Jessica Slider's Blog

Video: Barack on Economics in Kokomo, IN

Jessica Slider — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 10:24:41 EDT

Yesterday evening, at a Town Hall event in Kokomo, IN; Barack was introduced by Joe Nelson. Joe is a Kokomo local who was recently laid off from his job at the Kokomo Sanitary Pottery plant.

In this video clip, Barack discusses Joe's story, and how the loss of manufacturing jobs is affecting small towns across the country:

Barack Stops in Bloomington, IN

Jessica Slider — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 22:17:04 EDT

Yesterday, day two of his tour through Indiana, Barack made two stops in Bloomington. The first was to the campus of Indiana University, where the 'Little 500' bike relay was already in progress! Barack attended the 23rd annual women's race, and spent over an hour shaking hands (and collecting t-shirts!) inside the stadium- check out some pictures from his stop:

After his on-campus visit, Barack made a stop in downtown Bloomington, at Nick's English Hut. The place was packed with people watching the Little 500, which was being shown on television screens throughout the pub. Before leaving Nick's, Barack reminded everyone to vote in the Indiana primary on May 6th!

Don't forget to find out how you can vote early for Barack Obama in Indiana!

Video: Healthcare in Columbus, IN

Jessica Slider — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:16:37 EDT

Here is a video clip from Barack's town hall meeting in Columbus earlier today. He took quite a few questions from the audience, including one about his healthcare plan:

Check out this blog post for some pictures from the event- the gym at East Columbus High School was packed!

Town Hall in Columbus, IN

Jessica Slider — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:55:11 EDT

Barack just finished up his first town hall meeting of the day in Columbus, Indiana.

A crowd of almost 3,000 people came to Columbus East High School to hear Barack- some students even camped out overnight in the rain to get the best seats! Check back later for some video from the event!

Obama Calls for Passage of Legislation on Executive Pay

Jessica Slider — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:34:28 EDT

In Indianapolis this morning, Senator Barack Obama called for swift passage of his legislation to require corporations to hold a nonbinding shareholders vote on compensation packages offered to executives. A new study produced by USA Today found that the top 50 CEOs made around $15.7 million last year – despite the fact that many of their companies have been falling behind.

Obama’s bill, the Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation Act, would restore a measure accountability and restraint to a system that has spun out of control in recent years. The bill would not limit executives’ compensation, but rather would ensure that companies disclose and justify the salary and benefit packages offered to executives by give shareholders a nonbinding vote on a company’s executive compensation plan.

In 2005, the average CEO earned 262 times the pay of an average worker. That’s more in one workday than the average worker earned in one year. Studies and news reports have shown that for many executives even when stock prices and profits fall, pay doesn’t, deepening the gulf between the nation’s very wealthiest and the hardworking Americans who fuel the economy.

Watch the video of Senator Obama's remarks:

Continue reading for the text of his prepared remarks...

Video: Barack in Lafayette, IN

Jessica Slider — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 09:19:26 EDT

At his last stop of the day on the Indiana bus tour, Barack spoke to a crowd of almost 3,000 people in Lafayette. Check out this clip of Barack talking about the state of the race:

Click here to find out how you can vote early for Barack Obama in Indiana!

Video: Stand For Change in Henderson, Nevada

Jessica Slider — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 17:51:35 EST

At a town hall meeting in Henderson, NV this morning, Barack took a question about immigration reform. Here is a quick video clip of his answer:

For more on the Henderson event, check out Zach's post from earlier today!

Video: Volunteer Gets Out The Caucus

Jessica Slider — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 18:16:27 EST

Across the state of Iowa, Obama volunteers are knocking on doors, making phone calls, standing outside businesses and waving signs to remind folks to attend their caucus and encourage them to support Barack. Check out this video of a volunteer in Des Moines:

Video: Barack Rounds Up Last Minute Support

Jessica Slider — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:38:28 EST

This afternoon, Michelle and Barack stopped by the food court at Kaleidescope at the Hub in Des Moines to talk with some caucus goers, and encourage people to attend their local caucus tonight!

Stand for Change: Video from Waterloo with 1,000+ people

Jessica Slider — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:40:00 EST

It was freezing cold in Waterloo last night, but that didn't stop more than 1,000 people from coming to hear Barack talk about the change he can bring to Washington. In this video, he explains the need for more transparency and bringing Republicans and Democrats together to get things done on tough issues like health care reform:

Stand for Change: Video of Barack and 1,000 People in Cedar Rapids

Jessica Slider — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:11:50 EST

Earlier this afternoon, Barack fired up a crowd of 1,000 people at the Coliseum in the Veterans Memorial Building in Cedar Rapids (you can check out Jaime's blog here.)

In this video clip from the event, Barack talks about how he will bring leaders on opposite sides of an issue together to get things done- take a look!

Stand for Change: Video from Iowa Falls

Jessica Slider — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:30:47 EST

Despite the wind and snow, a crowd of more than 400 people in Iowa Falls eagerly listened as Barack showed why he is the one candidate who can bring about change we can believe in. Check out this video!

Video: Barack gets Standing O from over 500 in Ottumwa

Jessica Slider — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 14:20:32 EST

Today, Barack's Stand for Change Tour is continuing with several stops across Central Iowa. Check in soon for video from his first stop in Knoxville. I heard it was an incredible crowd!

Last night, Barack's last stop was in Ottumwa. He received several standing ovations from the crowd of at least 500 people.

He covered a variety of issues including better pay for teachers and making sure our veterans get the services they deserve. Check out this video from the event:

Barack Discusses Transparency in Toledo

Jessica Slider — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 09:18:02 EST

At his event in Toledo last night, Barack took a question from the audience about his plan to reform to health care. In summing up his policy, Barack took a moment to talk about the need for transparency and accountability in all areas of government, and how he's worked to bring those principles to Washington. Check out this video clip:

Meet Precinct Captain Marjorie Marsh

Jessica Slider — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:10:12 EST

We have many great precinct captains across the state helping Barack bring change we can believe in. We've told you about some of them. Now, I'd like to tell you about another. One of our best is Marjorie, in Fort Madison.

She's 94-years-old and one of the best-known Democratic activists in the area. She's been on board with Barack since very early on.

Here's a video we put together about her. She is truly inspiring!

Video: Barack in Indianola, IA

Jessica Slider — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:32:34 EST

Yesterday, Barack attended a Town Hall meeting in Indianola. Despite the cold, snowy weather, people turned out to ask the Senator questions about issues like fiscal responsibility, and affordable college tuition. Watch as Barack responds to a question about his health care policy:

Video: Michelle in Fairfield

Jessica Slider — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:33:33 EST

Michelle Obama made a stop in Fairfield yesterday, taking a tour of the new Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, and speaking to residents about the issues most important to her. In this video, Michelle speaks about leaving the world a better place for our children:

Video: Des Moines Foreign Policy Forum

Jessica Slider — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:18:41 EST

Earlier today, Barack joined several of his top advisers for a discussion about the kind of judgment necessary to bring about a change in our foreign policy that we can believe in. He answered questions ranging from the United States' relationship with China, to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Here is a video clip of Barack's response to a question about national service abroad:

Video: Outside the Des Moines Register Debate!

Jessica Slider — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:06:27 EST

Before Barack's commanding performance at the Des Moines Register Debate yesterday (check out Jaime's liveblog of the debate) Obama supporters, volunteers and staff gathered outside the debate hall to fire each other up, and cheer Barack on as he arrived. Here is some video!

Barack Talks About the Youth Vote at ISU

Jessica Slider — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 19:45:22 EST

Jaime posted yesterday about Barack's rally on the Iowa State University campus. Check out this video where he talks about the importance of the youth vote, and how any students who go to school in Iowa can and should participate in the 2008 Caucus.

Barack's Sister Visits Iowa

Jessica Slider — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:24:29 EST

Barack's sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, made several stops in central Iowa today. She had lunch in West Des Moines with the 21st Century Forum, where she spoke a little about growing up with Barack, and took questions about her brother's education policy.

After lunch, she made stops in Ankeny and Waukee. She met with students at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny and local educators at Waukee Middle School. She answered questions about her background as a teacher, and talked about the importance of reforming the education system.

In between her meetings, I was able to ask Maya a few questions about her visit to Iowa, and the impact Barack has on the people he meets. Check out the video!

JJ Video: Barack Leads the Parade

Jessica Slider — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:49:50 EST

Check out the Pre- JJ parade, led by Barack, from the rally to the Jefferson Jackson Dinner!

JJ Video: Barack at the Pre-Rally

Jessica Slider — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:23:25 EST

We just left a pre-Jefferson Jackson rally, where Barack brought down the house. Check out the video clip!

JJ Video: Sign War Frenzy

Jessica Slider — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:47:57 EST

Local news has been covering it, but check out our own footage of the highly athletic Obama team, and their sign war efforts!

The pre-dinner rally is about to get started... we will have more video from that later on!

Video: Barack talks retirement security in Ottumwa

Jessica Slider — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:40:46 EST

Yesterday morning in Ottumwa, IA, Barack led a round table discussion about
his plan to strengthen retirement security. Here's a short excerpt from the event:

Video: Reclaiming the American Dream

Jessica Slider — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:57:09 EST

Here is a clip from Barack's speech this morning, in Bettendorf IA.

Backstage with Barack

Jessica Slider — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 19:25:10 EDT

Barack's guests for The Daily Show last night, Alyson West and Raina Moore, got the chance to meet him backstage before his appearance... check out this quick video!

If you missed Barack's chat with Jon Stewart, Click Here to see the video!

Road to Change: Video from Waverly

Jessica Slider — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 01:05:18 EDT

Barack led a discussion about energy security in Waverly, IA this morning. It was held at the Waverly Light and Power Headquarters, and after taking a quick tour, he answered folks' questions about energy and listened to their concerns. Although this was a forum about energy, one of my favorite moments came when an audience member asked Barack what is on his recommended reading list:

Road to Change: Quick Stop at the Market

Jessica Slider — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 17:48:22 EDT

After his energy discussion at the Waverly, IA Light and Power Headquarters, Barack made a quick stop at Rogers Market, a local roadside farmers' market. He picked up some sweet corn and tomatoes, and after chatting for a bit, climbed back in his RV to head to the Grilling with Barack event in Marion, IA. Check out a few of the pictures from his stop:

Road to Change: Video from the Wing Ding Dinner

Jessica Slider — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 14:16:53 EDT

From the Surf Ballroom where Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper played their last concert, Barack addressed the Northern Iowa Democrats. Local Dems dined on - what else? - wings and listened as Barack spoke about the need to move our country forward. In this video clip from the event last night, Barack explains how we need to channel our frustrations with the current administration into political involvement and community action.

Road to Change: Video from Grinnell

Jessica Slider — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:43:54 EDT

At his first stop this morning, Barack had coffee and spoke with some local Grinnell, IA activists. He is making personal connections everywhere he goes- check out a couple of his conversations in this video from this morning:

Road to Change: Michelle in Council Bluffs

Jessica Slider — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:17:01 EDT

Before Barack took the stage to lead a discussion about foreign policy, Michelle Obama came out and gave an impassioned address to the crowd in Council Bluffs. She spoke about the fact that fear was the emotion guiding so many of her decisions in the past, and that she's tired of living life that way.

Barack is running to change the politics of fear, Michelle said, and she can already see its effect. People in the audience were instantly responsive and could identify with what Michelle was saying. Our future first lady took the crowd by storm in Council Bluffs, check it out for yourself:

Road to Change: Video from Council Bluffs

Jessica Slider — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:58:22 EDT

In Council Bluffs this morning, Barack showed once again that he is the candidate who will turn the page on foreign policy. Here, he lays out his plan for a new direction:

Road to Change: Barack in Cedar Falls

Jessica Slider — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 19:08:07 EDT

Barack was in Cedar Falls this afternoon, where he led a discussion about government transparency. He fielded questions from the crowd on issues ranging from education to veteran's benefits and spoke about what he's done make our government accountable:

Walk for Change- See the National video

Jessica Slider — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:12:59 EDT

Check out the new video on BarackTV - it really gives a feeling of the magnitude of the Walk for Change:

This was an amazing grassroots event, as has been the making of this video. I want to say a special thank you to: Jeremy Thompson, Doug Hawes-Davis, Colleen Kaman, Teddy Champion, Jason Hoekstra, Kieran Fitzgerald, and Arun Chaudhary for their excellent camera skills. Enjoy!

No snow this time!

Jessica Slider — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:30:36 EDT

After the last scheduled event in Keene, NH was cancelled due to what the Senator called "a blizzard- a Nor'easter", he attended a Town Hall meeting at Keene College. It was another packed house, and Obama talked with residents of New Hampshire about what he thinks politics should be.

Enjoy!

Global Warming in Council Bluffs

Jessica Slider — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 23:55:17 EDT

Here's a clip from Senator Obama's Town Hall meeting in Council Bluffs, IA today. As Sam mentioned before, questions from the audience ranged from healthcare to creating diplomacy with Iran. This portion of the event is the Senator's response to a question about global warming. Enjoy!

Share Your Videos!

Jessica Slider — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:53:44 EDT

By now, I am sure everyone reading this knows about the Hope Action Change events going on across the country this Saturday, March 31st. In addition to encouraging all of you to attend and participate in an event near you, I am now asking you to bring your video and still cameras with you.

Your video can be a documentation of the event, interviews with attendees, or a reflection on how you think the day went. Or a collaboration of all these things! The most insightful and entertaining videos will be featured on BarackTV.

Click HERE to Upload Your Video!

And, as always, we would LOVE to receive any photographs you take of the event you attend.

Send your photos HERE!

Have a great time at your events, and I can't wait to see the submissions.

-Jessica

Viva Las Vegas

Jessica Slider — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 14:09:39 EDT

The Nevada weather is AMAZING, and created a perfect backdrop for the Culinary Workers Union rally last night. The entire parking lot was packed with Local 226 members waiting to hear what the 2008 Presidential candidates had to say and share with them. Here's a quick video preview:

Culinary Workers Union Contract '07 Rally

After trying out one too many buffets, Chris and I are headed home tonight... have a great weekend!

-Jessica

Iowa Preview

Jessica Slider — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 13:20:56 EDT

I am just about to head back to Chicago after a weekend in Iowa, but before getting in the car, want to share with you a video preview of Day One on the Senator's tour of Iowa.

Sneak Peek of Iowa, Day One!

Chris and I are editing together more video from the weekend, so check back tomorrow for more of Days One & Two!

-Jessica

More from Selma...

Jessica Slider — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 20:01:20 EST

I just finished another video using footage and interviews from Selma. When you get a chance, head over to "Word on the Street" to take a look! I think it really gives an idea of what it was like to be at the commemoration/celebration.

-Jessica

Remembering Selma

Jessica Slider — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 22:11:17 EST

Chris and I just made it back from Selma, Alabama- and, after the craziness of our travel and the moving intensity of the events on Sunday, I am very thankful for this time to share our experiences.

Here is a link to the Senator's entire speech at Brown Chapel.

Brown Chapel, Part One

Brown Chapel, Part Two

As at other events, the line of people waiting outside the chapel to hear Senator Obama speak was incredibly long. But the atmosphere was different. People were a little more somber (and not just because it was 6:30 in the morning). I could see excitement in their faces, and hope, but also the desire to remember and honor the past. The main floor and three balconies' of the sanctuary filled quickly, and many people stood outside in the street, listening to the service through speakers placed out there.

Listening to the Rev. Jackson, Congressmen Lewis and Davis, and Rev. Lowry's "good crazy" was one of the great privileges of my life. They were incredible teachers- I learned so much in an hour. And the Senator's speech was just amazing. It was very personal yet gave so many honors to the past, and led into a staunch call to action. This not only inspired people, but seemed to surprise them a little as well.

So... even though the airline lost all our luggage and most of our gear in transit, and internet was hard to come by, this trip was exactly what I hoped for, and I am glad to be given the opportunity to share the experience with you. More videos will be posted later on this week!

- Jessica

Cleveland Rocked!

Jessica Slider — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 19:31:19 EST

Check out the new video from our recent travels to the greater Cleveland area. People began lining up for the event at 3:30 pm... doors didn't open officially till 6:00 pm! The gym was packed, as people rallied with the musicians and poet before the Senator even took the stage.

Here's Chris, capturing a moment.

We're off to Selma, Alabama on Saturday, and will be back next week with footage from the commemorative event.