Kristen Psaki's Blog

Two Things

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:45:07 EST

With just hours until the polls open and hours until the polls close, there are just two things left to do.

I know most of us might be glued to our televisions, the news, and the polls, but change will happen tomorrow by VOTING and VOLUNTEERING. Florida needs you.

A Miramar Surprise

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 16:58:02 EST

Just a few moments ago Jay-Z, Beyonce, Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Russell Simmons, and Kevin Liles unexpectedly dropped by the Miramar City Hall where over 1,500 people were waiting in line to Early Vote. Check out the slide show below that captures the artists greeting the crowd and encouraging them to wait out the six hour line.

Today is the last day to Early Vote in Broward County, and what a day it's been.

Share with us YOUR voting experience in the comments section below.

Our Stories: Florida

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:56:02 EDT

During Barack's 30-minutes special last night he shared a few stories - including parts of his own - of American's across the country. In response stories from Floridians from across the state poured in.

Ann Marie from Port Saint Lucie:

I watched your 30 minute commercial this evening. I have to say that it was amazing. I am a single parent who has successfully raised two children who are adults now. I have to admit, the best statement that Barack made was when he made that "he spent a month with his dad, and his most valuable moments were not with his dad....that is my chiledrens life. I didnt realize it until they were old enough to realize it.....I respect that. I have been inspired and I have to say, I want you to be our next President.....God Bless and Good Luck.....I am on your side.

Fern from Ocala:

I want to say Thank You for all your info & for keeping your plan out in front for us. I LOVED your info commercial tonight it was great. I am so tired of all the negative press that is going all around on tv, internet, radio & emails, too many lies, false info flying about. I am a registered Republican that has voted early & voted for Mr. Obama because I do believe we need change.
I am retired these past four years from the military (Air Force) & I have become so stressed with what has happened to our country & the path we are on. I have never felt so let down & betrayed by a President & now Mr. McCain is talking about taxing my health care as well as my husbands (retired NY Corrections Lt).
We worked all those years in government jobs to have job security, health care and our pensions. Now along comes a candidate that says that's nice but your health care needs to be taxed, I am outraged how dare he plus say I'm giving you a $5000 check to buy health care...gee who is to pay for that, let's see now.
Please Mr. Obama keep your plans & the issues to the front, don't forget us middle class who truly want change, the military members who are retired & don't want to be hurt by the government anymore. I feel that I messed up big time with the last Presidential election, oh to have had a crystal ball. We need change & this is one Republican that's stepping over the party line this election, I have learned BIG time these past eight years & can admit I was wrong. Stay strong with your plans please don't let us down. The best to you & your family.

Stephanie from Littleton:

My name is Stephanie, I am a 26 year old married woman. I have a wonderful husband that works for a security company doing armed security for the government and is also in the Army reserves. He puts his life on the line every day to protect others and never once does he complain. The pay is good but the health insurance they provide us for $4.01 an hour has a $700 yearly cap for health and a $500 yearly cap for dental. This shouldn't even be called insuranc but maybe something like a discount program. Where does that hundreds of dollars go?
I have been trying for weeks to apply for an individual health insurance plan ans because I have pre existing conditions which include ALLERGIES, infertility and an anit depressant pill prescribed to me in tha past that I don't even take I continuously get denied. We are both working not 1 but 2 jobs to keep our heads above water. I know my story isn't any different or more important than the next but I want to be heard. We need a CHANGE!! Please hear and share our story!

Cristina from Clearwater:

I don't have much of a "story"...I'm a life-long Republican voting Democratic for the first time in my life....and tonight...as I watched the Obama segment which aired just before the World Series...I felt something that I haven't felt in over TEN YEARS.... I felt PROUD to be an AMERICAN... This country NEEDS Change to survive...I have 2 disabled parents who are living off of investment accounts, hits like the ones they've taken in the past month can't keep happening...or, for once in our lives...as hard as we've ALL worked...we will be left with nothing. Stem Cell Research is another very critical topic for us as well...Mom was paralyzed in an automobile accident ten years ago and this research....well...the hope that it would provide to her, would give her a hope to hang on to.

Heather from Palm Beach Gardens:

Hello, My name is Heather and I am 24 years old married to my husband Scott (34 years old) for 3 years. We have a beautiful girl named Ava Marie who is 19 months. I am a full time mommie and a full time student at FAU, majoring in psychology. My husband is a Financial Advisor and we both work very hard and put our daughter first. I feel that Barack Obama is speaking to us and he is a wonderful man. I put my trust in him and I am proud of him and his family. I am proud to have him as our president and you had my vote a long time ago...my husband too. Thank you for fighting for us!

Martin from lake panasoffkee:

I am a 54 yr old white male. I have never voted before or even registered to vote before this election. I want to say that due to the total mis-handling of the current administration I registered for the first time to vote. I want to emphasize I registered before the Democratic candidate was decided. I originally had my doubts when Senator Obama won over Senator Clinton as to the strength of the Democrats against the Republican party. I applaud the clear an decisive direction Senator Obama has chosen to bring America back from the brink of disaster. Am I better off than I was 8 or even 4 yrs ago? NO!
I am not "Joe the Plumber" I am "Joe the American" married to a first grade teacher, pooling all of our resources, clinging to a non luxurious lifestyle as hard as we can. Hopefully the generations to come will not be burdened by our past mistakes. I support you 110%.

Karen from South Pasadena:

I am a 43-year-old single female. I am a medical transcriptionist. My job has always paid good. Up until 2 years ago, I was providing a service that people needed desperately and was being compensated adequately for it. Within that time, companies that I have worked for have started outsourcing our jobs to India and places overseas so now the companies tell you "take it or leave it". I got sick about a year and a half ago. My father died of stomach cancer 6 years ago and it was thought that I may have stomach cancer. I was put on Nexium medication that my insurance company would not pay for - almost $300.00 a month. I ended up being able to get it cheaper from Canada. I was on this for three months and was supposed to follow-up with my physician for more endoscopies to see if my stomach was healing.
I was a subcontractor so I paid for my own insurance which was almost $300.00 a month. Over that previous time before getting sick, I had managed to save 21,000.00. I used most of my savings to pay for what my insurance company would not and when it came time to follow-up and have more tests done six months later - I could not afford it. My insurance company would not pay for endoscopies because they considered that a surgical procedure and I had a $3000.00 deductible for surgical procedures. When I first had the problems and went to the doctor, I had 3 endoscopies done and many doctor visits which ate up all of my savings that my insurance company would not pay for.
Then, I got laid off due to outsourcing. Now I have no money in the bank. My last medical transcription job that I had was averaging out to $3.69 an hour that I was making, no benefits or anything. Right now I still have the same medical problems with my stomach and I might possibly have stomach cancer - I am in pain every day and I cannot afford to go to the doctor because I have no money and the tests that I need done, my insurance company will not pay for.
Please Senator Obama - this is why I am looking for change.

It's time for change. Find your Early Vote location. Vote for CHANGE. Today.

Let us know a little bit about your story in the comments section below.

Florida Early Vote EXTENDED statewide

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:32:42 EDT

Early Voting for the entire state of Florida has just been extended.

Every Early Vote location in Florida will now be every day from 7am-7pm up through November 2.

Please pass along this great news to everyone you know who will be voting in Florida. Click here to find your nearest early vote location.

Here's the release:

GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS
~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~
October 28, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008.

"I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote."

Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting.

Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting.

Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29.

Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217.

STATE OF FLORIDA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217

WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and

WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and

WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and

WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties;

WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; and
WHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008.

GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF STATE

EARLY VOTING starts TODAY

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:32:34 EDT

Today marks the first day of EARLY VOTING. Andy registered voter in Florida can early vote at any early vote location in your county. A number of people have already shared their Early Voting stories with us:

Shelia from Deland

Just wanted to let you know my husband William and I along with our ll year old grandson went to early voting today, October 20, 2008. This was our first experience with early voting and we wanted to share that experience with our grandson and the importance of this election and voting as a whole.
It was very quick and well organized and we found it to be a very pleasant experience. We eagerly cast our votes for Barack Obama and Joe Biden and hope others will take advantage of early voting.
Our grandson was very excited and poured over our sample ballots we had taken with us asking many questions which we answered to the best of our ability. Our prayers are with you for a successful campaign and the CHANGE and HOPE we and many in the country are so hungry for. Thank you for your commitment to the people of this country.

Steve from Palm Bay

I live in Florida and am a working class middle-aged white male voter. I early voted today for Barack Obama and waited in line for 30 min. to do it. I was at my election office before they even opened and the line had already started! Go Barack!

Dr. Rivera from Orlando

I would like to thank the Obama group for keeping me informed about the latest issues in the campaign. I am a man who likes to work behind the scenes. I have been working hard talking to undecided people about how we can obtain a REAL change in our nation with Obama.
So far, I have more than eight people who have expressed their interest on Obama. My wife and I will go early voting and we will take my mother in law and other friends with us to make sure the do the RIGHT THING. I am convinced that Obama will win Florida and will be the next President of USA and would love to meet with the team in Orlando, Florida to celebrate our victory on Nov. 4th. I am doing my part to make the difference, are you doing yours?

Did you early vote yet? To find your nearest early vote location call 1-877-2-FLOBAMA (1-877-235-6226).

Adopt Five

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 13:16:23 EDT

Yeserday, Michelle Obama asked something of Florida. I copied her message below:

Kristen --

For the people Barack and I have met on the campaign trail, this election is about making sure that America remains a country where everyone can fulfill their God-given potential.

But to make sure it happens, we need to reach as many voters as possible in the next 17 days.

In 2004, 2.3 million registered voters didn't go to the polls in Florida. We can't win if they don't show up this time -- and they won't unless we reach out to them.

With early voting beginning this Monday, October 20th, you can help get out the vote right now. Use our online voter contact tool to adopt five undecided voters and make sure they vote for change.

Adopt five Florida voters today.

There's a reason why so many Floridians have stayed home in the past. Some were actively disenfranchised and discouraged from voting by our opponents. Others got fed up with the divisiveness that has dominated our politics the last eight years.

But this time, Americans have a hunger for change.

Supporters like you have gotten us this far by reaching out to neighbors and friends. Now it's up to you to win this election the same way -- by taking responsibility for members of your community. That's how Barack learned to organize years ago.

With two weeks left, your ability to reach out and organize fellow voters in Florida is more important than ever.

Use our voter contact tool to adopt five voters, and let them know how important it is to vote:

http://adoptfive.barackobama.com

Campaigning with Barack has taught me that so much more unites us as Americans than divides us.

Times are tough, and Washington needs to change to meet the challenges.

It won't happen without you.

Thanks,

Michelle

Check out the stories of five voters that could make the difference.

Reactions from tonight

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:05:22 EDT

The choice is simple.

From campaign manager David Plouffe:

We came into the debate with two thirds of the American people thinking that John McCain is running a negative campaign, and Senator McCain spent 90 minutes trying to convince the other third. Once again, Barack Obama won a clear victory because he made the case for change for the middle class, while John McCain just had angry and negative attacks. Barack Obama showed the steady leadership that the American people need, and offered specific plans on the issues that matter to the middle class – creating jobs, cutting health care costs, building a new energy policy, and getting our economy moving. Senator McCain said that George Bush isn’t on the ballot, but he couldn’t name a single way that his economic policies will be any different. This was John McCain’s last chance for a game-changer, and he didn’t get it.

Toward the end of the debate, we also heard from Jennifer who lives in Titusville, FL

I want to commend you for your debate tonight with Senator McCain. You have changed my position from Republican to Democrat to get you into office. I look forward to supporting your campaign for he next 4 years. How refreshing to have a real person in politics, McCain doesn't even understand or respond to 95% of the statements you made. Congratulaitons. - Jennifer

Let us know what you thought of the debate in the comments section below.

Tax Calculator: How much will your family SAVE?

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:40:11 EDT

Finally, a simple tool to understand tax policy. The Tax Calculator is a simple online application that lets you compare the differences between the Obama tax plan and John McCain's tax plan in seconds ...

American families are in desperate need of economic relief.

Barack's plan will cut taxes for 95% of families. John McCain will provide billions in tax breaks for big oil companies and giant corporations with no relief for millions of middle-class Americans.

Barack is calling for three times the tax cuts for middle-class families.

Find out what this means for you and your family -- use our new tax calculator:

With our country facing the most serious economic crisis since the Great Depression -- over 760,000 jobs lost this year, unemployment skyrocketing, and retirement losses exceeding $2 trillion -- we need to take immediate steps to recover.

Yesterday, Barack unveiled his Economic Rescue Plan for The Middle Class, including special measures for job creation, a moratorium on foreclosures, and increased tax relief for families.

As president, Barack will provide a new $1,000 tax cut for workers and new tax benefits to help families pay for college, childcare, and save for retirement.

Visit taxcut.barackobama.com to find out how these plans would affect you and your family -- and then share the URL with friends and family so that they can see the diffrence for themselves.

Calculate how much you'll save with an Obama Administration and let us know in the comments section below!

What they don't want to talk about

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:15:28 EDT

David Plouffe, the national campaign manager, sent us this email late last night:

Kristen --

Over the weekend, John McCain's top adviser announced their plan to stop engaging in a debate over the economy and "turn the page" to more direct, personal attacks on Barack Obama.

In the middle of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, they want to change the subject from the central question of this election. Perhaps because the policies McCain supported these past eight years and wants to continue are pretty hard to defend.

But it's not just McCain's role in the current crisis that they're avoiding. The backward economic philosophy and culture of corruption that helped create the current crisis are looking more and more like the other major financial crisis of our time.

During the savings and loan crisis of the late '80s and early '90s, McCain's political favors and aggressive support for deregulation put him at the center of the fall of Lincoln Savings and Loan, one of the largest in the country. More than 23,000 investors lost their savings. Overall, the savings and loan crisis required the federal government to bail out the savings of hundreds of thousands of families and ultimately cost American taxpayers $124 billion.

Sound familiar?

In that crisis, John McCain and his political patron, Charles Keating, played central roles that ultimately landed Keating in jail for fraud and McCain in front of the Senate Ethics Committee. The McCain campaign has tried to avoid talking about the scandal, but with so many parallels to the current crisis, McCain's Keating history is relevant and voters deserve to know the facts -- and see for themselves the pattern of poor judgment by John McCain.

So at noon Eastern on Monday, October 6th, we're releasing a 13-minute documentary about the scandal called "Keating Economics: John McCain and the Making of a Financial Crisis" -- it will be available at KeatingEconomics.com, along with background information that every voter should know.
Watch a preview right now and share it with your friends.

The point of the film and the web site is that John McCain still hasn't learned his lesson.

And this time, McCain's bankrupt economic philosophy has put our economy at the brink of collapse and put millions of Americans at risk of losing their homes.

Watch the video to see why John McCain's failed philosophy and poor judgment is a recipe for deepening the crisis:

http://fl.barackobama.com/keatingvideo

It's no wonder John McCain would rather spend the last month of this election smearing Barack's character instead of talking about the top priority issue for voters.

But if we work together, we can make sure the focus stays on the economy -- and how to fix it.

Please forward this email to everyone you know.

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America
P.S. -- The documentary will be live at noon Eastern on Monday, October 6th at www.KeatingEconomics.com.

UPDATE: Joe Biden Events

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 20:58:54 EDT

Joe Biden TUESDAY Events Cancelled

Wednesday Tampa Event Continues as Scheduled

TAMPA, FL – Due to the passing of U.S. Senator Joe Biden’s mother-in-law, his TUESDAY events in Melbourne and Lakeland have been cancelled. Biden’s Wednesday visit to Tampa will continue as scheduled.

Biden’s spokesman, David Wade, today issued the following statement:

"The Obama-Biden campaign today cancelled Sen. Biden's schedule Monday and Tuesday because of the passing of Jill Biden's mother, Bonny Jean Jacobs, this afternoon after a long illness. Other details will follow, but we appreciate everyone's respect for the family's privacy during this difficult time,” David Wade said.

Please feel free to write a note to Joe and Jill Biden in the comments section below.

World Space Week

Kristen Psaki — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:58:56 EDT

Senator Barack Obama issued the following statement today on World Space Week and the 50th Anniversary of the inception of NASA:

“This week, we join more than 50 nations around the world in celebrating World Space Week. And this year, as we mark the 50th anniversary of NASA, our space program is at a crossroads.
As other countries are moving forward in space, my opponent’s vision would cause us to fall unacceptably behind. His pledge to freeze all discretionary spending for programs other than veterans and defense would assure the loss of thousands of jobs in Florida, and seriously threaten America’s leadership in space. I have a different vision. My plan to revitalize our space program will reduce the gap between the Space Shuttle’s retirement and its next-generation replacement; and we’ll increase funding for a robust human space exploration program and research that pushes the very boundaries of discovery.
Throughout its history, NASA has united Americans to a common purpose and inspired the world with accomplishments we are still proud of. As President, I will lead NASA down a new path for the 21st century that guarantees our preeminence in space today, tomorrow, and the day NASA celebrates its 100th anniversary.”

Check our our Florida RESOURCE PAGE to learn more about Barack Obama's plan for American Leadership in Space.

Barack Reaches Rural Communities

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:28:16 EDT

TALLAHASSEE – Despite the high cost of gas these days, Jeff Pittman, a peanut farmer from Jackson County, drove 90 miles Tuesday to sit side-by-side with a citrus grower in a ten-gallon hat, who had come all the way from Palm Beach County.

They made the trek – along with other vegetable growers, cotton farmers, nursery owners and cattle ranchers – for a meeting with Barack Obama’s Campaign for Change, which asked for their input about the challenges facing rural communities in North Florida.

The day before, the campaign wrapped up a two-day tour of North Florida, featuring two former southern Governors – Ray Mabus of Mississippi and Jim Hodges of South Carolina – traveling with Florida’s Senator Bill Nelson and former Governor and Senator Bob Graham and Senator Bill Nelson through back roads and small towns in North Florida.

It’s all part of a new Obama Campaign for Change initiative to reach out to Florida families in rural areas of North and Central Florida. Obama’s unprecedented efforts to speak with Floridians in traditionally Republican parts of the state may partially explain his recent boost in state polls, several of which have now given him a small lead.

On Sunday and Monday, the Governors and Senators attended community events and barbecues in Baldwin, Lake City, High Springs, Monticello, Perry, and Quincy; an Obama Campaign for Change office opening in Chipley, the first in recent memory for a Democrat; and a pancake breakfast in Tallahassee. They talked with people about the tough economy and what Obama plans to do to change it if elected President.

At each stop Nelson, Graham, Mabus and Hodges emphasized that Obama will bring rural Floridians the change we need and a new direction in Washington – real tax credits for working families, affordable health care, more job opportunities, and a shift away from the deregulation that helped to create the current financial crisis on Wall Street.

“Barack Obama comes from a farm state, so he understands what’s on the minds of families in North and Central Florida. It’s no surprise that his message reaches rural voters,” said Obama’s Florida State Director Steve Schale. “Like everyone else, farmers, ranchers and all families living in North Florida are feeling the pain of an economy in turmoil and can’t afford four more years like the last eight.”

At the policy forum in Tallahassee, Florida Policy Director Ian Bassin met with citrus and vegetable growers, peanut and cotton farmers, nursery owners, and cattle ranchers. The forum was open to the public and many who attended traveled from all over the state to share with Obama’s advisors their stories and concerns.

Bassin emphasized Obama’s support for including specialty crops in federal farm programs. For example, Obama supported the 2007 Farm Bill, which includes almost $3 billion for mandatory specialty crop block grants and funding for research initiatives. Despite the fact that it benefited Florida farmers strongly, John McCain opposed this key legislation and has a record of opposing investments in important farm programs, rural health care, education and infrastructure.

Jackson County’s Jeff Pittman recounted how he pays more than $4 per gallon for fuel, which is 500% more than the 80 cents per gallon he paid six years ago. He also said that in just two years, he’s seen an eightfold increase in the cost of fertilizer, from $200 per ton to $1600 per ton. When Pittman described the financial pinch he’s facing, many others around the table nodded in agreement.

“The 800-lb gorilla in the room is the crisis in the markets,” noted Wes Wheeler, a citrus grower from Winter Haven. “Ag runs on credit. Farmers depend on credit and if we can’t get credit we’re going to be in trouble.”

The attendees also concurred that critical issues facing Florida agriculture include: the need for fairer trade standards that level the competitive playing field; increased interdiction of pests and diseases that come in from overseas; and robust research into specialty crops and the diseases that threaten them – such as canker and citrus greening disease.

“We must maintain the integrity of [the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences] programs,” Pittman said, “It’s a wonderful tool for us to have and we must guarantee it will continue to be funded.” In response, Bassin pointed out that Obama has called for $3 billion in emergency stimulus to shore up Florida’s impending budget deficit, which would help prevent potential cuts to these programs.

The event was the eighth “Florida Forum for Change,” policy listening sessions the campaign has held around the state to make sure Sen. Obama hears the stories, concerns and suggestions of Florida voters. “These meetings are part of why Barack Obama is so in-touch with the concerns of voters here in Florida,” Bassin said. “They help Senator Obama get to know what people are worried about, what they need in their next President. Several of the farmers and growers told me that they have not been invited to similar forums by Sen. McCain, which may explain why so many North Florida voters think McCain doesn’t understand them or the challenges they are facing.”

The Campaign for Change said they plan to release a policy document on Florida agriculture and rural communities reflecting some of the input received at this meeting and that Dana Brooks, formerly of the Florida Farm Bureau, will be helping the campaign over the final five weeks to reach out to Florida farmers and rural families. As a result of these efforts, the campaign said they expect Obama to do surprisingly well with Florida’s rural voters.

“This year, everybody wants change. Washington can’t keep doing the same old thing and expect to get a different result,” Schale said, “Only Barack Obama can deliver the change we need, and I think North Florida is going to help elect him our next President.”

Did you attend an event this week? Let us know how it went in the comments section below. Read more about Barack's plan to support Rural Economic Development.

A Shana Tovah Greeting from Senator Barack Obama

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:33:58 EDT

Please read Senator Obama's statement below marking Rosh Hashanah.

“As Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashanah, I want to send my best wishes for a happy, healthy, and sweet new year. This marks not just a time for rejoicing, but for reflecting on the hopes the new year brings, and on our responsibilities to see them fulfilled. As families come together to mark the High Holy Days, upholding a proud Jewish tradition, let us all rededicate ourselves to the task of repairing this world for our children and grandchildren, and to working to achieve peace and security for Israel. On behalf of all of the Obamas and Bidens, Shana Tovah.”

Click here to send a Shana Tovah greeting to your friends and family.

“SEX AND THE CITY” STAR CYNTHIA NIXON VISITS WITH THREE LUCKY OBAMA CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS OVER BRUNCH

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:51:09 EDT

Miami - Yesterday, Sunday, September 28, “Sex and the City” star Cynthia Nixon took a break from encouraging voter registration and sat down for a special brunch with three lucky Obama-Biden campaign volunteers at Hotel Delano on Miami Beach.
Whitney Warrick, Heather Urban Holtzman, and Allison Cammack chatted with Nixon at the event, designed to emulate the brunch the four main characters on the show frequently had together.
“It was just like I was one of the women on ‘Sex and the City,’” said Cammack, a faithful volunteer for the campaign since February 2007. “Nixon was so friendly, and we all talked about how Barack Obama supports us as women and why we think he should be our next president.”
Holtzman spearheads the campaign’s grassroots Jewish outreach in Miami. “My husband and I are both active in the campaign,” she said. “I’m doing everything I can to show the South Florida Jewish Community that Sen. Obama will bring us the change we need.”
Warrick, a third-year law student, has been the head of Students for Barack Obama at the University of Miami. “We are all involved because we agree this election is so important,” she said. “We’re doing everything we can to help Obama win.”

One week left to register to vote. Get registered, or tell your friends: voteforchange.com .

Did you recently register to vote? Share your story with us in the comments section below!

Video: Michelle Obama and Jill Biden

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 14:52:17 EDT

Michelle Obama and Jill Biden in Tallahassee

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:37:16 EDT

TALLAHASSEE — Michelle Obama wrapped up a two-week nationwide voter registration push Saturday with a large, enthusiastic rally on the campus of Florida A&M University.
An estimated 8,000 fired-up Barack Obama supporters, many of them college students, stood for two hours under a cloudless sky as Jill Biden, the wife of vice presidential nominee Joe Biden, introduced Mrs. Obama. She received a thunderous ovation on the campus of the nation's largest historically black university.
"Let's hear it for the Rattlers!" Mrs. Obama shouted.
Dozens of people with arms outstretched aimed their cell phones to catch a picture of the candidates' wives, 75 yards away. Young mothers hoisted children on their shoulders as Obama campaign workers worked the crowd, distributing forms to volunteers.
After rattling off a list of issues from a "broken" health care system to a costly war in Iraq to high fuel and food prices, Mrs. Obama asked: "Isn't it time that we have new solutions, that we put the old ways aside? Shouldn't we have leaders who get it?"
She spoke of her husband's background as the child of a teenage single mother who died of ovarian cancer at 53, and who couldn't obtain health insurance because her cancer was a "pre-existing condition."
Mrs. Obama spoke at length about why all college students should be registered to vote, claiming 600,000 African-American adults in Florida still aren't registered — more than enough, she said, to decide an election's outcome.
"Many believe that so goes Florida, so goes the rest of the country. So people are going to watch what happens here," Mrs. Obama said. "You have a chance to make change, but you can't if you're not registered."
As Mrs. Obama finished her 25-minute speech, a booming sound system cranked out Stevie Wonder's Signed, Sealed and Delivered.
At a card table with a "Voter Registration" sign on it, volunteer Cheryl Williams urged students who are already registered to vote elsewhere to reregister in Leon County so they don't have to request absentee ballots.
Ion Sancho, the Leon County supervisor of elections, said in a telephone interview that he encourages students to register in the capital city's county. He said that while the voter registration deadline is Oct. 6, voters have until Election Day to transfer their address to Leon County.

Are you registered? Register.

Our Florida Deadline

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:13:11 EDT

Check out the email below from our Florida Field Director:

Dear Kristen --

In less than two weeks, an important deadline in Florida will pass -- the last chance to register to vote.

Supporters across the state have helped build this campaign for change with hard work. Every day, groups of volunteers have walked neighborhoods, university campuses, and community festivals -- all to bring more people into our political process by registering new voters.

Registering voters has been one of our top priorities -- it is crucial to winning Florida for Barack and Democrats up and down the ticket.

But Monday, October 6th, is the final day to register new voters, and we need to make sure all of our friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family are registered.

Our team recorded a special video showing how easy it is to get involved and register new voters. Watch the video and learn how you can make a difference in Florida this weekend:

Floridians know better than anyone the importance of each and every vote. And the stakes couldn't be higher -- most polls show an extremely tight race in Florida right now.

That's why supporters like you have volunteered at one of 50-plus Campaign for Change offices to help register voters and bring more voices into the political process.

Voter registration can make all the difference in this race. And with less than two weeks to go before the October 6th deadline, we urgently need your help right now.

Join us this weekend before the deadline and help register new voters:

http://fl.barackobama.com/RegisterVoters

No experience is needed. Your local Campaign for Change office will provide you with everything you need to get started bringing new voters into our political process.

We're counting on your help -- together, we can win Florida for Barack.

Thanks,

Angela

Angela Botticella
Field Director
Florida Campaign for Change

Fort Myers Organizational Meeting

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:11:51 EDT

This past weekend was packed with barbeques, canvasses, phone banks, and voter registrations activities. But one team in Fort Myers had time for a booming organizational meeting as well! Check out the slideshow below:

Nancy attended the meeting and really appreciated the energy of her local field organizer:

Thank you for the energizing meeting. It was well worth spending our Saturday morning to rally together for the next phase of the campaign. You thanked us our past and future efforts and it was great to see everyone committing to voter registration, canvassing and phone banking because of your inspirational words. You can count on us to wear our buttons proudly wherever we go--interacting with those we meet as ambassadors of the next President of the United States...BARACK OBAMA.
Nancy
Volunteer Florida Campaign for Change

Did you volunteer this weekend? Let us know how it went in the comments section below.
Looking to meet your local field organizer? Contact your local Campaign for Change office here.

Clarification

Kristen Psaki — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:35:20 EDT

There was a message circulating some of our groups in Florida yesterday that spread incorrect information conerning the the ID needed to vote. We're going to clarify below.

A message from the Florida Campaign for Change chief election lawyer:

I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false.
Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:
http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330
See the last bullet:
· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.

Please feel free to email florida@barackobama.com with any questions or concerns.

Republican Mailing Leaves Florida Voters Confused

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:25:27 EDT

A new mailing from the Republican National Committee and the McCain campaign to Florida voters has Democrats saying they're the victim of dirty tricks. They say that at the very least, the mailing is meant to confuse voters in this battleground state. Republicans say Democrats are making much ado abut nothing.
Lifelong Democrat Marilyn DiMauro of Naples was surprised to get a letter recently from Republican presidential contender John McCain.
"I thought, well that's strange, because I'm a Democrat. And when I opened the envelope, there was a card that said I was listed as a Republican with my registration number. So I immediately got my Democratic card, and the registration number was not the same," she says.
She thought the mailing — labeled "Party Affiliation Voter Registration Card" — was a little fishy — especially when she found out two of her friends who are Democrats had received the same thing but a Republican friend had not.
"So I just felt that there was some diabolical reason for doing this mailing," she says. "Why would you spend the money?"
That's what Jim Reynolds, another lifelong Democrat in Naples, wants to know. He happens to be a former U.S. attorney from Iowa. And he has filed a mail-fraud complaint with the postal service. Reynolds thinks Republicans are trying to confuse Democratic voters into thinking there's a problem with their registrations.
"They're just doing everything to try to suppress a certain segment that they feel are not going to be favorable to them," he says.
And indeed, Florida election officials have reported dozens of worried calls from voters. A copy of the mailing obtained by NPR shows that it includes an official-looking card, listing the recipient's name, address, congressional district, party affiliation and something called a voter ID number. In an attached letter, McCain asks recipients to update the enclosed card — and to contribute to his campaign...
Jerry Holland, the Republican supervisor of elections in Duval County, received so many calls from worried voters that he released a statement last week assuring them that only a voter can change his or her own registration.
"Whoever designed the piece obviously created something, knowingly or unknowingly, confusing to some voters, because obviously they were concerned that maybe someone had changed their party," says Holland.

Get the full story.

Please use the comments section below to let us know that you received this letter from the RNC.

The Economy

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:27:47 EDT

This morning Barack met with his top economic advisors while in Florida to discuss his plan to stabilize the financial system and turn the economy around. They’ll finalize Obama’s plan to call for the passage of a Homeowner and Financial Support Act that would establish a more stable and permanent solution to the crisis.

Anthony wrote in this morning from Merrit Island, FL:

I was watching McCain critique of how he would handle the Wall
Street issues. He said he would “Fire the current SEC”.
As a former Missile Submarine Crewman, I believe that was a rash statement, and shows his lack of temperament. Do we really want a Commander, and Chief, with a hot head, that close to the button, or in the term of a Naval Aviator “The Pickle”.
Respectfully,
R. Anthony
CWO2, USN Retired

ECONOMIC ADVISORS MEETING PARTICIPANTS

Senator Joe Biden will participate by phone.

Robert Rubin-Former Treasury Secretary (1995-1999)

Gene Sperling-Former National Economic Advisor for President Bill Clinton (1997-2001)

Lawrence Summers-Former Treasury Secretary (1999-2001)

Laura Tyson-Former Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors (1993-1995),

Former National Economic Advisor for President Bill Clinton (1995-1997)

Paul Volcker-Former Chairman, U.S. Federal Reserve (1979-1987)

The following advisors will participate by phone:

Warren Buffett-Chairman and CEO, Berkshire Hathaway

William Daley-Former Commerce Secretary (1997-2000)

Paul O’Neill- Former Treasury Secretary (2001-2002)

Joseph Stiglitz- Former Chairman, CEA (1995-1997)

Learn More.

My Story: Megan from Plant City

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:14:15 EDT

From now until election day we'll be featuring American stories from Obama supporters across Florida. We're working together to recalaim the American Dream.

I am a 41 year old mother of 3 and stepmother to one, giving me a total of 4 children in my house at any given moment. My oldest is 15 and my youngest is 1 1/2. He was an unplanned blessing. Although I am pro-choice, I am also pro-family and even though I was scared, my new husband and I decided to have our very first baby together. He is a nurse and I am a property manager.
I have a college degree and I try to be as active as I can in the community. Despite my education, we still struggle with bills due to certain circumstances with our first marriages. We got caught in the bad housing market and actually had to PAY $16,000 to sell the house he had with his first wife. They had an adjustable rate that took effect and we could not afford a $1600 mortgage since we already had a mortgage with the house we are currently living in.
In addition to that, I lost my job and cannot afford healthcare. I thought that it would be easy to add my son and myself to my husbands insurance since he is a nurse, but it is so expensive, it would cost almost $1000 a month to add us to his plan. I find this unbelievable AND unacceptable. Between the housing crisis and healthcare, we are one of those good families that is struggling to stay afloat. We live paycheck to paycheck and worry all the time how we are going to pay our bills.
We certainly are responsible for ourselves and we know we need to make some changes in our financial planning, but I also feel there has to be a better plan the Government can make to help us out a little. I know that it will not happen if there is another 4 years of Republican thinking in the White House. I know that it is someone like Barack Obama who can make the change we need. God Bless and GoBama!

To learn more about Barack's plan to STRENGTHEN the ECONOMY click here.

Please share your story or thoughts in the comments section below.

Barack comes back to Florida!

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:46:09 EDT

We will keep you updated with details -follow the link below to get your eticket.

TAMPA - Democratic Presidential Nominee Barack Obama will hold a Women’s Rally for the Change We Need at the University of Miami in Coral Gables on FRIDAY, September 19.

Senator Obama also plans to campaign in the Jacksonville area on Saturday, September 20. Details on locations, times and ticketing for this events will be announced in the coming days. Tickets will be available to the general public..

“As we stand at a pivotal moment in our history, Senator Obama is the only candidate who truly understands the hopes and dreams of everyday Floridians,” Florida State Director Steve Schale said. “While John McCain will increase healthcare taxes for millions of Floridians and bring four more years of George Bush’s cynical politics as usual, Barack Obama, as our President, will stand strong for Florida’s middle class families by supporting a National Catastrophic Insurance fund, which would stabilize the insurance market, real tax cuts for 8.7 million Floridians, and by protecting social security from the Bush/McCain privatization plan.”

WOMEN’S RALLY FOR THE CHANGE WE NEED WITH BARACK OBAMA:
FRIDAY SEPT. 19
BankUnited Center
University of Miami
1245 Dauer Drive
Coral Gables, FL
Doors open at 9:30 am
Program begins at 11:45 am
GET YOUR ETICKET HERE

My Story: Bill from Tampa

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:34:11 EDT

From now until electection day we'll be featuring American stories from Obama supporters across Florida. We're working together to recalaim the American Dream.

"We’ve recently been reminded that when some folks hurt in our economy, all of us hurt. When things are going bad on Main Street, that catches up with Wall Street. And that’s how it should be. Because what binds us together, what makes us one American family, is that we have to stand up and fight for each other’s dreams. It’s time to reaffirm that fundamental belief — I am my brother’s keeper, I am my sister’s keeper — through our politics, our policies and in our daily lives. It’s time to reclaim the American dream." - Barack Obama

My name is Bill. I am 48 years old and on January 3, 2008 at Tampa General Hospital, my life was saved by an unknown kidney donor. I now have witnessed the birth of my first grandchild. I was "lucky" enough to have good insurance and a spouse that worked very hard for that insurance. But what if I didn't have insurance? It shouldn't be lucky to have medical care!
Without the proven ability to pay for dialysis ($50,000 per month), transplant surgery ($210,000), and aftercare ($15,000 per month for my lifetime), I would have died. You cannot even get on the transplant list if you are uninsurable! In my three years of waiting I saw three people in my small Tampa dialysis center die because they weren't able to pay for the transplant. It is estimated by the AMA that at least 21,433 people have died because they were uninsurable and could not afford an organ transplant, since George Bush has been in office. That is over 17,000 more deaths than those that have occurred in Iraq. Do these people count, or are they "collateral damage" just like the soldiers in Iraq?
Every American should not be left to die! Obama's health plan will help my sick brothers and sisters live productive and healthy lives without facing death because they can't "afford" to live. It is time for change, and Barack Obama is the candidate with the answers. Save lives! Elect Barack Obama in 2008!

Learn more about Barack's plan for a Healthy America.

Share YOUR story here.

'Change We Need' Veterans Tour

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:50:47 EDT

The Florida ‘Change We Need’ Veterans Tour that will kick off on this Saturday, September 13th, and continue on Sunday, September 14, in Central and Northeast Florida with General Claudia Kennedy, Commander Sergeant Major Michele Jones, Sergeant Major John Estrada and Staff Sergeant and Iraq War Veteran Mike Wilson, the Republican from Florida who officially nominated Senator Obama to be our nation’s next Commander-in-Chief. Weekend events that include round-table discussions, community events and phone banks will focus on Obama’s belief that our country has a sacred trust with veterans that begins the moment a service member enlists. Obama will honor their service by making sure that we meet veterans’ and their families’ needs and concerns.

“Senator Obama is committed to taking care of our nation’s veterans, including support for a 21st Century Department of Veterans’ Affairs that provides the care and benefits our veterans deserve,” Florida Veterans Vote Director Major Jerry Holt said. “While we honor the heroism of Senator John McCain, he has consistently voted against adequately funding the VA, even going so far as to say recently that he wants to ration veterans’ healthcare to those with combat injuries. That’s unacceptable. In fact, even the Disabled American Veterans gave McCain a 20 percent rating compared to Obama’s 80 percent.”

'CHANGE WE NEED' VETERANS TOUR DETAILS

PARTICIPANTS

General Claudia Kennedy, a retired lieutenant general in the United States Army. She is the first female to reach the rank of three-star general in the U.S. Army. Kennedy’s awards include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Command Sergeant Major Michele Jones is the first female Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserve. Throughout her military career, CSM Jones has dedicated herself to the issues of the enlisted soldier. She excelled at her position by travelling the United States and overseas visiting and listening to soldiers and their families. She represented their concerns and issues at all levels within the Army, Department of Defense and Congress.

Sergeant Major John L. Estrada was the 15th Sergeant Major of the United States Marine Corps, the highest enlisted position within the United States Marine Corp. He was the first and, to date, the only Latino to serve in the post. His personal awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Staff Sergeant Michael Wilson served eight years as an Air Force medic and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Wilson isa Melbourne resident and registered Republican who made history as the first Republican to cast the official nomination of a Democratic Presidential candidate when he spoke Thursday night at the Democratic National Convention to nominate Barack Obama.

RSVP to one of the Veterans Tour Stops now!

Tax Law Expert Speaks Out

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:34:43 EDT

T ODAY, EXPERTS ACROSS THE STATE SPEAK OUT AGAINST FALSE PORTRAYALS OF OBAMA’S TAX PLAN

Tax Law Professor Darryll Jones, FSU Economics Professor Dr. Patrick L. Mason, CPA Claire Baker, Chair of UF Economics Department Dr. Jon Hamilton, Former Executive Director of the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy Jim Tait and Obama Florida Policy Director Ian Bassin will all Hold Tax Myth Busters Press Conference to Set Record Straight on Obama’s Tax Plan.

Experts will correct misinformation spread on the internet and in Senator McCain’s advertising regarding Senator Obama’s tax plan. She will inform voters on the facts of Senator Obama’s plan, which will provide a $1,000 tax cut to 95 percent of American working families. Obama’s plan provides a tax cut that is three times larger than McCain’s plan for middle class Americans.

COMPARE THE CANDIDATES' TAX PLANS HERE

Darryll K. Jones is a Tax Law Professor at Stetson University College of Law. He teaches Federal Income Tax, Partnership Tax, and the Taxation of Exempt Organizations. He has published textbooks and articles on partnership taxation and tax exempt organizations. Jones is the author of "K-Rations," a monthly column on tax issues published by Tax Notes Magazine.
EVENT DETAILS
What:             Tax Myth Busters Press Conference
Who:               Tax Law Professor Darryll Jones of Stetson University College of Law
Where:           Tampa Campaign for Change Office
                         817 E. Washington Street, Tampa, FL 33602
When:             TODAY, Friday September 12
Time:              11:00 AM EST

Click to see the complete list of events.

Dr. Patrick L. Mason is an Economics professor and Director of African American Studies at Florida State University. He is considered an expert in Labor Economics, Economics of Inequality, Economics of Identity, Economics of Social Problems, and Stratification of Economics.
EVENT DETAILS
What:     Tax Myth Busters Press Conference
Who:       FSU Economics Professor Dr. Patrick L. Mason
Where:    Jacksonville Campaign for Change Office
                 1830 N Main Street, 3rd Floor, Jacksonville, FL 32206
When:    TODAY, Friday September 12, 2:30 pm

COMPARE THE CANDIDATES' TAX PLANS HERE

Baker, who has served as a corporate controller in several industries as well as being a tax preparer, will correct misinformation spread on the internet and in Senator McCain’s advertising regarding Senator Obama’s tax plan. She will inform voters on the facts of Senator Obama’s plan, which will provide a $1,000 tax cut to 95 percent of American working families. Obama’s plan provides a tax cut that is three times larger than McCain’s plan for middle class Americans.
EVENT DETAILS
What:             Tax Myth Busters Press Conference
Who:               CPA Claire Baker
Where:           West Palm Beach Campaign for Change Office
2790 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach FL, 33409
When:             TODAY, Friday September 12, 10:30am

COMPARE THE CANDIDATES' TAX PLANS HERE

Dr. Hamilton is the R. Perry Frankland Professor of Economics and Chairman of the Department of Economics. He teaches competitive strategy in the M.B.A. program and classes in game theory, industrial organization, mathematical techniques and public economics in the Ph.D. program. His research focuses on theoretical public economics, and he is currently studying models of tax competition and optimal income taxation.
EVENT DETAILS
What:     Tax Myth Busters Press Conference
Who:      Chair of UF Economics Dept. Dr. Jon Hamilton
Where:   Gainesville Campaign for Change Office
                901 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601
When:    TODAY, Friday September 12, 11:00am

COMPARE THE CANDIDATES' TAX PLANS HERE

Jim Tait most recently served as the Executive Director for the Florida Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy, charged with performing and reviewing research on state-level fiscal and economic matters. He began his career in the Florida Legislature as the staff director of the Florida Constitutional Revision, Commerce, and Finance & Tax Committees. His extensive resume includes serving as economic advisor and Chief of Staff to Governor Reuben Askew, Secretary of Administration and the first Director of the Office of Planning & Budgeting under Governor Bob Graham, Director of Florida Energy, and General Counsel to the Florida Department of Community Affairs. He is currently an independent consultant.
EVENT DETAILS
What:             Tax Myth Busters Press Conference

Who:               Former Executive Director of Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy Jim Tait & Obama Florida Policy Director Ian

                         Bassin

Where:           Tallahassee Campaign for Change Office

                         920 E Lafayette Street, Suites C & D, Tallahassee, FL 32301

When:             TODAY, Friday September 12, 10:15 am

What:             Tax Myth Busters Press Conference
Who:               Former Executive Director of Center for Fiscal and Economic Policy Jim Tait & Obama Florida Policy Director Ian Bassin

After you COMPARE THE CANDIDATES' TAX PLANS let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Fine your local office.

Seminole County Office Opening today!

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:55:48 EDT

TODAY, TUESDAY, September 9th, Barack Obama’s Florida Campaign for Change will hold a grand opening of its Sanford office, the campaign’s Seminole County headquarters.

The Obama Campaign has opened Florida Campaign for Change Offices throughout Central Florida as part of its effort to reach every voter in every part of the state.

“From Pensacola to Key West, Floridians are excited about Barack Obama and the change he will bring to this country,” Florida State Director Steve Schale said. “Right here in Seminole County our volunteers and supporters are reaching out to their neighbors, knocking on doors, making phone calls and talking about Barack’s plan to grant a $1,000 energy rebate to help families pay for the cost of gas, and to provide a real tax cut for 95 percent of all Americans.”

What: Grand Opening of the Campaign for Change office in Sanford!

Who: Winter Springs Councilwoman Sally McGinnis, volunteers and supporters

Where: 419 S. Sanford Avenue, Sanford, FL

When: TODAY, TUESDAY, September 9, 5:30pm

LEARN MORE and RSVP!

Need for Humanitarian Assistance to Haiti Following Devastating Storms

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:30:40 EDT

Statement from Senator Obama:

CHICAGO, IL – Senator Barack Obama issued the following statement on the need for humanitarian assistance to Haiti following devastating storms:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the hundreds of thousands of Haitians struggling to survive the floods and devastation caused by the hurricanes and tropical storms of the past six weeks, and I extend my deepest sympathies to those affected by the loss of more than 500 lives.
“Time is of the essence in helping Haiti cope with this humanitarian crisis and begin to recover. Tens of thousands of Haitians have been displaced and left without shelter, Haiti ’s already struggling agricultural sector has been devastated – and hurricane season is not yet over.
“The Haitian-American community is doing its part by supporting family and friends in Haiti in their time of need. Now the United States government and the international community must intensify relief efforts to bring food, water and shelter to the storm victims.
“I welcome the dispatch of $100,000 in emergency assistance by USAID and the promise of 50 tons of relief supplies, as well as the deployment of U.S. Coast Guard personnel and material and the pending arrival of the USS Kearsage to help alleviate the immediate crisis in Gonaives. But there’s more we can do.
“The ships, helicopters and air cargo capacity of the U.S. Southern Command should be directed to provide Haiti the logistical support our Armed Forces so ably provide around the world in times of humanitarian crisis.
“I also urge the United States to work in partnership with President Rene Preval and the new Haitian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis, and with key international actors (the United Nations Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, the Organization of American States, and crucial bilateral donors) to immediately assemble a task force on reconstruction and recovery to begin work as soon as the storms pass.
“Together, we can help Haiti recover from this terrible series of storms and renew efforts to bring hope and opportunity to the people of Haiti.”

Do you have family in Haiti? Let us know how we can help in the comments section below.

Over 700 people at Pensacola Office Opening

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 14:01:59 EDT

Yesterday, over 700 people gathered at the Pensacola Campaign for Change office opening to hear from Congressman and Civil Rights leader John Lewis! See photos and details below.

Civil Rigts Icon Helps Open Obama HQ
Those were among the obstacles a young John Lewis fought in the 1950s and '60s trying to register blacks to vote as he fought alongside figures like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for civil rights. But Lewis, now a U.S. congressman from Atlanta, told those gathered at the official opening of the Pensacola headquarters for the Barack Obama presidential campaign Saturday that they don't face those same barriers today.
"In 2008, you won't be beaten. You won't be arrested. You won't go to jail," Lewis told about 700 people gathered at the headquarters at 321 DeVilliers St. "Get up early in the morning, and go out there and register the unregistered, organize the unorganized, and get out there and vote ... and make Barack Obama the next president of the United States. We can do it. We must do it."
Lewis, an architect of the historic 1963 March on Washington and a veteran of the "Bloody Sunday" clashes in Selma, Ala., in 1965, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986 as a Democrat representing Georgia's fifth congressional district.
He painted the Illinois senator's candidacy as the culmination of civil rights movement.
"It doesn't matter whether we are white or black or Latino or Asian-American or Native American. We are one people. We are one family," Lewis said. "Barack Obama understands that it doesn't matter that ... our forefathers all came to this great land in different ships. We're all in the same boat now."
The race between Obama and Republican standard-bearer Sen. John McCain is tight in Florida, a state that offers 27 of the 270 electoral votes needed to take the White House...
Carol Harbeck of Pensacola was among those who turned out to mark the opening of Obama's local headquarters.
"I came out to accompany my sister, who is a staunch Obama supporter. But, I am also voting for Obama even though I am a registered Republican," Harbeck said. "I believe in what his ideals are. He has the ideas and the values that I share. (McCain) is not the better choice"
Kismet Rideau, who works at the University of West Florida, brought a carload of university students to the event.
"It being such a historical event, I figured I'd bring some college students to be a part of it," said Rideau, also of Pensacola. "I am an Obama supporter. I thought the experience would be a nice, but I plan to volunteer and do whatever I can for the campaign."

Did you attend the office opening yesterday? Let us know what you thought in the comments section below!

Service

Kristen Psaki — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:10:23 EDT

Last weekend, volunteers and staff members participated in serivce projects acorss the state. Barb from Marion County wrote in and sent us some pictures from their experience at Habitat:

On Tuesday, September 2nd, members of the Ocala Obama Campaign for Change took time out of their busy organizing schedules to volunteer a day of service with Habitat for Humanity in local Marion County. Lead by staff and volunteers, we nailed shingles on a nearly completed Habitat House.
Habitat for Humanity's mission is to eliminate poverty housing by creating affordable housing. With donated land from the city of Ocala and volunteer workers, Habitat has already completed 9 new homes in the West Ocala Historic District neighborhood and is nearing completion on 2 more.

Both organizations believe in changing the world, Habitat one nail at a time while the Campaign for Change, one vote at a time.

Did you participate in a service project this past weekend? Are you knocking on doors in your neighborhood for our 60,000 Doors for Change this weekend? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.

Senator Clinton in Kissimmee

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:00:19 EDT

COMMUNITY EVENT ON THE ECONOMY WITH U.S. SEN. HILLARY CLINTON
Osceola Heritage Park
Exhibit Building, Kissimmee Room
1901 Chief Osceola Trail
Kissimmee, FL
Doors Open: 10:30 AM
Program Begins: 12:00 PM

This event is free and open to the public, however, tickets are REQUIRED. Tickets will be available at the following locations and times on a first-come, first-served basis:
Orlando Field Office
1011 East Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL
Saturday, September 6th:     5:30 PM-8 PM
Sunday, September 7th:       12 PM-9 PM
Kissimmee Field Office
908 Mabbette Street
Kissimmee, FL
Saturday, September 6th:     5 PM-8 PM
Sunday, September 7th:       12 PM-9 PM

60,000 Doors for Change. A challenge from Jon Carson.

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:52:07 EDT

Dear Kristen --

The general election is now in full swing.

We can't let the next four years look like the last eight. Unfortunately, John McCain and the Republicans have adopted a platform at their convention this week that is the most extreme we've ever seen.

Breaking from those failed policies will require us to bring as many people into this movement as possible. Right now, there are Floridians who are tuning into this race for the first time and you could be the one that introduces them to Barack and his message of change.

Last month, we asked supporters like you to make 50,000 calls to voters in Florida in only two days. You made 150,000. We need you to step up again.

With nearly 60 days left before Election Day, I'm challenging Florida supporters to take action and knock on 60,000 doors this weekend.

Sign up to join our 60,000 Doors for Change challenge and bring new people into our movement.

Last week, millions of Americans watched Barack accept the Democratic nomination. Many got to hear for the first time his life story and his hopeful message of change.

But there are still people in your community who need to hear this message and become a part of this movement. Face-to-face contact with people in your neighborhood is still the best way to do that.

It's up to all of us, talking to neighbors, family, and friends, to make sure we bring the change we need to Florida and America.

Join the Campaign for Change in reaching its goal of 60,000 doors knocked this weekend:

http://fl.barackobama.com/FLcanvasschallenge

No political experience is required. Our staff will give you all of the guidance and help you need to start reaching out to folks in your community.

Thank you for all you do,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Statement from Senator Obama on August Jobs Report

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:15:27 EDT

“Today’s jobs report is a reminder of what’s at stake in this election – John McCain showed last night that he is intent on continuing the economic policies that just this year have caused the American economy to lose 605,000 jobs. John McCain may believe that the fundamentals of our economy are ‘strong,’ but the working men and women I meet every day are working harder for less, the typical working age family’s income is down $2,000 since George Bush took office, and their purchasing power is as low as it’s been in a decade. John McCain’s answer is more of the same: $200 billion in tax cuts to big corporations and oil companies, and not one dime of tax relief to more than 100 million middle-class families. If I am President, I will cut taxes for 95% of all working families and provide an immediate $50 billion to struggling states so that they don’t have to cut back on health care and education and can rebuild roads and schools. That’s the change working families need right now,” said Senator Barack Obama.

Senator Obama’s Emergency Economic Plan includes:

· Cut taxes for 95 percent of working families – by $500 for an individual and $1,000 for a married couple. Barack Obama supports a set of middle class tax cuts including a “Making Work Pay” credit that would provide $500 for an individual or $1,000 for a married couple – a benefit for 95 percent of workers and their families. Given the pressing situation in the economy today he would like the first round of checks to be delivered as quickly as possible to help families cope with the rising price of gasoline, food and other necessities.

· $25 billion in a State Growth Fund to prevent state and local cuts in health, education and housing assistance or counterproductive increases in property taxes, tolls or fees. The fund will also ensure sufficient funding for home heating and weatherization assistance as we move into the fall and winter months.

· $25 billion in a Jobs and Growth Fund to replenish the highway trust fund; prevent cutbacks in road and bridge maintenance and fund new, fast-tracked projects to repair schools – all to save more than 1 million jobs in danger of being cut.

Reaction to Gov. Palin

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:01:11 EDT

Cynthia from Naples wrote in this morning to share her reaction to Gov. Palin's speach last night:

After being a Republican all my life, Palin changed my mind. John McCain is more of the same (Bush) and Palin is a self proclaimed pit bull that I don't want to be unleashed in my community or country. She is a pit bull roaming the land with no cause. If elected, she will search for causes until she learns that no one wants to negotiate with a pit bull and it will take her 4 years to realize her approach was wrong/ineffective and then we will be back where we started.
McCain's choice fails miserably and I'm ready for real change with Obama/Biden. With respect to family, we all have our crosses to bear as Palin does. But you can't parade your family in front of the public as the best and then say they are off limits when criticism comes forward by the news media, public, or other politicians.

Thank you Cynthia for sharing your story.

David Plouffe also sent us all an email in the early hours of the morning:

Kristen --

I wasn't planning on sending you something tonight. But if you saw what I saw from the Republican convention, you know that it demands a response.

I saw John McCain's attack squad of negative, cynical politicians. They lied about Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and they attacked you for being a part of this campaign.

But worst of all -- and this deserves to be noted -- they insulted the very idea that ordinary people have a role to play in our political process.

You know that despite what John McCain and his attack squad say, everyday people have the power to build something extraordinary when we come together. Will you make a donation of $25 or more right now to remind them?

Both Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin specifically mocked Barack's experience as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago more than two decades ago, where he worked with people who had lost jobs and been left behind when the local steel plants closed.

Let's clarify something for them right now.

Community organizing is how ordinary people respond to out-of-touch politicians and their failed policies.

And it's no surprise that, after eight years of George Bush, millions of people have found that by coming together in their local communities they can change the course of history. That promise is what our campaign has been about from the beginning.

Throughout our history, ordinary people have made good on America's promise by organizing for change from the bottom up. Community organizing is the foundation of the civil rights movement, the women's suffrage movement, labor rights, and the 40-hour workweek. And it's happening today in church basements and community centers and living rooms across America.
Click here to read more.

Obama Joins Cuban Americans in Call for Suspension of Bush Restrictions

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:20:36 EDT

Obama se suma a los cubanoamericanos para pedir una suspensión de las restricciones impuestas por Bush

Chicago (Illinois).- El miércoles el senador Barack Obama hizo pública la siguiente declaración:

“Quiero expresar mis más sentidas condolencias a los afectados por el huracán Gustav, en particular al incalculable número de damnificados en Cuba, quienes encaran la enorme tarea de reconstruir su vida con el peso del fracasado régimen de Castro sobre las espaldas.

Este es un momento en que el pueblo cubano –no Castro- necesita y merece la compasión y la asistencia estadounidense. No nos equivoquemos: el embargo debe mantenerse en pie y yo me opongo enérgicamente a la prestación de ayuda alguna al régimen de Castro.

La comunidad cubanoamericana está lista para asistir directamente a sus familiares en estos momentos en que tanto lo necesitan. Sin embargo, la política fracasada del gobierno de Bush obstaculiza la ayuda necesaria y moral.

Me sumo hoy al llamamiento que los líderes de la comunidad cubanoamericana han hecho al presidente Bush para que suspenda inmediatamente, y por un mínimo de 90 días, las restricciones a las remesas familiares, las visitas y los envíos de ayuda humanitaria por parte de los cubanoamericanos."

***

Obama Joins Cuban Americans in Call for Suspension of Bush Restrictions

CHICAGO, IL – Senator Barack Obama issued the following statement today:

'I wish to express my deepest sympathies for those affected by Hurricane Gustav, particularly the untold number affected in Cuba, who face the daunting task of reconstructing their lives with the weight of the failed Castro regime on their shoulders.

“This is a time when the Cuban people – not Castro – need and deserve American compassion and assistance. Make no mistake – the embargo must remain, and I strongly oppose any aid to the Castro regime.

“The Cuban American community stands ready to directly assist their family members in this time of need. A failed Bush administration policy, however, stands in the way of moral and necessary aid.

“Today I join with leaders in the Cuban American community in calling on President Bush to immediately suspend restrictions on family remittances, visits and humanitarian care packages from Cuban Americans for a minimum of 90 days.”

Senator Joe Biden in Lee County this morning

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:17:38 EDT

Senator Joe Biden joined a roundtable with Fort Myers residents earlier today where the message continued to circle back to the economy. Lee County ranks top as being the hardest hit from the mortgage crisis.

Nancy has a PhD but is having a hard time finding work. She is currently working as an adjunct teacher to supplement her social security.

I don’t get paid as much. I’m doing OK, but there have been over 900 foreclosures in my zip code alone. I counted on my street all the houses that had to be rented out or closed on. Three homes - no it’s five, I found out last night – just on my street.

Joan tried to downsize in the midst of the crashing housing market and has been unable to sell her home. She is doing all of this on the fixed income of her pension and social security. Joan walked eight precincts four years ago and she’s noticing a difference this election:

Last time they asked me about the candidates and this time they’re asking about the nearest food bank. The insurance company blames the legislator and the legislator blames the insurance company.

Wally, a plumber by trade, serves as the President of the Painters Union. As a registered Republican, Wally’s son Micheal gave him The Audacity of Hope to read for Christmas in 2006. He identified with Barack’s story as a son of an immigrant himself who made it to America because of a hope for a better future.

Wally introduced Senator Biden:

It’s an honor and a privilege to be here. The mother ship is hurting and it’s time to bring her home. We really don’t need four more years of George Bush.
The American Dream is getting harder each day. I talk to the police officers in this city whose wives have lost their jobs and they’re now wondering how they will pay the next mortgage. We’ve been hit the hardest here and John McCain is out of touch, he thinks the economy is just fine. Senator Biden has been in the trenches, he’s fighting for us. Sometimes when you stand on principles you stand alone. But we’re standing on principles and substance together and it’s time for us voters of the middle class. That’s why as a Republican I’m supporting this team.

Click here to read more.

Senator Biden makes a trip to Florida!

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:32:12 EDT

Biden to Host Town Hall Events in Broward, Palm Beach Counties – Campaign to Collect Supplies for Hurricane Victims

TAMPA – TOMORROW, Tuesday, September 2, the Democratic Party’s Vice Presidential nominee Senator Joe Biden will visit Florida to campaign to talk with voters about the Obama-Biden ticket is the only choice for Floridians who want a President who will change the way Washington has worked for eight years under President George W. Bush. In Deerfield Beach and West Palm Beach, Biden will host town halls to hear from Floridians about their concerns and talk about how as President and Vice President, he and Senator Obama will bring Americans together to bring the change we need.

At each event, Obama’s Campaign for Change will be accepting non-perishables and other materials such as canned food, bottled water and first-aid supplies, in an effort to assist families affected by Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Fay.

Also today, Obama’s Campaign for Change offices across the state will also be accepting non-perishables and other materials for storm victims. Staff and volunteers in regions affected by Tropical Storm Fay will continue to assist in the local community. Find your local office.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

Deerfield Beach, FL
TOWN HALL WITH JOE BIDEN
Century Village at Deerfield Beach
Clubhouse Party Room
2400 Century Blvd.
Deerfield Beach, FL
Doors Open: 11:30 AM
Program Begins: 12:30 PM
The event is free and open to the public, however, a ticket is required. To pick up a ticket, please visit one of our distribution locations listed below.

TICKET DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS
Tickets available TODAY until 9:00 PM ET.
General public:
Campaign for Change North Broward office
6221 Margate Boulevard
Margate, FL
Tickets available TODAY until 9:00 PM ET.

Tickets will also be available for residents of Century Village at:
Activity Center at Century Village (“Le Club”)
2400 Century Blvd.
Deerfield Beach, FL
Tickets available TODAY until 9:00 PM ET.

West Palm Beach, FL

TOWN HALL WITH JOE BIDEN
Palm Beach County Convention Center
650 Okeechobee Blvd.
West Palm Beach, FL
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
Program Begins: 6:45 PM
The event is free and open to the public however a ticket is required. To pick up a ticket please visit one of our ticket distribution locations listed below. Parking is available for a $5 fee paid to the convention center.

TICKET DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS
Tickets available TODAY until 9:00 PM ET.
Campaign for Change West Palm Beach Office
2790 N. Military Trail, Suite 6
West Palm Beach, FL

Campaign for Change Delray Beach Office
14537 South Military Trail, Suite C-110
Delray Beach, FL
(Corner of Atlantic and Military trail, next to the AAA)

Key West Office Opening TODAY!

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:03:59 EDT

Celebrate Labor Day with us at the opening of the Key West Campaign for Change Office.
What: Campaign for Change Office Opening
Where: 1511 Truman Ave Suite B, Key West
When: 2PM
More Details

To find Labor Day events and celebrations near you click here!

10 Office Openings this week!

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:10:29 EDT

Next week, as the convention kicks off in Denver with the theme of One Nation, the Florida Campaign for Change is opening the doors of ten new offices and inviting you to come and celebrate by uniting your communities in our campaign to change America.

With Election Day less than 75 days away, now is the time to introduce people in your community to this campaign and Barack's message of change. Face-to-face contact is the best way to bring new people into the political process, and our new offices are a great way to get started.

Find the office opening closest to you:

Monday, August 25th
Destin 5:00 PM
970 Gulf Shore Drive
Destin,FL

Manatee County 5:00 PM
1109 14th ST. W
Bradenton, FL

Panama City 5:00 PM
135 Harrison Avenue
Panama City, FL

Quincy 5:00 PM
20 Washington Street, Suite G
Quincy, FL

St. Augustine 5:00 PM
61 San Marco Avenue
St. Augustine, FL

Wednesday, August 27th

Jupiter 5:00 PM
1200 Town Center Drive, Suite 108
Jupiter, FL

Lake City 5:00 PM
212 N. Marion Avenue
Lake City, FL

New Port Richey 5:00 PM
4749 Grand Blvd, Suite P
New Port Richey, FL

North Broward County 5:00 PM
6221 Margate Boulevard
Margate, FL

Ocala 5:00PM
1203 SW 12th Street
Ocala, FL

Check out some of the pictures from the office openings in Lakeland, Port St. Lucie, and Homestead last week!

What Floridian's are saying about Obama-Biden'08

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:49:25 EDT

Sandra Bernard-Bastien – Historian, Coral Springs

“I was thrilled to receive my text message this morning. I believe a selection like this demonstrates Senator Barack Obama’s good judgment. Senator Joe Biden is an accomplished, extremely bright and talented public servant.”

Elaine Bloom – former State Representative & former Hillary Clinton supporter, Miami Beach

“Joe Biden is a superb choice for V.P.! He has a proven record of real leadership and extensive foreign policy experience. I’m sure that those concerned about Israel’s safety and security will be totally comfortable, as I am, with Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the White House.”

Jeremy Branch – Jackson County Commissioner, Grand Rdige

“Senator Obama and Senator Biden may have different backgrounds but they share the quintessential American story. Obama was raised by a poor single mom and his grandparents. Biden was born of humble roots into a working class family in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Both men believe in the strength of the American family and take pride in their faith and values. Senators Obama and Biden understand the challenges working families face today, and that is exactly the kind of leadership and change that we need.”

Luis Garcia - State Representative, Little Havana

“I am thrilled with Senator Obama’s selection of Joe Biden, who I have admired for over 25 years. He’s somebody that won’t be bullied by anybody. Senator Biden walks the walk and talks the talk – a defender of America’s working families and a proponent of freedom everywhere. In South Florida, I know that the diverse Hispanic, Jewish and Caribbean constituencies will see Senator Biden as a perfect compliment for this campaign to bring change.”

Luis Garcia - Representante Estatal, La Pequeña Havana

“Estoy muy entusiasmado de que el senador Obama escogió a Joe Biden, una persona que he admirado por más de 25 años. Él no será intimidado por nadie. El senador Biden practica lo que predica-es un defensor de las familias trabajadoras en este país y proponente de libertad por todo el mundo. En el sur de La Florida, yo se que los diversos grupos como los hispanos, judíos y caribeños verán al senador Biden como perfecta adición a la campaña para lograr el cambio.”

Edna LaRoche – President, Haitian American Democratic Club, Miramar

“I am an enthusiastic and excited Democrat today! Senator Obama has totally hit the ball out of the park with this choice. Thank God, we are on our way to the White House.”

Mike Novosel, Jr. – CW4 U.S. Army (Ret.), Fort Walton Beach

“Besides being an expert on foreign policy, Joe Biden is a father who raised his children to love and serve their country. As a military family member, Joe Biden understands the challenges and fears that all military families face. His son volunteered to serve his country and will shortly be deployed to Iraq. I applaud Senator Obama for his decision to choose this fine patriot! He is my choice, too.”

Welcome Joe!

Kristen Psaki — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:15:41 EDT

It's official, Barack sent out the email this morning, did you get it?

Friend --
I have some important news that I want to make official.
I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.
Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.
I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.
Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:
Welcome Joe

Thanks for your support,
Barack

Send Joe a note! Welcome Joe!

Make sure to turn on your TV at 3:00 p.m. to join Obama and Biden in Springfield, Illinois. Or, watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.

Tonight, Barack speaks on Fay

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:15:33 EDT

As Fay continues to cause devastation in many parts of the state, Barack issued the following statement:

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Florida who are dealing with the devastating floods and tornadoes resulting from Tropical Storm Fay. No one can ever be prepared for the destruction that floods can cause. Just two months ago in my home state of Illinois and across the Midwest, we saw firsthand the incredible wrath of raging water. Tornadoes, too, are unfortunately all too familiar to Midwesterners.
It’s times like these when our state and federal government must be there to support people and support them competently. As Fay makes its way across the state again tonight, I am doing everything in my power to ensure that Florida has adequate resources to recover. We know that homes, businesses, farms and lives cannot be rebuilt over night, but we should never underestimate the unbreakable American spirit in the face of adversity.

Please use the comments section below to share your experiences with Fay.

West Palm Beach, Pahokee, and Homestead Offices to Hold Grand Openings TODAY

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:26:08 EDT

TAMPA – TODAY, Wednesday, August 20, Obama’s Campaign for Change will hold grand openings for offices in Homestead, Pahokee and West Palm Beach.

Tickets to Senator Clinton’s Palm Beach rally, which will focus on why Barack Obama is the only choice for voters who care about issues important to women, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the West Palm Beach and Pahokee office openings.

“Whether you live in a small town like Pahokee or bustling city like West Palm Beach, Barack Obama is the candidate who best represents the positive change this country needs right now,” Florida State Director Steve Schale said. “This campaign wants to hear from Florida’s communities – big and small – and we’re giving our grassroots volunteers the support they need to reach out, connect with voters and help elect Barack Obama.”

HOMESTEAD OFFICE GRAND OPENING

What: Grand Opening of Obama’s Campaign for Change Office in Homestead

Where: 224 Washington Avenue, Suite 14, Homestead, FL

When: TODAY, Wednesday, August 20

Time: 5:00 pm

PAHOKEE OFFICE GRAND OPENING

What: Grand Opening of Obama’s Campaign for Change Office in Pahokee

Where: 279 E Main Street, Pahokee, FL

When: TODAY, Wednesday, August 20

Time: 5:00 pm

WEST PALM BEACH OFFICE GRAND OPENING

What: Grand Opening of Obama’s Campaign for Change Office in West Palm Beach

Where: 2790 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL

When: TODAY, Wednesday, August 20

Time: 5:00pm

FIND YOUR LOCAL OFFICE

Clinton to Campaign for Obama THURSDAY in Palm Beach County

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:44:29 EDT

TAMPA — The Obama campaign today announced that Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) will visit South Florida this Thursday, August 21, to campaign on behalf of Barack Obama and talk with voters about why he is the only choice for Floridians who want a President who will change the way Washington has worked for eight years under President George W. Bush.

In Palm Beach County, Senator Clinton will host a rally focused on why Barack Obama is the only choice for voters who care about issues important to women in this election. The event will be open to the public, but space is limited. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Later Thursday, Senator Clinton will attend an event in Broward County. Details for that event will be announced soon.

“Senator Clinton and Senator Obama spent the last eighteen months inspiring Americans to believe that together, we could build a brighter path to a better future,” Campaign Florida State Director Steve Schale said. “She is an inspiring trailblazer and true champion of the middle class. We are honored that she would come to Florida to help us elect Barack Obama as President and bring real change to our nation”

PALM BEACH COUNTY RALLY WITH SENATOR HILLARY CLINTON
Florida Atlantic University Arena – “The Burrow”
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Doors open at 12:30 PM.
Program begins at 1:30 PM
Ticket Details Here

Panhandle Veterans Offer Input at Florida Forum for Change

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:49:22 EDT

PENSACOLA – Today, Barack Obama’s Florida Veterans Vote Director Jerry Holt – a Pensacola native – and Florida Policy Director Ian Bassin hosted a roundtable discussion with Panhandle veterans to get their input on Senator Obama’s veterans plan that centers around the commitment to a sacred trust with those who have served.

This event is the fifth in the ‘Florida Forum for Change’ series that is designed to seek ideas and feedback about Senator Obama’s policies. The candidate’s comprehensive veterans policy is matched by a record of fighting for our brave Americans.

“We veterans have a natural tendency to assume that another veteran would be a better leader on our issues, but it’s important to consider each man’s record on veterans’ policy issues,” said Holt, a Vietnam War combat engineer. “Senator Obama voted in favor of improving veterans’ health care, the VA, and brain injury services while Senator McCain did not. Senator Obama supported a new GI Bill for our returning troops while Senator McCain did not. Senator Obama received an 80% rating from the Disabled American Veterans while Senator McCain managed only a 20% rating. Senator McCain proposing a radical plan to privatize the VA and ration care. Obama rejects these schemes. Veterans deserve the facts, and the facts prove that Barack Obama will be the stronger leader for veterans as President.”

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mike Novosel Jr., a retired Army helicopter pilot who served in Vietnam, attended today’s event. “I can see in this room today, we have veterans from every war. From pre-World War II, to World War II, to Korea, to Vietnam, to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This shows the wide spectrum of veterans backing this candidate,” said Novosel, an Obama supporter.

Petty Officer Debra Russell, a retired disabled Naval Veteran, also attended today’s event. “I served my country until I got sick. I thought they had a system in place to deal with my healthcare needs. When I got home I discovered that the system wasn’t prepared, especially for females,” said Russell.

Cocoa and Port St. Lucie Office Openings Tonight!

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:17:28 EDT

Today, Monday August 18, the Florida Campaign for Change will open its Cocoa and Port St. Lucie offices.

State Director Steve Schale:

Barack Obama is committed to the state of Florida and we continue to open offices statewide as we assemble the largest campaign team Florida has ever seen. We want to hear from Florida's communities and give our grassroots volunteers the support they need to bring change we can believe in to Florida

Cocoa Office Opening
640 Brevard Avenue, Suite 101
Cocoa
5PM

Port St. Lucie Office Opening
704 SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard, Building B
Port St. Lucie
5PM

Need to find your local office? Click here.

Organizational Roll-Out with National Campaign Manager David Plouffe

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 09:46:41 EDT

TALLAHASSEE - TODAY, Obama's National Campaign Manager David Plouffe will hold an organizational rollout briefing for members of the Florida media. The briefing will include staffing, volunteer, and Florida strategy updates followed by Q&A.

Who:      David Plouffe, Obama for America National Campaign Manager
When:    11AM ET
Where:   Florida Education Association
              213 South Adams Street
          Tallahassee, FL 32301
Press:    To RSVP, email Kevin Cate, kcate@barackobama.com

Change Begins in Florida - Presentation

Statement from the Obama and Clinton Press Offices

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:46:35 EDT

Since June, Senators Obama and Clinton have been working together to ensure a Democratic victory this November. They are both committed to winning back the White House and to to ensuring that the voices of all 35 million people who participated in this historic primary election are respected and heard in Denver. To honor and celebrate these voices and votes, both Senator Obama's and Senator Clinton's names will be placed in nomination.

“I am convinced that honoring Senator Clinton's historic campaign in this way will help us celebrate this defining moment in our history and bring the party together in a strong united fashion,” said Senator Barack Obama.
Senator Obama’s campaign encouraged Senator Clinton's name to be placed in nomination as a show of unity and in recognition of the historic race she ran and the fact that she was the first woman to compete in all of our nation’s primary contests.
“With every voice heard and the Party strongly united, we will elect Senator Obama President of the United States and put our nation on the path to peace and prosperity once again,” said Senator Hillary Clinton.
Senator Obama and Senator Clinton are looking forward to a convention unified behind Barack Obama as the Party’s nominee and to victory this fall for America.

Looking to be more involved in the movement? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, or join a Phone Bank Challenge event happening in your area tonight!

Educators for Obama across the State Today

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:35:05 EDT

The public is invited to Florida Forums for Change to share their stories and provide valuable recommendations to help shape Senator Obama's policy agenda. Florida Forums for Change thus far have consisted of conversations with Floridians about baby boomer retirement security, new energy for America, and NASA Space Policy. Stay tuned right here on the florida state page for information on upcoming forums.

Today, just one week before school starts back up again, Educators Forums as part of our Florida Forums for Change series, will meet to bring together teachers, interested parents, and involved community members to talk seriously about Barack's educators platform.

Educators for Obama is a state-wide initiative in which educators will seek input from fellow teachers and people in their communities in order to provide the campaign with local input.

Miami
DORAL Golf Resort & Spa4
400 NW 87th Avenue
Miami, FL 33178
11:00AM
Tampa
Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association
4505 North Rome Avenue
Tampa, FL 33603
4:00PM
Kissimmee
BVL/Robert Guevara Community Center
501 Florida Parkway
Kissimmee, FL 34743
12:30

A great crowd welcomes Governor Richardson

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:07:07 EDT

Just moments ago Governor Richardson, the former US Secretary of Energy, capped off our week on energy at Pembroke Pines Charter High School.

Interestingly, Pembroke Pines Charter High School is one of the first schools in Florida to partner with the Green Building Council in the Green Schools Program effort.

Governor Richardson touched on a number of details, he praised Barack's New Energy for America plan as comprehensive and attainable:

We're going to help create five million by investing $150 billion over the next ten years in clean energy technology.

We're going to increase our fuel economy standards and get 1-million plug in hybrids on the road by the year 2015

Governor Richardson took diverse questions from the audience that touched on weatherizing homes, clean coal, and tire inflation. "We have an opportunity with our candidate," Richardson began -

We have an opportunity with our candidate for America to take the lead on energy.

Learn More.

Text VP to OBAMA (62262) and be the first to know.

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:38:01 EDT

Dear Kristen --

Barack Obama is about to make one of the most important decisions of this campaign -- choosing a running mate.

You have helped build this movement from the bottom up, and Barack wants you to be the first to know his choice.

Sign up today to be the first to know:

http://my.barackobama.com/vp

You will receive an email the moment Barack makes his decision, or you can text VP to 62262 to receive a text message on your mobile phone.

Once you've signed up, please forward this email to your friends, family, and coworkers to let them know about this special opportunity.

No other campaign has done this before. You can be part of this important moment.

Be the first to know who Barack selects as his running mate.

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

MONDAY: Governor Bill Richardson to Host Event in Pembroke Pines in support of Barack

Kristen Psaki — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:56:10 EDT

Florida Forum for Change on New Energy for America with New Mexico Governor and Former U.S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson

Monday, August 11, Former U.S. Energy Secretary Gov. Bill Richardson will travel to Pembroke Pines and lead a discussion on new energy for America in support of Senator Obama's campaign for president. The event will be the second in a series of 'Florida Forum for Change' events to be held across the state in the coming weeks. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has been an international leader on foreign affairs and energy policy for more than a decade. His impressive resume includes serving as a U.S. Representative, Ambassador to the United Nations, and U.S. Secretary of Energy.

See below for event details and ticketing info:

Monday, August 11
Pembroke Pines Charter High School Cafeteria
17189 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, FL 33331
Doors open at 4:30PM
Get an Electronic Ticket here.

Senator Obama wins the Jacksonville Hob Nob Staw Poll!

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:42:25 EDT

Every election cycle the people of Jacksonville rub elbows at the Chamber of Commerce Hob Nob. Last night the big white tent on Gator Bowl Boulevard housed over a thousand people. The center floods with Democrats, Independents, and Republicans who eagerly campaign for local candidates and enjoy a celebration of food and drink with friends and family. But the real attraction is always at the back of the tent and only comes with every other Hob Nob: The Straw Poll. In what is normally a landslide Republican victory, Barack Obama won last nights Jacksonville Hob Nob Straw Poll with 57 percent of the vote.

Cheers rang and hands flew up in the air as Barack's 57 percent victory traveled the crowd.
Supporters celebrated but also worked hard throughout the event to register new voters and sign up new volunteers. We spoke with Clarice and Pat, both of whom had never been to the recurring Jacksonville Hob Nob. Clarice is reminded at least every week - when she pays $80 at the pump to fill up her car - why she volunteers for the Campaign for Change here in Jacksonville.

Clarice and Pat carried clipboards from table to table to plug their community members into the string of volunteer opportunities. They both decided to take their remaining signups to work on Monday to continue their outreach.

Find your office here.
Find an event here.

Yes We Can

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:01:30 EDT

Yes we can - pledge to early vote. Yes we can - expect and encourage our neighbors and friends to join us. Yes we can - build the movement throughout Miami. Yes we can.

CHANGE at the Pump

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:44:15 EDT

Supporters in Florida talked to motorists today at eight gas stations across the state about Barack's New Energy for America plan that will lessen our dependence on foreign oil, give American families an immediate energy rebate of $1000 to deal with soaring gas prices, and create five million new green jobs. They handed out copies of the plan to Floridians who are paying $4 per gallon to fill up their gas tank.

"American families are struggling to make ends meet and cope with soaring gas prices, while oil companies rake in record profits,” said Senator Barack Obama. “Grassroots supporters across the nation today will share our plan to break our addiction to oil and choose a new, clean energy future. Our plan will put money back in the pockets of middle class families, create millions of new jobs and lessen our dangerous dependence on foreign oil. This is the choice in this election – four more years of record profits for the oil companies or a change in leadership that means real energy relief that American families deserve."

Supporters also highlighted Senator John McCain's failure to do anything to address the energy crisis during his 26 years in Washington. McCain has consistently chosen profits for the oil companies over energy relief for American families, including voting against fuel mileage standards, opposing renewable sources of energy, and refusing to back the bipartisan energy compromise in the Senate because it would take away tax breaks from oil companies like Exxon-Mobil.

Check out the new ad:

A beautiful night of office openings

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:31:59 EDT

At 5 o'clock last night crowds gathered in Hollywood, Tallahassee, Naples, and Tampa. Behind each door stood voter registration stands, welcome packets, and enthusiastic field organizers. Stay tuned because we'll be celebrating office openings throughout the rest of the week. Take a look at some photos below and RSVP for tonight's office openings in Orlando and Miami!

Obama's Campaign for Change to Open Offices in Hollywood, Naples, Tallahassee and Tampa

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:24:11 EDT

TAMPA – TODAY, Tuesday, August 5, Barack Obama's Campaign for Change will open doors to offices in Hollywood, Naples, Tallahassee and Tampa. Tampa is now home to two Campaign for Change offices: the State Headquarters in Ybor City and the new field office on East Washington Street. Local field operations, volunteers and staff members for Obama for America and Obama's Campaign for Change will be based in the offices to allow Floridians to reach out to their communities about Barack Obama's vision for bringing change we can believe in to America.

"Barack Obama is committed to the state of Florida and we continue to open offices statewide as we assemble the largest campaign team Florida has ever seen," Florida State Director Steve Schale said. "We want to hear from Florida's communities and give our grassroots volunteers the support they need to bring change we can believe in to Florida."

The unprecedented effort to organize every corner of Florida is a reflection of Barack Obama’s desire to make life better for every American. His experience as a community organizer in Chicago taught him that when people are engaged at the local level, great work can be achieved. After college he returned home to work for a Christian church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment. Barack believes in the American Dream: If you work hard and play by the rules, you shouldn’t just be getting by, but getting ahead. In Florida, President Bush’s destructive economic policies have made it harder and harder for working families to achieve the American Dream.

Hollywood Office Opening
What: Grand Opening of Obama's Campaign for Change Office in Hollywood
Where: 7050 Taft St., Hollywood, FL
When: Today, Tuesday, August 5
Time: 5PM
Naples - Collier County's First Office Opening
What: Grand Opening of Obama's Campaign for Change Office in Naples
Where: 932 N 5th Ave., Naples, FL 34102
When: TODAY, Tuesday, August 5
Time: 5PM
Tallahassee Office Opening
What: Grand Opening of Obama's Campaign for Change Office in Tallahasse
Where:920 E. Lafayette Street, Tallahassee, FL
When: TODAY, Tuesday, August 5
Time: 5PM
Tampa Office Opening
What: Grand Opening of Obama's Campaign for Change Office in Tampa
Where: 817 East Washington St., Tampa, FL; Corner of Washington and N. East St.
When: TODAY, Tuesday, August 5
Time: 5pm

New Energy Plan for America

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:45:27 EDT

Obama Campaign Releases TV Ad on Obama's New Energy for America Plan

30-Second Spot Highlights Senator Obama's Plan to Offset the Costs of Rising Energy and Addresses Oil Industry Contributions to John McCain's Campaign.

CHICAGO - As Barack Obama announces his New Energy for America Plan today, the Obama campaign unveiled a new ad, one that illustrates the clear choice in this election between an approach that keeps us sending billions to oil companies and foreign governments and one that gives middle class families a $1,000 rebate funded by a windfall profits tax on the oil companies. Pocket highlights that for far too long, we've had an energy policy that has worked for the oil companies. Barack Obama believes it's time we had an energy policy that works for the American people.

Today Senator Obama is outlining his New Energy for America plan in a speech in Lansing, Michigan. Obama's plan will provide an immediate energy rebate to Americans struggling with high gas prices, create five million new green jobs, and eliminate our need for Middle Eastern oil in 10 years.

Watch the ad:

Learn More

Cavasses Across Florida this weekend

Kristen Psaki — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 17:33:31 EDT

Canvassers to Knock 47 Doors in Honor of Senator Obama’s Birthday

TAMPA – Sunday, August 3, the Campaign for Change in Florida will host canvasses across Florida where Obama supporters will each knock on 47 doors per day in honor of Senator Obama’s 47th birthday on Monday, August 4. At the doors, volunteers will talk about Barack Obama’s life story, his family, his experience as a public servant for over two decades and his commitment to turning the page on the failed politics of Washington D.C. to bring change to America.

“Senator Obama’s background as a community organizer means he understands the value of reaching in Florida communities to talk about his vision for turning the page on the failed politics of the past,” Florida State Director Steve Schale said. “In honor of Senator Obama’s birthday, our volunteers will talk to their neighbors to share the story of his lifetime; a story of bringing people together to create positive change as a community organizer, a civil rights lawyer, a constitutional law professor, a state Senator, and now a U.S. Senator."

TOMORROW: BARACK OBAMA TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC SECURITY WITH FLORIDIANS

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:59:50 EDT

TAMPA – Tomorrow, Senator Barack Obama will host a town hall meeting in Pinellas County to discuss how the next President will ensure economic security for all working Americans. On Saturday, Senator Obama will address the National Urban League at the 2008 conference in Orlando.

At tomorrow’s town hall in St. Petersburg, Senator Obama will highlight the choice we have on the economy in this election: we can either choose a new direction for our economy, or we can keep doing what we’ve been doing. Senator Obama knows that families need immediate and lasting relief. That’s why he supports a National Catastrophic Insurance Fund that would help all Americans recover from a natural or manmade disaster. He has called for an additional round of rebate checks to jumpstart our economy and help families cope with soaring prices. Senator Obama will make quality health care affordable and accessible for everyone—and he’ll provide a middle class tax cut of $1,000 per family, covering 95 percent of American working people and their families.

Read more about Senator Obama's economic plan.

*The St. Petersburg town hall is SOLD OUT*
Please stay tuned for announcements on upcoming events.

A very special office opening in St. Petersburg

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:54:23 EDT

Tonight, over 200 names filled sign up sheets that began to curl from the rain in Grand Central District. Barack’s Campaign for Change unveiled its St. Petersburg office with special guests Senator Charles Justice and Representative Rick Kriseman who reminded the packed crowd:

We are in one of the most diverse areas of St. Petersburg, which is exactly what this campaign is all about. How do we turn this movement into a reality right here in St. Pete? We go door to door and we talk to our neighbors.

But when the St. Pete team announced that Barack Obama will be a few miles away this Friday morning at Gibbs High School, the packed crowd cheered the loudest. Each volunteer at 2321 Central Avenue, many of whom phone banked following the meeting and are planning to knock on doors this weekend, lined up to receive a ticket.

The people who stood shoulder to shoulder tonight all arrived for their own reasons.

Kristen is a labor delivery nurse who has seen the cracks in the health care system head on - she's consistently frustrated when she thinks about the number of hospital patients who deserved preventative care months ago.
Kristen came to the office opening because she's excited for the first time about a candidate and is looking forward to volunteering a few days a week when she's not working the night shift.

Next to Kristen stood Tammy. Tammy's roots run deep in St. Pete and she has been involved in political campaigns since Jimmy Carter.

But best of all, we met Bobby, Bobby's mom owns the ice cream parlor next door and decided to paint a sign for the office opening. He hopes that Barack stops by to get some ice cream one day, and he's pretty sure it will be Butter Pecan, but that might just be because it's Bobby's favorite.

It was certainly a very special evening in St. Pete.
Stay tuned for more office openings coming your way.

Office Openings in Gainesville and Fort Lauderdale!

Kristen Psaki — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 13:22:35 EDT

Easily over 100 Gators gathered in Gainesville this past Wednesday for the Campaign for Change Grand Opening! Photo murals, trays of great food, and musical entertainement created a buzz. Pageen Hanrahan, the mayor of Gainesville, addressed the crowd that began to spill out the door.

Amidst the celebration, we found a few UF students on the phones calling undecided voters. In fact, Crissy, a student herself confirmed:

I thought it was a great turnout. There were a lot of volunteers. We were having problems finding enough phone lines for them. The student group is huge here.

We also met up with Ursula, originally from Trinidad and now a U.S. citizen, she's never been more excited to vote and volunteer:

Every 40 years the country needs to be woken up.

On the same day at the same time, Democrats, Independents, and Republicans united at the Grand Opening of the Fort Lauderdale Office. Check it out:

Stay tuned for more office openings coming your way! You can always find your local office here, or by clicking "Find Your Local Office" on the right side of of this page.

Barack at Yad Vashem

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:53:27 EDT

Part of today's road blog captured Barack at Yad Vashem, just outside Jerusalem.

After a busy morning of meetings, Senator Obama toured Yad Vashem, a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and its victims.

Senator Obama laid a wreath in the Hall of Remembrance, and shared his thoughts in the museum's guest book:

I am grateful to Yad Vashem and all of those responsible for this remarkable institution.

At a time of great peril and promise, war and strife, we are blessed to have such a powerful reminder of man’s potential for great evil, but also our capacity to rise from tragedy and remake our world. Let our children come here, and know this history, so they can add their voices to proclaim “never again”. And may we remember those who perished, not only as victims but also as individuals who hoped and loved and dreamed like us, and who have become symbols of the human spirit.

Take a look at Barack's remarks following the tour:

Organizational Meetings this Saturday

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:17:44 EDT

Did you get a chance to read Jackie's email this morning?

Dear Kristen,

The general election is coming up sooner than you may think. This Saturday, July 26th, is just 100 days from November 4th.

Right now, Senator Obama is on an important trip to Europe and the Middle East where, as president, he will work to restore America's strength in the world. He has spent recent days visiting our troops and meeting with leaders in Israel, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other nations.

Here in Florida, we have some important work to do as well.

This Saturday, July 26th, supporters are joining together at Campaign for Change organizational meetings across the state.

These meetings are an important chance to meet campaign organizers, community leaders, and other Obama supporters in your area. Together, we'll discuss our strategy for building this movement for change in Florida.

Sign up to attend an organizational meeting this Saturday:

http://fl.barackobama.com/FLorgmeeting

Since we're only 100 days from the general election, we can't afford to sit on the sidelines -- we have to start now.

Saturday's organizational meetings are an opportunity to meet fellow Obama supporters in your community and learn about a crucial part of our strategy here -- our new Florida Neighborhood Teams for Change program.

The Florida Neighborhood Teams for Change program is a fun and easy way to turn your commitment to our Campaign for Change into action that will help turn Florida blue in November. Teams will be responsible for reaching out to friends, neighbors, and undecided voters to spread the word about this movement.

No political experience is required. We'll provide you with everything you need, every step of the way.

Join us this Saturday at an organizational meeting in your county:

http://fl.barackobama.com/FLorgmeeting

Thank you,

Jackie

Jackie Lee
Florida General Election Director
Campaign for Change

P.S. -- Want to learn more about programs in Florida?

The Obama Florida homepage is the best resource to stay up-to-date about events and activities in your area. Bookmark the page in your web browser, visit often, and make sure to pass the word to your family and friends:

http://fl.barackobama.com

Today from the road blog

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:14:07 EDT

The Obama Road Blog will keep us updated throughout the week as Senator Obama travels throughout the Middle East.

Senator Obama spent a hot, dusty Tuesday in Jordan on the heel end of his fact-finding mission to Afghanistan and Iraq. He arrived in Amman this afternoon with two fellow senators, Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chuck Hagel (R-NE).

The trio cleaned up a bit after their journey before heading to the ancient ruins of the Amman Citadel to hold a press conference on their observations before the world press.
Watch the video...

Morning Digest

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:22:18 EDT

From the Washington Post:

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama arrived in Iraq Monday morning to discuss U.S.-Iraq strategy and American troop levels, issues that have become a cornerstone of debate in the U.S. presidential campaign.

But after meeting for nearly an hour with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and other top U.S. and Iraqi officials, Obama declined to say what they had talked about.

"We had a very constructive discussion," the Illinois senator and presumptive Democratic nominee said before ducking back into a heavily guarded Chevrolet suburban to en route to his next meeting, with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. "I'll be providing details later during my visit."

Obama is traveling as part of a congressional delegation that includes Sens. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.), and Jack Reed (D-R.I.), both critics of the war.

... The delegation began its trip with two days in Afghanistan, then flew to Kuwait, where the three senators met with Kuwait's emir, Sabah Ahmed al-Sabah, and other senior officials, according to the official Kuwait News Agency. In Iraq, they will meet with top U.S. and Iraqi officials and military commanders, including Army Gen. David H. Petraeus.

From El Nuevo Dia Orlando:

Un batallón de simpatizantes del candidato presidencial demócrata salió ayer a las calles de Orlando para buscar apoyo para Barak Obama.
El grupo es parte de cientos de voluntarios alrededor del estado de la Florida que puerta a puerta ofrecen información sobre el Senador de Illinois y del proceso de inscripción para las elecciones generales.
Y es que los voluntarios enfatizaron que establecer una conexión y escuchar las inquietudes de los demócratas, independientes e indecisos, es clave en motivarlos a que salgan a votar en noviembre.
Nell Rumbaugh, esposa de un militar, decidió llegar a Florida desde Nueva York, en donde reside, con tal de establecer relación con los votantes.
"Creo que Florida es una alta prioridad (en las elecciones) y siento que puedo hacer una diferencia aquí", dijo.
A juzgar por lo que observó El Nuevo Día, estos voluntarios pueden ser muy útiles al aclarar ciertas dudas que surgen entre los electores, que en el caso de María Torres era si Obama es afroamericano o musulmán.
A esto los voluntarios le ofrecieron información para desmentir algunos de los rumores acerca del senador.
“Prefiero estar bien informada antes de tomar una decisión”, aseguró Torres.
Por su parte, el voluntario César de la Cruz dijo percatarse de un obstáculo al reclutar a los hispanos, ya que asegura existe una tensión entre esta comunidad y los afroamericanos por lo espera que ser dominicano lo ayude a establecer una mejor conexión con estos votantes.
"(Obama) es una persona muy inspiradora y eso es algo que falta en nuestros líderes", aseguró.

Read more . . .

All you need is a parking lot:

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:26:31 EDT

Yesterday, July 19th, at over 100 staging locations in Florida, canvasses kicked off at 10am. Some met in living rooms and offices, while others gathered at the local Dunkin Donuts.

At the Dunkin Donuts in East Tampa, Shelia moved her group outside after the crowd grew too large. The group of brand new and longtime friends circled around a small shaded area and introduced themselves by sharing one memorable defining characteristic.

Greg started things off:

Hi, I'm Greg, and I'm persistent.

We learned that Angela is a go-getter and that Donna, a teacher, just had a baby three months ago. She's canvassed before but it was the first time for her mom Donna.

The crew headed out soon after with walk packets and some water.

Yesterday's Kickoff Canvass for Change fired up communities to put on some walking shoes and start talking!

Please share your canvassing stories and pictures with us.

Headquarters opening was a great success!

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:50:38 EDT

If your feet hit the cobblestone on E 9th Ave in Ybor City, you're blocks away from Barack's Campaign for Change Florida Headquarters. Over the past few days staff and supporters have worked hard to unveil our own Florida hub of hope in Tampa. Check out the progression below:

Volunteers manned the entrance - even in the rain - to register new voters and sign people up to get involved. An additional voter registration booth and a merchandise table attracted the flow of Floridians on their way into last night's opening.

Claudia and Betty, cousins from Sarasota, chatted as they took in the scene of the enthusiastic crowd of Obama supporters. Claudia remembers passing out pamphlets for her dad and local official when she was three, but Betty joined last night's office opening from a but of a different perspective:

In all of the 50 plus years that I've voted, I can only remember voting FOR someone once. I've voted against the other guy every time except for Kennedy.

When Betty votes in a few months, she'll be voting FOR Obama, she confirmed.

Across the crowd of over 400 people stood Jim, a passionate supporter from Tampa. Jim works for Hillsborough Kids, an organization that provides comprehensive services to abused and neglected children, and normally puts in 75 hours a week. Jim still signed up to get involved because Barack inspires him he said. I asked him why:

Because he listens.

A line of equally passionate accomplished speakers addressed the crowd toward the end of the evening beginning with Representative and Iraq war veteran Michael Scionti who welcomed us to Ybor City. The National Hispanic Finance Committee Chair, Frank Sanchez soon followed as well Senator Arthenia Joyner who fired up the crowd:

We've got inspiration, dedication, and motivation! Yes we can!

Steve Schale, the Campaign for Change Florida State Director, closed out the evening as he described his commitment to the people of Florida and Barack Obama. As you may have noticed in the slideshow, as the crowd scattered, the field team and volunteers got to work and hit the phones - the perfect ending to a great night.

Headquarters Office Opening in Tampa!

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:32:13 EDT

Steve just announced tomorrow's office opening:

Please join me this Wednesday, July 16th, at the grand opening of the Campaign for Change statewide headquarters in Tampa.
Come meet the staff and fellow supporters in the area.

Here are the details:

Tampa Campaign for Change
Headquarters Opening

1771 E 9th Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605

Wednesday, July 16th
4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

http://fl.barackobama.com/FloridaHQ

Join us to learn more about how you can make a difference for the campaign in Florida.

Hope to see you there!

Steve

Steve Schale
Florida State Director
Obama for America

Join us tomorrow!

Barack's op-ed this morning

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:01:38 EDT

Barack outlines his strategic plan for success in Iraq in the New York Times op-ed this morning:

My Plan for Iraq
By BARACK OBAMA

The call by Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki for a timetable for the removal of American troops from Iraq presents an enormous opportunity. We should seize this moment to begin the phased redeployment of combat troops that I have long advocated, and that is needed for long-term success in Iraq and the security interests of the United States.

The differences on Iraq in this campaign are deep. Unlike Senator John McCain, I opposed the war in Iraq before it began, and would end it as president. I believed it was a grave mistake to allow ourselves to be distracted from the fight against Al Qaeda and the Taliban by invading a country that posed no imminent threat and had nothing to do with the 9/11 attacks. Since then, more than 4,000 Americans have died and we have spent nearly $1 trillion. Our military is overstretched. Nearly every threat we face — from Afghanistan to Al Qaeda to Iran — has grown.

In the 18 months since President Bush announced the surge, our troops have performed heroically in bringing down the level of violence. New tactics have protected the Iraqi population, and the Sunni tribes have rejected Al Qaeda — greatly weakening its effectiveness.

But the same factors that led me to oppose the surge still hold true. The strain on our military has grown, the situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated and we’ve spent nearly $200 billion more in Iraq than we had budgeted. Iraq’s leaders have failed to invest tens of billions of dollars in oil revenues in rebuilding their own country, and they have not reached the political accommodation that was the stated purpose of the surge.

The good news is that Iraq’s leaders want to take responsibility for their country by negotiating a timetable for the removal of American troops. Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. James Dubik, the American officer in charge of training Iraq’s security forces, estimates that the Iraqi Army and police will be ready to assume responsibility for security in 2009.

Only by redeploying our troops can we press the Iraqis to reach comprehensive political accommodation and achieve a successful transition to Iraqis’ taking responsibility for the security and stability of their country. Instead of seizing the moment and encouraging Iraqis to step up, the Bush administration and Senator McCain are refusing to embrace this transition — despite their previous commitments to respect the will of Iraq’s sovereign government. They call any timetable for the removal of American troops “surrender,” even though we would be turning Iraq over to a sovereign Iraqi government.

But this is not a strategy for success — it is a strategy for staying that runs contrary to the will of the Iraqi people, the American people and the security interests of the United States. That is why, on my first day in office, I would give the military a new mission: ending this war.

Continue reading . . .

Morning Digest

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 11:13:01 EDT

Want to know which presidential candidate is going to win Florida's 27 electoral votes?
Drive by the SuperTarget on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. in south-central Pasco County, wind through mile after mile of beige stucco in the Meadow Pointe development, then turn into the entrance of the Wrencrest Rensselaer neighborhood.
The answer may lie inside Wrencrest's metal privacy gates.
"I'm really torn. For the first time in a long time, we have two good choices here," said Kenny McDonnell, 53, a motivational speaker for youth who has frequently skipped presidential elections rather than pick the lesser of two evils."
Not this year.
Welcome to Pasco County voting Precinct 134, also known as Meadow Pointe phase III, the sort of suburban, swing-voter battleground where both Barack Obama and John McCain can stake a credible claim.
Here amid identical white curbside mailboxes, 25-foot-tall oaks and 4-year-old, $200,000, single-story homes in shades of tan, you can see how unpredictable and confounding Florida can be for campaign strategists.
A hunger for change
Obama will do well in America's urban areas, McCain will dominate the rural, and the election is likely to be decided in the middle. In places like Wrencrest. Here, you can see how wide open this presidential race is four months out.
Talk to the busy suburbanites on Chatterly Drive and Thackery Way in Wrencrest Rensselaer, and the impression is McCain can't win the election, but Obama could lose it. The hunger for a change in direction is fierce, but Obama has yet to win the trust of many of these voters.
What will settle the decision for many voters is unclear, but it may not be entirely about issues. These voters say they're waiting to be persuaded, for somebody to make them comfortable with a choice, either choice...
In this bedroom community of Tampa, like so many others across Florida, voter after voter will tell you apologetically they're too busy with commuter jobs, soccer and T-ball, church and groceries, to pay close attention to the presidential race. Which partly explains why only about 63 percent of these voters turned out to cast ballots at the community clubhouse here in 2004. Statewide, the figure was 74 percent...

BOCA RATON - If some Florida college students have their way, 2008 will be the year of the young voter.

After all, many students are concerned about the economy, student-loan debt and the war in Iraq. Combine that with using YouTube and Facebook to get their message to the masses, and they plan to play a big role in deciding the next president.

They're already turning out in large numbers. More than 6 million people between the ages of 18 and 29 voted in the presidential primaries, which is more than twice as many who voted in the 2000 and 2004 primaries, according to Declare Yourself, a nonpartisan advocacy group that focuses on first-time voters.

Even during the traditionally slow summer months, students are turning up on South Florida campuses to get out the vote. That was evident Saturday, as the Florida College Democrats held a large summit at Florida Atlantic University. Hundreds of Democrats of all ages turned out for the South Florida Democratic Party Summit, including former Attorney General Janet Reno.

"People for years now have been waiting for something to believe in, something to be hopeful for, and for years, we haven't found it," said John Martino, 21, a University of Central Florida student who is president of the Florida College Democrats. "Today, a young senator from Illinois talks about change and unity and that senator has captured the hearts of my generation. Barack Obama will no doubt turn out the young people in November."

Reno said she, too, has been encouraged by the young people she's met and thinks they will turn out in big numbers.

"They want so much to have answers and be involved in ways that will make America better," she said.According to figures from Declare Yourself, people age 18 to 29 overwhelmingly supported Democrats in the primary, casting 4.9 million of the 6 million total votes.

...But focus groups during the primary showed McCain has a sizable base of young supporters, said Marc Morgenstern, executive director of the Los Angeles-based group.

"His appeal is more grandfatherly," Morgenstern said.

Jose Herrera, 25, a McCain supporter who is also a graduate student at FAU, said a lot could change after the candidates choose running mates. For example, if McCain tapped Gov. Charlie Crist, that could bring in more young voters, he said. Right now, McCain is suffering with young voters because of negative perceptions of President Bush, a fellow Republican, Herrera said.

"Students in my age group grew up with President Bush and all the negative media," said Herrera, of Delray Beach. "I honestly do believe the vice presidential candidate is what's going to win the young vote."

Many students and experts say blogs, YouTube and social networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace, could play a big role in deciding who wins younger voters. Both Obama and McCain have plenty of fan sites, and many students also show their support on their Facebook or MySpace profile pages.

"Make the calls, send the texts, put up the blogs and yes, knock on doors," state Sen. Ted Deutch, D- Boca Raton, told students attending the Democratic summit Saturday.

Morning Digest

Kristen Psaki — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:31:47 EDT

Voter registration numbers show the Democrats posting big gains in Broward and statewide, with Republicans and independents failing to keep up.
To Democrats, the reasons are obvious:
U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, a Democrat who represents northern and central Broward, is co-chairman of Barack Obama's campaign in Florida.
"I'm not surprised for two reasons: There has been an extraordinary amount of enthusiasm in the Democratic Party for both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and that's reflected in the surge in Democratic registration. Conversely, the Bush presidency has been a historic failure, so Republicans are demoralized
"Who would want to join a failed party? And that's what the Republican Party is today, a failed party.

"We are witnessing a generational shift toward the Democratic Party, fueled primarily by enthusiasm for Barack Obama. And this generational shift will have lasting implications for the next 25 years, just like Ronald Reagan did for Republicans."
Wexler said Democrats should not be complacent because of such news. "The worst thing a party can do on the verge of a historic victory is to slack off or take anything for granted because that's when the unexpected will happen."
And, he said, the Republicans won't be able to use the information to motivate their people. "They have one fundamental problem. The Republican brand doesn't sell. They have little to offer."
Mitch Ceasar is chairman of the Broward Democratic Party and a member of the executive board of the Democratic National Committee.
"I would say that the Democratic registration surge is a direct result of the utter frustration the average Floridian feels under the Bush administration. Further, it seems that the McCain campaign and its spokesmen are detached from reality, so I look forward to even greater gains in the coming months.
"It seems the Democratic brand has cycled back.

"I'm not surprised at all. We're living in times that exhibit utter frustration toward a Republican White House.

Like Wexler, Ceasar cautioned Democrats not to become over-confident. "This race is going to be very, very close even though the Republican brand has been devalued significantly."
Republicans said the numbers don’t mean the election season is over.
State Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, was one of the earliest Florida McCain supporters and his most prominent champion in Broward.
Bogdanoff said the Democrats have been working harder at registering voters than her party. "From what I can tell, they're working it. The Obama team is incredible. We have to do a better job of working it."
She said Republicans could never match the Democratic numbers in Broward because her party is so outnumbered. But the Republicans could get a percentage increase closer to the Democrats.

"We certainly need to work a little harder, that's all. I think the potential is there. We just haven't put forth that effort that Democrats have."

Bogdanoff said it would be a mistake to assume the election outcome is foreordained by the voter registration numbers. "I don't know that right now we can say anything more than one party has focused on registration and the other party has not.

"Ultimately, what will happen when people start focusing, probably right after the conventions, is the message."

Bogdanoff said the voter registrations could provide a jolt to get Republicans moving.

"It did to me. You got my attention. I'll be calling our party chairman this afternoon," she said. "I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend."

"It's a wakeup call that we cannot wait any more to move forward with our message," she said. "We just need to step it up."

Cindy Guerra is vice chairwoman of the Broward Republican Party. "It's a national trend. I think people are misinformed. The economy is not great. I think people tend to be shortsighted and not look at the big picture and not look at the ideals and what the party has done.
"People today are quick fix people, short sighted and don't look at the big picture. I think the Republican Party has the better ideas on the long-term fixes and the real term fixes. But we're in a society where everything happens in split seconds. You turn on the computer and you can't get on the web site in two seconds you think the darn computer isn't fast enough. The Democrats have all these ideas for quick fixes, [but] they are not real fixes.
"I don't think it's a secret that it's a tough climate. Obviously it's a tough climate. We have Americans that really don't care enough to put the time into really studying the issues and studying the candidates and studying what each candidate stands for."

Obama supporters hit pavement in Florida
The Obama Florida campaign is planning a July 19 "Campaign for Change Florida Kickoff Canvass" with volunteers fanning out across the state. Details here.
"Florida is crucial to the Obama campaign's general election strategy. We have a great opportunity to succeed here, and we're rapidly gearing up for the months ahead," reads an e-mail to supporters. "It's going to take all of us working together to win, and reaching out to friends and family is an important first step. Talking face-to-face to people in your community is the most effective way to share Barack's message of change."

W hat would drive a grown woman to spend 2 ½ hours in the broiling July sun just to register a couple of voters who may or may not support Barack Obama?
If you ask Robyn Vandenberg, a 44-year-old stay-at-home mom in Hollywood, she will tell you about her teenage son with a heart condition. She can't find a pediatric surgeon to see him because they don't have health insurance.
She will also talk about the war in Iraq and how she can't imagine any of her three sons having to die for what she sees as a lost cause.
Vandenberg is among 400 Obama ''fellows'' in Florida, 3,600 nationwide, who are giving up six weeks of their summer to volunteer for the Democratic campaign. Vandenberg works 80, 90 hours a week and plans to keep plugging away after most of the other ''fellows'' go back to college.
''I feel like I don't have a choice,'' she said, standing outside the Workforce One employment agency in Hollywood, clipboard and registration forms in hand. ``There's too much at stake not to do anything.''
...The campaign is gearing up to reinforce its volunteer brigade with as many as 300 staffers across Florida, in what could be the largest get-out-the-vote operation in the party's history.
''Imagine the residual effect of an operation like that for the Democratic Party,'' said Kirk Wagar, Obama's campaign finance chairman in Florida.
Unlike the string of beaten-down people walking past Vandenberg into Workforce One to see a job counselor, she looks like she has money. She's blonde and has a French manicure, but she says the designer sunglasses are fake and calls herself ''middle class.'' That's the problem when it comes to taking care of her ailing son -- her husband makes too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to purchase insurance.
A young couple brushes off her question about registering to vote, a baby strapped to the man's chest. She approaches a middle-age man in a plaid shirt who shrugs, ``I'm not an American.''
Vandenberg likes to canvass in places unaccustomed to seeing a presidential campaign, like the Swifty Coin Laundry in Hollywood and the Eagle's Wings Development Center in Hallandale Beach. At the community center, she met an ex-felon, an older gentleman, who said he didn't know if he had gotten his voting rights back.
Vandenberg dialed the state clemency board and handed him her cellphone.
''I could see his eyes welling up with tears,'' she said. ``I will never ever forget that man.''
Another ''fellow'' in Florida, Ben Zeskind, described a similar moment at a ''unity party'' with the Red Hat Society, a women's club in Richmond Heights. By the end of the night, the 25-year-old scruffy Jewish guy from Palmetto Bay was posing for pictures with the older, black ladies from one of Miami's less affluent neighborhoods.
Finally, a passerby stops to hear Vandenberg's pitch, pulling out her wallet to see if her voter registration is up to date. But then, muttering something about how she might move again, she walks away.
''Who knows what might happen later today?'' Vandenberg insisted, dismissing the morning's shabby registration stats. ``We could knock on a door and register a whole family to vote.''
Apparently, she's knocking with a fistful of that hope that Obama keeps talking about.

Email from Steve Schale

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:14:22 EDT

Check out the email our State Director just sent around:

Dear Kristen,
We have a lot to be excited about here in Florida.

Supporters like you have built an incredible grassroots organization, but the election will be here before we know it. We cannot afford to wait until the fall to kick this campaign into gear.

Next Saturday, July 19th, join friends and neighbors for the official Obama Campaign for Change Florida Kickoff Canvass, taking place at locations across the state.

The Kickoff Canvass is a perfect opportunity to reach out to friends, family, and neighbors in your community and help bring even more people into our political process.

Sign up to participate in the Florida Kickoff Canvass next weekend:

http://fl.barackobama.com/FLkickoffcanvass

Florida is crucial to the Obama campaign's general election strategy. We have a great opportunity to succeed here, and we're rapidly gearing up for the months ahead.

It's going to take all of us working together to win, and reaching out to friends and family is an important first step. Talking face-to-face to people in your community is the most effective way to share Barack's message of change.

Plus, Florida Kickoff Canvass events are a great place to meet other Obama supporters and help build our movement.

No previous experience is required to get involved. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.

Find out how to join the Kickoff Canvass in your area and help Barack in Florida:

http://fl.barackobama.com/FLkickoffcanvass

Thanks,

Steve

Steve Schale
Florida State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- If you're not able to participate in next weekend's Campaign for Change Kickoff Canvass, there's a way to talk to undecided voters in your community at any time that's convenient for you. Check out our Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool, which lets you go door to door on your own schedule. Sign up to help bring about the change we need in Florida:

http://fl.barackobama.com/neighbortoneighbor

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton at a special Women for Obama Breakfast

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:58:16 EDT

Barack and Hillary Clinton were together in New York City this morning for a special Women for Obama breakfast in New York City:

Barack will be in Virginia later today for a town hall discussion on economic security for women in America. In Florida, 594,529 women small business owners will see relief from Barack’s plan to eliminate all capital gains taxes on start-up and small businesses. Learn more.

Obama to Unveil Plan for Economic Security for America's Working Women

Kristen Psaki — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:35:19 EDT

CHICAGO, IL - Over the next two days, Barack and Michelle Obama will hold campaign events to highlight Obama’s plan to provide economic security for America’s working women. Obama’s plan directly addresses the challenges that women and families face affording quality child care, juggling personal and professional commitments, and coping with soaring prices.

“I don’t accept an America where a woman earns less than a man for the same work, or an America that makes women choose between their kids and their careers. It’s unacceptable that women are denied jobs or promotions because they’ve got kids at home. It’s unacceptable that 22 million working women don’t have a single paid sick day,” Senator Obama said. “When I’m President, we’ll take these critical issues head-on and help women and families thrive in a changing economy.”

On Thursday, Senator Obama will attend a women’s fundraiser in New York with Senator Hillary Clinton and focus on his economic security plan at a town hall meeting with women in Fairfax, Virginia. Michelle Obama will hold women’s roundtables in Pontiac, Michigan and Kansas City, Missouri today and tomorrow to discuss the challenges facing working women and families—and the relief they’d see under an Obama presidency.

Obama’s Plan for Economic Security for America’s Working Women

Tax cut for working women:

Barack Obama will provide 71 million working women with a tax cut of up to $500—or $1000 per family—to help offset the impact of stagnant wages and skyrocketing costs.

Balancing work and family:

Obama will help address the challenge of balancing work and family by guaranteeing seven days of paid sick leave to the 22 million working women who currently have none. Obama will also expand child care tax credits, double funding for afterschool programs to serve 1 million more children, and will create a summer learning program to serve an additional 1 million young people.

Health care for every American:

As President, Obama will reduce health care costs by $2,500 for a typical family, while providing affordable health care for every American.

A secure retirement guaranteed:

Obama will strengthen retirement security for working women, who currently enter retirement with less than half the retirement savings of men. Obama’s plan will automatically enroll workers in retirement accounts (with the option to opt-out) and make these accounts portable to help working parents save while balancing their family obligations.

Equal Pay:

Obama will fight for paycheck equity and to close the pay gap that leaves women earning only 78 cents for every dollar earned by men. The pay gap is even more pronounced for minority working women—with Hispanic women earning only 53 cents and African American women only 62 cents for every dollar of male earnings.

Affordable college:

Obama will put the cost of college in reach for by providing a $4,000 refundable tax credit available at the time of enrollment in exchange for community service.

Raise the minimum wage:

Obama will help low-wage working women move into the middle class by increasing the minimum wage to $9.50 by 2011, and indexing it to inflation—and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Support Women-Owned Small Businesses:

Obama will help women-owned small businesses innovate, grow and create jobs by cutting their capital gains tax rate to zero, and implementing the Women Owned Business contracting program that has been abandoned by the Bush Administration.

Learn more about where Barack stands, here.

Summer Internships in Florida!

Kristen Psaki — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:30:58 EDT

Attention all Students for Barack Obama! Your campaign for change is offering summer internships across the state.

Barack reminds us that the biggest changes in history have happened because young people stood up. Now is the time to learn more about an internship in Florida.

Check out a glimpse at how we've gotten to this point in the campaign:

Students for Barack Obama was founded in the summer of 2006 and began with a few students using Facebook to petition Senator Obama to run for President in 2008. The passion and dedication of thousands of students has transformed that movement into the official student organization of Obama for America — and one of the largest grassroots student organizations in history.

We need your help here in Florida, and this is an opportunity of a lifetime to join our campaign for change.

Celebrating Independence Across the State

Kristen Psaki — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:56:26 EDT

Never leaving the house without a couple of blank registration forms, Democrats across Florida grabbed a few extra this 4th of July.

Hady, from Melbourne, organized an all day voter registration drive to coincide with the Independence Day festivities. He organized volunteers by the hour and sent us some exciting numbers.

We got 91 Voter Registration forms, and about 15-20 volunteers showed up, and another 15 signed up for events in the future!

Across the state in Tallahassee, an Obama crowd set up a tent at Tom Brown Park. Here's a note from Rick, an organizer of the event:

The Obama campaign had an EXCELLENT showing at Tallahassee's Fourth of July festival at Tom Brown Park! We set up our tent around 1pm, and our first shift of about twenty volunteers arrived soon afterwards to receive training on voter registration.

The local newspaper estimated that up to 40,000 people visited the park yesterday, and we were in a prime location. Thousands of people got off the shuttle busses and couldn't miss our tent as they walked to the main concert stage.

The sun beat down on us all day, but the heat couldn't stifle the energy and enthusiasm for the next President of the United States!! All throughout the afternoon and evening, people LINED UP to talk with us about the Obama campaign, register to vote, volunteer, and take a picture with our lifesized, cardboard version of Barack!

In Brandon, the East Hillsborough County Democratic Club rocked the SS Liberty in their parade (check out a couple of boat shots above), while the Oviedo crew of eleven volunteers collected close to 50 voter registration forms! Let's keep rolling, remember never leave home without a few voter registration forms.

Our America

Kristen Psaki — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:32:28 EDT

It's a beautiful day in Florida to celebrate our America and to register voters. On Monday, Barack spoke in Independence, Missouri and opened up about what patriotism means to him. Happy 4th of July:

Vote for Change

Kristen Psaki — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:37:36 EDT

Check out the e-mail from our Florida Field Director:

My name is Angela Botticella, and I'm the Field Director for the Obama campaign in Florida.

I want to thank you for everything you've done so far to build our movement. Supporters like you answered the call for change in all 50 states and helped secure the Democratic nomination for Barack Obama.

Florida will play a crucial role in our general election strategy. We have a great opportunity to succeed here, so we're rapidly gearing up for the months ahead.

But only you can make this happen.

This Independence Day weekend, Obama supporters are coming together to help bring even more people into our political process by attending voter registration drives, walking in parades, and reaching out to folks in our communities.

Sign up to attend a July 4th Vote for Change event in your community:

http://fl.barackobama.com/FLjuly4th

The election will be here before we know it, and we cannot afford to wait to get started.

In fact, our work on the ground is already underway. Right now, Obama supporters are gathering weekly to help in voter registration events across the state.

And in the coming weeks, volunteers across Florida will make important contact with friends, family, and neighbors to spread the word about this campaign.

Our campaign has proven the power of grassroots organizing. Now it's up to you to continue building this movement.

No previous experience is necessary to get involved. All you need is a hunger for change and a willingness to turn your enthusiasm into action.

Attend a July 4th Vote for Change event near you:

http://fl.barackobama.com/FLjuly4th

I look forward to working alongside you in the weeks to come.

Thanks,

Angela

Angela Botticella
Florida Field Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- Can't make it to a Vote for Change event this Independence Day? There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved as the campaign grows. Sign up now and learn how you can make a difference in Florida:

http://fl.barackobama.com/FLvolunteer

Tomorrow we will all celebrate the 4th of July, let's get out there and register some voters.

Unite for Change: Pasco County

Kristen Psaki — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:23:38 EDT

On Saturday, we met around kitchen tables and homemade food, some sat on the grass while others stood in crowded living rooms. We, as a nation, decided to unite for change.

Allison, the DEC chairwoman and a Clinton delegate, shared her experience with us:

Pasco County Democrats had a great unity event today! We combined our regular club meetings into a "Unite for Change" house party at our local civic center. We not only had lots of new people (in addition to our regular members) come out to meet the Pasco County, FL Democrats - we also had several of our local candidates, including Ginny Miller, County Commission, Jeff Deremer, Pasco County Sheriff, Ron Rice, FL State House 46, Steve Donaldson, Superintendent of Schools, Nick Planck, County Commissioner, John Dicks, Congressional District 9, and others.

More stories are flooding in from great moments on Saturday. To share your experience e-mail fl@barackobama.com.

Unite for Change: Hillsborough County

Kristen Psaki — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 12:34:37 EDT

Today is the day. From Pensacola to Key West, the Sunshine State is hosting over 300 Unite for Change events on this nationwide day of action. At 10am this morning over 40 interested Hillsborough County residents packed into the DEC office on Himes Ave.

Adam is an Obama Fellow who kicked off the meeting with a screening of the Unite for Change video that looks at the value of house parties:

The video captures house parties from around the country that have helped to get neighbors back into one living room again.

After Adam shared his personal story as to why he supports Senator Obama, he encouraged the room of new and old friends to share their own stories. Monique quickly stood up to express her passion for universal healthcare:

Clarissa soon followed:

I am the daughter of two Latin immigrants, I grew up in Miami. Listening to Obama and hearing the DNC speech I see him as offering opportunity to my generation. Sort of what some of our parents had in the 60s with JFK. He's willing to make a change and is brinigng people together. He inspires me.

Some raised their hands and others just jumped in to share their stories, but the conversation continued. At the end of the meeting Clarissa and 15 other attendees decided to stick around the HCDEC to knock on doors around the neighborhood and to register new voters at a couple of local parks. They decided that today is the day.

There's plenty of today left. Find the next Unite for Change event nearest you.