Lucas For Obama

What Did You Expect?

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:51:24 EST

What would a coming together of Obama volunteers, organizers and other supporters be without some action? This afternoon, the group of hundreds of engaged citizens who attended the Legacy Conference in Chicago this weekend took time out to call over a thousand people who have signed up to host Change Is Coming House Meetings next weekend.

Everyone here was fired up and ready to get back to work. People were anxious to take action after the relative rest since the election. The energy was electric. People were hungry. And the same could be said about the people we spoke to all across America.

If you're hungry to get back to work for the change we need, sign up to host or attend a Change Is Coming House Meeting. Stay involved. This is still our moment. And this is most definitely our time. Let's get to work.

Welcome to the Organizing For Change Blog

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:48:09 EST

Soon we'll be posting info about the Organizing For Change Legacy Conference. Check back for updates.

Thank you Ohio

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:26:50 EST

Thank you for all you do.

Jay-Z, Mary J, Diddy, and Beyonce Want You to VOTE!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 17:04:10 EST

Last night, Jay-Z joined Sean "Diddy" Combs, Mary J. Blige, Kevin Lyles, and Beyoncé for a rally in Columbus, to Get Out The Vote. A crowd of over 6,000 people came to listen as these Hip Hop and R&B luminaries dropped some serious knowledge about what this election is about.

After Mary J. Blige spoke from the heart about how important she thinks it is for everyone to let their voices be heard, Diddy spoke about what this historic election means to him:

When I was in third grade they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up, and I said 'a garbage man.' The truth was that I wanted to be the President, but I was embarassed to admit it because I knew no one would take me seriously. But after tomorrow, my sons won't need to feel embarrassed because they can truly be anything they want, after we elect Barack Obama!

When Jay-Z spoke, he talked about how it was important to him to get deeply involved:

It's not enough for me just to say 'Go vote.' It's too important.

On that note, last week Jay-Z performed a free concert (hosted by Lebron James) for Obama supporters at the Q Center in Cleveland. Here's a short video from that night. He certainly made clear his commitment to fighting for the change we need.

There is less than an hour left to make it to the polls. This is the last call for change. Find your polling place at voteforchange.com. If you've already voted, please volunteer to lend a hand.

10 Million

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:00:50 EST

Toward the end of October, the Obama campaign surpassed yet another remarkable milestone: the 10 millionth conversation. In Whitehall, Ohio, an active supporter named Johnny knocked on the door of a registered Republican (and Obama supporter) named Jason. It was just one of millions of conversations like it, but we thought it was worth taking note.

It's thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers like Johnny that Barack's message of change has spread so far and wide. This movement has always grown from the ground up, with ordinary Americans working together to do extraordinary things.

After you vote, you too can volunteer to help elect Barack Obama. There is no time to wait. There is one day until the polls close. Take action today.

Hope In The Heartland

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 00:35:54 EDT

Wednesday night's program, called "American Stories, American Solutions," introduced viewers to a few citizens of the country with uniquely American personal narratives, and uniquely American struggles. These are the people who make this country great, but also the people who need Barack the most. Eight years has been tough on them.

In Ohio, the campaign recently released a podcast, "Hope in the Heartland," that profiles characters and stories just like these... but straight from the Buckeye State. The first episode is about Jason, whose had his share of struggles too. The son a single mom, family tragedy, and poverty underscore just some of what he's been through. Listen to the podcast below on the page, or download it to listen on your own mp3 player.

For more information, visit the podcast's homepage at http://OH.BarackObama.com/HopePodcast

Download this episode to play it in your iTunes, or any other mp3 player, by clicking the button above, or by RIGHT CLICKING HERE and selecting "Save Link As".

We hope you enjoy, and if you do, please visit the podcast homepage to share it with your friends!

A Haunted Halloweeeeeen!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:01:01 EDT

Don't be tricked! Be a treat!

A Message from Michelle Obama

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:42:15 EDT

This past Friday, Michelle Obama was here in Ohio. While she was here she took the time to record a special message to all Ohioans about the importance of voting early. Check out the video, then look up your early vote location below.

VOTE TODAY. Then sign up to help GET OUT THE VOTE.

One Week: Barack Obama's Closing Argument

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:45:42 EDT

Today in Canton, Barack Obama delivered this landmark speech to nearly 5,000 energized supporters.

Read Barack's full remarks, as prepared for delivery...

Did you attend the speech today? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Click here to GET TO WORK.

Back at the office in Canton

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:38:21 EDT

Just an hour after Barack Obama finished making his Closing Argument to a crowd of nearly 5,000 people at the Canton Civic Center, the local Campaign for Change office a mile away was buzzing with volunteers. Many had heeded Barack Obama's advice when he spoke about the work to be done with one week left:

Don’t believe for a second this election is over. Don’t think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in this last week, because it does.

Jeff, an active volunteer wearing a red shirt with YES WE CAN written in big gold letters, talked about what this election means here in Canton.

This area's like Youngstown and a lot of places around here. You could say we're economically depressed... so people here are looking for change.

Jeff has been an active volunteer in Democratic campaigns since Bill Clinton first ran for President.

I volunteered for Clinton and Kerry. (Gore didn't have an office in Stark County.) I haven't seen this kind of excitement about an election since 1992.

Morgan, a local field organizer, had the honor of firing up the crowd today (along with a field organizer named Chris, out of Alliance). Unaccustomed to speaking in front of such a large crowd, she was a little nervous at the beginning.

I've never spoken in front of that many people, and I looked at that big empty room and it was enormous. But then some of my volunteers started to show up. And I saw some of my NTLs. And then local union members and organizers kept filling in and I got less and less nervous. I looked around the room and thought, 'I know most of these people... I've seen them volunteering in our offices, or canvassing.' And then I realized it was just like a really big house meeting. These people were already excited about Barack Obama, and I just needed to ask them to get more involved. And then it was fun.

Morgan has been working here since early August, and been inspired repeatedly seeing volunteers working alongside members of the Canton community who they might not otherwise ever have met.

I was canvassing and I met a young man named Kenny, who lives in Highland Park (a low income housing project), and tried to get him to register to vote. He was extremely resistant because he has been disenfranchised for so long. I talked to him for a half hour before he finally agreed to register just to get me to leave him alone. As he signed up, he said 'you just want to get your fifteen dollars.' And I said 'No, I don't get paid... I'm here because of you. I'm here because of Barack Obama.' I didn't expect to hear from Kenny, but then we had an early vote event and he was the very first person there! And after he voted, he went with us to round up his friends and he made them go vote, too. He's come into the office to canvass several times. He realizes he's being empowered and he's answered the call.

Barack Obama summed up the feeling here in the Canton office very well, as he closed his speech:

That’s what’s at stake. That’s what we’re fighting for. And if in this last week, you will knock on some doors for me, and make some calls for me, and talk to your neighbors, and convince your friends; if you will stand with me, and fight with me, and give me your vote, then I promise you this – we will not just win Ohio, we will not just win this election, but together, we will change this country and we will change the world. Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America. Now let's get to work.

Let's all get to work. There is one week left.

You can:

Canton is Fired UP!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:18:16 EDT

The air outside is bitter cold today in Canton, but the crowd in line to see Barack Obama give his closing argument is too fired up to notice. The energy is palpable, with supporters breaking into spontaneous song and cheers.

After the invocation, the Pledge of Allegience, and a powerfully beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, the crowd took to its feet doing the wave and repeated rounds of "O-H! I-O! Fired up! Ready to go!" Two local Campaign For Change Field Organizers, Morgan and Chris made a passionate pitch reminding everyone that there are only 8 days left to make history in this election.

The live stream of the speech has finished, but stay tuned for the complete speech to be posted on this site.

While you wait, why don't you go VOTE EARLY. Or SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER. Or call five friends and tell them to vote. Like Senator Obama said, it's up to all of us to work in these last days for the change we need.

Here's some of what Senator Obama had to say today:

In one week, you can turn the page on policies that have put the greed and irresponsibility of Wall Street before the hard work and sacrifice of folks on Main Street.

In one week, you can choose policies that invest in our middle-class, create new jobs, and grow this economy from the bottom-up so that everyone has a chance to succeed; from the CEO to the secretary and the janitor; from the factory owner to the men and women who work on its floor.

In one week, you can put an end to the politics that would divide a nation just to win an election; that tries to pit region against region, city against town, Republican against Democrat; that asks us to fear at a time when we need hope.

In one week, at this defining moment in history, you can give this country the change we need.

...At a moment like this, the last thing we can afford is four more years of the tired, old theory that says we should give more to billionaires and big corporations and hope that prosperity trickles down to everyone else. The last thing we can afford is four more years where no one in Washington is watching anyone on Wall Street because politicians and lobbyists killed common-sense regulations. Those are the theories that got us into this mess. They haven’t worked, and it’s time for change. That’s why I’m running for President of the United States.

Now, Senator McCain has served this country honorably. And he can point to a few moments over the past eight years where he has broken from George Bush – on torture, for example. He deserves credit for that. But when it comes to the economy – when it comes to the central issue of this election – the plain truth is that John McCain has stood with this President every step of the way. Voting for the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy that he once opposed. Voting for the Bush budgets that spent us into debt. Calling for less regulation twenty-one times just this year. Those are the facts.

And now, after twenty-one months and three debates, Senator McCain still has not been able to tell the American people a single major thing he’d do differently from George Bush when it comes to the economy. Senator McCain says that we can’t spend the next four years waiting for our luck to change, but you understand that the biggest gamble we can take is embracing the same old Bush-McCain policies that have failed us for the last eight years.

It’s not change when John McCain wants to give a $700,000 tax cut to the average Fortune 500 CEO. It’s not change when he wants to give $200 billion to the biggest corporations or $4 billion to the oil companies or $300 billion to the same Wall Street banks that got us into this mess. It’s not change when he comes up with a tax plan that doesn’t give a penny of relief to more than 100 million middle-class Americans. That’s not change.

...The question in this election is not “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” We know the answer to that. The real question is, “Will this country be better off four years from now?”

Read Barack's full remarks, as prepared for delivery...

We're In It Together

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:57:03 EDT

A few weeks back, more than fifty members of the Weinland Park community in Columbus came together to paint a mural about hope. This video depicts the painting of that mural, and offers some thoughts from Barack Obama about poverty, urban issues, and American culture.

The quote on the mural is from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and reads:

If you lose hope you lose the vitality that keeps life moving... you lose the courage to be... that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.

Click here to read Barack's Plan to Stimulate Urban Prosperity.

Barack Debates Tonight

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:45:58 EDT

Tonight, Barack Obama will take on John McCain in the third and final Presidential Debate of the campaign. Tune in to watch at 9pm. He spent the last few days in the Toledo area preparing for tonight, and is fired up and ready to go.

Here are some pictures from Barack's debate preparation today.

Afterward-- or even during the debate-- feel free to use the comments section below to tell us what you think about it.

Joe Biden - Rallying For Change in Ohio

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:20:57 EDT

Today Joe Biden wrapped up a tour all across the Buckeye State-- from Warren to St. Clairsville, from Marietta to Athens, and Lancaster to Newark. He's been speaking to Ohioans about the plan he and Barack Obama have to add new jobs across the country, turn the economy around and deliver the real change to Washington that voters want.

Did you attend a rally yesterday or today? Tell us about it in the comments section below, or send us your pictures HERE.

Have you voted yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Find your Early Vote location and VOTE TODAY!

If you've already voted, please make sure all your friends and family have voted, too. Barack Obama is counting on all of us to work for the Change We Need.

You can sign up to attend an event with President Bill Clinton in Cleveland, or with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in Youngstown or Delaware. An RSVP is not required, but is strongly encouraged.

Barack Obama - Live in Portsmouth

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:18:44 EDT

Barack Obama's American Jobs Tour has taken him to Dayton and Cincinnati already today, and the night will finish with a rally in Portsmouth. Near the Southern tip of Ohio, Portsmouth is a community looking for exactly the kind of change that Barack Obama and Joe Biden offer.

Watch Barack in Portsmouth, beginning shortly.

Tomorrow, Barack's tour will continue to Chillicothe and Columbus. Click the buttons on the right, to sign up to attend those events.

Did you attend an American Jobs Tour rally today? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

And if you haven't voted yet, what are you waiting for? Vote Early. Click here to find your Early Vote location.

Barack Obama - Live in Dayton

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:03:21 EDT

UPDATE: This live stream has finished, but check back tonight between 7:30 and 8 to watch a live stream of Barack's rally in Portsmouth.

***********

Watch Barack, speaking live in Dayton.

Today and tomorrow, Barack is doing an American Jobs Tour through Southern and Central Ohio, with stops in Dayton, Cincinnati, Portsmouth, Chillicothe, and Columbus. Click one of the buttons at the right, to see Barack in person when he comes to a town near you.

Barack Obama Returns to Ohio

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:22:23 EDT

Fresh from a resounding victory in last night's second Presidential Debate, Barack Obama will be coming back to the Buckeye State on Thursday and Friday to kick-off a two-day “American Jobs Tour” through Southern and Central Ohio.

The bus trip will visit Dayton, Cincinnati and Portsmouth on Thursday and Chillicothe and Columbus on Friday. At each event, Barack will continue to highlight his plan to add new jobs to Ohio and the country and bring the change we need to Washington.

DAYTON
Fifth Third Field
Home of the Dayton Dragons
220 North Patterson Blvd.
Dayton, OH

Thursday, October 9th
Doors Open: 9:00 a.m.
Program Begins: 11:20 a.m.
To RSVP for Dayton, click HERE

CINCINNATI

Ault Park Pavilion
5090 Observatory Circle
Cincinnati, OH
Thursday, October 9th
Doors Open: 1:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 3:00 p.m.
To RSVP for Cincinnati, click HERE

PORTSMOUTH
Alumni Green
Shawnee State University
940 Second Street
Portsmouth, OH

Thursday, October 9th
Gates Open: 5:30 p.m.
Program Begins: 7:30 p.m.
To RSVP for Portsmouth, click HERE.

CHILLICOTHE
Ross County Courthouse
2 North Paint Street
Chillicothe, OH

Public entrance: Intersection of Paint Street and 2nd Street

Friday, October 10th
Doors Open: 8:00 a.m.
Program Begins: 10:00 a.m.
To RSVP for Chillicothe, click HERE.

COLUMBUS
Genoa Park
303 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH

Friday, October 10th
Gates Open: 11:00 a.m.
To RSVP for Columbus, click HERE.

All of these events are free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however, an RSVP is strongly encouraged.

Rural Ohio: Sorghum Fair

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:43:17 EDT

This past weekend Tod, one of our friends from Appalachia, attended the Sorghum Festival in Scioto County. He sent us this picture and told us all about it.

John Roger Simon's Sorghum Festival must rank as one of the most relaxed and casual annual events held in the state. This was the 27th year that John has hosted this event on his family's century farm just a mile off of SR 73, on the first weekend of October. Local history buffs will recognize the area as the former village of French, Ohio. The main purpose of the Sorghum Festival is to promote the growing of sorghum and its production into molasses. In addition to keeping these traditional farming techniques alive, the festival helps to promote many other Appalachian arts and crafts. Due to John Simon's generous nature, entrance to the festival is free.

True to any traditional Appalachian gathering, Old Time and Bluegrass music could be found in many locations around the fair grounds. It is typical for traditional musicians to gather in multiple locations to jam with each other. One group will congregate in the main barn, while another clusters around the soap making booth with yet another under the woodcarvers tent. A number of other vendors could be found in this old fashioned fair with beeswax candles, apple butter or traditional candies. A covered wagon pulled by a team of draft horses gave delighted children rides through the fields.

Politicking is as traditional an activity in an old fashioned Appalachian fair as fiddle playing. We are lucky to have a supporter like John, and our booth was right in the middle of the action. The tent was staffed by the hardworking volunteers who keep the Scioto County Democratic Party strong. We were thrilled to have so many supporters who requested yard signs, buttons and bumper stickers. The “Obama – Yeah Buddy!” buttons were naturally a big hit but folks were even purchasing the larger Obama – Biden buttons for $2. Given the current economic situation, a willingness to part with two bucks to show one's support for Senator Obama speaks volumes.

To find other supporters in your area, please visit your local Campaign for Change Field Office.

Russell Simmons and Lebron James: Please Vote

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:18:49 EDT

Today is the last day to register to vote.

Saturday in Free Stamp Park on a crisp fall afternoon in downtown Cleveland, an enormous group of Obama supporters came out to celebrate and register to vote. We put together this video of Russell Simmons and Lebron James telling folks there how they felt about it.

There were a variety of other great speakers at the event, including former Cleveland Brown Pro-Bowler Willie McGinest, and Cuyahoga County Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones, who said:

This is our time to make history... if you know somebody that's not voting, you've got to take them with you to the polls -- whether it's family, friends, or neighbors... You've heard of No Child Left Behind? Well, this is No Voter Left Behind!

The message was clear to all who attended: REGISTER BY MONDAY. Today is the last day to register. If you don't register, you cannot vote for change.

Register today. We can't afford to be silent. Not this time. This time it's too important.

Kerry Washington Wants You to Register to Vote

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:02:19 EDT

This video speaks for itself. Or at least actress Kerry Washington, when she was visiting Dayton a few weeks back, spoke very plainly about what she thought we all should do. She was attending the Battle of the Greeks Step Dancing Competition, and her message was very well received.

She told everyone to register to vote.

Register to vote.

You cannot vote in this election if you don't register first. Today is the last day to register. Today you can register and Vote Early for Barack all in one stop. But after today, if you haven't registered you will have missed your chance to let your voice be heard in this historic election.

Don't wait. Kerry Washington is counting on you. And so is America.

Think about what that could do

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:52:33 EDT

This video was recorded in Michigan, but the message could just as easily be applied right here in Ohio.

Here's what Barack said:

If every single one of you go out and find one more person, or two more people to register... think about what that could do. That could be the difference maker...

Now take that idea and apply it to Ohio's incredibly easy, highly successful One-Stop Registering and Early Voting this year. What if when you went to register and vote you brought one more person, or two more people? What if you brought your whole family? Or some of your classmates? What if you took it upon yourself to make sure that everyone you work with got registered by October 6th, and voted while they were at it? What if you told everyone you know? Think about what that could do. That could be the difference-maker right here in Ohio. You could be the difference-maker.

Register today.

Vote today.

All in ONE STOP.

And spread the word...

Today Is Election Day

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:24:09 EDT

Today is election day.

And so is tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day. And the day after that. And the day after that... And every day for the next 35 days.

What we're getting at is this: GO VOTE! You can vote right now. All across the Buckeye State, people are already out there voting for change, and you can too. This is the most important election in a generation, and it is up to all of us to get out there and let our voices be heard.

Not registered? Go to VOTEFORCHANGE.COM. You still have a week left. The deadline to register is October 6. But don't wait. The time for change is now.

Once you've voted, you can still do more. You can knock on doors, make phone calls, volunteer, or head on into your local Campaign for Change Field Office, roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Change is coming to Ohio, and to America. Go out to your polling place and demand it.

Did you vote today? Click here to tell us how it went.

Weinland Park - A Community Stands Up

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:42:21 EDT

Today in Weinland Park, the community came together to celebrate the unveiling of a great work. Over the last week or so, upwards of fifty people took part in painting a mural about hope, and under the clear blue sky of a beautiful fall afternoon it was a stunning spectacle.

Julius, a Weinland park native, spearheaded the mural project with partners Sam and Loring. They started the project Tuesday night. They cleaned the wall, sketched out the original design, and with the help of a diverse and ever-growing group of local community members they painted it. Julius said it felt pretty good.

It felt good to see everyone coming together on a positive note. This neighborhood is known for a lot of negativity, a lot of crime, violence, gangs, drugs, you name it... especially in the media... so it's good to see the original residents coming together to do something positive, to show the rest of the city that this neighborhood is not all bad.

Max Kennedy, who has been campaigning around the Buckeye State this week, came to honor the work the community has done. He spoke to a receptive crowd about the importance of the work they'd done and about the change we all need. And his interpretation of the mural was insightful:

When you look Barack Obama in the eye, and when you see this symbol of Senator Obama, he is a person who will not move. He stands for what he believes in.

Communities like Weinland Park are ready for change. And Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plan for Urban Prosperity is exactly the kind of change they need. You can read the full plan HERE.

But beyond the policies Barack Obama has in mind for Urban America, the work of creating this mural is exactly what this movement has always been about. Communities coming together, working side by side to make things better. Julius explains it well.

The importance of a mural like this is to give hope to the future generations, to the community, to the young people, to the downtrodden people. There's a lot of people in our society, and in this neighborhood, that don't feel like they're connected or part of mainstream America... So this is an opportunity to give people-- the common people-- a chance to feel like they're part of it. To revitalize the American spirit. To help them understand, "This is your country."

Takin' it to the streets!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:37:19 EDT

In less than 48 hours, the polls will open for Early Voting and you can vote for Barack Obama in Ohio. After twenty months of showing our support, and sharing our stories, and joining together to build this movement from the grassroots up, we will all finally have the chance to use our ballots to demand the change we need.

And 37 days from now when the polls close there will be no question that change has come to America.

But right now, there is still work to be done.

Right now, all over the Buckeye State, people just like you are out there knocking on doors, making phone calls and taking action to do everthing they can to insure we elect Barack Obama. You can too.

Follow these links to:

And you need to be registered to vote. Go to VOTEFORCHANGE.COM to register, to find out if you're registered, or to find out where you can VOTE EARLY.

It is up to all of us to make sure that we have done all we can to take us all the way to the White House. Make sure all your friends are registered, too. The last day to register is October 6. But don't wait.

Because if you're registered... you can vote starting in less than 48 hours.

The Buckeye State Watches the Debate

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:48:21 EDT

Tonight at long last, the first Presidential Debate is here. And all across Ohio, from Akron to Chillicothe, from Barberton to Findlay, to Alliance, to Defiance, to Xenia, to Zanesville, supporters of Barack Obama and Joe Biden came out to watch the debate and make phone calls.

Here in Worthington, the Campaign for Change office was buzzing hours before the debate even began. Dozens of supporters came out early, to call their neighbors and spread the word about Barack Obama's plan for change.

We spoke with local supporter Richard, who has lived here for over twenty years. A Neighborhood Team Leader, Richard is no stranger to the North Columbus office. He's excited about what he's been seeing lately.

I've been volunteering like this since 2000. In 2004, there was an undercurrent of excitement. But now... it's flowing in people's blood. People are looking for change!

Richard was first politically active in the sixties, when he lived in Southern Ohio. He was part of the anti-war movement then, and feels a similar sense of urgency now. "I'm tired of the body bags," he said. Tonight, he is interested to hear the two candidates go into some foreign policy specifics...

I'm an engineer, so I like the details.

The community in Worthington is close-knit. Richard is a natural Neighborhood Team Leader, because the community in his neighborhood is already highly involved.

There are a group of 25 or 30 of us. Everybody knows everybody's business. Most of us are Democrats, but there are a few Republicans. Not too long ago, one of the people in our neighborhood put a McCain yard sign out in front of his house. It lasted about four days, and then he took it down. We talked to him and we convinced him... Now he wants an Obama yard sign.

Take a look at the pictures above, and you'll notice another Ohioan who is no stranger to Campaign for Change offices all over the state. About an hour before the debate started, Governor Ted Strickland stopped by to encourage everybody. After being introduced by a local volunteer who is also a member of the Ohio National Guard, Governor Strickland gave a great pep talk to all the hardworking volunteers. He was brief but full of passion, and fired up as could be about Barack Obama and the Campaign for Change. Moments after he left, everyone returned to making calls with a renewed vigor, and someone shouted excitedly:

Back to work!

The debate and what's next

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:04:05 EDT

Dear Lucas,

Barack is moving ahead with plans for Friday's debate.

The election is less than 40 days away, and the American people deserve to hear directly from the candidates about how they intend to lead our country.

You're invited to join a Debate Watch Party in your community and discuss the issues that are most important to you and your family, friends, and neighbors.

Find a Debate Watch Party in your area and RSVP today.

These parties will allow you to to get to know folks in your community and continue building this campaign from the bottom up, by reaching out to even more supporters using our Neighbor to Neighbor tool.

If you can't attend a party, you can still use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool to reach out to swing voters in your community who need to hear from you.

It's an extremely powerful way to build support for Barack.

Whether you can attend a Debate Watch Party or not, it's a great way to connect with fellow voters.

Get your list of potential supporters right now and start knocking on doors or making phone calls today.

Neighbor to Neighbor gives you everything you need to get started.

As Barack prepares for the presidential debate, we'll be preparing, too -- by laying the groundwork for victory on Election Day.

Let's get to work.

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

A Stronger Economy

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:44:08 EDT

Today, the Obama Biden campaign started airing a new ad. It's not like a lot of campaign ads. This ad is simply Barack Obama talking to the American people about what he will do as President to create jobs, put the middle class first, and get our economy back on track. You can read his plan HERE.

If the economy has affected you personally and you're looking for change, tell us about it in the comments section below.

Barns for Obama in Wayne County

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:20:03 EDT

When you first come over a certain hill on Emerson Road, in Apple Creek, about ten minutes outside of Wooster, you'll see the kind of beautiful countryside that makes rural Ohio so breathtaking. Green hills, cornfields, barns, and homes. But as you continue along the road, you'll realize that one of the barns-- not the red one on the right with the silo and the long white fence, but the white one on the left with the two-tone Dodge pickup parked next to it-- has something new.

The barn has been here for years. In fact, four generations of Emersons (like the road) have been raised here. Brandon (son of John, grandson of Clifford, who were both County Commisioners here in Wayne County) joined Barns for Obama, because he is ready for change in rural Ohio.

"Imagine a country..."

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:20:31 EDT

On a clear, beautiful day, under a great blue cloudless sky, the people of Wooster came together to welcome Joe Biden back to Ohio. The event, on the College of Wooster campus, was full of energy, and crowded as could be— more than 4,000 people showed up to hear what Joe had to say.

Joe delivered a great speech about where things are at in Ohio, and in America, and called us all to take action. But first he asked us all to use our imagination.

Imagine a country that, once again, is the most respected country in all the world, imagine a country where we lead, where we lead by the power of our example and not by the example of our power... You know, I truly believe Barack Obama has the opportunity, the opportunity to be the bridge between what we can imagine and what we can achieve.

Thursday, Joe will hold rallies in Canton and Youngstown. Did you attend tonight's event? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

What You Can Do With A Weed-Whacker (and a little inspiration!)

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:10:45 EDT

In honor of Rural Issues Week, this story comes from one of our field organizers in Southeastern Ohio!

This past weekend, while local supporters Robin and Martie were out knocking doors in Woodsfield, their husbands collaborated on a project of their own. Putting in a total of 10 hours, Joe and Bob cleared the brush and mowed the field facing State Route 800 just south of town. Left behind, written in the tall grass? Their endorsement of the presidential candidate who will deliver the change we need and deserve: OBAMA 08. Their new "yard sign" has already generated quite the buzz in Monroe County!

Have you seen or found unusual ways to show support for Barack Obama? Click to SHARE YOUR STORY with us. And if you'd like to go knock doors for Barack Obama (and see what your family does while you're gone), click here.

I've Got a Bridge...

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:42:56 EDT

Today Barack Obama was in Grand Junction, Colorado. What he said about the state of the election was so on point, we wanted to make sure everybody in Ohio saw it, too.

Barack's speech was funny at times, but he spoke about the serious challenges we face. He spoke about the direction he and Joe Biden want to take this country in, and how important it is we move away from the policies of the past 8 years. We can't afford more of the same.

"Instead of borrowing my lines... he needs to borrow some of our ideas!"

Whether in Colorado or Columbus, in Grand Junction or Gallipolis, from the time this campaign began till now, Barack Obama has always been fighting for the change we need.

Napolitano and Sebelius Kick It Off Like Ryan Pretorius

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:47:11 EDT

Early this morning, an enormous crowd turned up to welcome Governors Kathleen Sebelius and Janet Napolitano to the North Columbus Campaign for Change Headquarters. There were so many enthusiastic supporters, in fact, that another fifty people overflowed out into the parking lot. But everybody was glad they came.

After a solid field pitch (text OH to 62262, volunteer, sign a supporter card, etc) from local Field Organizers, Governors Napolitano and Sebelius, of Arizona and Kansas respectively, really got everybody fired up. Hours before the kickoff of the OSU game tonight, they kicked off the weekend's canvassing like pros. They thanked everyone for coming, on a game day no less, and highlighted the importance of volunteering and canvassing, and how there is nothing more powerful than neighbors talking to neighbors about why Barack Obama is right for Ohio.

Afterward, everyone took to the streets to talk to other local Buckeyes about Barack Obama and Joe Biden and the change Ohio needs. Later, the Governors went on to economic town hall events where they met with voters to talk about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's plan to create jobs and get the economy back on track here in Ohio.

All weekend, and for the next 51 days there will be door-to-door canvassing events happening all over the Buckeye State. To find one near you this weekend, click HERE.

Go Bucks!

You Can't Spell Joe Biden without J-O-B

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:52:07 EDT

Yesterday Joe Biden was in Kalispell, Montana, where he conducted a roundtable discussion in the Flathead High School gym. And while Montana is five states and about 1500 miles away, he might as well have been talking to folks right here in Ohio.

Joe spoke about Barack Obama’s genuine success in uniting all kinds of people, and his ability to reach across the Senate aisle to collaborate with both Democrats and Republicans. He asked the audience where McCain-Palin differ from George W. Bush on the big-ticket items such as health care, energy, raising the minimum wage, or funding for college, challenging the idea that either of them were true agents of change.

And in perhaps the most moving part of what Joe had to say, he talked about jobs and what they really mean to Americans. Check out the video and think about the sort of good that Barack and Joe's ideas would do in Ohio.

Joe will be back in Ohio soon, so keep an eye on this website to find out when. Or to look for other events near you, click HERE.

Allen County's Got Another Barn For Obama!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:02:02 EDT

Well the BARNS for OBAMA program is really kicking into gear. Another barn has been emblazoned with the symbol of support for change in rural Ohio. It's great timing, since this week saw Barack Obama and Governor Strickland both traveling around rural Ohio talking about Barack's plan to support rural communities.

Our Deputy Rural Vote Director, Katharine Ferguson, was in Spencerville last night for the barn painting picnic, and told us all about it:

There is a new landmark on State Route 66: a barn painted in support of Barack Obama. Route 66 in Allen County looks a lot like Route 66 in Auglaize, or any of many areas around the Buckeye State—corn and beans with cozy homes and sturdy barns tucked alongside a grove of trees. That is until a familiar red, white and blue emblem rises above the horizon like the sun. And then, there is no missing it: Allen County is ready for change in rural Ohio.

The Krendl Dardio Family have been strong Obama supporters from day one. For months they had a home-made sign strung on their fence that read “Ohio needs Obama. Obama needs Ohio.” Inspired by the Trumbull county barn painting and the video of that project, they took matters into their own hands: they resolved to paint their own barn.

With the help of another Obama supporter with experience working on large-scale art, the Krendl Dardio Family has harnessed the enthusiasm, good will, and energy of family, friends, and community members and painted their barn.

Either because it was covered by the local media or just because word spreads quickly in Allen County they've noticed a marked increase in traffic over the past couple of days.

This evening 50 people gathered there for a community picnic— and to help complete the county’s first barn painting in support of Barack Obama. Picnic goers were treated to a delicious home-made dinner (pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, garden tomatoes and peach cobbler!) and heard from Larry Walsh, long time friend and Illinois State Senate colleague of Barack's.

As we sat under red, white, and blue tents eating, talking, and sharing our stories we were occasionally interrupted by the honk of a horn, as cars and trucks passed by the barn. Few things are certain in rural Ohio—weather, crops, jobs and politics change. Tonight, as the sun sets one thing is certain: a beacon of Allen County’s support for Barack Obama will remain long past Election Day.

This weekend, Obama supporters will be fanning out in rural areas and everywhere else across the Buckeye State to contact voters and build the movement for change. FIND an event near you.

A New Day in New Philadelphia

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:07:51 EDT

It's not often that a Democratic Presidential candidate makes it out to New Philadelphia, according to local supporters. But this election is different. The Campaign for Change is reaching out to people in every corner of Ohio, to spread the word about Barack Obama.

Here at Kent State University Tuscarawas, on a clear sunny day, Barack spoke with locals about his economic plan to support working women, which as he put it, "is really an economic plan to support working families."

The topics Barack spoke about, and covered during a question and answer session, ranged from job creation to healthcare to new energy policies for Ohio and all of America. The capacity crowd was engaged and tuned in, both offering and seeking solutions to help Ohio. One of the ideas Barack offered was simple:

I want to make sure that our daughters have the same opportunities to make a decent living as our sons.

We spoke afterward with Gabrielle, the 24-year old English major here at Kent State Tuscarawas who introduced Barack today. A single mother, working a minimum wage job at a local bakery, she is all too familiar with the economic challenges facing women in America.

I'm excited to have a candidate who recognizes someone like me... who really gets it. I first heard of Barack Obama during the primaries, and I was excited about the momentum surrounding him, and to see people putting aside their old ideas and hearing what he had to say. Today I was blown away.

To download Barack Obama's plan for working women and families, click HERE.

Governor Strickland Has 'em Fired Up in Gallia County

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:31:08 EDT

This afternoon, Governor Ted Strickland held a Town Hall at the Gallia County Senior Center, in Gallipolis, to talk about how critical this election is for Southeastern Ohio. Even though it was the middle of a workday, more than 60 people came out to hear what he had to say about Barack Obama and Joe Biden and the change Ohio needs.

Governor Strickland said that Barack Obama and Joe Biden know and care about— and have an excellent plan to help— rural Ohio. He commended how they'll fight to give our returning hereos the support they deserve. And he called for members of the community to get involved in reaching out to their neighbors here in the Buckeye State.

Seth, a local CAMPAIGN for CHANGE Field Organizer, told us what it meant to have Governor Strickland talk about how Senator Obama and Senator Biden are right for all of Ohio:

To have 65 people turn out to a Town Hall in the middle of the day in Gallia— where many people work two or even three jobs— is amazing. It just serves to highlight the desire for change here in Gallia county. Hearing Ted give a fiery speech about how only Barack Obama and Joe Biden can deliver the change we need here in Appalachia really fired everyone up. Gallia County is Fired Up and Ready to Go!

To find an event near you, click HERE.

"The relationships that we have with one another - that is our strength"

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:13:59 EDT

From the HQ blog...

Over the past 17 months, millions of Americans from every corner of this country have taken part in the political process and built an unprecedented movement for change. We asked you to send in your own photos of standing up for hope and change, and thousands of you responded. This video, featuring footage and photos from supporters across the country, documents this grassroots movement and the supporters who truly are the backbone of this campaign.
This video is about you. Watch your story here:

This movement is about you. SHARE your STORY Send us photos or videos and tell us about your part in this movement, HERE.

A Labor Day Message from Barack

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:57:30 EDT

Earlier in the week, Barack recorded this special Labor Day message...

Turning Monroe County BLUE

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:54:27 EDT

This weekend there was a great event in Monroe County. Doug O'Brien, the CAMPAIGN for CHANGE Rural Vote Director, told us all about it:

I just got back from the Monroe Democratic Picnic. Such a great event. Nearly 200 Democrats gathered at the Union Hall in Clarington to have great grilled burgers, sweet corn, and a piece from the cake decorated with a Donkey stepping on an elephant. Herman Zerger - the longest serving county Chairman, WWII veteran, and icon in Ohio Democratic politics - presided over ceremonies that featured Congressman Charlie Wilson, who gave a great speech about how important it is for Democrats to be successful this fall, and that the Democratic Congress have Barack to work with to try to right some of the wrongs of the current administration. Representative Jennifer Garrison gave a great speech about how she has been able to work with Governor Strickland to pass some policy that makes sense for Monroe County, and how excited she is that Dems are going to take the House this fall in Columbus.

I had a great conversation with a long-time Mineworker organizer who talked about how he could feel a “fresh breeze” coming over the country, and how Obama is the right person for the right time.

This county with not a lot of people, but a whole lot of heart, has been blue for years, even while some of its neighbors have turned pink or even red. I asked a friend why, and he made a sweeping gesture to the 200 or so people in the room. It was heartening. When Democrats organize and work hard, we win.

So many fantastic events happening all over the Buckeye State these days... To find one near you, click HERE.

Were you at the Monroe County Democratic Picnic? Tell us all about it in the comments section, or send us your photos HERE.

Flag City Is Ready For Change

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:54:06 EDT

Yesterday there was a big Office Opening in Findlay. Our Regional Field Director, Adrienne, told us all about it:

Earlier this summer, the Washington Post told the story of a small town in Northwestern Ohio known affectionately as Flag City. The article spun the tale of a deep red community where smears and internet rumors had stunted the Obama campaign's grassroots efforts. But yesterday, the Grand Opening of the local Campaign For Change Headquarters told a different story . . .
Over 100 people came out to celebrate the opening of the Campaign for Change office in downtown Findlay. There was birthday cake and BBQ, live music and entertainment. People stopped inside the busy office to take pictures with a life-size Barack Obama cut-out and to mix-and-mingle with other local supporters. Then everyone headed out to the patio to hear a group of fantastic speakers.

Local speakers included Tamara, an artist and avid Obama supporter, Jeff, the President of the local Letter Carriers Union, as well as John and his son Stephen (an intern in the Findlay office). There were also two campaign staffers who spoke, Ohio Campaign General Election director, Jeremy Bird, and Hancock County Organizer, Carl Kriss. The crowd attracted passers-by who stopped to listen to the speakers and participate in the festivities.

All afternoon, the town was abuzz with the sound of honking horns as Obama supporters drove past the event and took the opportunity to tell the world that Findlay... is nothing less than FIRED-UP!!

Did you attend the Findlay CAMPAIGN for CHANGE office opening? Tell us about it in the comments below.

To find an event near you, click HERE.

Be the first to know!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:12:50 EDT

This is one of those great moments when it's obvious how different this campaign is. We're trying things that have never been done before. Check out this email from David Plouffe:

Dear Lucas --

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

Don't miss this GREAT opportunity to be the first to know: Text VP to 62262 right now, or sign up here.

Then tell all your friends!

Portage County Is Taking Action

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 19:10:50 EDT

This morning at noon, more than 50 people came out for a meeting at the Skeels Community Center in Ravenna. An avid local Obama supporter named Marie hosted the event, and it was a great success.

After everyone enjoyed the great cooking (especially the Mac & Cheese), discussion turned to local problems that need national action. Many weighed in on the difficult economic conditions in Portage County that are repeated across the country, and others talked about the need for real solutions for our educational problems.

Finally, local Campaign For Change Field Organizers Yasmin and Jamil talked about how we can take local action for Senator Obama to ensure victory in November.

Events like this are happening all over the Buckeye State. Click HERE to find one near you.

Write a Letter to the Editor!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:36:58 EDT

Last night Aaron Pickrell, the State Director of Obama's CAMPAIGN for CHANGE in Ohio, sent out an email about how we can all take action today to help elect Barack Obama the next President:

Dear Lucas,

Yesterday, Barack was in Ohio talking about his New Energy for America plan.

His plan will provide immediate financial relief to families by bringing down spiraling gas prices while breaking our addiction to foreign oil.

Barack showed once again that he is the only candidate who will deliver the change we need -- especially on energy and the economy.

That's why it's so important to tell your friends, family, and neighbors more about Barack -- who he is and where he stands on the issues that matter most.

You can make a difference right now by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper and sharing with your community why Barack is right on the economy, right on energy, and right for Ohio.

Make a difference and write a letter to the editor today.

John McCain is still talking about his tired gimmicks and failed ideas on energy -- like giving even more billions in tax breaks to Big Oil while working Americans pay more and more at the pump.

We can't afford four more years of the Bush-McCain policies that have been so devastating to our families and our towns in Ohio.

As president, here are just a few things Barack Obama's New Energy for America plan would do:
Give American workers a "Making Work Pay" tax credit of $1,000 per family
Enact a windfall tax on oil companies' record-breaking profits
Invest $150 billion in clean energy over 10 years
This plan would lay the foundation for our secure energy future, producing American energy and creating jobs -- right here in Ohio. But we need your help to put that plan into action.

You can have an impact right now. Write a letter to your local paper and tell them why you think we need a real energy policy with real alternatives. Our online tool makes it easier than ever to make your voice heard.

Take action now and write a letter about why Barack's New Energy for America plan is so important.

We can't do this without you.

Thank you,

Aaron

Aaron Pickrell
Ohio State Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- Looking for other ways to get involved? There will be plenty of opportunities to make an impact as Election Day approaches.

Find a Campaign for Change office near you.

To share your voice, and write a letter of your own, click HERE.

To receive emails like this, and stay up to date with the Ohio CAMPAIGN for CHANGE, sign up HERE.

Ohio Welcomes Obama

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 22:44:39 EDT

Barack was in Berea this afternoon, and Michael from HQ was there to cover it:

Just a couple hours after his event in Youngstown, Barack expanded his theme of energy independence and innovation today at the Town Hall in Berea.
Among other things, he railed against the high price of gas and the lack of movement by Washington towards renewable sources of energy. He challenged gas companies to use the land that they lease in the United States, and made clear to the Ohioans in the crowd how investment in new energy could mean jobs in the Buckeye state—using as an example a shut-down auto plant that could be re-used to make wind turbines.
As in Youngstown, Barack was introduced by Governor Ted Strickland and Senator Sherrod Brown. Gov. Strickland is someone who knows intimately what challenges face Ohio, and how Barack is the right fit to help the state overcome them. Our team caught him between events for a couple remarks:

During the Town Hall, the fiery crowd could hardly contain themselves, even as Barack was making his opening remarks. But they were also attentive and responded positively as he laid out the logic behind energy independence. The subjects of the questions asked during the Q & A were varied—everything from young single fathers to treatment for Lou Gehrig’s disease—but Barack handled each with intelligence and grace.

Check out this slideshow of pictures from the event:

Were you at the event? Tell us how it was in the comments section below!

Barack Obama - Live in Berea

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:55:43 EDT

UPDATE

The Berea town hall event is finished, and was quite a success. Great questions and great answers all around.

Did you watch or attend the event?
If so, please use the comments section below to tell us what you thought!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Today Barack is holding town halls in Youngstown and Berea to discuss his New Energy for America plan. The event in Berea is being broadcast LIVE from our website right now. Click the video to watch!

Tonight Ohio Takes the Cake!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:42:21 EDT

Well, it's pretty clear what Barack Obama and Ted Strickland must have both wished for when they blew out the candles on their birthday cakes today. All across the Buckeye State, Ohioans came out in record numbers to get involved in this movement. They came out to celebrate, and they came out to spread the message of change.

They came out in Ironton and Ashtabula, in Dayton and Defiance, from Marietta to Bowling Green, from Warren to Wilmington, from Celina to Cincinnati to Columbus to Cleveland, from Sandusky to Xenia to Zanesville. All told, more than 2000 volunteers from all over this great state came out today.

Every marker on this map represents a point where Buckeyes from every background came together to let it be known that Ohio is ready for a new chapter... to help write a new story. There isn't a better gift that we could give Barack and Ted. What a happy birthday!

Did you attend one of these events? Tell us your story, and send us your pictures. As Barack has said on many occasions, this campaign is about YOU. Click here to share your part in the story of this movement.

UPDATE: Lawrence County is off the Charts!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:21:51 EDT

When we heard the news, we had to add an update to our earlier post about the birthday event in Lawrence County. With an hour left to make calls, they had already blown past their goal of making 800 calls about Barack's message of Change!

That is how this election will be won. Through the hard work and dedication of supporters like you. Congratulations to those fine folks on the Southern border of Ohio!

Phones are ringing in Akron!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:12:34 EDT

Today in the Akron area we had 8 different phonebank locations, but none bigger than our efforts at the Regional HQ on W Market St and Merriman St. Throughout the day, well over 100 volunteers were active making thousands upon thousands of phone calls. (Stay tuned for a final count!)

Max, our regional Field Director in Summit County couldn't say enough good things:

The best part about so many voices calling in the room is so many different stories about how this campaign embodies the change that we crave. There were 16 year olds talking about social security and seniors talking about education. So many have talked about their neighbors who are squeezed by our struggling economy, many speak of a war that could have should have never been waged, and a constant theme is the shared disappointment in a broken political system in Washington DC.

After speaking with literally thousands of people today, they're sure Barack’s message is out there in full force on the phonelines in Akron. To find a phonebank birthday party near you, click HERE.

Big Parties in Lima!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:44:36 EDT

Reports are coming in from all across the Buckeye State, and people are celebrating and working for change in huge numbers tonight! Check out this picture from Lima.

Our regional field director told us it's been a great night there.

The Lima headquarters was overflowing with more than 40 people. We didn't have enough phones or chairs, so all the other people ran out to register voters! And there are 5 more phone bank parties in the region!

To find one of those parties, or another party near you, click HERE.

Celebrating in Lawrence County!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:55:42 EDT

Abby, a school teacher from Ironton, is celebrating with the Campaign For Change tonight! She brought this magnificent cake to a Birthday event in Lawrence County. She is a "Bush victim, particularly with No Child Left Behind." She told us there are a million reasons why she supports Barack Obama.

This is the first time I feel optimistic and hopeful. I live in what wouldn't seem to be Obama country and I was afraid to feel optimistic or enthusiastic. Except now that I've met Obama staff and other supporters, I truly think it's possible to not only win Ohio but also Lawrence county!

The cake drew a crowd in the grocery store and the women in back who made it told her that it was the best thing they've ever done, and they were happy to be a part of this celebration.

Did you attend a Birthday event today? Send us your stories and photos, and we'll share them with the Obama community! (We especially love photos of birthday cakes.)

There may even be an event still going on near you tonight! Click here to look for an event near you. Or if you can't make it to a birthday event, you can still WISH BARACK A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

"The Kind of Change that is Needed"

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:09:14 EDT

This weekend, local Campaign For Change offices have popped up all over Ohio. From Lima to Lakewood; from Chillicothe to Cincinnati; in Columbus, Cleveland, and all across the Buckeye State the movement for change is taking root. And the turnouts have been tremendous.

But don't take our word for it! The opening in Lima yesterday with Governor Strickland caused such a stir it was covered on the local Lima news.

Be sure to check out our office openings page to find out when an office is opening near you!

Have you attended a Campaign For Change event recently? Tell us about it.

Obama Team Speaks to Rural Voters

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:07:09 EDT

Yesterday, senior staff members from the Campaign For Change spoke to voters in Fayette County as part of a tour of 14 rural counties. The team was thrilled by the opportunity to speak with voters about Barack's strong record on rural issues.

Greg Schultz, the Ohio Deputy Political Director, said the meeting was a great success.

In this election, we are planning to reach out to people from every part of Ohio. Barack recognizes the vital role that small towns and rural communities play in strengthening America. We're looking forward to meeting more people in communities like Fayette County.

From the Record Herald:

Fayette County was the first stop for representatives from the Ohio Obama for President Campaign on Wednesday night on their tour of 14 rural counties in southern Ohio.
Rick Barga, the constituency director of the campaign, Greg Schultz, the deputy political director of the campaign, and Doug O’Brien, the rural vote director of the campaign, met with about 40 Fayette Countians at the Center for Economic Opportunity building to talk to residents about issues that are important to them in this election. They also are attempting to organize a grass-roots effort in Fayette County in support of Democratic Party presumptive nominee Barack Obama.

“Sen. Obama understands how important rural parts of this state are in this election,” said O’Brien. “We know there are a lot of swing votes there and Sen. Obama is putting a lot of resources into those rural parts. In many ways, the state Sen. Obama is from, Illinois, is a lot like Ohio. Even though he is from Chicago, Sen. Obama has fought for the rural areas of Illinois. He has a good relationship with the Illinois Farm Bureau and he voted for the Farm Bill, unlike his opponent.”
...“We’re going to be here. This will not be our last stop in Fayette County.”
Fayette County Democrat Sue Raypole told the representatives, “We’re a very poor county and yet we always vote Republican.” ... Many on hand said that the reason Obama doesn’t get the support in Fayette County is because of inaccurate perceptions of him. “It seems like every day, I hear someone say they couldn’t vote for him because he is a Muslim,” said one resident. “He is a Christian, not a Muslim. I tell people that but it doesn’t seem to get through to everyone.” Raypole also said she can’t understand why more veterans aren’t supporting Obama because he supports legislation that will assist veterans and presumptive Republican nominee John McCain does not.
“We need people in Fayette County to say, ‘I’m a veteran and I’m for Obama.’ We need people to say that Sen. Obama is not a Muslim, but a Christian,” said Barga. “It’s about engaging people and not being afraid to say you support Sen. Obama."

"A Chilling Experience"

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:32:50 EDT

In the shadow of a skyscraper that just happens to be emblazoned with the words "Great American," an enormous crowd joined together in downtown Cincinnati's Fountain Square to watch Barack Obama address the 99th Annual NAACP Convention. What began as a jubilant occasion for summer celebration turned into something extraordinary. The crowd went from elated to exalted. It was clear that everyone here shared the sense that they were in the right place at the right time to watch history being made.

Sherry, the principal of a local elementary school, was surrounded by friends tonight. An enthusiastic crowd, they wore their pride on their sleeves--and heads and backs. With hats and buttons and shirts they proclaimed their choice for America's future to anyone within a ten yard radius. Laverne sported a button with a picture of the Obamas and the words "America's Next First Family," and James and Cassaundra wore brilliant blue T-shirts with the immediately recognizable white outline of the buckeye state and the word OHIOBAMA. Sherry described how the night affected her:

It was a chilling experience. The unity. The togetherness. This was huge. Monumental. Historic. What was huge is that he was talking to the youth.

Laverne jumped in:

Never. Ever. I am 69 years old and I am telling you, this was so serious. Such history. We're talking Fountain Square. Cincinnati. HISTORY. And the kids were here to see it!

And it was historic. The crowd of 5,000--made up of people from every background--was the largest in Fountain Square's history, according to local police. But more than the size of the crowd was the palpable sense of shared experience. It was with a united breath that the crowd cheered together when Barack spoke about "the giants whose shoulders I stand on here today." And the crowd jumped up and shouted their applause with one voice when Barack spoke about what would happen if we all took part in this movement for change:

I will come back here next year on the 100th anniversary of the NAACP, and I will stand before you as the President of the United States of America. And at that moment, you and I will truly know that a new day has come in this country we love.

Later, the mood remained joyful. But you could feel that there had been a shift. It was as if this group of strangers, diverse in age and color, in background and in birth, had taken upon itself the collective mantle that their shared experience brought with it: the shared responsibility of working to perfect our union. Lofty words, perhaps, but well over five hundred people at Fountain Square tonight signed up to volunteer. Five hundred new voices in the fight for change.

Sherry's friend Susan has put in many hours with the Obama campaign. The former mayor of Woodlawn, she has seen her share of local history. She was thrilled with tonight's proceedings.

We wanted this. Just as it was. I had the opportunity to be at the convention center, but I wanted to be here... with the community. Where it happened.

Historically, Hamilton County has been staunchly Republican. The last Democratic nominee to win here was Lyndon Johnson. But Sherry's friends were all smiles when this came up. Laverne glanced at the word OHIOBAMA written across Cassaundra's chest, and said "It's getting ready to turn as blue as her shirt."

Continue Reading . . .

Cincinnati is Fired Up

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:46:31 EDT

It's a lovely evening in downtown Cincinnati. In spite of the cool breeze, the crowd at Fountain Square is FIRED UP. There are hundreds of people, waiting to watch Barack's speech at the NAACP convention just blocks away on the giant jumbotron towering above. The vibe is jubilant. People are smiling, laughing, and registering to vote.

We spoke to Obama Organizing Fellow Janice, who had this to say:

I've registered 45 or 50 people, and people keep coming up to me. I'm all out of Obama stickers... This is the best day yet.

Volunteer Kathy, standing nearby, finished up registering a voter and turned to describe the mood:

It's really electric. People are really excited about voting. About doing the right thing. About unity. It's just so wonderful.

Volunteers Else and Agia trade in and out of their "Yes We Can" costumes.

The Firelytes Steel Drum Band took the stage.

Barack has yet to even take the stage, but people are primed and ready for change. The night has just begun.

Tonight in Cincinnati

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:34:00 EDT

Barack Obama will be speaking tonight at the 99th Annual NAACP Convention, at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati. That would be exciting enough on its own, but the power of the movement for change here in Ohio has taken the momentum from this event and created a sizable event of its own. Big enough that even the press has taken note.

A few blocks away from the Duke Energy Center, nearly a thousand people are already signed up to watch a live broadcast of Barack's speech on the jumbotron in Fountain Square. Besides being a great way to watch the speech, it's a fantastic opportunity to meet local elected officials and candidates, get to know fellow supporters in the area, and learn how you can make a difference for Barack and other Democrats in Ohio. And any time so many Obama supporters get together, the energy is bound to be infectious.

To RSVP and get all the details go to: OH.BarackObama.com/CinciJuly14

Barack Obama's Campaign for Change is just getting revved up for the general election. This is a great opportunity to be one of the first people to get in on the action.

Jazz, Ribs and Democracy... in Licking

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:10:57 EDT

This weekend in Licking County, there is a fantastic festival celebrating two great American traditions: Jazz and Ribs. Local Obama supporters there will be celebrating another great American tradition: the right to vote!

Supporters will be walking around the Jazz & Ribs Fest at the Licking County Courthouse Square registering voters, talking to people about Barack's message of change, and inviting new supporters to join the grassroots campaign for change. And, of course, there are the RIBS!! The Jazz & Ribs Fest runs from Noon until 8pm on Saturday, July 12.

To find out more about the voter registration event, go to: OH.BarackObama.com/jazzribs

The weather looks gorgeous for tomorrow, so head down to the Square, eat a few ribs, listen to some good music, and help register a few more votes for Change in Licking County!

If you can't make it to Licking County, go HERE to find a Vote For Change event near you.

Intern for Obama!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:47:45 EDT

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

Martin Luther King once said "the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." But as Barack told a group of students, "It doesn't bend on its own. It bends because you put your hand on that arc and you bend it in the direction of justice." Now is the time to GET INVOLVED, and start bending that arc.

Take 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 Ohio, and this is the opportunity of a lifetime to join the campaign for change.

HELP MAKE HISTORY. GET INVOLVED.

To learn more about Obama internships in Ohio, click here.

Big Announcement

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:05:33 EDT

David Plouffe just sent out some incredible news. It's about a decision Barack made, and a rare opportunity for you to get a front row seat to history. Check out the email below.

Lucas --

I wanted you to be the first to hear the news.

At the Democratic National Convention next month, we're going to kick off the general election with an event that opens up the political process the same way we've opened it up throughout this campaign.

Barack has made it clear that this is your convention, not his.

On Thursday, August 28th, he's scheduled to formally accept the Democratic nomination in a speech at the convention hall in front of the assembled delegates.

Instead, Barack will leave the convention hall and join more than 75,000 people for a huge, free, open-air event where he will deliver his acceptance speech to the American people.

It's going to be an amazing event, and Barack would like you to join him. Free tickets will become available as the date approaches, but we've reserved a special place for a few of the people who brought us this far and who continue to drive this campaign.

If you make a donation of $5 or more between now and midnight on July 31st, you could be one of 10 supporters chosen to fly to Denver and spend two days and nights at the convention, meet Barack backstage, and watch his acceptance speech in person. Each of the ten supporters who are selected will be able to bring one guest to join them.

Make a donation now and you could have a front row seat to history:

https://donate.barackobama.com/openconvention

We'll follow up with more details on this and other convention activities as we get closer, but please take a moment and pass this note to someone you know who might like to be there.

It will be an event you'll never forget.

Thank you,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

If you'd like to receive occasional campaign update emails like this, sign up here.

Taking it to the Streets

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:49:09 EDT

This Fourth of July weekend, Obama supporters were out in full force celebrating America's Independence. They registered new voters at BBQs, picnics, family reunions, parades, and fireworks displays from Main Street in New Philadelphia to the streets of downtown Akron.

Supporters registered parade-watchers in New Philadelphia.

At Akron's "Rib, White, and Blue" Obama supporters and Organizing Fellows were taking action.

Supporters Cynthia and Elizabeth were ready to do some serious voter registration.

Obama Fellow Madison was on the move, tracking down unregistered voters.

Organizers Sol and Phil were on a rooftop celebrating the fact that, in Akron, Obama supporters registered more than 300 people on July 4th alone!

Check out the handiwork of two supporters, Steve and Dan, who came over from Avon to the Lakewood Fourth of July parade. In a sign of true grassroots know-how, they built this White House float entirely out of duct tape.

Do you have photos from your Fourth of July Obama event that you'd like to share? Send them our way!

Voter registration events will continue through the fall. SIGN UP to get involved.

Happy Independence Day!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:25:01 EDT

In celebration of America's Independence, Obama supporters have fanned out across the state of Ohio to register new voters, walk in parades, and reach out to folks in our communities.

Brittany and Caitlin, two students from the University of Cincinnati were excited about Barack and the movement for change. They knew they wanted to get involved. But they're shy, so canvassing and voter registration didn't feel like the perfect fit.

So after being recuited by Sarah, one of their local Obama organizers, they headed into their neighborhood field office to help out, and weren't sure what to expect. They spent a couple days on computers helping enter the results from canvassing that other volunteers had done, and then when they heard about the Declare Your Independence voter registration events happening this weekend, they knew just what they should to do.

As Sarah told us:

They're both design students. I told them that they were free to use our posterboard and markers to make signs that my team could carry in the Northside 4th of July parade. They told me that they would go home, brainstorm and return in a few days to make the signs.

I was blown away and so was everyone else in the office. The lesson learned here is that we can always find ways to include everyone. Brittany and Caitlin want to help and now... I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of them over the coming months.

FIND an Obama event near you, or SIGN UP to volunteer and find out how you can get involved.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

The Eyes of the Nation Are On Ohio

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:17:09 EDT

This general election is just beginning, but already the movement for Change is making waves in Ohio.

From the Zanesville Times Recorder

Students were busy coloring in an upstairs classroom at Eastside Community Ministry when presidential candidate Barack Obama walked in Tuesday.

They knew he was coming, but at the sight of him, they all stopped and stared, their projects suddenly unimportant.

They knew who he was and he made it a point to meet each one of them. He casually walked from table to table shaking their hands, asking each one their name and ages and commented on their drawings.

... "Let me see how these guys did," he said as he moved to the next table. "You all are excellent artists."

At the last of the four tables, Zyon Rush, a Zanesville City Schools student, was the first to ask Obama for his autograph.

"In crayon?" He asked, laughing.

But Rush didn't seem to find anything odd about it, her arm extended, offering him the crayon she'd been coloring with. Obama signed his autograph, the B and O the only distinct letters, and handed it to Rush.

... After the childrens' autographs were signed, there was one last request. Jamie Hoover, a volunteer staff member and Eastside's 4-H advisor, asked Obama to autograph her copy of his book, "The Audacity of Hope."

She planned on voting for Obama before Tuesday, and was still planning on voting for him after meeting him.

"I think I was the most excited of everyone," she said.

... "It's great exposure for what we do here at Eastside," he said of Obama's visit. "The more people know of our efforts to break the cycle of poverty and what we do in the neighborhood is a good thing."

From Bloomberg:

The Mansfield, Ohio, town square hasn't seen a Democratic presidential candidate since John F. Kennedy in 1960. Barack Obama may change that.

The town of about 50,000 in the north-central part of the state is what Republicans mean when they talk about "the heartland." Flags adorn the square, which features a diner, tobacco shop and a plaque memorializing Johnny Appleseed.

In 2004, President George W. Bush beat Democrat John Kerry in Mansfield's Richland County by 20 percentage points. This year, the Democrats plan to dispatch an army of staff members and volunteers to places like Richland in hopes of peeling off enough votes to carry the state.

The battle is being replicated across the country, as Obama volunteers deploy to areas that for decades Democratic hopefuls such as Kerry had largely forfeited.

"The Kerry folks made a mistake,'' Joe Mudra, Richland County's Democratic Party chairman, told a few dozen volunteers gathered last week for their first Obama organizing meeting. "They focused on Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, the big cities; the Obama folks have said they're not doing that."

At a similar juncture in 2004, the Ohio Democratic Party had six staff members; today, they have 63. The party also has a campaign machine that includes 4,000 precinct leaders and 75,000 volunteers, far outstripping Kerry's organization four years ago. The Obama campaign also recently brought 200 full- time Ohio volunteers to Chicago for training.

... The Republicans may be in for a surprise, said Carl Wagner, who has worked in Democratic and union organizing for 30 years. He said the Obama campaign has married the technology of micro-targeting to an on-the-ground organizing effort that hasn't been matched for decades.

"This is the first presidential campaign since I think the 60's where you've had anything like this on the ground," Wagner said.

Eastside Community Is Ready For Change

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:07:15 EDT

It was a sunny day here in Zanesville, a town in Southeastern Ohio, where Barack came to talk about the place where faith and community meet. The Eastside Community Ministry seems to be that very place.

Eastside, which provides a food pantry, emergency relief, clothing bank, and special outreach programs along with its flagship youth tutoring program, is exactly the kind of faith-based organization Barack was talking about in his speech today when he called for "an all hands on deck approach" to solving some of today's challenges. As he has said in the past, Barack believes that people don't want the government to solve their problems, but they would like to feel like the government is trying to help.

Sam, a volunteer at Eastside, described a similar approach here...

We're not attempting to give a handout, but training... to help people change their situation.

Mike, who volunteers here with Sam and teaches physical education at a local school, said that approach is useful in a place like Zanesville...

It has a small town feel, but it's big enough to have a little niche for everybody... diverse, with wealthy people as well as low-income... I see doctors' kids playing alongside kids who wear the same clothes to school every day.

Their life skills program with training in finance, health and nutrition, and even laundry, attempts to offer people all the skills they need to fight multi-generational poverty in a town that has been hard hit.

While Barack was here to talk about his support of faith-based programs, he stopped in to check on the kids who are part of the youth tutoring program. Sam told us:

They're excited. Some of them are not going to wash their hands any time soon [after shaking hands with Barack]. He made those kids' day, that's for sure. If not year.

A few of the volunteers at Eastside are Republicans, and even joked about not wanting to be interviewed for fear of getting kicked out of the Young Republicans Club, but when asked about Barack coming here today, one said:

The more public politicians talk about these issues, the better it will get... When he entered the race, I went to his website and learned all about him. And I was excited by the spirit of what he said. If he does what he says he'll do, and keeps talking about the things he's talking about, I'll probably vote for him in November.

DECLARE YOUR INDEPENDENCE!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:21:38 EDT

This 4th of July weekend, we're celebrating America's Independence here in Ohio by holding a huge voter registration drive. The best way to change the conversation in Washington is to add more voices to it. Registering new voters is how that happens.

http://my.BarackObama.com/OHindependence

From Thursday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 6th supporters in Ohio like you are going to be registering voters wherever they find them. Many are bringing voter registration forms to the events they're already attending!

Recent Obama voter registration drives have registered more than 200,000 new Democrats in Pennsylvania, more than 165,000 new Democrats in North Carolina, and more than 150,000 new Democrats in Indiana. Those numbers just scratch the surface of what's possible.

GET INVOLVED

Sign up to register voters today!

http://my.BarackObama.com/OHindependence

Unite For Change: What a weekend!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:27:13 EDT

From Toledo to Canton, from Youngstown to Athens, from the streets of Cincinnati to the suburbs of Cleveland, from the apartment buildings of Columbus to the outskirts of Lima, this weekend Ohioans attended hundreds of Unite For Change House Meetings.

Obama supporters joined former Clinton supporters, as well as Independents and Republicans, in homes, schools, churches, libraries and just about anywhere they could gather across the Buckeye State.

Mary Lou, who attended a Unite For Change House Meeting in Beachwood, said:

We need a complete change. I think we have to bring our troops home. I have a grandson who's in Iraq. He may have to go back. I think the economy has to change. I just think everything has to change... I haven't always voted Democrat. It depended who's running.

Judy, another attendee, is still looking for more specifics:

I want someone who sounds intelligent, but also who acts intelligent. I'm on the fence, but I want to learn more about Barack Obama.

One man in a T-shirt emblazoned with the date 01-20-2009, had his own take on what this election means to the people of Ohio, and the entire nation:

This election is going to come down to a letter. It's me or it's we. And for a long time we've had "it's me. What can I get out of the country?" And now we have a guy that says we is possible. And that, to me, is the most powerful thing... We're sitting here, we're being we tonight— people who agree or disagree— we're being we.

Barack has often said that this election is not about him, but about all of us, and how we must come together to make change possible. This weekend in Ohio, thousands of people did just that.

Invite your friends and neighbors, and host a House Meeting of your own. It's easy and fun, and we'll give you all the info and support you need.

Unite For Change Events Happening Today!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 01:14:22 EDT

After watching Barack and Hillary on stage together in Unity, New Hampshire yesterday, it's easy to get into the spirit of today's events. In case you haven't heard, today there are thousands of UNITE FOR CHANGE events happening all over the country. There are hundreds happening today right here in Ohio!

Check out the email National Field Director Jon Carson sent out last night:

Obama supporters all across the country will be hosting more than 4,000 Unite for Change events.

If you haven't signed up for an event yet, there's still time to find one near you:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

The goal of Unite for Change is to bring together people who supported all of the Democratic candidates, as well as Independents and even some Republicans. Obama supporters like you are reaching out to anyone who is tired of the politics of the past and looking for new solutions to the challenges we're facing.

People have signed up to host more than 4,000 events tomorrow -- and they need your help to bring change to their communities.

Here's what some Unite for Change event hosts have told us about their events:

"We are so excited about what we have planned.... We are having the young generation spread the word through Facebook, while we spread the word through the Obama site, local newspapers, flyers, emails and good old word of mouth! This is so much fun and so exciting. Obama has really inspired my family and I to step up and take action with him to change this country."
-- Susan from Riverside, CT

"I'm co-hosting the event with my friend Charlie. We met while running the phone bank operation at a field office in Falls Church, Virginia during the primary election.... Our goal is for our neighbors, of all ages, careers, political affiliations and political interests to meet each other and learn how they can get involved locally. This should be a fantastic opportunity for people to get to know others in the community and to help Obama win in November!"
-- Matt from Arlington, VA

"This is giving us an opportunity for a real sense of community. When you work on this campaign, you experience that.... I love being around people who are working for the same goal. We all feel connected already - even people we don't know - we all feel connected in support of this man who is a true inspiration."
-- Sherry from Huntsville, AL

With more than 4,000 events planned in all 50 states, there's a Unite for Change house meeting near you. RSVP today:

http://my.barackobama.com/uniteforchange

These house meetings are a great way to get to know your fellow supporters and help build a united volunteer organization in neighborhoods all across the country. I hope you can make it.

Thank you,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

GET INVOLVED

Find an event near you on the map above, or SIGN UP to attend an event today!

John Legend - Tomorrow's Starting Now

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:51:45 EDT

Recently, John Legend visited the University of Pennsylvania to lend his (Grammy-winning) voice in support of Barack Obama. After performing his music and sharing anecdotes about the making of the Yes We Can song, he met with a small group of students to talk about why he supports Barack Obama, and to give advice about how we can all do our part.

"This is the final stretch. And this will make all the difference. It sounds cliche, but every little vote is gonna count in Pennsylvania."

Check out the video and then read about what you need to know.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Pennsylvania primary is Tuesday, April 22nd.
All Pennsylvania Democrats who registered by March 24th, 2008 and who will be 18 years of age by the date of the primary are eligible to vote.
Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Anyone in line at 8:00 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
Only first-time voters must show proof of identification. Approved forms of identification include a valid photo ID or voter identification card, or a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check. For more information, click here.

TONIGHT'S PA POLICY CALL: Women's Issues Policy Agenda

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:25:45 EDT

Tonight, join Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius along with Obama campaign senior policy staff for a discussion of Barack's record and Policy Agenda on issues affecting women.

pa.barackobama.com/policyPA

Do you know someone who is still undecided? Is there a particular policy question they may have that needs attention? If yes, take a minute to introduce them to our Pennsylvania Policy Conference Call series.

Join Obama campaign senior policy staff to talk about issues that matter most to you. Simply follow the link below, choose which calls interest you, and submit your question ahead of time.

pa.barackobama.com/policyPA

TONIGHT'S CALL

Women's Issues Policy Agenda at 6PM

Call-in Info:

Phone Number: (712)432-1699
Pass Code: 1010141#

Do you know the facts? Check out our PENNSYLVANIA FACT SHEET, and share it with any undecided friends or family you have.

We look forward to hearing from you and taking your questions on the calls!

TONIGHT'S PA POLICY CALL: Post-Debate Tele-Town Hall

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:28:47 EDT

If you felt, as many did, that last night's debate didn't cover the issues of substance you want to hear about, then tonight's PENNSYLVANIA POLICY CALL is just what you're looking for. In tonight's call, the POST-DEBATE TELE-TOWN HALL, you are invited to ask direct questions to senior Obama policy staff.

Join Obama campaign senior policy staff to talk about issues that matter most to you. Simply follow the link below, choose which calls interest you, and submit your question ahead of time.

pa.barackobama.com/policyPA

TONIGHT'S CALL

Post-Debate Tele-Town Hall at 7PM

Call-in Info:

Phone Number: (712)432-1699
Pass Code: 1010141#

Do you know the facts? Check out our PENNSYLVANIA FACT SHEET, and share it with any undecided friends or family you have.

We look forward to hearing from you and taking your questions on the calls!

Tonight's PA Policy Calls: Urban and Rural Agenda

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:39:08 EDT

UPDATE: Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader & Obama for America National Co-Chair TOM DASCHLE will be the special guest on the rural agenda policy call that starts at 6 p.m. EST

The PENNSYLVANIA POLICY CALL SERIES is an opportunity for you to have direct access to Senator Obama's senior policy staff. If there are any questions you have about Barack Obama's policies, simply sign up for calls and get the answers you are looking for:

pa.barackobama.com/policypa

Two big calls tonight:

6PM- Rural Agenda Policy Call
6:30PM- Urban Agenda Policy Call

Do you know the facts? Check out our PENNSYLVANIA FACT SHEET. And share it with any undecided friends or family you have.

We look forward to hearing from you and taking your questions on the calls!

Pennsylvania Policy Call Series

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 14:11:14 EDT

We're in the final push before the Pennsylvania primary on April 22nd, and it's never been more important to reach out to your friends and neighbors and make sure that they support Barack!

The Pennsylvania Policy Call Series is an opportunity for you to have direct access to Senator Obama's senior policy staff. If there are any questions you have about Barack Obama's policies, simply sign up for calls and get the answers you are looking for:

pa.barackobama.com/policypa

Join Obama campaign senior policy staff to talk about issues that matter most to you. Simply follow the link below, choose which calls interest you, and submit your question ahead of time.

pa.barackobama.com/policypa

There are 4 calls TONIGHT:

6PM

7PM

Do you know the facts? Check out our PENNSYLVANIA FACT SHEET. And share it with any undecided friends or family you have.

We look forward to hearing from you and taking your questions on the calls!

Standing for Change--- Two Blocks from the Alamo

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 14:29:10 EST

When you walk into the San Antonio Obama HQ at 309 E. 3rd Street -- just blocks from the Alamo-- one of the first friendly faces you are likely to see is one of our most committed local volunteers, Sloan. A few weeks ago, he and a fellow volunteer, Gretchen, agreed that any time the office was open, one or both of them would be there.

Sloan’s persistent optimism and his inviting personality are great additions to this office, and he is always welcoming to new volunteers and undecided voters. "I really believe in Barack’s message and the spirit of inclusion-- not simply trying to win, but trying to make the process better for everyone. You can't just vanquish your enemies—in the future you are going to need to work with everyone to get things done.”

Volunteers like Sloan have taken leadership positions and are not only working for change—but inspiring and empowering other volunteers to do the same thing.

Sloan spent 26 years in the army (stationed in Texas for a large portion) and then retired here at the end of his service. He is the kind of dedicated volunteer who starts the day by getting call sheets organized and handing out walk packets to the volunteers, but then after getting the volunteers out the door, grabs a carpet sweeper and says with a quiet grin, "This is how you clean up politics."

Been here a day and Obama just won Wisconsin!

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 21:33:40 EST

Well a cheer just went around the office here in Austin, because Obama just won texas.

It is a very exciting thing to be in a campaign office when this stuff is happening. Today was a good one. I have been working on signage for universities and info about the wild Texas Two-step. Busy busy busy!

Also just psyched that they're starting to know me here. By tomorrow I imagine I'll be even busier.

It's GREAT.

The office here is crowded all day with people just walking in wanting to volunteer and get in on the action. I can't imagine that's what it's like at the other candidates' offices. There is a real electricity here. People know they're a part of something big. I feel that too.

Tomorrow I get on the road...

Lucas Fleischer - Ohio HQ — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:49:13 EST

Tomorrow I get on the road, headed to Austin, by way of Phoenix. I am filled with the excitement of an adventure that has yet to begin.

I guess in some ways, that's not quite true.

Technically, this adventure began for me a month or so ago. I had followed the campaign aggressively up to that point, and was already a precinct captain, but I got to a point where that wasn't enough. I thought about the fact that as an actor and freelance designer, I have an inordinately high degree of flexibility in my schedule. It is possible for me to decide what to do with my days, within reason. I don't recall exactly what or who sparked the idea of trying to work with the campaign, but around the time of the win in Iowa I was consumed with the idea of getting more involved.