wrong about the surge has little bearing on the question of what do we do today, moving forward. And, on this question, Sen. Obama has the superior strategy.

The foundation of his strategy is that the reduction of violence in Iraq is real, and that it is due to the heroic sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, in combination with their skill in turning the Sunni tribes against al-Qaeda. It is the result of the decision by the Shiite militias to observe a cease-fire. And it is the result of a rapidly improving Iraqi police and military force whose size and capability is finally recovering its capability to keep the peace following the disastrous decision to disband it five years ago.

Obama understands that transitioning from the U.S. being an occupying force to a strong ally is an urgent necessity for both Iraq and the United States. He also sees that the growing consensus in the U.S. and Iraq for a timeline that will allow the responsible redeployment of our combat brigades out of Iraq while preserving our commitment to remain a strong ally of the Iraqi people is an opportunity that we must seize. Finally, Obama is right in his judgment that this redeployment will accelerate the political progress Iraq so desperately needs to lock in the security gains.

Americans who want Iraq to survive as a stable democratic nation-state should welcome this growing consensus and embrace Obama's plan. The Iraqi prime minister has stated they will be ready to take charge of their own destiny in 2010. Iraqis want to stand up. We should not stand in the way.

The opportunity to redeploy coincides with the absolute necessity to finish the fight against al-Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan, a fight we've nearly forgotten as most attention was focused on Iraq. It is imperative that we free up more resources to succeed against the forces that represent a strategic threat to the U.S. Afghanistan and the tribal areas in Pakistan are the central front in the war on terror. We cannot afford to ignore the growing threat.

If we keep defining success in Iraq as staying in Iraq indefinitely and refusing to address the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, we will fail in both Iraq and Afghanistan. On the other hand, if we define success as leaving Iraq to an Iraqi government that represents all Iraqis and takes responsibility for its future, we will succeed there. If we redeploy our forces, we will again have the necessary capacity to tackle the broad range of other national security challenges and we can finish the fight in Afghanistan.

Let's not re-fight the past. From what I've seen of the two candidates, Sen. Obama has the better strategic vision and judgment to meet our challenges moving forward.

Bob Kerrey served as U.S. senator from Nebraska from 1988- 2001 and was a member of the 9/11 commission.

Health care concerns bring together community in Arvada

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:34:09 EDT

One of the amazing things about house meetings is the way each one develops in its own unique way. Often times, when people start talking about their desire to bring change to their community, the conversation leads to a common issue that concerns everyone.

Last week, a house meeting in Arvada turned into a discussion about health care. Nearly everyone there had a personal story about why this issue -- one of the biggest concerns in our nation today -- was so important to them.

The host, Marla, started the conversation by talking about her fight with breast cancer and how difficult it has been for her cover the health insurance costs because she is self-employed.

Once Marla shared her story, the other people in the room started to talk about what brought them there.

Marla's neighbor Al is a pharmacist at Denver Health - a hospital that is dedicated to serving the underprivileged -- and is concerned about the funding of Medicare and Medicaid. He said:

In a lot of ways my job is a wonderful place to work because you get to meet really good people, but they are people who really need medical help. And it's frustrating to see the funding that provides medical care for these people decline over the years. There are a lot of people that have no way to get health care other than though Medicare or Medicaid and those in power keep cutting the funding for these programs.

Erin talked about her brother. Last year he received an emergency operation at Denver Health where they removed a life-threatening malignant brain tumor. Now the tumor has returned. Erin's brother runs his own business so he doesn't have health insurance and Erin's family can't afford to have the laser operation that will destroy the tumor. She explained what brought her to the party:

I read the Blueprint for Change. It has a lot to say about revising the health system and I'm impressed with what Barack has to say. I just want it to happen. That's all. Myself, as well as the rest of the American population, we are so fed up with false promises, it's the same game every election. I just want to see it happen, because my brother's life is riding on it.

After everyone shared their stories, Greg, the Obama Organizing Fellow at the meeting, explained how, in order to improve the health care system and provide for people like Marla, Erin's brother and Al's patients, we all need to take an active role in our communities. He said:

The end of the day what we come to realize, is that democracy, whether you take a part in it or not, it's apart of you. Marla's story is our story. Marla should be covered. That's what we do -- we take care of each other and not only when it rains. America's future is in front of us, and it's going to take us all talking to our neighbors and asking them if they're registered to vote and saying 'what can I do to help?'

Only 100 Days left until November 4th

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:33:10 EDT

Kevin Puleo, the Colorado for Change field director, sent out this email today:

Dear Jenn --

My name is Kevin Puleo, and I'm the Field Director for the Campaign for Change in Colorado.

The general election is coming up sooner than you may think. After this Saturday, July 26th, there will be just 100 days until November 4th.

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

This Saturday, supporters like you from every corner of Colorado are going to be joining 100 Days Canvass events -- reaching out in their local communities, registering new voters, and helping spread the message of Barack, Rep. Mark Udall, and local candidates for change.

No political experience is required. The Campaign for Change and Forward Colorado are jointly hosting the event, and we will provide you with everything you need to succeed, every step of the way.

Find a 100 Days Canvass event in your area this weekend:

http://co.barackobama.com/CO100days

We're up against some formidable opponents. John McCain, the Republican Party, and the shadowy outside groups that support them are not going to hold back in their efforts to stop us. We need to be prepared, and we can't afford to wait.

There's a real opportunity to succeed here in Colorado. But it's going to take all of us working together.

Face-to-face contact with friends, neighbors and undecided voters is the most effective way to grow our movement. And with 100 days to go before the general election, we can't afford to sit on the sidelines -- we have to start now.

Reach out in your own community by joining a 100 Days Canvass event this Saturday:

http://co.barackobama.com

The success of this movement is in your hands. Barack Obama will change Washington and improve the lives of all Americans -- but only if supporters like you reach out to your friends, family, and neighbors.

See you this Saturday,

Kevin

Kevin Puleo
Field Director
Colorado's Campaign for Change

P.S. -- If you can't make it this Saturday, but would still like to get involved in your community, sign up to volunteer now:

http://co.barackobama.com/COgetinvolved

Obama Organizing Fellow: Keith in Colorado Springs

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:43:42 EDT

Keith is an Obama Organizing Fellow in Colorado Springs. He quit his job working at the Late Show with David Letterman and returned to his home town to work on the campaign.

He shared with us his story and why he decided to leave one life to pursue another:

Working in late night TV became a dream of mine at a young age, and I decided early on that the highest expectation I could have for my own life was to work for a late night TV show. Realizing that unlikely dream proved to me the value of being accountable to your own high expectations. And having lived my own unlikely dream, I truly do believe that Senator Obama's vision for the country is absolutely what we as a people need right now. I truly feel I have moved from a job rooted in my childhood dream to a job rooted in a dream we as Americans all share.

Keith says the experience has been an incredible one:

Being involved in the campaign in El Paso County has been absolutely invigorating. Each day we are growing in new voters and new volunteers. People are drawn to this campaign for personal and profound reasons. They are hungry to reclaim America's purpose and want to play an active role in that process. I see people from all backgrounds and lifestyles choosing to take part in this movement for real change - veterans, evangelicals, young, old, black, and white. A new coalition of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents is emerging day by day in this community, and it is an honor to be part of it.

The most profound moment I've had as an organizer for this campaign came in a 1-on-1 meeting I had with a mother who lost her son in Iraq last fall. He was only 19 years old. The two of us sat in a Panera -- she wept and showed me picture after picture of him: photos from ROTC, prom, family get-togethers. And in those pictures I saw a young man who had all the opportunities of the world available to him. He was charismatic, smart, and capable. And, like his mother and many other veterans in his family, he chose to use his talents in service to his country. I could not help but feel that he was owed more.

I left the meeting feeling a greater sense of urgency than I had before. We know the war in Iraq was a mistake, but to personally see how that mistake has affected the lives of real families makes it even clearer that we must act to end this war and the mentality that got us into it. Since that meeting, my inspiration has come from a new place - a deeper place. Each day I think of that fallen 19-year-old hero and try to serve his memory in the work I do for this campaign.

Obama Organizing Fellow: Daniel in Adams County

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:58:03 EDT

Continuing our profiles of Obama Organizing Fellows, today Daniel, a fellow in Adams County, talked to us about his experiences with the campaign:

I wanted to be a part of the Campaign for Change because I am a first-generation immigrant in the United States of America and I have children under the age of ten. I believe that not only is America a land of opportunity, it's also a place where dreams and hopes become a reality in a matter of one or two generations. Senator Obama's work is the currency of optimism, hope and possibility that's evident for and amongst many not only in America but also around the world.

Senator Obama has managed to inspire the entire country to reengage in the democratic process. The community that I worked with had never seen a campaign so focused on building strong and lasting relationships that goes beyond a single election cycle.

I am very appreciative of the campaign for providing me and many other organizing fellows with the opportunity to be a part of this historic moment in our lifetime. I have learned a lot not only from the program itself, but also from my fellow teammates. Community organizing means so much more to me now. I used to think of it as the work that Senator Obama did in the South side of Chicago - but now I see that it's a measure and expectation of success within grassroots, something that involves me and local communities across the entire country.

Obama Organizing Fellow: Mary in La Plata

Jenn Prosser — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:02:42 EDT

This week we are profiling a number of Obama Organizing Fellows to share their experiences from working with the campaign.

Mary, the fellow for La Plata country, worked as a teacher in at a charter school in Washington D.C. before joining the campaign. She said her work at Cesar Chavez Charter High School is what motivated her to join the campaign:

My work at Chavez has made me realize that hard work is necessary for social change and that true social change is possible no matter what the obstacles when committed people put their resources behind a project. I believe the Obama campaign is a macro example of what I saw at the High School. The campaign, and Obama himself, believes that change is possible, but they don't sit around waiting for it to come - we work for it. And this will lead to a better country for my former students to inherit.

She says that working on the campaign has been one of the most valuable experiences of her life:

My experiences here in La Plata County has been so rich: I have had one-on-ones with Vietnam veterans, people who haven't been politically active in 30 years, strong Clinton supporters, and die-hard Obama supporters. Each conversation has lead me to have a better understanding of what people care about, what they are invested in, and how an Obama presidency will change the course of their lives.

Through these one-on-ones, house meetings, trainings and organizational meetings I have become more and more convinced - Senator Obama has to win in November and it is the field work and organization, the relationships and the solid sense of purpose that will make this happen.

I have also seen what American generosity and commitment to a common purpose looks like in action. I often leave work at the end of the day feeling super proud to live in a country where people can work this hard and give so much to help someone like Sen. Obama to win. I have seen the great potential that I know will rise to the surface when Obama is president, the people who elected him are listened to, and the movement that we are creating continues the conversations we've helped to start long after the campaign leaves town.

Obama Organizing Fellow: Matt in Arapahoe

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:18:38 EDT

For the past five weeks, thousands of people across the country have been dedicating their lives to help this campaign. They have moved from different states, taken leave from their jobs, and spent time away from friends and family back home to contribute all they can to our movements for change. And they do this for free.

The Obama Organizing Fellows have been a vital part of our campaign as we progressed from primary season to the general election. This is the last week of the fellowship program - many of the fellows will continue to work for the campaign as field organizers, others will return home where they will stay involved in the campaign in whatever way possible.

We wanted to spend this week focusing on their hard work and dedication and sharing a few of their experiences.

Matt is one of the fellows in the Arapahoe region. He says it is the other fellows and volunteers that keep him fired up and excited about the campaign:

The volunteers and other fellows I met have truly motivated me. Their passion and commitment has kept me going through all the bumps in the road, and all the tough times through the fellowship.

He shared with us a story about a one-on-one he had during his fellowship:

I met with a woman, she was older and unable to help volunteer because she was suffering from withdrawal symptoms from a previous surgery. What she offered me was her wisdom. In a little less than an hour, she poured her heart to me, her beliefs, her experiences, her dreams. She is one of the smartest people I have ever met, and I learned a lot. However, that is not why I hold the meeting close to me. The reason why it was so important was she asked that I do more. My whole life people have praised me for my schoolwork, my athletics, and too few people ask me to do even more. She praised what I had done, but told me to try even harder. No one else has ever told me that. It is something I hope I have the courage to live up to.

The Springs show their Obama Pride

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:15:50 EDT

Between the mountains and the wildlife, Colorado Springs is a colorful place. Yesterday, as the city held its annual Gay Pride Festival, the colors were more vibrant than ever. The streets were filled with balloons and banners, rainbow flags and dazzling outfits.

Barack Obama's Campaign for Change was there as well - staff, fellows and volunteers joined in the parade and later dispersed through the crowds with voter registration clipboards and sashes of "Obama Pride" stickers.

Matthew, a Colorado Springs native, marched in the parade with the campaign and was very excited by the support he saw at the festival:

I think that's amazing. I think there's been kind of a hibernation of the queer community on behalf of politics and they're finally waking up...[and] realizing that something needs to be done, that it needs to be done now and that it's going to be done by Mark Udall and Senator Obama.

He also told us about why he supports Barack:

I believe that Senator Obama is going to progress the gay community. He has an excellent stance on gay rights -- he has a progressive agenda for gay rights. He's going to bring our community back on its feet. The Bush administration has tried to reverse gay rights. Barack Obama... stands for the gay community and our rights.

Supporter Profile: Frank from Denver, a 92 year-old Obamacan

Jenn Prosser — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:23:39 EDT

One of the most important elements of Barack Obama's campaign for change is each person's individual story - what motivated them to get involved in the grassroots movement. The stories are as unique and diverse as our country, showing the incredible unifying power of people's desire to bring real change to Washington.

In suburban Denver, Frank is a testament to the fact that people of all backgrounds are ready for change. Frank is a 92 year-old Republican and an enthusiastic Obama supporter.

Ever since Frank's daughter, Francine, held a house party a few weeks ago, Frank has been spending time with one of the Obama Organizing Fellows and keeping his family involved in the campaign through activities like voter registration.

Frank shared his story with us:

Over 1,200 attend Obama Campaign for Change office openings in Colorado

Jenn Prosser — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:02:41 EDT

On Tuesday, over 1,200 people turned out in cities across Colorado as the Obama Campaign for Change celebrated the opening of four campaign offices. The people of Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo turned out in masses, eager to get involved in the campaign and help build Colorado's movement for change.

In Denver, the office was overflowing with people and excitement as supporters from the Mile High City talked about the general election and the hard work ahead.

Noerena, a volunteer at the Denver office, said she was thrilled by the turnout:

I think it shows the excitement that there is all over the city about the campaign. People are ready to start working and playing their part to help win Colorado. I feel the urgency of winning this election and I see that throughout this state. I've been helping register voters and make phone calls. Every little thing that we do could swing this election. Every little thing -- every single voter registration card we get filled out, every phone call we make -- could be the deal-breaker that send Barack to the White House.

Mayor Hickenlooper took part in the celebration and spoke to the crowd of 700, sharing his enthusiasm for the campaign and the significant role that Colorado will play in the election. City Council President Michael Hancock and State Treasurer Cari Kennedy joined the mayor and voiced their determination to help elect Barack.

City Council President Hancock said:

I want you to know I have cleared my schedule for all of August. I'll be here with my sleeves rolled up, helping you to stuff envelopes, put stamps on those envelopes, make phone calls and send Barack Obama to the White House.

The parties in Boulder, Colorado Springs and Pueblo were also great successes. Here are some photos of the celebration in Pueblo:

This is only the first round of office openings for Barack Obama's Campaign for Change -- more will be popping up across the state soon. Check back on the website for more information.

Judgment to Lead

Jenn Prosser — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:20:14 EDT

Yesterday, Barack delivered a major policy speech on the war in Iraq and national security in Washington D.C., continuing to demonstrate his ability to confront 21st century threats to American security.

During the speech he discussed his five goals for making America safer: ending the war in Iraq responsibly; finishing the fight against al Qaeda and the Taliban; securing all nuclear weapons and materials from terrorists and rogue states; achieving true energy security; and rebuilding our alliances to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Joe, one of the Obama organizing fellows in Denver, shared his thoughts on yesterday's speech:

It really, really resonates with the Colorado population. There are lots of people who are upset with the war here and there's also a lot of people who know that it's going to take a smart and sensible solution to pull out of the war. Senator Obama's plan to end the war in Iraq is exactly that - smart and sensible.

Earlier today, Barack continued to talk to voters about his plan to keep America safe and restoring its place in the world, hosting a summit at Purdue University in West Layfayette, IN on confronting 21st century threats. The senator was joined by Indiana Senator Evan Bayh and former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn as well as a panel of experts on nuclear non-proliferation, bio security and cyber security.

Barack discussed the challenges that we face in the 21st century and the steps that need to be taken to make America safer:
It's time to update our national security strategy to stay one step ahead of the terrorists - to see clearly the emerging threats of our young century, and to take action to make the American people more safe and secure.

It's time to look ahead -- at the dangers of today and tomorrow rather than those of yesterday. America cannot afford another president who doesn't understand the threats that confront us now and in the future.
Today, we will focus on nuclear, biological, and cyber threats - three 21st century threats that have been neglected for the last eight years. It's time to break out of Washington's conventional thinking that has failed to keep pace with unconventional threats. In doing so, we'll better ensure the safety of the American people, while building our capacity to deal with other challenges - from public health to privacy.

The campaign also released a TV ad yesterday, highlighting Senator Obama's commitment to restoring America's leadership in the world. The ad will air in Colorado as well as 17 other states. You can watch it here:

Dancing for Change

Jenn Prosser — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:50:25 EDT

Each year the Black Arts Festival draws hundreds of people to City Park to experience a wealth of artistic performances and crafts.

This year the Obama campaign was at the festival in full force registering voters, getting people involved in the campaign and maybe doing a little dancing.

As the Black Arts parade wound through the park, Obama staff, Fellows and volunteers energized the onlookers, shouting "Fired up! Ready to go!" and occasionally breaking in to their well practiced routine.

Support for the campaign was huge -- about half the crowd was wearing Obama shirts and nearly everyone there had stickers showing their enthusiasm for the candidate. Among the array of booths selling jewelry and t-shirts were stands with information about the election. Volunteers dispersed throughout the crowd carrying clipboards and helping people register to vote.

Kati, one of the Obama Organizing Fellows, talked to us about the festival:

It was an amazing day -- my only voter registration activity where I got to dance. Plus we were able to reach out to dozens of people who are interested in volunteering and we registered well over a hundred voters, all of whom were really excited about Senator Obama.

"Band, Beers and Brats" bring change to Clear Creek County Democrats

Jenn Prosser — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:45:32 EDT

Last Saturday, Courtney Riley Cooper Park in downtown Idaho Springs was filled with energy as Clear Creek County Democrats hosted their 5th annual "Bands, Beer, Brats and Democrats." The park was filled with elected officials, local activists and people just looking for a good bratwurst and a bit of advice on how they can help bring change to the state of Colorado.

George, a Clear Creek County Democrat, attends the festival every year and said he was excited to witness the event's rapid growth:

It doubles in size just about every year…there's a core of Democratic people in Clear Creek County that are really dedicated to the success of the party, especially since 2000. I think a lot of the things that have happened in Washington have really changed people's attitudes so more people are getting actively involved.

The Obama Organizing Fellow received nearly as much attention from the festival goers as the elected officials as he wandered the crowd, voter registration clipboard in hand. Hunter shared his love for the mountain town:

It's a beautiful town and the people here have been great. They are just so willing to host house meetings and there are a lot of undecided and third party voters have been attending those meetings. The people here are generally concerned about the direction of this country. There has been a lot of Obama support and people looking for change and I expect them to get progressively more involved in the campaign as time goes on.

Here's a video of the event: