Jim Robbins' Blog

Discouraged in Ohio

Jim Robbins — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:40:24 EST

Saturday I spent five and a half hours with a friend trudging through the snow knocking on doors for Barack. We reached over 100 people and the vast majority are planning on voting for Barack. I spent time with at least half a dozen undecided voters who have not been engaged at all in the race and after talking with me said they were committed to vote for Barack. I can see the tide turning here in Ohio and should be encouraged but...

We do not need to go negative. I've seen those flyers -- they are everywhere. They may contain some words that are true but they are half-truths at best. I'm no Hillary Clinton fan but I know she (like Barack) is strongly in favor of more protectionist trade policy and her health care plan (like Barack's) would help countless millions who cannot afford health care. If the Clinton campaign was putting out comparable attack pieces, Barack would be accusing her of "the same old Washington politics of tearing your opponent down instead of lifting the country up."

Today I looked back at the quote in my profile on Mybo.com. I joined this campaign because I honestly believed this man was different. That he was committed to change "...the failure of leadership: The smallness of our politics. Our preference for scoring cheap political points instead of rolling up our sleeves and building a working consensus to tackle the big problems of America. The time for that kind of politics is over. Its time to turn the page. Right Here! and Right Now!"

In the last month since becoming active in this campaign again I have told everyone I know and anyone who would listen why I believe in Barack Obama. Many have told me that he is just like any other politician, that in the end he'll do whatever it takes to win. Well, Barack will win here in Ohio and go on to be our next president which should be happy but right now I feel discouraged. I expect the Clinton campaign to go negative but I expect a much higher standard from Barack Obama. I can't believe I'm alone.

Don't Forget our Republican Friends

Jim Robbins — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:24:01 EST

This is Jim Robbins. I am an Independent living in a Republican stronghold in suburban Cleveland, OH. Many of my friends are conservative Republicans who I have persuaded to vote for Barack Obama in the March 4th primary. Here is how...

Most of my conservative friends know McCain has the Republican nomination sewn up so they are not planning on voting in the Republican primary. Even with the Ohio primary less than 3 weeks away, most people are not really engaged yet. They have heard of Obama but don't know that much about him. They consider him to be a likeable guy who is very liberal and too inexperienced to be President. But invariably they have a hugely negative opinion of Hillary Clinton (and Bill Clinton). Many are realistic enough to know that it will be very tough for any Republican to win in Nov. (due to Iraq, the economy, anti-Bush feelings, etc.) and are willing to vote for Obama in the Democratic primary in order to keep the Clintons out of the White House. I know many conservatives who are motivated to vote against her in the primary. So let's not forget our Republican friends when we are phone-banking and canvassing!

Republican Praise for Obama's Vision

Jim Robbins — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:31:58 EST

I subscribe to Newt Gingrish's newsletter not because I agree with his political views, but because he is an idea person, one of the few Republican leaders who has embraced the battle against climate change. Granted many of Newt's ideas have historically been wrong headed. But give the devil his due -- Newt Gingrish is nothing if not highly intelligent and elloquent.

Here is what Newt had to say about Barack in his most recent newsletter:

A Good Idea From Sen. Obama That Should be Implemented Now

When he visited the headquarters of Internet search engine giant Google, Inc. last week, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) had a good idea that Congress and the President should support.

Sen. Obama said that as President he would encourage more public interaction with government by putting government documents and legislation online for all Americans to see. He also said he would appoint the nation's first technology chief and encourage public participation through Internet forums.

These are good ideas that the President should make his own. He could accomplish some of them by changing government regulations. The rest he should challenge Congress to pass in his State of the Union address next year.

Peer to Peer File Sharing of Barack on DVD Video

Jim Robbins — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 23:06:20 EST

For house parties and other grassroots meetings we need DVD quality video of Barack. I would love to see downloadable versions of everything on Barack TV and on Barack's Senate site Link . But I realize that we would run into a serious bandwidth problem when the most popular videos are downloaded by multiple users. The solution to this problem is a peer to peer file sharing / bit torrent system. I would certainly be willing to have Barack video files shared from my hard drive and I believe most of us would feel the same way. BTW -- the clips should also be downloadable in Ipod format so our Facebook/Myspace/Student members can put Barack video in the hands of their friends.

This request for help is going out to the IT groups. I'm a scientist, not an IT guy. Please let me know if you think this idea has merit. Are there other options for sharing HQ video files? What is needed to make it happen?

Best, Jim

The State of the Democratic Primary Race

Jim Robbins — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 11:01:58 EST

The following states have either already moved their primary date to February 5th or are in the process of doing so: New Jersey, New York, California, Florida, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Utah, West Virginia.

Michigan may move up its date even earlier to join South Carolina, which will follow the first three states out of the gate: Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada.

With the frontloading of the primaries, only candidates with $100+ million will be able to compete in January and February of 2008.

Read: The State of the Race: The Democrats By Richard Baehr

Paypal, DVD Quality Video and Blog Improvements

Jim Robbins — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 23:23:44 EST

Paypal. If it is possible to resolve whatever the legal issues are with Paypal, I would love to see the campaign accept Paypal contributions. Paypal is one of the few places I have given my credit card info. I have multiple firewalls but I am still uncomfortable with giving out my credit card info. online. I can't be alone in feeling this way. If Paypal is not an option then we should have a phone line where people can call in their credit card info.

Video Downloads. For house parties and other grassroots meetings we need DVD quality video of Barack. I would love to see downloadable versions of everything on Barack TV and on Barack's Senate site Link . But I realize that we would run into a serious bandwidth problem when the most popular videos are downloaded by multiple users. The solution to this problem is a peer to peer file sharing / bit torrent system. I would certainly be willing to have Barack video files shared from my hard drive and I believe most of us would feel the same way. BTW -- the clips should also be downloadable in Ipod format so our Facebook/Myspace/Student members can put Barack video in the hands of their friends.

Blog Improvements.

* Blog links default should open a new window. Too often you get "page cannot be displayed" and then cannot go back to the blog itself. (Grrrrrrrrr…I have very little enamel left on my teeth.)

* Group admins. should be able to add a "sticky" to important blog entries they want to keep at the top of the list.

* Group blogs should have sort options including sorting by last comment posted.

* Members should have the ability to track/save their comments to other's blogs. Possibly this could be incorporated in "My Blog" for each member.

* Blogs should have a search engine by Group, title, author, or content of message.

2008 Democratic Primary Schedule

Jim Robbins — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 22:36:52 EST

The Democratic primary is already frontloaded and every day a new state seems to move up their primary. Florida has moved their primary up to Jan 29th and California moved theirs up to Feb 5th. We have 10 months to raise $100 million, organize in all 50 states to gain press in the news media across the country that Barack Obama can beat the Republican nominee in Nov'08. Are you up for it?

Go Here for the Primary Schedule:

Become an Advocate for Barack's Legislation

Jim Robbins — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 17:38:16 EST

Barack Obama sponsors and co-sponsors bills in the US Senate. We can support him by a grassroots effort in all 50 states contacting our Senators and asking them to support or co-sponsor Barack's bills. And we can find the companion bills in the House and contact our House Representatives to support them. Many of his bills have bipartisan support so you can be an advocate even if your Senators and Congressmen are Republicans. Think of it -- We advocate for Barack; he gains supporters and co-sponsors in the Senate and the House; his legislation passes. This translates into political endorsements and political capital for Barack. If we all pitch in making calls and writing letters on his behalf this will snowball and soon the Barack bandwagon in the Democratic Party will dwarf that of HRC or Edwards.

Vote in Another Democratic Party Poll

Jim Robbins — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:13:51 EST

Vote in the Maryland Democratic Party Poll

(You do not have to be registered in MD to vote)

There are still a few hours left to cast your vote in this poll.

Here is the Link: Link

This poll will end on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 6 pm.

ABCNews Poll Active Again

Jim Robbins — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 13:54:35 EST

Here is the link:

Link

Promoting Advocacy in this Campaign

Jim Robbins — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 06:57:02 EST

I cannot be alone in being inspired to make this campaign about more than just fundraising and getting out the vote.

"This campaign has to be about reclaiming the meaning of citizenship, restoring our sense of common purpose. It will take your time, your energy. Each of us, in our own lives, will have to accept responsibility for strengthening our communities, and sharing some measure of sacrifice. So let us begin this hard work together realizing that few obstacles can withstand the power of millions of voices calling for change. Let us transform this nation." Barack Obama

Call me crazy but I envision a campaign of a million ordinary people, each inspired to become an advocate for at least one issue or cause. Then working with public and private organizations at the grassroots level accross the country to make a difference. And in the process gaining their respect, support and their political endorsement. I realize this is improbable and I know my hope certainly takes audacity. But I figure I'm in good company.

Another Chance to Vote Online for Barack

Jim Robbins — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 22:51:25 EST

Another Chance to Vote Online for Barack

Time for Barack supporters to rock another online Democratic presidential poll:

Go to: Link

Website Improvement Suggestion: "My Recruiting"

Jim Robbins — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 01:11:21 EST

Next to fundraising I believe that recruiting others to join the campaign and sign up here at BarackObama.com should be our highest priority. I believe one of the best ways to do this is to let others see Barack in action on video. And we are fortunate to have such a wealth of video clips available on the sites like YouTube. Links to these clips can be added to your emails like any other website link. No downloading or attachments are required.

Individual personal emails to your friends have order of magnitude greater impact than any communication from the campaign. And you can start with any of your friends regardless of their politics by showing them Barack's great sense of humor. The clips of Barack on the Daily Show, Monday Night Football and Jay Leno are hard to beat. Once you have sparked someone's interest you can give them clips of Barack's inspirational speeches. No need for you to have to convince them why you support Barack. None of us could do that as well as he can. And we have the perfect vehicle for putting out his message.

Why not set a recruiting goal for yourself just like your fundraising goal? How about setting a personal goal to send out at least one email per day. No problem if you miss a few days; we are all busy outside of the campaign. Just try to average 7 emails per week, 30 per month.

I believe we should have a new category called "My Recruiting" with the same type of thermometer graphic and "My Fundraising" to track our recruiting progress. The two go hand in hand because new recruits will contribute to the campaign. And creating this new category ought to be relatively easy because most features can be copied from "My Fundraising."

Thanks for listening and please let me know your thoughts on my idea for potentially improving our website.

Watch Barack's Selma Speech on C-Span

Jim Robbins — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 20:36:13 EST

Watch Barack's Selma Speech on C-Span scheduled (subject to change) at 12:30 EST

Link

The Tiger Woods of Politics - Barack Obama

Jim Robbins — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 19:39:54 EST

Below is the text of Maureen Dowd's interview of Barack from today's NYTimes. I post this NOT to give any credance to this mindless gossip queen. But I'd love to see others the media start referring Barack as the "Tiger Woods of Politics."

Maureen Dowd: Where’s His Right Hook?
(I'm not posting this for the benefit of anyone who may want to read what Mo Do has to say. I'm posting this to show what a classy guy Barack Obama is and how his common sense comments to Mo Do show her up to be a superficial [even though he accused her of asking "deep" questions] little twit anxious to stir up a human cock fight between him and Hillary. As is all too often the case, Dowd is trying to stir up a tempest and inspire a rift that the Democratic party definitely doesn't need so soon after winning the majority in both houses in Congress. Obama wouldn't oblige and I'm surprised that he still allows her to sniff his butt on the campaign trail.)

WASHINGTON

As I sit across from Barack Obama in his Senate office, I feel like Ingrid Bergman in “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” when she plays a nun who teaches a schoolboy who’s being bullied how to box.

I’m just not certain, having watched the fresh-faced senator shy away from fighting with the feral Hillary over her Hollywood turf, that he understands that a campaign is inherently a conflict.

The Democrats lost the last two excruciatingly close elections because Al Gore and John Kerry did not fight fiercely and cleverly enough.

After David Geffen made critical comments about Hillary, she seized the chance to play Godzilla stomping on Obambi.

As a woman, she clearly feels she must be aggressive in showing she can “deck” opponents, as she put it — whether it’s Saddam with her war resolution vote or Senator Obama when he encroaches on areas that she and Bill had presumed were wrapped up, like Hollywood and now the black vote.

If Hillary is in touch with her masculine side, Barry is in touch with his feminine side.

He turned up his nose at his campaign’s sharp response to Hillary and her pinstriped thug, Howard Wolfson. He told The Times’s Jeff Zeleny that he had not been engaged in the vituperative exchange because he was traveling on a red-eye flight, getting a haircut and taking his daughters to school.

I ask why he couldn’t have managed the donnybrook while he traveled and did errands. Since he’s sitting across from me using his BlackBerry, I wonder: “Where was your BlackBerry? Did your aides not ask you how to respond or did you not want to ride herd on them — even just to tell them to ignore Hillary?”

“Look, I came up through politics in Chicago,” he says. “When I arrived in Chicago in 1985, I didn’t know a single person. Seventeen years later, I was the United States senator and in a position to run for president. So I must know a little something about politics.”

Channeling Ingrid, I press on and say: “I know you want to run a high-minded campaign, but do you worry that you might be putting yourself on a pedestal too much? Because people also want to see you mix it up a little. That’s how they judge how you’d be with Putin.”

“When I get into a tussle,” he replies, “I want it to be over something real, not something manufactured. If someone wants to get in an argument with me, let’s argue about how we’re going to fix the health care system or where we need to go on Iraq.”

If campaigns follow the arc of the hero myth. ...

“What’s the demon that I’ve slain?” he finishes. “You’re getting kind of deep on me here. I think that, for me, the story was overcoming a father’s absence and reconciling the different strands of my background and coming out whole.”

Has he ever been struck by the similiarity of Bill Clinton’s growing up without his father?

“You don’t want to go on with too much pop psychology,” he replies. “Somebody said that every man is either trying to live up to his father’s expectations or trying to make up for his father’s mistakes. And in some ways, when your father’s not there, you’re doing both. You try to live up to the expectations of somebody who’s not present to tell you that you’ve done a good job, but you’re also trying to make up for the mistakes that partially led to his absence.”

Does Al Gore have first dibs on the presidency?

“I love Al Gore,” he replies. “He’s a smart guy.” He said he liked Mr. Gore’s seriousness on issues he cares deeply about. “This sounds clichéd, but this week I had five mothers of folks headed to Iraq cry during rope lines where I was shaking hands and had me hug ’em. This stuff is just not a game. ... Now that doesn’t mean that there’s not the basic blocking and tackling of politics. I’ve got to raise money. I’ve got to manage my press. We’ve got to respond rapidly to attacks. But what I don’t want to do is get drawn into the sport of it.”

When the Tiger Woods of politics goes to a civil rights commemoration in Selma, Ala., this weekend — just as the story breaks that his white ancestors had slaves — he will compete for attention with Hillary and the man billed as the first black president. How does he feel about the Clintons double-teaming him?

Talking about the woman he described at the Beverly Hills fund-raiser as smarter, better-looking and meaner then he is, he grins: “My wife’s pretty tough.”

The Way to Win

Jim Robbins — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 19:28:03 EST

Yesterday I started reading "The Way to Win, Taking the White House in 2008" by Mark Halperin and John F. Harris.

If you are serious about learning how to take on the Clintons in this campaign and want to help the campaign respond to "Swiftboating" and the right wing dominated Freak Show led by Drudge, Rush, and Fox News then you have to get this book and read it cover to cover.

Submit Your Personal Video to ABCNews

Jim Robbins — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 13:17:06 EST

ABCNews is looking for personal video from supporters of the candidates.

Lets show them Barack has the most support!

Submit your video here: Link

Do you have the tools or knowhow to help other Barack supporters make their own video? Time to Get Busy!

Barack on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Jim Robbins — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 19:13:20 EST

Forward this one to everyone you know!

Barack on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart

Credit and kudos to Barbara Anastasia and Aaron C for this incredible find.

YouTube Eureka!

Jim Robbins — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 14:26:41 EST

Eureka! Most of Barack TV is already on YouTube along with tons of other clips. The video library is jam packed. And YouTube does not seem to be plagued with the bandwith limitations (snail speed) of Barack TV.

Go here: Barack TV on YouTube

and Here: All of Barack on YouTube

Is this a Gold Mine or What? Time to Get Busy sharing Barack Live!!!

Let's Get Busy Sharing Barack Live

Jim Robbins — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 22:20:28 EST

If our grassroots networks are to be successful in converting the unaware and the undecided into supporters and contributors, then we need the best tools. Simply put, we all need make sure others get the opportunity to see Barack in action. We need a library of excerpts of his most inspiring speeches sorted by key issues. We need to put these in the hands of our volunteer network to send to their friends, family and associates. Of course we will include a link for donating and joining the campaign, but that is not the initial goal. We need to win over their hearts and minds first. Once they have been moved emotionally by the Senator the money will come and the volunteer ranks will mushroom.

Why not just send links to Barack TV? Unfortunately, Barack TV is a good idea that doesn't work. At least it doesn't work nearly well enough to have the impact it otherwise could. It makes no sence to share links to a system with download speeds which most of the time are much too slow. And the video is not in a format which can be edited and shared. Peer to peer file sharing and bit torrent networks are a viable solution to this problem and need to be implemented.

I have to believe that this is an idea that the Senator would embrace. He wants us to help. He wants us to reach out to our friends. He wants his message to be heard. What better way than to have friends share his message -- as delivered by the Senator himself!

Do you know how to help make this happen? Lets Get Busy!

Let's Help Barack's Supporters Donate $5

Jim Robbins — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 13:11:47 EST

Last night Barack asked for $5 from everyone at the Cleveland rally. I understand we have 7000 email addresses for those who registered for the rally. Wouldn't it be great to send them all a clip of that part of Barack's speech to remind them to follow through? And of course have a link to the donation page pre-filled with their info. from when they registered.

How do we reach those who have the video? How do we make this happen?

Time to strike while the iron is HOT!