Molly Claflin

"I know we can do better."

Molly Claflin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:15:06 EST

Melissa in Colville, Washington tell us why she is voting for Barack:

I will vote.
I am a nurse. I was a teacher. I am also getting my second masters degree in nursing leadership. I see firsthand the effects of the current healthcare system. I know we can do better.
I am voting for Barack Obama and would like to see his administration do something positive for healthcare, the middle class, and the underserved/uninsured. I am in favor of universal healthcare. It is inhumane to ensure that every American has an education, but not address their most basic needs of health.

Seniors Vote for Change

Molly Claflin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:58:41 EST

All over America -- people young and old are casting their votes for Barack Obama. Natie in Tampa, Florida, tells her voting story:

My mother, my twin sister, and I delivered our ballots for Barack at our voting location here in Tampa, Florida.

My mother took her 86-year-old sister -- a Hillary supporter during the primaries -- and helped her fill out her ballot for Barack.

My mom called me shortly after and reported that she had never seen her sister so happy as she was when she cast her ballot for Barack. All the way home, her 86-year-old sister proclaimed over and over again, "I'm so happy!"

My mom said that her sister regards it as a defining moment in her 86 years of life to vote for such a transcendent candidate as Barack. She said that at that moment that she filled in her paper ballot for Barack, she felt a special kinship with Barack's 86-year-old grandmother. We send our blessings to her.

Join Natie's familiy and cast your vote for change today.

Votes for Change

Molly Claflin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:38:14 EST

Our supporters are going to the polls in record numbers. Millions of you have already cast your ballot, and countless more will vote throughout the day.

Here are just a few of our supporters telling their voting stories:

Susan in Lutz, Florida:

My husband and I voted for Obama-Biden Thursday and my son also voted early for Obama-Biden. We believe in Barack Obama and feel he will be a great President for the people and our country.

Leah in Omak, Washington:

I voted for Barack today, and so did my Republican husband.

Charmaine in Monticello, Indiana:

I voted Monday and it felt great! I vote every election but this year it's different. Sure history is being made but as an old song writer once said "A Change Is Gonna Come!"

Sekela in Pennsylvania

Congrats! I can’t wait to vote on Tuesday here in Upper Darby, PA! Fired up and ready to go!

Beth in Albany Oregon

Eleven days ago, I received my ballot in the mail. I thoughtfully considered each measure and each election for local, state, and national offices. I started filling in the bubbles from back to front leaving President for last so Obama would get the honor of my vote and I would get the satisfaction of having participated in the most important election in history. The next day I went to the Obama office, assembled a ballot box, and my ballot was the first one in!

Bliss in Florida:

I live in Florida and am sad to report I am one of the few Obama supporters among some of my friends. They have been real hard on me but I am staying strong. I voted on Tuesday! Yay! I am trying to get five friends to go and vote too. I have three and am working on the other two diligently.

Join millions of Obama supporters across the country and cast your vote.

And once you’ve voted, sign up to make some calls and help get your friends and neighbors to the polls.

Why You're Voting

Molly Claflin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:02:34 EST

Nantalie in Gotha, Florida writes:

“I am a proud grandma of a 10-year-old who really wants Obama to win. She has been a strong supporter of Obama since he announced his plans to run for president. She comes home from school all "pumped up" over her political debates with her friends and classmates. I am truly amazed by how much she and, her friends appear to know about the election and, the issues.

“I was so moved by her devotion to Obama that I recently registered to vote after 20 years of not participating in elections. Yes. I am ashamed to admit it, but it's the truth.

“Additionally, I went today and volunteered on behalf of my granddaughter at the local Obama campaign office. I had a very fulfilling day and, now my granddaughter will be proudly sporting an "Obama Girl" tee shirt tomorrow in recognition of Obama's visit.

“I will be in an early voting line to cast my vote for Obama.”

Follow Nantalie's example and cast your own vote for the next generation.

A First-Time Voter

Molly Claflin — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:37:05 EST

Jenny in Richmond, Virginia wrote in to tell us why she's voting:

I am a 47-year-old female small business owner and have registered to vote for the very first time this year; so has my 26-year-old daughter and my 47-year-old husband (Joe the Painter). We are all voting for the very first time. Because we don't want another four more years of what we have had.
My daughter and I sat and watched the Wednesday night 30-minuite special that Mr. Obama had on television and it brought my daughter to tears. She is a full time student and works part time and has never voted because of the way the first Bush election was handled and with the way everything has been going to pot since he's been in office, she said she had lost all hope and trust in her government. But last night she said she felt like she was included and that maybe there would be some hope for her and the children that she might have in the future.
We have always been a middle to lower-income family, and I have worked hard most of my life and so has my husband. I clean houses and he is a painter so that my daughter can have that better life. But because of this economy I wasn't able to pay for my daughter's college education and hate the thought that she will start her life off in debt. But I pray that the election will take Mr. Obama to the White House as our President so that we all can have some kind of a future.
Thank you for fighting for us. God bless you and your family.

We're honored that Jenny and her familiy members are casting their first-ever votes for Barack Obama. If you've never voted before, this is the time to be a part of our movement and cast your vote today.

The Faces of a Movement

Molly Claflin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:24:22 EST

At last, November 4th is almost here. We set out nearly 21 months ago to build a grassroots movement of real Americans working for real change. And you’ve surpassed our wildest expectations.

There are millions of you out there, in every state, volunteering your time and your energy to bring real change to Washington. And now we’re in the home stretch – tomorrow America will vote. If you have any time in the next two days, go down to your local field office and volunteer, or pick up the phone and talk to some voters. If you’re never volunteered before, now is the time to get involved. Join these millions of Obama volunteers and show America what the face of change looks like.

Issue Comparison: Energy

Molly Claflin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:07:31 EST

America must end its dependence on foreign oil. Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to end America's foreign oil dependence and get us on a 21st century energy program, using renewable sources of energy like wind, solar, clean coal and bio-fuels.

Here are some of the highlights of the Obama-Biden new energy plan:

Provide short-term relief to American families facing pain at the pump.
Help create five million new jobs by strategically investing $150 billion over the next ten years to catalyze private efforts to build a clean energy future.
Within 10 years save more oil than we currently import from the Middle East and Venezuela combined.
Put 1 million Plug-In Hybrid cars -- cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon -- on the road by 2015, cars that we will work to make sure are built here in America.
Ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

Read more about the Obama-Biden plan to end America's dependence on foreign oil. And you can see a comparison it to John McCain's plan here.

Read the details of the Obama-Biden new energy plan. And compare it to John McCain's energy plan here.

What You Need to Know to Vote

Molly Claflin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:07:42 EST

Tomorrow is going to be a big day. We’re expecting voters to turn out in record numbers in many states – which means there could be long lines and a little confusion with all the first-time voters. But no worries -- our people are on it. We have Obama campaign staffers and volunteers working 24/7 to make sure the voting goes as smoothly as possible.

For some of the battleground states, we’ve put together short web videos about what to expect at the polls:

Colorado
Florida Part I and Part II
Indiana
Missouri
Nevada
New Mexico
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Virginia

In general, it’s always good to bring a government-issued ID with you to the polls. And you should know that if you are in line by the time the polls close, you should be allowed to vote. Just stay in line and make sure you voice is heard.

You can get more information at our Voter Protection Center.

Check VoteForChange.com to find your up-to-date polling information and learn what else you need to do to vote.

If you have any problems at the polls, look for an Obama volunteer or volunteer poll monitor. You can also call our voter hotline at 1-877-US4-OBAMA (1-877-874-6226).

But whatever you do, just make sure you get out and vote. We’re counting on your to stand up for change on Election Day.

To the Polls!

Molly Claflin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:24:00 EST

Voters are early voting at record rates – and we couldn’t be more excited. Millions of Obama supporters across the country have already made sure their vote is counted.

Here are a few stories from supporters who have already cast their vote for change:

Ashley in Seattle, Washington:

I cast my absentee ballot this week. I feel so blessed to have the democratic right to vote, and am proud to stand up for positive change in America.

Lois in Vermont:

Here in Vermont, we requested absentee ballots and voted the day we got them. Thank you, Barack and Joe! It was a privilege and an honor to vote for you!

Laurie in Nevada:

My daughter, a sophomore at Utah State University, just text messaged me with this wonderful content:

"Mom--I JUST VOTED FOR THE FIRST TIME, for President of The United States!!!!!! GOBAMA.”

I am so proud. Look for my vote here at Nevada later in the week.
GOBAMA!

Robert Puyallup, Washington:

I voted for Obama and Biden because I truly believe they are going to change America for the better for my children and me and my wife. Thanks.

Victoria in Arroyo Grande, California:

My 77-year-old dad, Mr. Korean War Vet - who has NEVER voted in his life (because all politicians are full of "stuff") VOTED EARLY and voted for BARACK OBAMA! We even took a picture. I am so proud of him!

If you weren't able to vote early, find your polling location to vote tomorrow. And once you vote, sign up to help take others to the polls so they make make a difference too.

Issue Comparison: Health Care

Molly Claflin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:01:50 EST

No American should be without health care. That's why Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to make health care accessible to each and every American. If you like your employer-based heath care, you can keep it -- with an even lower annual premium. And if you don't have health care, Barack will let you buy into a high quality, affordable government program of your choice -- just like the health care enjoyed by members of Congress.

Here are some of the highlights of the Obama-Biden health care plan:

Barack Obama will make health insurance affordable and accessible to all:
The Obama-Biden plan provides affordable, accessible health care for all Americans, builds on the existing healthcare system, and uses existing providers, doctors and plans to implement the plan.

Obama will lower health care costs:
The Obama plan will lower health care costs by $2,500 for a typical family by investing in health information technology, prevention and care coordination.

Promote public health:
Obama and Biden will require coverage of preventive services, including cancer screenings, and will increase state and local preparedness for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.

Read more about the Obama-Biden plan to make health care affordable for all Americans. And you can see a comparison of it with John McCain's plan.

Issue Comparison: The Economy

Molly Claflin — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:36:25 EST

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to put our economy back on track. Barack and Joe understand that we have to make our economy work for ordinary Americans. That means tax cuts for hard-working, middle class Americans. It means tax relief for the small businesses that provide so many American jobs, and it means helping to create more jobs so that every American who is able to work can find a good job with a living wage. See a comparison between the Obama-Biden plan with John McCain's plan.

Here are the highlights of the Obama-Biden economic plan:

Barack Obama will provide a tax cut for working families:
Obama and Biden will restore fairness to the tax code and provide 95 percent of working Americans the tax relief they need. They will create a new "Making Work Pay" tax credit of up to $500 per person, or $1,000 per working family.

Provide tax relief for small businesses and startups:
Obama and Biden will eliminate all capital gains taxes on startup and small businesses to encourage innovation and job creation.

Fight for fair trade:
Obama and Biden will fight for a trade policy that opens up foreign markets to support good American jobs. They will use trade agreements to spread good labor and environmental standards around the world.

Read more about the Obama-Biden plan to get America's economy back on track and working for ordinary Americans. And compare Barack's plan with John McCain's.

Voices for Change: Eli in Fairway, Kansas

Molly Claflin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:35:06 EST

After 10 years in the Air Force flying a C-130 Hurcules, Eli in Fairway, Kansas, got back from his fourth tour in Iraq and went right to work on the ground for Obama.

“When I got out of the Air Force, I was hungry get politically involved and to push ethics back into government. That’s a big thing Barack Obama was talking about.”

Eli, 33, and his new wife Erin had intended to take some time to travel after his Air Force service. But instead, they soon found themselves going full throttle organizing Kansas for Obama.

They first became precinct captains, then volunteer organizers, and eventually both were elected regional delegates. Eli was even elected as an alternate delegate to the National Convention. There goes his vacation time.

But for Eli, it’s all worth it.

It’s a lot of work, but I’ve gotten a lot out of it – the people I’ve met in my community and neighborhood have been amazing, and many have become good friends. It’s cool to get people out of their houses and off their front porches to actually go out and make a difference.

He first realized this election was different during the caucus:

The caucus here in February was during a blizzard. But in my location, we had more people show up in one caucus location than had showed up statewide in 2004. We re-registered over 1,000 Republicans to vote for Barack. There was a line a mile long to get in but no one complained. People don’t usually show up for Democratic functions in Kansas.

The enthusiasm he saw for Barack made Eli want to get even more involved.

I’ve never been politically involved in my life at all. I wanted to serve the military out of patriotism. But later I was disturbed that there was no justifiable reason for being in Iraq. I started questioning our politicians and I wanted answers. I think voters have a responsibility to demand that from our leaders.

The military decisions affect my family in a huge way. While dating my now-wife, I was deployed four times. The effect of the war on our military families is something we really need to consider. The role of the commander and chief is to set the tone and the mission for the military. I think Obama understands that and will provide strong leadership. There is no easy solution in Iraq, so good leadership is crucial. I like Obama’s stance on Iraq and the integrity he has shown on the issue.

Eli says that public service is something we should definitely look for in a commander and chief.

I respect McCain’s service, but Obama’s community service is important as well. One of the things I will try to teach my kids is to do some sort of service out of high school or college. It could be helping out in neighborhoods like Obama. The idea of giving two years of service to serve your community or that country is a great way to help people pay for college. I went right into the service out of college, and I really respect that Obama returned to serve his community.

Eli is also concerned about veterans benefits for those he served alongside.

We need to take care of the veterans and the families of wounded servicemen. It affects out county for generations. We need to learn from Vietnam and take care of the wounded veterans who need our help. Obama has some good ideas.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Obama has a strong record of working for veterans, including passing legislation to improving care and backing the 2008 G.I. Bill. Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to take care of America's veterans. From expanding and strengthening VA care, to improving mental health and traumatic brian injury treatment, the Obama-Biden plan puts veterans first. Learn more about the Obama-Biden plan to help veterans.

If, like Eli, you’re hungry to get involved in the political process and bring strong leadership back to Washington, join our grassroots movement and volunteer to make a difference.

Voices for Change is a series featuring profiles of Barack Obama's grassroots supporters from across the nation. The people who make up this movement come from all different backgrounds, but they share a common goal of helping bring about fundamental change in Washington.

Grassroots Fundraising: Luke in Baltimore

Molly Claflin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:22:14 EST

Luke, 36, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a committed Obama volunteer. He’s knocked on doors, called undecided voters, and is now organizing the phonebanking program for his local office.

But Luke, a prosecutor who likes biking in his spare time, thought there must be more he could do, so he started a grassroots fundraising page on my.barackobama.com.

It’s nothing fancy, I just ask friends to contribute and make a difference.

Luke drafted his own emails and sent them to good friends and colleagues asking them to donate.

Luke supports Barack Obama because:

We need a more affirmative positive vision for what we want our country to be, as oppose to solely solving our country’s problems. Obama has that vision.

Luke wanted to find creative ways to get more people to donate.

Today is my 36th birthday, so I sent an email out asking people to give $36 in honor of my birthday. Many people give $36. But some people evidently think I’m older than I am. Some gave $50 or $100. But I’ll take it – any amount helps.

So far – including the birthday donations – Luke has raised $1,582 towards his goal of $2000 from 23 donors. He hopes to meet his goal by the end of the month and then set a new one.

It’s a great way to get people to contribute and, in turn, get more involved.

I chose to do a personal fundraising page because it’s a great way to support the campaign. We’re already going to win Maryland for Senator Obama, and this is just another way I can contribute.

Luke says he would definitely encourage others to donate to the campaign. Help strengthen our field organization and the Get Out The Vote effort during these crucial days.

Restoring Fiscal Discipline

Molly Claflin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:33:42 EST

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to restore fiscal discipline to Washington.

Every single proposal Barack has made is completely paid for in his plan, because he and Joe believe in strong fiscal responsibility. They will stop government waste by going through the entire federal budget line by line and eliminating the programs that don’t work for the American people. And Barack and Joe will make sure the programs that Americans do need work better and cost less. Barack will cut funding for programs that waste money, and improve efficiency using methods from the private sector.

Barack wants to give you a window into the government budget. He will ensure that the meetings where laws are written will be more open to the public, so the American taxpayers can see where their money is spent.

An Obama-Biden administration would also cut down on tax shelter and tax haven abuse. They will shut down corporate loopholes so that hard-working Americans aren’t left paying the bill for large companies who find a loophole to avoid paying their fair share.

The most important aspect of the Obama-Biden plan for fiscal policy is focused on you: tax cuts for middle class families. Barack will give $1000 in tax relief to 95 percent of American workers and their families.

Learn more about the fiscal policy from Barack in this video:

Read about the Obama-Biden fiscal plan.

And now you can compare Barack’s plans with McCain’s on our newly redesigned Issues page.

Counsel for Change: Protect the Vote

Molly Claflin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:41:39 EST

Are you a lawyer? Law student? If so, volunteering for our voter protection team is a great way to have a huge impact on November 4th.

There are efforts out there to suppress the vote, and having attorneys at the polls is going to be vital to making sure that every eligible person gets to cast a ballot, and that every vote counts.

Our attorneys are carefully monitoring the voter rolls, and have already defeated Republican efforts in Michigan to keep voters whose homes have been foreclosed from voting. But with so many first-time voters expected at the polls, we’re going to need help.

We want to make sure every eligible American gets to vote on November 4th.

If you live near a battleground state or have some frequent flyer miles you can cash in, join us this on Tuesday and use your skills to protect the vote.

Remember why you went to law school? Make that J.D. count on Election Day, and make a difference for the next four years.

Go to Counsel for Change to sign up.

And check out this new video on our voter protection efforts:

Securing Our Borders

Molly Claflin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:54:03 EST

Barack Obama supports comprehensive immigration reform. This involves protecting our borders, and improving the immigration system.

The Obama-Biden plan will protect our borders by building infrastructure and using technology more effectively. Immigration reform also requires changes to the immigration system so that workers can come here legally. That helps keep families together, and will help American business fill jobs.

Barack also proposes cracking down on employers who use undocumented workers so that they do not have to pay American workers the wage that they deserve. By reforming the immigration system, we can help ensure a fair wage for all workers.

The Obama-Biden plan puts immigrants on a path to citizenship. Immigrants in good standing can register, pay a fine, learn English, and then over time can have an opportunity to earn citizenship.

Learn more about the immigration plan from Barack:

And read the details of the Obama-Biden immigration plan.

Now you can compare Barack’s plans with McCain’s on our newly redesigned Issues page.

Canvass for Change: Jeanette in Indiana

Molly Claflin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:18:45 EST

Last weekend, Jeanette decided that she couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore.

She had never volunteered before, but decided that now was as good a time as any to start.

So armed with a pre-printed walk list from her local Obama headquarters and her favorite Obama button, she knocked on over 70 doors in one afternoon.

I was nervous about knocking on doors, since I have never done anything like this before. But as I told my friends, the dread of knocking on doors is still smaller for me than the dread of another four years of the same poor leadership of the country I love.

So I knocked. And surprisingly, most people answered and even came out on their porches to talk with me. Many people said they are planning to vote for Obama and wanted to talk about why. Others were not sure who they would vote for and wanted to ask me a question related to the one issue they are still not sure about. Some people said they were planning to vote for McCain and they were still very nice and polite and wished me luck. No one slammed a door in my face or shouted anything at me. Everyone was as smiling and neighborly as I was, which did renew some of my faith in my fellow Americans.”

A 43-year-old mom in Bloomington, Indiana, Jeanette teaches sophomore-level writing classes at a local university.

The economy is hitting Bloomington hard.

We can see many closed businesses – we lost Thompson Electric, RCA, Otis Elevator, and General Electric as well as many small businesses in our town and surrounding county over the last several years. I have watched the parents of my children’s friends struggle to keep their businesses functional, while worrying about keeping their homes and sending their kids to college.

Jeanette’s proud to be a part the campaign and working to make a difference.

If you want to help make a real change and don't want to leave the election to fate, please try stepping out of your comfort zone, too, to talk to your neighbors. Your Neighbor-to-Neighbor list will include people who usually vote Democratic yet have a spotty voting record. We all have to work together to encourage them to vote.

Though she was nervous at first, Jeannette had a great experience.

It's even more fun than you think it will be. You Obama headquarters can use your help in many other ways, including data entry or even dropping off cookies for volunteers. Please get involved during these remaining weeks. This election is too important to watch from the sidelines.

Join Jeanette and get off the sidelines. Contact your local Obama office to see how you can get involved, or try our Neighbor-to-Neighbor tool to print out your own canvass lists and get started in your own neighborhood.

There are only 2 days left to Get Out The Vote – be part of our movement now.

Obama Moms Make Cupcakes for Change

Molly Claflin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:23:06 EDT

A few weeks ago, a group of San Francisco neighbors tried to think of what else they could do to help Obama. They’d already volunteered, and had Obama events in their homes, and planned to vote… but they wanted to do more.

“I’m a stay-at-home mom with a 3-year-old,” explains Arianna, one of the organizers. “So I can’t go canvass neighborhoods or volunteer at the field office because of my son."

I thought: what can stay-at-home moms do? And the answer is: we can bake!
So we had a bake sale. We had a lot of moms there, so we made it a very kid-friendly event with red, white and blue macaroni for them to make necklaces with, and sidewalk chalk. We wanted parents with kids to be able to participate. It was a good way to spend time with my friends and neighbors, and a lot of people turned out that I had never met before. It was great!

Arianna and her neighbors put out baked goods and passersby could munch on yummy cookies and cupcakes if they made a donation to the Obama campaign in any amount.

People gave what they could, and at the end of the day Arianna had raised nearly $500 for the Obama campaign.

Not a bad for a little butter and sugar.

Arianna originally supported Hillary, but is now excited to volunteer for Obama.

Obama made me believe and feel like change is possible. He has a vision for America that includes everybody. I worry a lot, raising a child, that we’re so polarized in this nation. I don’t want my son growing up in that kind of society. I trust Obama to work for all of us.

There are plenty of ways to get involved with the campaign and make a difference on November 4. You can talk to your neighbors, canvass, phonebank, or make sure everyone in your neighborhood has a ride to the polls. Stay-at-home moms can use the Neighbor to Neighbor tool to make calls from home. Or get creative like Arianna and find your own way to help out.

And Arianna has a tip for any aspiring bake sale organizers out there: “The cupcakes are the big sellers.”

Grassroots Fundraising: Diane in Dayton, Ohio

Molly Claflin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:40:33 EDT

Diane in Dayton, Ohio, has always been a registered Independent who leaned conservative.

But when she started reading about Barack Obama back in the primaries, Diane re-registered as a Democrat to vote for Obama.

It was usual for me, because I usually look more like a Republican on a lot of issues. But I don’t identify with today's Republican Party.

Instead, Diane says she supports Barack because:

I trust that he can bring people together – even worldwide. People around the world will come to respect us again, and we will be respectful to other countries too. I believe that Barack’s extremely intelligent, and I want someone a lot smarter than me running the country, who sees all the details of an issue. And finally, I trust his heart.

A 58-year-old public school teacher whose new focus is her grandkids, Diane had never donated to a political campaign before.

But Obama is different than any other politician I’ve ever seen. So I thought I would try doing my own grassroots fundraising page.

Diane has been an avid commenter on the Obama blog, so she started by asking other commenters to donate.

Most of the donations are small donations from people I’ve never even met before, which is kind of neat.

So far, Diane has raised $850 from 42 donors. You can also help bring the change we need. Make sure to finish your personal fundraising page by having your friends and family donate this weekend.

Grassroots Fundraising: Paul in Chicago

Molly Claflin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:45:41 EDT

Paul in Chicago is already a committed Obama volunteer. He and his wife volunteer at the Obama office on a regular basis, and they’re even hosting an Obama staffer in their home.

But Paul, 31, thought there was still more he could do.

Since I’m a computer programmer, I spend a lot of time online and with the online community. So I thought starting an online grassroots fundraising page was a great way to reach out to people I already know online and get them to support Barack too.

Paul created a personal fundraising page through my.barackobama.com and started sending emails to drum up support for Obama.

I reached out to friends and acquaintances and made a case for what the stakes are in this election.

Paul set a fundraising goal of $808.08 (in honor of the 2008 election) and has already raised $823 from 23 individual donors.

Many people I reached out to were already supporting the campaign, but I also reached out to people who aren’t as politically active. I even reached out to some of my family in Pittsburgh, where politics is a pretty touchy subject. But I tried to be cheerful and speak to the things that are important to them.

Paul says the most important thing when you’re making your own personal fundraising page is to phrase things on your own voice.

That’s how people connect. It’s always more effective to connect with someone directly in your own voice.

Paul says he often also send a YouTube link in the emails to one of Barack’s speeches, so that people can hear what Barack stands for.

Paul says he’s working hard for Obama because he likes Barack’s proposals to modernize our economy to take on the new challenges we face as a country.

I support Obama’s idea of revamping our economy to be a green economy that will grow jobs but also tackle climate change as well. That’s the kind of change we need.

You can also help bring the change we need. Make sure to finish your personal fundraising page by having your friends and family donate this weekend.

Keeping America Safe

Molly Claflin — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:29:10 EDT

As members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Barack Obama and Joe Biden understand that in today’s world, how we interact with our global neighbors is important. Our global interactions impact our economy, our energy policy, and help keep America safe.

Barack and Joe have a plan to secure America and restore our standing in the world.

They’ll start with ending the war in Iraq and bring out troops home safely through a responsible, phased withdrawal. We can then refocus our military on Afghanistan and the al Qaeda forces who attacked us on 9/11. Barack will make the fight against al Qaeda a top priority.

Obama and Biden will renew the long tradition of tough diplomacy. They will build new alliances and are willing to meet with all nations – friend or foe – to advance American interests and secure global peace.

And they will work to reduce the threat of nuclear proliferation, working with other nations and pursuing a global ban on the production of fissile material for weapons.

These are a few of the highlights, but you can learn the details from Barack himself:

Read more about the Obama-Biden foreign policy plan.

And compare it to John McCain’s record.

Putting the Economy Back on Track

Molly Claflin — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:19:27 EDT

Barack Obama has a plan to restore America’s economy by creating new jobs and providing much-needed relief for ordinary Americans.

The Obama-Biden plan will turn the economy around by providing a $1,000 emergency energy rebate to help middle class Americans pay the costs of their rising bills, and give a sizeable tax cut to working families. This will be paid for by a windfall profits tax on big oil companies who have been reaping in record profits as Americans struggle to fill up their cars to get to work.

Barack also has a plan to stimulate job creation – including investing in alternative energy to create 5 million new “green” jobs.

The hallmark of the Obama-Biden economic plan is much-needed tax relief for the middle class. The Obama-Biden plan will cut taxes for 95 percent of American workers and families – cutting taxes by more than three times the amount the same group would get back under John McCain’s plan. No family making less than $250,000 will see their taxes increase.

The Obama-Biden plan will even eliminate income taxes altogether for seniors making less than $50,000 per year.

Calculate your tax cut.

Finally, Barack has responded to the recent mortgage crisis and has a plan to help American families keep their homes. He will reform bankruptcy laws to give struggling families a shot at avoiding foreclosure, require mortgage companies give accurate mortgage information to homebuyers, and provide a tax credit to help cover 10 percent of a families mortgage interest payments every year.

These are a few of the highlights of Barack Obama’s plan to get the American economy back on track. Watch the video to hear more from Barack:

And you can get the details on Barack’s plan for the economy.

Compare Barack Obama’s economic plan with that of John McCain.

Barack-O-Lanterns

Molly Claflin — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:03:14 EDT

Happy Halloween! These are some of the amazing Obama jack-o-lanterns our supporters around the country have made. If the election was a talent competition, we’d clearly have this one in the bag. Unfortunately, it’s not -- and there’s a lot more work to do.

We’ve got four more days to make a difference. So take some time today to make phone calls to a battleground state, or canvass your neighborhood while you trick-or-treat.

If we don’t each do our part today, the next four years could be scarier than anything you see tonight.

Making Government Work for You

Molly Claflin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 18:46:36 EDT

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have an ethics plan to make sure the U.S. government is working for the American people.

Barack will start by shining the light on Washington lobbyists and special interests. Obama and Biden will create a centralized Internet database of lobbying reports, ethics records, and campaign finance filings in a searchable, sortable and downloadable format so average Americans can see what’s going on in Washington.

Barack will end the abuse of no-bid contracts, and make government contracts accessible to the American public. He will make the meetings where laws are written open to the public, and every American will be able to read a bill before the president signs it so that you know what your government is doing. He will also put all government projects online for the public to see.

Barack already has a record of making government more open to ordinary Americans. As a U.S. Senator, he joined with Republican Senator Tom Coburn to pass a law to create a Google-like search engine to allow regular people to approximately track federal grants, contracts, earmarks, and loans online.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden will bring ethics back to the White House and ensure that an Obama-Biden administration is about serving your country.

You can hear all about it from Barack here:

Read Barack’s plan to bring ethics back to Washington.

And compare it to John McCain’s record.

Bringing New Energy to America

Molly Claflin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:30:33 EDT

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to get America’s energy program on track and halt our dependence on foreign oil. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will create a new energy infrastructure, investing in new clean, technologies like wind, solar and biofuels. Barack will work to ensure 10 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025, and will implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.

The Obama-Biden plan will fast-track investments in the new energy infrastructure, helping American industries grow. By expanding our infrastructure, the Obama-Biden energy plan will bolster our economy by creating 5 million new skilled, “green” jobs. Barack will also increase the number of hybrid vehicles made in the U.S. and encourage investment in alternative energy research and design. That’s not just good for our environment – it’s good for America’s autoworkers.

Learn more about Barack’s energy plan in this video:

Read more about the Obama-Biden energy plan.

And compare it with John McCain’s record on the environment.

One Donation At A Time

Molly Claflin — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:52:18 EDT

Lynn’s not usually this politically-involved.

“I’ve never donated a penny to a political campaign before,” she says. “Never volunteered either. But as I’m getting older, a realize a lot of things are affecting my life right now.

"I have a small business and I see how a lot of people with small business are struggling. And we can’t afford to pay for health insurance, and the rates keep going up! We have to do something to help ourselves. And I realized, if I don’t do something, who will?"

So the 44-year-old from Venice, California started a grassroots fundraising page.

I was very hesitant at first to ask people for money,” she says. “But I thought: what the heck – I’ll try it.

Since then, Lynn has raised $685, beating her goal of $650 from 38 individuals. Most of the individuals who donate to her page have been friends she met on my.barackobama.com.

I always mention it on my MyBo blog too.

She often offers thank-you prizes to those who donate to her page.

Sometimes it’s bottle cap pins, or bumper stickers, or American flags – just something small and fun. People really seem to like it and I get a great response when I do this.

Lynn likes having her own grassroots fundraising page because “people don’t always understand how important it is to give."

There’s a ripple effect when you give to the campaign; it helps candidates everywhere.

Through the whole process, Lynn says,

I’m just amazed at how giving people are. People are thrilled to donate. It’s a lot of small donations, but they all add up!

By donating today you can help us end the campaign on a strong note. Every donation will help our Get Out The Vote effort for election day. Make a donation today and then sign up to volunteer this weekend.

Voting For Change

Molly Claflin — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:41:24 EDT

With less than a week to go before the Election, over 11 million Americans have already cast their votes in states that allow early voting. So many of you are taking the opportunity to vote that elections officials in Florida and Lake County, Indiana have already extended early voting hours to accommodate the crowds.

That’s just the kind of news we like to hear.

Early voting lets you avoid long lines on Election Day, and it helps our volunteers in the states better target their Get Out of the Vote efforts.

If you haven’t voted yet, vote today and join the millions of Obama supporters who have already cast their vote for change:

Indyia in Iowa:

I voted in Buchanan County! I am proudly wearing my ‘I Already Voted for Obama’ button everywhere I go.

Matt in Wilmington, North Carolina:

I early voted on Friday in Wilmington, North Carolina. It was such a smooth process! I was in and out in less than 10 minutes! In 2004, there were lines as long as 3-4 hours on Election Day. Early voting is a snap! Most locations are even open on weekends! And early votes count!

Lisa in Portland, Oregon:

We got our mail in ballots on Saturday. I filled mine out and it is in the mail today! I was so excited to vote for Senator Obama again. GOTV, Oregon!

Susan in California:

I mailed my ballot for Obama yesterday in California. It felt great!

Debra and Andrew in Issaquah, Washington:

We voted (via absentee ballot) here in Washington State this morning. Positive change is on the way to our White House!

Alex in West Palm Beach, Florida:

Today is early voting in Florida, where millions are casting their votes for change. I just got from the polls and man, let me tell you-- it was an amazing feeling knowing that you are doing something that will benefit you and millions of others. It felt really good! Please go out and vote for change!

Roxanne in Bowie, Maryland:

I am so happy, I just voted absentee for Barack Obama in Maryland. After volunteering in our campaign before and since his win in Iowa, this moment gives me such warm, exciting, fuzzy feelings. I recommend that everyone vote early, so that you can volunteer on election day to help ensure an Obama victory -- our victory!

Janice in Virginia:

My husband just became a US citizen this year and we're pleased to say: We’ve already voted! He was beaming with pride afterwards to be privileged to have this American right to vote and couldn't wait to cast his vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden and the Democratic Team!

Join Alex, Roxanne, Janice, and millions of other supporters and cast your vote for change early.

Look up your early vote location at www.VoteForChange.com

And once you’ve voted, sign up to make some calls and help your friends and neighbors get to the polls.

Health Care for Every American

Molly Claflin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:39:07 EDT

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a health care plan that will make quality health care affordable and accessible for every American. It builds on the existing health care plan, so if you like you’re health insurance – you can keep it, and will pay up to $2,500 less annually than you do now.

If you’re one of the more than 45 million Americans who don’t have health insurance -- you will have a choice of quality, affordable health care options, including the same plan enjoyed by Senators Obama and Biden themselves.

And if you have a pre-existing condition, you cannot be denied coverage.

The Obama-Biden plan doesn’t leave the burden on small businesses, either. Barack’s plan will create a new Small Business Health Tax Credit to help small businesses provide affordable health insurance to their employees.

The Obama-Biden plan is all about giving you choices, while making quality health care an affordable option for all Americans.

Learn more about it from Barack himself:

Read more about the Obama-Biden health care plan.

And compare it with John McCain’s record on healthcare.

Voices for Change: Mary in Iowa

Molly Claflin — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:23:15 EDT

Last Christmas, Mary, 43, from Lisbon, Iowa could only think of one thing she really wanted: “a new president, with new ideas.” So she sent out a pre-Christmas email asking her friends and family to give her Christmas “gift” to the campaign in the form of a donation. Her loved ones were happy to go along with it and Mary was excited by the results. So excited, in fact, that she did the same thing for her birthday a few months later.

Mary set a personal goal of $500, and has so far raised $587 from 26 individual donors. But she’s not going to stop there. Mary is keeping her fundraising page up through the election, and has been spending all the time she can spare canvassing and volunteering.

In fact, a registered nurse and SEIU member, Mary was on her way to knock on doors in a neighboring town when we called her.

I’ve always been an independent voter, but after I saw how far off we were going as a country, I felt like it was time for me to pick a side and get involved. I started looking into the candidates, and being an Iowa voter, we get to see these folks up close and personal a lot. Barack was also such a kind, genuine person. He was someone who understands and will work for the average person.

Though she had never donated to a campaign before, Mary started her own personal fundraising page back in December and has kept it up ever since, periodically asking friends and family to contribute. Most of them donated at first for her Christmas and birthday gifts, but Mary says many of them have continued to donate.

Though she’s a single mom with a special-needs son, Mary has almost maxed out herself on donations.

I’ve done most of my donating through other people’s personal fundraising pages. It’s a nice way to dedicate something to a person and help Barack. It’s the idea of realizing that it’s not about me, or you, or Barack Obama – it’s about where the country is going if we don’t do this.
To bring people into the movement and get them involved in the first place is my goal. I know that the campaign is not taking lobbyists’ money, so Barack is relying on us. And we’re relying on him to do for us what he can And that’s what it’s all about – teamwork. When he’s elected, we’ll work together to heal this country.

Join Mary and our team of millions of supporters by getting involved today.

Voices for Change: Helen in California

Molly Claflin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 21:52:35 EDT

“I have been donating to Obama's campaign since January,” says Helen in Toluca Lake, California. “However, I was hesitant to set up a personal fundraising page; it's just hard to ask friends for money – especially when times are tight."

"But, I believe so strongly in Obama-Biden and the change they will bring to this country that I had to do all I could for the campaign. So, I decided that I was asking my friends to make an investment in their future, and set a fundraising goal of $1,000.”

A short time later, Helen has raised $3,375.

I was blown away. I was in tears when I checked my page and saw the contributions.

Helen has been involved with the campaign since the primaries, phonebanking and even traveling to Pennsylvania and Colorado to knock on doors.

Helen decided volunteer for Obama because:

I just felt like I could do it. I felt like this was an investment and my future and the future of my country. I don’t live in a vacuum; I live in the United States of America. Everything that happens affects me.

Helen says she supports Barack because “I really believe that he can make a difference. I haven’t been involved in politics since I was in college in the 60s. I never worked on a campaign before, and never donated to a candidate – but I really believe in Obama.”

America needs to be going in a different direction, and I believe Barack can lead up to that change. But the only way he can do it is if he wins this election. And that’s up to us.

Join Helen and be part of bringing Barack’s change to Washington. We've only got eight days left to make a difference.

Giving Every Child a Good Start

Molly Claflin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 11:55:14 EDT

Barack Obama has said we can put out children on a path to success and close the achievement gap by giving every child a good education. And Barack has a plan to educate the next generation.

It will start with expanding early childhood education like Head Start, so that every child has the start they need. Barack also has a plant to improve K-12 education, by fully-funding No Child Left Behind and improving it by using new assessments. He will also improve NCLB’s accountability system so that we are supporting schools that need improvement – rather than punishing them. Barack will make math and science a national priority and expand college outreach programs to help students prepare for college.

To improve education in the classroom, Barack will work to recruit, support and retain new quality teachers so we can keep our classrooms small and our students engaged.

Finally, Barack believes every young American who has the drive should be able to attend college. To help make college a reality for all students, Barack will provide a $4,000 annual tax credit to every American student. This will make community college nearly free for most students, and cover two-thirds the costs of an average state college or university.

Those are the highlights. But you can watch this video and hear the details from Barack himself:

Read more about Barack’s education policy.

And read about John McCain’s record on education.

Be the Face of Our Movement

Molly Claflin — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:35:52 EDT

From the west coast of Oregon to the eastern shores of North Carolina, our supporters are busy working for change. There are only 9 days left before Election Day, and Obama supporters in every state are busy calling their neighbors, knocking on doors, and traveling to battleground states. And they’re making a difference everywhere they go.

If you’ve been busy working for change, send us your Obama stories and photos to blog@barackobama.com. Show everyone that you are part of our movement for change.

Canvassing: Putting A Face On The Issues

Molly Claflin — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:34:59 EDT

Can you make a real difference in the election? Does canvassing really matter?

You bet it does. Mary Ellen of Laurel, New York learned last week just how much she can have an impact.

Last weekend, Mary Ellen and her husband left home in New York and drove five hours to canvass voters in Pennsylvania. But she was really glad she did.

The people we spoke to put a face on the issues in this election.

The first man was very worried about jobs and the economy.

He was in his fifties and said this is the first time he’s been out of a job since he was 16 years old. Very soon his unemployment benefits will run out, and he figured some kind of welfare is next.

Mary Ellen related Barack Obama's plan to get the economy back on track and create more jobs.

At the next house, Mary Ellen encountered a woman concerned about the war in Iraq.

She was very worried about her son who, she said, will likely be going to a war that we started in the wrong way and in the wrong country.

Mary Ellen told her about Barack’s stance against the Iraq war, and plan to bring the troops home.

Next door, they met Raymond, whose primary issue in this election is energy and the environment.

He showed me the solar collectors on his house – something we had in common with him.

Mary spoke to him about Obama’s commitment to alternative energy and hopes Raymond will vote to make a difference.

A few houses down the street came Jennifer, who, Mary Ellen says, “was disgusted after a long and difficult struggle to get her 4-year-old daughter health insurance.”

Mary Ellen told her about Barack’s health care plan, which would guarantee health care coverage to all American children.

In the end, the people we spoke to said to mark them as either leaning toward or voting for Obama.

Despite the long trip, Mary Ellen was excited to make a difference.

I believe volunteerism is extremely important in this election. I’ve been motivated by my admiration for Obama, but also by what happened to both Al Gore and John Kerry.

As is often the case with volunteering, I didn't give anything up compared to what the people we met gave us -- a deeper commitment to make difference in this election and pride in the democratic process.

We couldn’t agree more.

Take some time this weekend to go canvass voters in a swing state near you. It only takes a few hours of your time to spread Barack’s plan for America, and in return you’ll get four years of sound policies we can all be proud of.

Voices for Change: Shawn in Tempe, Arizona

Molly Claflin — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 15:27:21 EDT

Shawn in Tempe, Arizona knows firsthand the issues surrounding the Iraq War.

At age 25, Shawn has already completed five years as an active duty marine, some of that time spent fighting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Though he left the Marines, Shawn has remained connected to the military, now serving in the National Guard.

I think we need to withdraw as soon and as much as possible from Iraq. I’ve seen that it’s not a militarily winnable situation. I have not been to Afghanistan, but it’s obvious we need more troops there, and it should be the central front of the war on terror.

Shawn is very concerned with foreign policy in this election.

We need to get out of this unilateral, go-it-alone attitude.

He’s also concerned about domestic issues as well.

We should be concerned about the justices on the Supreme Court and fiscal policy. I think Barack has the right ideas on both those fronts. I’m not an economics major, but it’s pretty clear John McCain isn’t either.

Since returning from Iraq, Shawn has enrolled as a pre-med student at Arizona State University (ASU). He says the new GI Bill proposed by the Democrats was a huge reason to support Obama.

It’s pretty impossible to go to school full time and pay bills on the $1,250 per month the current GI Bill gives veterans.

Barack Obama has a plan to help every American student afford to go to college. For veterans like Shawn, Barack supported the 2008 GI Bill, which increases education benefits for our veterans. For other students, Obama’s plan will give a $4000 annual refundable tax credit to every American student, which will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. In exchange, students would be required to perform 100 hours of community service – ensuring that students are not only learning in the classroom, but are learning valuable lessons through serving their communities at the same time. Learn more: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/.

Shawn says he’s encouraged by the Obama support he sees on the ASU campus.

There’s a lot of Obama support. We’re not all awash in a sea of red.

Despite trying to make ends meet and pay for school on his veteran’s benefits, Shawn still found it in his budget to contribute to the campaign.

If the candidate I support needs by help, I feel like I need to do my part.

Join Shawn and do your part to support bringing change to Washington.

Your Votes

Molly Claflin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:45:30 EDT

It’s still 11 days until Election Day, but your votes are already pouring in. According to initial counts in the states, record numbers of voters are voting early this year. More than 800,000 people have already voted in Georgia, 750,000 in North Carolina, and more than 500,000 in Florida since early voting opened in those states.

Early voting lets you show your support early, avoids long lines at the polls, and helps the campaign better target its “Get Out the Vote” efforts.

Many of our supporters have already voted, and they’re thrilled they did:

Matt in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Today my wife and I went to our local early voting center and proudly cast our votes for Barack Obama. I pray that my fellow veterans and Americans do the same, because I can't afford another "Republican Tax Cut" or another "Republican Veterans Benefits Cut."

Brandy in Oswego, Illinois

My husband and I did early voting in a very "red" part of Illinois. My parents mailed in their early absentee ballots in Florida. My brother and his wife cast their absentee ballots in person in Nebraska. We are all thrilled!

Darlene in Highland, Arkansas

I just cast my vote in Arkansas. Barack Obama and Joe Biden, let's turn this state blue!

Nick in Dike, Iowa

I voted here in Grundy County, Iowa. The woman at the courthouse said she had already over 1,000 people early vote in this very rural county! I also hooked up with a precinct captain to work next weekend through election day for the cause! GOTV people!

Lenoa in Acworth, Georgia

I just voted early for Obama/Biden and I am taking my two friends on Friday. Vote Now!

David in Boca Raton, Florida

I just delivered my 99-year-old Aunt's absentee ballot to the local Obama office for safe delivery to the elections office. My wife and I will be early voting on the weekend. We are taking our 12-year-old daughter so she can witness American democracy. That's three patriotic votes for the next President of the USA.

Dave from Kingman, Arizona

My wife and I just voted early in Arizona. One of my sons already voted absentee and our other son and daughter are voting on Friday. Five votes and a lot of prayers for Obama/Biden!

Join these Obama supporters and millions of others across the country by voting early. You can make a difference today by voting early – and then volunteer to help others in your community make their voices heard too.

Voices for Change: Phillip in McGregor, Iowa

Molly Claflin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:06:37 EDT

Philip is a 59-year-old dairy farmer in McGregor, Iowa. He’s also a fervent Obama supporter.

“I support him because of the way he carries himself,” Philip says. “Obama has the perfect temperament and judgment for the job of president. He’s the kind of person that if things get tense, you know he’s the one everyone else in the room would look to. He’s a natural leader.”

Philip has not only donated to the campaign, but volunteered by walking neighborhoods in McGregor and registering everyone he can to vote.

I try to be part of the team. I set a personal goal of getting 100 new votes for the Democrats. It sounds simple – but that’s a lot! I plan to knock on about 1500 doors to do it. And when I’m at the gas pump or at the grocery store or in line at the post office, I always ask people if they’re registered to vote, and talk to them about Obama. I carry voter registration forms with me wherever I go.

Philip lives with his wife of 34 years on a 495-acre farm that’s also home to 170 dairy cows. Philip, who likes to hunt and fish in his spare time, is especially proud of his son who is a senior at Louisiana State University.

He says the recent flooding in the Midwest is still one of the biggest problems in his home town.

There’s lots of flood damage in our county. Whole neighborhoods were wiped out and there’s no rebuilding yet. The floods made me really concerned about global warming. I want my government working on that! But I know Obama’s concerned about global warming as well.

Philip says that energy is another major concern in his part of Iowa.

Our economy is terrible right now. But at lot of farmers see renewable energy – like ethanol -- as a way to revitalize our rural economy. McCain opposes ethanol, but Barack has said he wants to renew the rural economy through renewable energy. I think he can make a big difference for a lot of people out here by investing in renewable energy.

Barack has a plan to end America's dependence on foreign oil by investing in renewable alternatives like wind, solar, clean coal andd ethanol. The Obama-Biden plan will not only help build the ecconomy in rural communities, but these alternative energy sources will provide more than 5 million well-paying American jobs. Read more about Barack's energy plan.

Join Philip and make a difference in your community by contributing to the Obama movement for change.

Under the Radar, Out of Bounds

Molly Claflin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:18:30 EDT

You’ve probably heard about the McCain campaign’s divisive smear tactics in the press. Even McCain’s Republican colleagues are decrying McCain’s increasingly dishonorable campaign. Republican Senators Norm Coleman, Susan Collins, Gordon Smith and Olympia Snowe have all publicly disavowed McCain’s negative, misleading robocalls.

Now you can see for yourself the deceptive mailers and robocalls that voters in many swing states and finding in their mailboxes and on their answering machines.

We’ve created Under the Radar to reveal the attacks launched by the McCain campaign and the Republican Party that aren't necessarily making their way to the evening news. They’re quietly using fear tactics to scare people, but this time, we’re not going to let them get away with these quiet, under-the-radar smear campaign.

At Under the Radar, you can see all the smear mailers they’re sending out – divided by state. You can also listen to the actual robocalls that are ringing voters across the country. You can even report any deceptive robocalls or flyers that come to your mailbox or answering machine.

Don’t let these smear tactics go unnoticed. And make sure everyone you know goes to Fight the Smears to learn the truth so they can fight back against these ads.

The issues in this election are too important to allow our election to be hijacked by the politics of deception of fear. Check out Under the Radar, and then go to Fight the Smears to spread the truth.

Know Your Rights

Molly Claflin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:37:52 EDT

Have questions or concerns about voting? We’re proud to announce the Vote for Change Voter Protection Center.

At the Voter Protection Center, we’ve compiled some of the most common myths and questions about voting to help you understand your rights at the polls.

Can you vote if your home has been foreclosed? What if you have a parking ticket? (Hint: the answer to both of these is “Yes!”) You can find more answers at truth.voteforchange.com. Get the facts about straight-ticket voting, voter ID requirements, and more. And we’ll be updating the site regularly, so check back before you go to the polls.

VoteForChange.com is the go-to spot on the web for voting information, and now with the Vote for Change Voter Protection Center, you can make sure you know your rights on Election Day.

Voices for Change: Veronica in Florida

Molly Claflin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:27:34 EDT

Veronica in Palm Beach, Florida, just made a donation to Barack Obama.

“This is my third,” she says. “Though I wish it could be more. I am one of those people caught up in this housing debacle, and am a single mom struggling to take care of my 95-year-old grandmother. I also cared for my mother, who just passed away in May.”

Veronica has trouble paying the bills on her teacher salary.

I cannot make ends meet, and that is a fact. I wouldn't be in this mess right now, had I not needed money for medical bills for my mother. The way it stands now, my family home will go into foreclosure.

The health care system is a major issue for Veronica in this election.

My mother, who just passed away from the many complications from diabetes and kidney failure, wanted Barack Obama to be President more than anything in this world. She so wanted to cast that vote before she passed away. But the health care system definitely let her down, and I could write volumes on how we need to do so much more for the seniors who cared for us.

Veronica says that just about every issue in the election affects her. As a mother and teacher, she’s concerned about education. As a woman, women’s issues concern her. And with a cousin serving in Afghanistan, she’s concerned about the war and our soldier’s abroad.

I accept responsibility for my life, but I realize that we are in need of change more than ever. I have so much hope for Senator Obama, and this is one time where I place all of my support toward Senators Obama and Biden.

Veronica has a message for undecided voters:

I have seen the dedication and passion that Senator Obama exhibits for working for the American people. I wish there was one thing I could say about Senator Obama to cause undecided voters to cast a vote on his behalf: We have had 8 years of failure after failure. Step up and make a stand to make a difference in the current situation. Be bold enough to trust someone who passionately promises to help us!

Now, Veronica’s volunteering for change.

You too can step up and make a stand. Contact your local campaign office or sign on to Neighbor to Neighbor to contact voters in your community. It’s time to get out the vote, and you can make all the difference.

And join Veronica, and make a contribution today to make a difference for four more years.

Voices for Change: Amos in Minnesota

Molly Claflin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 10:48:35 EDT

When Amos became a United States citizen a little over a year ago, he didn’t wait long to get involved in politics; as soon as his nearby Obama office opened, Amos was there and ready to do what he could.

Amos started volunteering for Obama, knocking on doors and hosting campaign events at his home. And this November, he is excited to cast his first presidential vote for Barack Obama.

Amos, 35, came to the United States from Kenya in 1997. With a wife, two young daughters, and a small business, Amos is living the American dream he dreamed of growing up in Kenya.

When I was growing up, everyone saw America as the land of opportunity. And it is. To vote means a lot to me. It means this country really is the land of opportunity. If you come here with the right mindset and work hard, opportunities are wide open for everyone. As someone who has been here for 10 years, I see how good and unselfish the American people are, and am proud to be a part of it.

For an immigrant, to have a man running for president who is the son of an African immigrant is inspiring. I see my children in him; he is an inspiration to us all. It is amazing that in this country my children have the same opportunity as everyone else. If they work for it, anything is possible here.

In this election, Amos is most concerned about healthcare. He owns his own small business and was proud that his wife was able to stay home and care for their toddler children.

But at one point my wife fell sick, and my children fell sick, and I couldn’t make enough to cover the medical expenses. Healthcare has almost taken my family down.

Amos took a second job just to help pay for health insurance, and his wife had to go back to work.

He is also concerned about American’s image in the world.

I would like to see someone in that office who will restore the image of the country back to what it was when I was young and everyone looked up to America – not because of its military might, but as a country that would always go the extra mile to help on many levels, like human rights and medicine.

Amos hopes Barack will restore America to that place of opportunity, and is doing all he can to help Barack win in November.

I’ve donated what I can to the campaign every month, and I volunteer. I can’t understand why anyone could sit on the sidelines. Politics affects the future of my children. Being an American is not just about going to work and putting food on the table – working on the campaign and voting is part of my civil duty. This is one of the privileges of being a citizen of this country.

There are so many people across the world who would love to participate in the democratic process and they don’t have the opportunity. For me to be here where I can freely express my political opinion is amazing, and a privilege.

Join Amos and don’t sit on the sidelines – volunteer, donate, vote, and help Amos restore America to the land of opportunity admired around the world.

"Do something to help make it happen"

Molly Claflin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:32:03 EDT

It’s hard to believe there are only a few weeks left before Election Day. Countless Obama supporters are out in the field working hard to bring change. They're phonebanking, canvassing, talking to their neighbors and, in some states, registering voters before state deadlines close.

And they're making a difference.

Here are just a few of their stories:

Gwen in Virginia:

I spent a beautiful day outdoors yesterday, canvassing for Obama in Fluvanna County. We covered a lot of houses, and right when we were about to go home, we talked to one more person because I called out to him instead of turning around and leaving at the “Beware of Dog” sign. This led to a conversation that brought some joy to an elderly man’s day and may result in one more vote. If having volunteers come to your door helps emphasize the importance of the election and increases the likelihood of your voting, then we accomplished that too.

If you want Obama to win, and you are concerned that he won’t, do something to help make it happen.

Kim and Jody in Indiana:

We had an amazing time canvassing today in Chesterton, Indiana. Very enthusiastically Obama!

Tamara in Pennsylvania:

I went canvassing for the campaign with my husband and two kids. We met a kid and his mother on the way out the door. She sat down on the porch while my kids picked her dandelions and my husband and I spoke to her. This stay-at-home soon-to-be grandma Navy veteran was Obama all the way. Though we did not get her pinned down to a volunteer shift she did know where to go and knew someone that was. I left hopeful that she would.

And if you want to see just how much America needs change just knock on some doors! Change comes from the roots and it only happens when we rise up to the challenge.

Don’t sit on the sidelines. You can join Gwen, Kim, Jody and Tamara. Get involved in your community today and make a difference in November.

New to the site or still undecided? Learn more about Barack Obama and his position on important issues. If you're already a supporter, find out what you can do to help between now and Election Day, and please consider making a donation to strengthen our field operation and help Get Out The Vote.

Voices for Change: John in Sterling, Ohio

Molly Claflin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:03:12 EDT

John, 61, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio (population 1,600) used to be a heavy equipment operator until an old, leaking gas tank on his land changed his life. The large underground tank had been leaking gas into the groundwater for years, poisoning John’s family until John developed Multiple Sclerosis and the culprit was found. Since then, John has become an activist for getting harmful toxins out of family farms.

I used not to care about stuff like the environment. But when you get bitten by it, you really start to care.

He says many of his neighbors in the community have gotten sick because of the same problem on their lands.

John lives on a 650 acre farm that grows soybeans, corn, and green crops. With two grown children and two young grandchildren, John says his new hobby is “spoiling my grandkids.”

He’s a registered Republican, but John joined the Obama campaign early on, and has made donations to the campaign.

Obama is different – he’s genuinely compassionate for the individual. We need someone in government at the top who has new ideas and new ways of treating people. We need someone who realized who he works for – us! Obama understands that.

John says the economy and healthcare concerns are ravaging rural voters.

People around here can’t afford healthcare. My sister is 57 years old, has a neurological disease and just lost her job. She’s fought for seven years to get on Social Security Disability. She paid into it her whole life, and now she doesn’t have enough to pay her bills. There’s no safety net for these people anymore. Our government should be there to protect us and help us. People need to start caring about each other again.

He says the economy is also hurting rural families.

The economy here is devastated. It’s painful to look in the newspaper every day and see 20 homes in the county that foreclosed. It’s the homes these families have lived in for years, and the kids grew up in. What does that do to our kids? It just breaks my heart.

Barack has a plan to help American families in the struggling economy. Barack's tax plan will cut taxes for 95 percent of workers and families and give them the relief they need. Seniors making less than $50,000 per year won't pay any income taxes at all.

And you can learn more about Barack's specific plan for rural America here.

People here are just hoping for change.

I want a government that cares about people, and I think that’s what we’ll get with Obama. This could be a new day in American government, and I feel good about that.

Join John and our grassroots movement of people trying to create a government that cares about real Americans.

Focus on the Issues: Women's Issues

Molly Claflin — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:18:05 EDT

Barack Obama has led as a champion of women’s rights – from advocating fair pay, to preventing violence against women, to protecting the right to choose.

Despite decades of progress, American women still make only 77 cents for every dollar a man makes. Barack supported the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which would allow women to sue for pay discrimination if they discovered they were paid less because of their gender. Barack will also help women in the workplace by expanding paid sick leave, giving women the ability to take a few days to stay home if their children get sick.

Barack has been a tireless advocate of preventing violence against women. Barack introduced legislation to combat domestic violence by providing services to families affected by domestic violence. Barack also supported the landmark Violence Against Women Act, originally sponsored by Joe Biden, which establishes sexual assault services programs and helps police and communities combat domestic abuse.

Finally, Barack is committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose, and is a strong supporter of Roe v. Wade. He co-sponsored legislation to expand access to contraception, health information and preventive services to help reduce unintended pregnancies.

John McCain’s record speaks for itself on women’s issues. McCain wants to overturn Roe v. Wade and would ban all abortions – even in cases of rape or incest. McCain has opposed number domestic violence bills, including the Violence Against Women Act, which has saved the lives of countless women. And McCain opposed legislation that would help women receive equal pay for equal work.

But don’t take our word for it -- do your research. The facts speak for themselves: Barack is the smart choice for America's women.

Learn more at about Barack’s record on women’s issues. And check out John McCain’s record on JohnMcCainRecord.com.

Fight Back With the Truth

Molly Claflin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:19:25 EDT

Heard any ugly, false rumors about Barack? Well, you don’t have to sit back and let the rumors fly -- you can fight back with the truth.

We’ve created a special website, FightTheSmears.com, to combat smear campaigns and give you all the information you need to spread the truth.

At Fight The Smears, you can find detailed information about the most pervasive smears and research from major newspapers and third–party sources, as well as reviews from independent fact-checking websites like Factcheck.org.

And if you receive a viral email smear about Barack, forward it immediately to watchdog@barackobama.com. This puts the smear in our system and helps us respond to these potentially viral attacks. For the most common smears, we'll send you a response email with specific talking points you can share with the people who sent you the original smear. You can then forward the facts to anyone you know who may have seen the smear email and spread the truth.

Finally, if you have a blog, you can also fight back with our Fight the Smears widget, which shows debunked smears and allows viewers of the widget to take action.

The issues we face today are too important to let these divisive smears go unchallenged. Please visit Fight The Smears today and learn how you can fight back with the truth.

Focus on the Issues: Taxes

Molly Claflin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:47:35 EDT

America’s middle class is struggling. We know you need a break. That’s why Barack Obama has introduced a new tax plan to give much-needed relief to ordinary Americans.

Obama’s tax plan will cut taxes for 95 percent of American workers – with a tax cut of $1000 for working families. Families making less than $250,000 will see a substantial tax cut under the Obama-Biden plan. And, on average, ordinary Americans will get a tax cut more than three times greater than what they might get under John McCain.

Families making more than $250,000 will pay taxes at the same rate – or lower – than they did under Ronald Reagan. And senior citizens making less than $50,000 per year will not pay any income taxes at all.

Visit taxcut.barackobama.com to calcualte your tax cut.

Finally, the Obama-Biden plan will help businesses grow by eliminating capital gains taxes for small businesses, cutting corporate taxes for firms that invest and create jobs in the United States, and providing tax credits to reward innovation and job creation.

On the other hand, John McCain has some different ideas about taxes. McCain’s tax plan gives Big Oil a $4 billion tax break while leaving more than 101 million Americans with no relief at all. And McCain’s health care plan would tax heath benefits for the first time in history – forcing American families to pay more.

This election is too important to get distracted by personal attacks. Focus on the issues.

Visit www.barackobama.com/taxes/ to learn more about the Obama-Biden plan, and go to JohnMcCainRecord.com to see how McCain’s plan compares.

"I Voted"

Molly Claflin — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:43:15 EDT

All across the country, thousands of people are already voting for Barack Obama. More than a dozen states have early voting this year, where voters can cast their ballots early and avoid the long lines on Election Day.

Today is the kickoff of early voting in Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Texas and Alaska. These states can help put Barack over the top and win on November 4.

Early voting is good for everybody. It helps more people get to the polls, it means our supporters will be free to help others get to the polls on election day, and – most importantly – it locks in your vote for Barack.

Many of our supporters have already voted and told us a little bit about their experience.

Tony from Wisconsin:

My wife and I voted for Obama this morning in Wisconsin … two votes down, millions to go!

BJ from Chicago, Illinois:

I voted on Monday, and I am still smiling!

Andrea from Pensacola, Florida:

I voted for Barack Obama this week here in Florida via absentee/mail-in ballot.

I am so proud to vote for the Barack Obama/Joe Biden ticket because I know they will look out for the middle class and working families of America!

We need to keep voting running smoothly. We can decrease the number of people at the polls by many of us voting for Obama via absentee or mail-in ballots!

Doreen from Davenport, Iowa:

Hey you guys -- my 19-year-old, 21-year-old, 22-year-old, and I have all voted for our next President! We are very happy and proud. Now it’s your turn!

Vanessa from Austin, Texas:

Early voting starts today here in Texas. I can’t wait to vote for Obama/Biden!

Ty, an Army Officer stationed in Iraq:

I voted for Obama. And not only that -- after I voted I helped numerous soldiers here vote via Write In/Absentee Ballot because they hadn't received their actual ballot yet.

Tina in Franklin, North Carolina:

In about two hours I will cast my vote for Obama here in North Carolina. Can't wait!

Sin in Tennessee:

I went to Early Voting this morning, its first day in Tennessee. I arrived before the voting station opened to find that some voters had camped out over night to be sure they were among the first to vote. I waited in a line for an hour and a half to get to cast my vote for Obama/Biden. Tennessee may not be a player in this election, but it is very important for all of us to vote. For the remainder of the week, young people are taking parents and grandparents to the polls early. We will be working in Georgia with friends as soon as this week is over.

Veronica in Albuquerque, New Mexico:

I just voted early in New Mexico. Make me proud Barack. WIN BIG.

Be one of the millions of Obama supporters around the country voting early and standing up for change. Don’t wait until November – make a difference today. Vote.

Just A Few More Days To Register Voters

Molly Claflin — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:36:50 EDT

Many states’ voter registration deadlines have already passed, but there’s still time to register in a few states, including Iowa, New Hampshire, Alabama, California, Kansas, South Dakota and Vermont.

Can you take some time this weekend to help register voters in your state?

It’s easy! Just go to our Voter Registration Action Center to learn more. Or find a campaign office near you and stop by to see how you can help.

Shireen in California shares her voter registration story:

As part of my own one-woman voter registration drive, I’ve been passing out pre-stamped voter registration forms on the light rail train on my way into work every day, wearing my Obama button, of course. I’m especially targeting youth and new voters.
It’s been very successful: in just a few days, I’ve passed out a lot of registration forms -- sometimes to people who are planning to sign up a son or a daughter, or a friend. People look a little surprised when this grey-haired little old lady jumps on the train and gives her pitch, but many have thanked me, and sometimes, it’s been a good opener for a political conversation.
One older man said I looked like Nancy Pelosi, adding that he’d take her to Red Lobster anytime, which I took to be a great compliment.

Check your own registration by visiting VoteForChange.com.

And then join Shireen and our millions of volunteers across the country by taking a few hours to register voters in your community this weekend. Together, we can make a difference in November.

Fact Check: Medicare/Medicaid, Health Care, Free Trade, Abortion, and Negative Attacks

Molly Claflin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:48:41 EDT

Fact Check: Cutting Medicare/Medicaid by $1.3 Trillion

Tonight, John McCain said: “The average cost of a health care insurance plan in America today is $5800. I'm going to give them $5,000 to take with them wherever they want to go, and this will give them affordability, this will give them availability, this will give them a chance to choose their own futures, not have Senator Obama and government decide that for them.”

THE FACTS: McCain wants to pay for his health care plan by cutting Medicaid and Medicare by at least $1.3 trillion.

Fact Check: Obama's Health Care Plan is Not Government-Run

Tonight, Sen. McCain said: "Senator Obama wants government to do the job. I want, Joe, you to do the job. I want to leave money in your pocket. I want you to be able to choose a health care for you and your family."

THE FACTS: McCain’s claims about Obama’s health care plan have been called “misleading.” Obama’s health care plan is not government-run and would maintain the existing private system.

The Facts: Obama's Position on the Colombia Free Trade Agreement

Tonight, Sen. Obama said: "Actually, I understand it pretty well, the history in Colombia right now is that labor leaders have been targeted for assassination on a fairly consistent basis, and there have not been prosecutions, and what I have said because the free trade -- the trade agreement itself does have labor and environmental protections, but we have to stand for human rights, and we have to make sure that violence isn't being perpetrated against workers who are just trying to organize for their rights."

THE FACTS: Obama opposed the Colombia Free Trade Agreement because of violence in Colombia which creates an uneven playing field for American workers, while McCain has supported it despite violence.

Fact Check: McCain's False Attacks on Failed Abortion Legislation

Tonight, Senator McCain said: “Senator Obama … as a member of the Illinois state Senate voted in the Judiciary Committee against a law that would provide immediate medical attention to a child born of a failed abortion.”

THE FACTS: Obama opposed born alive legislation because it was already law and could have compromised abortion rights.

Fact Check: McCain on Repudiating Attacks

Tonight, John McCain said: “Anytime there has been an out of bounds remark made by a Republican, no matter where they are, I have repudiated them.”

THE FACTS: McCain said he couldn't -- and didn't -- repudiate extreme attacks.

Fact Check: Obama Supports Restrictions on Late Term Abortion Provided There is an Exception for Women's Health

Tonight, Sen. Obama said: "With respect to partial birth abortion, I am completely supportive of a ban on late-term abortions, partial birth or otherwise, as long as there is an exception for the mother's health and life, and this did not contain that exception. [...] there surely is some common ground when both those who believe in choice and those who are opposed to abortion can come together and say, we should try to prevent unintended pregnancies by providing appropriate education to our youth."

THE FACTS: Obama has repeatedly stated his support for restricting late term abortions as long as there is an exception for a woman’s health and has a plan to reduce unintended pregnancies. McCain would appoint Right-Wing judges who would end the right to choose.

Get more details at therecord.barackobama.com and check JohnMcCainRecord.com to learn more.

Fact Check: Spending Plans, Renewable Energy, and Health Care

Molly Claflin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 22:15:56 EDT

Fact Check: Obama's Spending Plan Adds Up and Would Cut the Deficit Far More Than McCain's

Tonight, Sen. McCain said: "Maybe that's why he has asked for $860 -- sought and proposed $860 billion worth of new spending and wants to raise people's taxes in a time of incredible challenge and difficulty and heartache for the American people?" [Presidential Debate, 10/15/08]

THE FACTS: McCain’s claim about Obama’s spending plans have been debunked as “misleading.” Obama’s plan would cut the deficit far more than McCain’s, and even Alan Greenspan has said we can’t afford McCain’s tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations.

Fact Check: Renewable Energy

Tonight, John McCain said: “So the point is, with nuclear power, with wind, tide, solar, natural gas, with the development of flex fuel, hybrid, clean coal technology, clean coal technology is a key in the heartland of America that is hurting rather badly. So I think we can easily within seven, eight, ten years, if we put our minds to it, we can eliminate our dependence on the places in the world that harm our national security if we don't achieve our independence from it.”

THE FACTS: McCain has repeatedly opposed important investments in renewable energy and opposed a bipartisan bill to remove tax breaks for oil companies to increase investment in renewable energy.

Fact Check: Health Care For Pre-Existing Conditions

Tonight, Barack Obama said: “We are going to make sure that insurance companies can't discriminate on the basis of preexisting conditions, we will negotiate with the drug companies for the cheapest available price on drugs.”

THE FACTS: McCain's health care plan would not mandate coverage for those pre-existing conditions and allow insurance companies to evade a number of important state protections.

You can follow along and check the facts at therecord.barackobama.com and JohnMcCainRecord.com.

Fact Check: Taking on the Party, Negative Attacks, and ACORN

Molly Claflin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:52:25 EDT

Fact Check: Obama Has A Record of taking on His Own Party

Tonight, Senator McCain said: “I have fought against spending, I have fought against special interests, I have fought for reform. You will have to tell me one time when you have stood up with the leaders of your party on one single major issue.”

THE FACTS: Obama has a record of taking on his own party.

Fact Check: Republicans Have Told McCain To Tone Down the Negativity

THE FACTS: Numerous Republican leaders and elected officials have told John McCain to tone down his negative campaign.

Fact Check: ACORN

Tonight, John McCain said: “We need to know the full extent of Senator Obama's relationship with ACORN who is now on the verge of possibly perpetrating one of the greatest frauds in voter history, maybe describing the fabric of American history.”

THE FACTS: McCain was the "principle speaker" at a meeting organized by ACORN.

You can follow along with the debate and check the facts yourself at to therecord.barackobama.com and JohnMcCainRecord.com.

Fact Check: Tax Cuts, Spreading the Wealth, and Nuclear Power

Molly Claflin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:39:24 EDT

Fact Check: Who Benefits From Tax Cuts

Tonight, Barack Obama said: “I think tax policy is a major difference between Senator McCain and myself, and we both want to cut taxes. The difference is who we want to cut taxes for. Now, Senator McCain, the centerpiece of his economic proposal is to provide $200 billion in additional tax breaks to some of the wealthiest corporations in America -- Exxon Mobil and other oil companies, for example, would get an additional $4 billion in tax breaks. What I have said is I want to provide a tax cut for 95 percent of working Americans, 95 percent.”

THE FACTS: Obama Cuts Taxes For 95% Of Americans, McCain Leaves Out 101 Million Households.

Fact Check: "Spread The Wealth Around"

Tonight, John McCain said: “Joe wants to buy the business that he has been in for all these years, worked ten, twelve hours a day. He wanted to buy the business, but he looked at your tax plan, and he saw that he was going to pay much higher taxes. You were going to put him in a higher tax bracket, which was going to increase his taxes, which was going to cause him not to be able to employ people, which Joe was trying to realize the American dream.” [Presidential Debate, 10/15/08]

THE FACTS: Obama's full statement referred to improving the economy for all

Obama said: “If The Economy’s Good For Folks From The Bottom Up, It’s Gonna Be Good For Everybody.” “My attitude is that if the economy’s good for folks from the bottom up, it’s gonna be good for everybody. If you’ve got a plumbing business, you’re gonna be better off if you’re gonna be better off if you’ve got a whole bunch of customers who can afford to hire you, and right now everybody’s so pinched that business is bad for everybody and I think when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody. But listen, I respect what you do and I respect your question, and even if I don’t get your vote, I’m still gonna be working hard on your behalf because small businesses are what creates jobs in this country and I want to encourage it.”

Fact Check: Obama has supported nuclear power and offshore drilling

Tonight, Senator McCain said: “We have to have nuclear power… Gas, nuclear, solar. Which Senator Obama has opposed.”

THE FACTS: Obama has supported nuclear power and offshore drilling.

For more information, to therecord.barackobama.com for more details, and check JohnMcCainRecord.com to learn more.

Barack on Taxes

Molly Claflin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:28:28 EDT

American families are in desperate need of economic relief.

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

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

Find out what this means for you and your family -- use our new tax calculator and find out how much your family will save.

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

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

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

In tonight's debate, Barack said:

In fact, independent studies have looked at our prospective plans and have concluded that I provide three times the amount of tax relief to middle class families than Senator McCain does.

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

Focus on the Issues: Jobs

Molly Claflin — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:33:01 EDT

On Monday, Barack Obama laid out a major economic plan to give relief to the middle class.

Barack said:

We can’t wait to help workers and families and communities who are struggling right now – who don’t know if their job or their retirement will be there tomorrow; who don’t know if next week’s paycheck will cover this month’s bills. We need to pass an economic rescue plan for the middle-class and we need to do it now. Today I’m proposing a number of steps that we should take immediately to stabilize our financial system, provide relief to families and communities, and help struggling homeowners. It’s a plan that begins with one word that’s on everyone’s mind, and it’s spelled J-O-B-S.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a plan to create new American jobs. They will create a Jobs and Growth Fund that will provide money to cities and states to implement new projects to rebuild and repair our roads, bridges, and schools. They will invest in manufacturing and create 5 million new highly-skilled “green” jobs. Obama-Biden will also support a new federal workforce training program to help Americans find stable, high-paying jobs.

And it’s not just about creating new jobs, but also encouraging employers to hire Americans workers at a fair wage. To do this, Barack Obama will provide much-needed tax relief to small businesses to encourage innovation and job creation, and will stop tax breaks for companies that send jobs overseas.

John McCain has some different ideas regarding jobs. McCain supports tax breaks for companies that send American jobs overseas, and opposed workplace training programs to help displaced workers reenter the workforce.

That’s a big policy difference. As Barack has said, this election is all about the issues. You can learn more about the candidates’ stances on jobs by visiting http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/ and http://www.JohnMcCainrRecord.com.

Voices for Change: Ginger and Todd in South Carolina

Molly Claflin — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 17:06:34 EDT

Ginger and Todd of Columbia, South Carolina, have never donated to a political campaign before. But they’ve already written two checks to the Obama campaign, and plan on writing a few more before the election is over.

Todd and Ginger often vote Republican – and voted twice for President Bush – but are now solidly behind Barack Obama.

Ginger says:

I just love Obama’s message and the way he appeals to ordinary people to contribute. I haven’t given much, but it’s just nice to feel like you’re really a part of something.

I admire Barack -- the way he personally came from a disadvantaged background and made something of himself. He seems like a real person. He has a kinder, gentler, philosophy of dealing with people.

Ginger and Todd, both 6th grade teachers, are especially concerned about healthcare, as the see the impact it has on the students in their classrooms every day.

Ginger says:

A lot of my students don’t have healthcare, and it’s just not fair. Insurance companies get rich off people who can’t afford it, and then when you need their help it’s hard to get it. I have a lot of students from low-income families. They have enough money for food, but not enough to get regular checkups and dental care. Their parents don’t have health insurance, so they wait too long to go to the doctor, often ending up in the emergency room.
Sometimes those kids come to school every day – even when they’re sick – because school is the brightest part of their lives.

Todd, who also volunteers as a youth minister, is especially concerned about helping some of his lower-income students succeed.

Todd says:

Obama’s policies on healthcare and tax cuts for lower income people are very good. We need to help people who have low income be able to get ahead. Obama’s idea of giving a tax credit for tuition and requiring students to pay it back to the community is also great. Kids should be able to go to college if they want to and are willing to work for it.

Todd has done some phonebanking for the campaign and plans to do more before November. Todd says, “It’s important to me to get Obama elected. For years I’ve been tired of politicians running negative campaigns, and for once I heard someone telling us what we can do, instead of what we can’t.”

Ginger notes:

I hope people in South Carolina turn out the way they did in the primary. If they do, I think we’ve got South Carolina won.

Barack has already shown us what we can accomplish together. But we still need your help. Join our nationwide network of grassroots supporters. Please make a contribution today.

Focus on the Issues: Seniors and Social Security

Molly Claflin — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:29:57 EDT

Barack said it himself: This election is all about the issues. Americans are hungry for change – for better jobs, for more financial security, for a cleaner environment. And one of the most important issues in this election is Social Security and providing for our senior citizens.

With insecure retirement savings, and the skyrocketing costs of health care, housing, and energy costs, our seniors need help.

Barack Obama has a plan to help America’s senior citizens. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will protect Social Security and make sure our seniors can afford to retire. The Obama-Biden plan will expand retirement savings program and create new pension programs. And Barack’s plan will eliminate income tax altogether for seniors who make less than $50,000 per year.

The Obama-Biden plan will protect and strengthen Medicare, and allow the federal government to negotiate for cheaper drugs for the Medicare program, so seniors can afford their pills. Finally, Obama will increase funding for LIHEAP, to help seniors pay their winter heating bills.

John McCain has a different view of Social Security and seniors. McCain wants to privatizes Social Security, taking a gamble with the Social Security system on the stock market. And McCain voted against much needed-increases in Medicare funding, taking away many seniors’ only access to health care.

American seniors just can’t afford McCain’s policies.

Learn more about the Obama-Biden plan for Seniors and Social Security. And visit JohnMcCainRecord.com to compare McCain’s stance on the issues.

Show America You Stand for Change

Molly Claflin — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:41:18 EDT

More than 2.5 million of you have already taken ownership of this campaign, and countless more are out in your communities talking to your neighbors, making phone calls, and volunteering for change.

Here are your photos. These are just a few of the millions of you across the country – young and old -- who are getting involved and standing up for change.

Jay in South Boston shares his Obama story from last week:

I was walking my dog this morning, the day after the Obama/McCain debate. It was early, before school, when I noticed this young boy running from light post to light post, taping a handwritten note, written on school notepaper. My first thought was, he must have lost his pet or something. The bus was approaching as I reached my first light pole, it said, "Vote for Obama." It occurred to me that even the youngest of folks are invested in this election! Thank you for renewing the hopes and dreams of many American, even the young boy in South Boston!

Send in your own Obama stories and photos to blog@barackobama.com and show America what you're doing to be a part of our movement.

Make Sure Every Vote Counts

Molly Claflin — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:10:25 EDT

If you’re a lawyer or law student, the Obama campaign needs your help. We’re dispatching volunteer lawyers across the country as part of the Obama Voter Protection Program.

This unprecedented program will make sure we have volunteer attorneys as voter protection monitors in battleground states across the country. We’ve got hundreds of thousands of first-time voters participating in the election this year, and they’re going to need your help in making sure their ballots get counted.

During the primaries, lawyers were instrumental in making sure all voters got to fully participate in the political process. And now we’ll need your help even more in the general election. You choose which state to travel to – we especially need help in the battleground states! -- and the campaign will make sure you’re trained and ready with all the information you need to help voters on Election Day.

There are only 26 days left before this historic election. Put your skills to use and be part of the change. Go to Counsel for Change to sign up and make sure every voter gets his or her voice heard.

Focus on the Issues: Health Care

Molly Claflin — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:21:04 EDT

In this week's debates, the candidates spent a lot of time talking about health care. Health care is on a lot of people’s minds this election, as health insurance rates keep rising and leave many families unable to afford much-needed health care.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a health care plan that will make quality health care affordable and accessible for every American. It builds on the existing health care plan. So if you like you’re health insurance – you can keep it, and will pay up to $2,500 less annually than you do now.

If you don’t have health insurance, you will have a choice of quality, affordable health care options.

The Obama-Biden plan doesn’t leave the burden on small businesses, either. Barack’s plan will create a new Small Business Health Tax Credit to help small businesses provide affordable health insurance to their employees.

Barack has said: “I … believe that every American has the right to affordable health care. I believe that the millions of Americans who can't take their children to a doctor when they get sick have that right. … And I believe that no amount of industry profiteering and lobbying should stand in the way of that right any longer.”

In contrast, John McCain’s plan will tax health care benefits -- imposing a $3.6 trillion tax on working families. This would represent the first time in our nation’s history that health care benefits would be taxed. And McCain’s plan doesn’t protect Americans with pre-existing conditions -- leaving those who need it most without health insurance.

You can learn more about Barack’s health insurance plan here. And visit JohnMcCainrecord.com to learn more about John McCain’s record on health care. You can also checkk and see what each of the candidates said about health care last night at therecord.barackobama.com.

Fact Check: Foreign Policy

Molly Claflin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:43:12 EDT

Fact Check: McCain on Iran

Tonight, Barack Obama said: “Senator McCain, this is the guy who sang bomb, bomb, bomb Iran."

THE FACTS: McCain has been reckless in His approach to Iran.

Fact Check: McCain Ignored Afghanistan

Tonight, Barack Obama said: “This is the person who after we had -- we hadn't even finished Afghanistan where he said, next up Baghdad.”

THE FACTS: John McCain has ignored the threat in Afghanistan and thinks Iraq is the central front in the war on terror.

Fact Check: Obama on the Surge in Iraq

Tonight, John McCain said: “He still will not admit he was wrong about the strategy of the surge in Iraq, and that is the same kind of strategy of go out and secure and hold and allow people to live normal lives.”

THE FACTS: Obama has repeatedly said the surge could help reduce violence in Iraq.

Fact Check: Obama on Diplomacy

Tonight, John McCain said: “Now, Senator Obama without precondition wants to sit down and negotiate with them, without preconditions.”

THE FACTS: Obama supports responsible diplomatic engagement with hostile nations.

Fact Check: McCain on Bin Ladin

Tonight, Barack Obama Said McCain Didn’t Think Catching Osama Bin Laden Was That Important.

THE FACTS: McCain said capturing Bin Ladin isn't "that important" and that we had suceeded in Afghanistan.

Fact Check: McCain on Funding Troops in Somalia

Tonight, John McCain said: “We went into Somalia as a peace making organization, we ended up trying to be, excuse me -- excuse me, as a peacekeeping organization. We ended up trying to be peacemakers, and we ended up having to withdraw in humiliation.”

THE FACTS: McCain introduced legislation cutting off funding for troops in Somalia.

Fact Check: On Pakistan

Tonight, John McCain accused Barack Obama of announcing publicly that he would attack Pakistan.

THE FACTS: If we have actionable intelligent about high-value terrorist targets and Pakistan won't act, we will.

To get the facts from the debate, visit therecord.barackobama.com, where you can get cites and sources for all the information you've heard tonight.

And to learn more about JohnMcCain's record on these issues, visit JohnMcCainRecord.com.

Fact Check: Debating Health Care, and McCain on Iraq

Molly Claflin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:30:57 EDT

Fact Check: McCain's Health Care Plan On Pre-existing Conditions

Tonight, John McCain said: “I want to give every American a $5,000 refundable tax credit. They can take anywhere across state lines. Why not? Don't we go across state lines when we purchase other things in America? Of course it is okay to go across state lines because in Arizona they may offer a better plan that suits you best than it does here in Tennessee, and if you do the math, those people who have employer-based health benefits, if you put the tax on it and you have what's left over, and you add $5,000 that you are going to get as a refundable tax credit."

THE FACTS: John McCain's health care plan would not require that health insurance companies cover those with pre-existing conditions and would allow insurance companies to evade a number of important state protections.

Fact Check: John McCain on Obama's Health Care Plan

Tonight Sen. McCain said, “It is certainly my responsibility, certainly small business people and others, and they understand that responsibility. American citizens understand that. Employers understand that. But they certainly are a little nervous when Senator Obama says if you don't get the health care policy that I think you should have that you're going to get fined.”

THE FACTS: Obama’s plan will make health care more affordable to small business. McCain has repeatedly voted against tax credits for small business to help provide coverage.

Fact Check: John McCain'sJudgment on Iraq

Tonight, John McCain said: “But the challenge is to know when the United States of America can beneficially affect the outcome of a crisis, when to go in and when not, when American military power is worth the expenditure of our most precious treasure, and that question can only be answered by someone with knowledge and experience and the judgment, the judgment to know when our national security is not only at risk but where the United States of America can make a difference in preventing genocide, in preventing the spread of terrorism, in doing the things that the United States has done not always well, but we have done because we are a nation of good.”

THE FACTS: McCain has repeatedly been wrong on Iraq.

Want more information? Go to therecord.barackobama.com for more details, and check JohnMcCainRecord.com to learn more.

Fact Check: Taxes, Energy Use, and Votes on Tax Increases

Molly Claflin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:13:25 EDT

Fact Check: Taxes

Tonight, John McCain said: “So let's not raise anybody's taxes, my friends, and make it be very clear to you, I am not in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy.“

THE FACTS: John McCain has changed his position on the Bush tax cuts that he once said were too tilted to the wealthy.

Fact Check: On Energy Use

Tonight, Barack Obama said: “There is going to be the need for each and every one of us to start thinking about how we use energy. I believe in the need for increased oil production. We are going to have to explore ways to get more oil, and that includes offshore drilling, it includes telling the oil companies that currently have 68 million acres that they are not using that either you use them or you lose them. We are going to have to develop clean coal technology and safe ways to store nuclear energy, but each and every one of us can start thinking about how can we save energy in our homes, in our buildings. One of the things I want to do is make sure that we are providing incentives so that you can buy a fuel efficient car that is made right here in the United States of America, not in Japan or South Korea, making sure that you are able to weatherize your home or make your business more fuel efficient, and that is going to require effort from each and every one of us.”

THE FACTS: McCain’s plans are a windfall for oil companies and his record is no support of renewable energy.

Fact Check: The Record on Tax Increases

Tonight Sen. McCain said, “Just back on this tax, you know, again it is back to our first question here about rhetoric and record. Senator Obama has voted 94 times to either increase your taxes or against tax cuts. That's his record.”

THE FACTS: The claim that Obama voted 94 times to raise taxes has been thoroughly debunked. McCain has supported nearly 500 tax increases during his time in Congress.

Get the full facts at therecord.barackobama.com, and learn more at JohnMcCainRecord.com.

Fact Check: The Financial Crisis, Healthcare, and Earmarks

Molly Claflin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:55:51 EDT

Fact Check: The Subprime Lending Crisis:

Tonight, Barack Obama said: “Two years ago, I said that we have got a subprime lending crisis that has to be dealt with. I wrote to Secretary Paulson, I wrote to Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke, and told them this is something we have to deal with, and nobody did anything about it. A year ago I went to Wall Street and said, we have got to reregulate, and nothing happened.”

THE FACTS: Obama has repeatedly called for financial market reform.

Fact Check: Healthcare

Tonight, John McCain said: “As far as health care is concerned, obviously everyone is struggling to make sure that they can afford their premiums and that they can have affordable and available health care. That's the next issue. We can do them all at once. We have to do them all at once, all three you mentioned are compelling national security requirements.“

THE FACTS: McCain’s plan will raise health care taxes, lead to less coverage.

Fact Check: Earmarks

Tonight Sen. McCain said, “He voted for nearly a billion dollars in pork barrel earmark projects, including, by the way, three million dollars for an overhead projector at a planetarium in Chicago, Illinois."

THE FACTS: Obama Has Led On Earmark Reform. McCain Has Voted For Billions In Earmarks And Requested Earmarks.

Follow along with the debate at therecord.barackobama.com, and check JohnMcCainRecord.com to learn more.

Fact Check: Fannie and Freddie

Molly Claflin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:43:12 EDT

Fact Check on McCain's Response to Fannie and Freddie:

Tonight, John McCain said: “But we all know, my friends, until we stabilize home values in America, we are never going to start turning around and creating jobs and fixing our economy, and we have got to give some trust and confidence back to America. I know how to do that, my friends, and it is my proposal, it is not Senator Obama's proposal, it is not President Bush's proposal, but I know how to get America working again, restore our economy, and take care of working Americans. “

THE FACTS: John McCain is a "latecomer to the debate" over reforming Fannie and Freddie and he admitted that he did not anticipate the housing crisis.

Fact Check on Fannie and Freddie's Influence:

Tonight Sen. McCain said, “One of the real catalysts, really the match that lit this fire was Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I'll bet you may never even have heard of them before this crisis, but you know, they're the ones that with the encouragement of Senator Obama and his cronies and his friends in Washington that went out and made all these risky loans, gave them to people that never could afford to pay back. [...] they were getting all kinds of money and campaign contributions. Senator Obama was the second highest recipient of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac money in history, in history.

THE FACTS: Franklin Raines was not an advisor and Johnson advised the campaign for less than a month. McCain campaign manager’s firm was -- as recently as a month ago -- still being paid by Freddie Mac.

Learn the facts at therecord.barackobama.com/debate and check the facts at JohnMcCainRecord.com.

Watch the 2nd Presidential Debate LIVE at 9:00 PM ET

Molly Claflin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:56:42 EDT

The second presidential debate of the 2008 election is starting in just a few minutes. The debate will be broadcast live on all of the major network news and cable stations starting at 9:00 PM ET.

Throughout the debate you can fact check the candidates at therecord.barackobama.com/debate.

And check JohnMcCainRecord.com to learn more about John McCain's record at any time during the debate.

Send in Your Ballot Today

Molly Claflin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:33:02 EDT

Turnout is going to be key in this election, so we’re encouraging everyone out there to vote early if you can. Many states allow absentee or early voting. By voting early, you can make sure your vote get counted, and avoid long lines on election day.

This photo was sent to us by Terry in Iowa:

I emailed all my out-of-state children and told them they'd have a mother to be reckoned with if they didn't get their votes for Obama in on time. This pic was emailed back to me from one son as "proof."

Join Terry’s family and get your ballot in on time too. Or go one step further and get it in early. Go to VoteForChange.com for more information or to learn more about early voting in your state.

Compare: Energy

Molly Claflin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:09:13 EDT

In last week’s VP debate, the vice presidential candidates spent a good amount of time talking about energy.

But despite lots of big talk, John McCain has repeatedly voted against alternative energy proposals that would not only help our environment, but would have put money in taxpayers wallets by giving tax incentives for fuel efficient cars, and increased fuel economy standards so you pay less at the pump. McCain voted against critical support for renewable energy sources and voted against encouraging oil companies to explore alternative energy technology. You can learn more about McCain’s record on energy at JohnMcCainRecord.com.

Our nation’s energy policy will have a massive impact on climate change and the environment, but also on economics and even foreign policy.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden proposed a comprehensive plan to halt America’s dependence on foreign oil while helping our environment. The Obama-Biden plan will cap greenhouse emissions by 80 percent, increase fuel economy standards, and put more than one million hybrid vehicles on the road by 2015.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden will create a new energy infrastructure, investing in new clean, technologies like wind, solar, and biofuels. By expanding our infrastructure, the Obama-Biden energy plan also bolsters our economy by creating 5 million new skilled, “green” jobs.

Read more about the Obama-Biden energy plan, and check JohnMcCainRecord.com to get the facts you need to compare.

The Economy: Comparing Records

Molly Claflin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:56:56 EDT

As the financial crisis unfolds, more and more Americans are concerned about the economy.

At JohnMcCainRecord.com, you can learn more about John McCain’s record on the economy, including McCain’s plan to give a $4 billion tax cut to big oil companies, while leaving more than 100 million hardworking Americans without relief. Visit JohnMcCainRecord.com, and let the facts speak for themselves.

Getting the economy back on track is critically important. Read the Obama-Biden plan for America and see Barack’s plan to put working Americans first.

Voices for Change: Tim in Indiana

Molly Claflin — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:44:35 EDT

Tim from Noblesville, Indiana is excited to be casting his first vote ever for Barack Obama.

The 20-year-old junior political science major at Purdue University is excited that his vote is going to count in this election.

It means a lot to be casting my first presidential vote for Obama. And I’m excited that Indiana is a swing state. My vote’s going to make a difference. I want to say that I voted for him. He’s a historic candidate and the right candidate.

I support Obama because the politics of the past eight years – the politics I few up with -- have been a nightmare, but he restored my hope in American politics. He believes that we can rise above and accomplish something bigger and better than ourselves.

As a college student, tuition is a big issue for Tim.

College tuition is out of control. I want to go to law school, but there’s no way my family can afford that. My sister has $70,000 in loans, and she just wanted to be a teacher. Now she’s teaching and making $35,000 per year. How is she supposed to pay that off?

Barack Obama has a plan to help every American student afford college. Obama’s plan will give a $4,000 refundable tax credit to every American student, which will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. Read more about the Obama-Biden education plan.

The economy also concerns Tim, since he and his classmates will be joining the workforce soon.

My classmates are terrified about going out into the economy. That’s a clear indicator that something is very wrong.

Tim says his whole family is voting for Obama.

My sister is voting for Obama, my mom is voting for Obama… even my dad, who used to be a Republican. I can guarantee seven votes in my family for Obama. And now I’m trying to convince my Republican roommates. I think I can do it!

Though he’s struggling on a student budget, Tim donated to the campaign a few weeks ago, and says he plan to donate again.

I don’t know how much I can afford, but I believe in his campaign and believe he will do great things, so I’ll do what I can. This is important.

Make sure you’re registered to vote by visiting VoteForChange.com.

And if you can find a little to spare in your budget this month, join Tim and contribute to our movement for change. Because Tim’s right – this is important.

Working for Change

Molly Claflin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 22:01:35 EDT

You've been busy this week -- knocking on doors, calling battleground states, and registering voters before the voter registration deadlines close.

Ginny from Merritt Island, Florida tells us why she's volunteering for Obama:

I am a 62-year-old grandmother of eight and have not felt so hopeful about our country since JFK. I spent yesterday manning our local campaign office phone banks and feel that I have contributed to the change that we need. I want change for the sake of my children and grandchildren.

Send your own Obama photos and stories to blog@barackobama.com and let us know what you're doing in your community to bring change.

Vote From Abroad

Molly Claflin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:50:19 EDT

There are over 6 million Americans living abroad in this election cycle, and we want to make sure their voices are heard in this election. We're not just working in the battleground states; we’re working hard to get out the vote in London, Munich, Hong Kong and more.

Nanci, an expatriate living in the UK, just already sent in her vote:

I just finally mailed in my absentee ballot! I voted for Obama/Biden.

And I just want to take this opportunity to say I am impressed with both the Democrats Abroad and the Vote for Change people.

I received a phone call from the Vote for Change people today while I was out. They left a message making sure that I had applied for my ballot. They wanted to tell me it wasn't too late to apply for a ballot but that I might need to fax in my application to get my ballot in time!

And last week Democrats Abroad called me and left a message on my answer phone to see if I knew how to vote and to vote Obama. I am so bummed that I missed both calls. Let me tell you that even overseas the Obama Campaign is on the ball!

Thanks to Democrats Abroad and Vote for Change for making voting so easy this year. In previous years I didn't vote because it was such a hassle to get an absentee ballot! So thank you.

And if there are any other expats out there -- go register to vote! It's easy and it's fun!

If you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time. Visit VoteForChange.com to learn more and make sure your vote gets counted – no matter where in the world you are.

Voices for Change: Donna in Columbia, South Carolina

Molly Claflin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 16:08:58 EDT

Donna, 61, from Columbia, South Carolina, is proud that she could have an impact on this election.

She stared out slow, making some calls in the spring and getting more involved right before the South Carolina primary.

Since then she’s become a dedicated volunteer – volunteering as precinct captain, canvassing, phonebanking, and even hosting out-of-state volunteers at her home.

Hosting volunteers is really neat because even times when I didn’t have time to volunteer, I still felt connected and felt like I was doing something for the movement.

“At this point, I’m pretty much caught up in Obama fever,” she says.

A registered nurse with two sons in their 30s, Donna had never volunteered on a presidential campaign before, and had only donated once to a gubernatorial candidate.

Until the Obama campaign, I didn’t know that people really gave small amounts to campaigns. I thought you had to give thousands. I didn’t realize people like me could just give a little. But in the Obama campaign, every little bit helps!
To ask people to give what they can, when they can, is so reasonable. I contribute because, to me, it’s almost like a vote. It demonstrates to other people just how much your little part of the effort makes a difference. That’s why I’ve continued to donate when I could – I can see how much a difference my effort is making.

Donna contributes because she sees how much the economy and the healthcare crisis are affecting her community. “Being a nurse, I see a lot of patients who don’t have insurance or are underinsured. I’ve seen a lot of the issues that come up with Medicaid and the problems people face getting the help they need.”

It’s even affecting her own family.

One of my sons owns a small construction business and he has to pay for his own insurance with a huge deductible. I see his family not going to the doctor when they should. And my other son bought his first home a few years ago and had a sub-prime loan. He lost his job recently and has been struggling to keep his head above water and keep his home. But I think this is all something we can fix with President Obama in office.

Donna’s sons weren’t going to vote, but on primary day they called her to tell her they went to the polls for Obama. “I was so proud,” she says. Her two Republican siblings are voting to Obama too.

Donna is excited to bring more people into the Obama movement.

Obama tells people they need to have hope, faith, in America. He asks us to have faith in ourselves and that we have the power to work together and make things happen. With him, it’s not about him – it’s all about us.

Join the movement. Team up with other supporters and help make things happen in Washington.

Voter Registration: "The final push"

Molly Claflin — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 23:29:34 EDT

State registration deadlines are coming up fast. In a many of states – including important battlegrounds like Colorado, Florida, and Pennsylvania – voter registration ends Monday, October 6.

Voter registration will make a huge the difference in this election. Virginia has registered nearly 350,000 new voters this year. North Carolina added 600,000 new voters. And 80,000 new Democratic voters will be going to the polls in Nevada.

And that’s in no small part thanks to you.

Our supporters have been on the ground working tirelessly in every state, registering hundreds of thousands of new voters – and having a great time doing it. Here are a few of the comments from our blog:

Becky in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida says:

I'm handing out flyers telling folks how to register to vote. Doin' all I can to turn Florida blue and having the time of my life! In all my 60 years I've never felt so happy or so alive.

Ethel in Harrisburg, PA:

Just came from volunteering. I feel great! I did something for the campaign today. Everyone was upbeat and looking forward to the final push with registering people.

And a new voter, Barbara in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, weighs in:

OK -- here's one Obama vote from Florida! I'm 53 and have just today registered to vote for the first time. I'm excited and can't wait to cast my very first ballot for Barack Obama!

People like Barbara are the reason you’re out there in parks and on street corners registering new voters. Because there are still thousands and thousands of Obama supporters out there who still aren’t registered.

If you can spare a few hours tomorrow or Monday, take a clipboard and go out into your community to give those supporters a voice in this election.

Voices for Change: Lisa in Monticello, Iowa

Molly Claflin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:10:55 EDT

Lisa in Monticello, Iowa recently joined out campaign for change.

The 46-year-old mom and jewelry designer says she’s “not a political person” and has never donated to a campaign before. “But I’m a political junkie now,” she says. Though she always voted, she had never been inspired to get involved.

But that changed with Barack.

That’s one of the great things about him – that he mobilized so many people to want to be involved in our political process. Even if nothing else comes of his campaign, he made a difference. He changed the way millions of us think about politics.

Lisa supports Barack because:

He’s smart and he has great leadership skills. He inspires people to affect change, and that’s the most powerful thing a person can do. He leads by example and inspires others to go out and work for change. I’ve never seen that before in a political candidate.

Lisa says the economy is the biggest concern to her in this election, but many other issues are important as well.

It’s important to me to have a pro-choice candidate and pro-environment too. I also have a gay brother, so Barack’s stance on equal rights is important.

Barack’s support of community service also matters to Lisa.

My son spent two years in Americorps after college, helping kids in Texas learn to read. I think Barack’s plan of getting college kids to give back in community service is terrific.

Barack Obama has a plan to help every American student afford college. Obama’s plan will give a $4000 refundable tax credit to every American student, which will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. In exchange, students would be required to perform 100 hours of community service – ensuring that students are not only learning in the classroom, but are learning valuable lessons through serving their communities at the same time.

Lisa says she donated to the campaign because:

We have to change! Too many people are out of luck with no one to help them. That’s not America; that’s not who we are. Barack understand that and will do something about it.

Barack is working hard to help ordinary Americans, but we can’t do it without you. Join Lisa and be a part of our movement for change.

Grassroots Fundraising: Ahmie in Cleveland

Molly Claflin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 23:35:43 EDT

Ahmie, 32, is a stay-at-home mom and part-time professional photographer in Cleveland, Ohio, where her husband is a high school teacher.

“Our whole family is for Obama,” she says. “We’ve taken our boys – 4-years-old and 14-months-old – to a couple of rallies. Every time the 4-year-old sees Obama on TV he cheers.”

Ahmie has always been fairly politically involved.

But my boys are the reason I’m so passionate about seeing change come to this country this time. I did some GOTV in 2004, but not as much because I had an infant at the time. This year I’m not making any excuses.

Ahmie’s doing some volunteering, and was excited to start a personal fundraising page as it gave her a way to contribute while staying home with her kids. She sent emails to her friends and family to get them involved, and has been thrilled by the response she got.

"I got a lot of donations by posting on the blog and asking people to donate towards my page," she explained. "And then I emailed everyone I knew and asked them to donate $20.20 in honor of Barack’s 20/20 vision for the country. I told them – if you can’t give $20, then give $5. Just give what you can – it all makes a difference."

So far, Ahmie has raised $482 from 18 donors and can’t wait to raise more. “I’ve never donated to a political campaign before,” she says. “But this time is important.”

We've only got a few weeks to go before the election. Join Ahmie and our grassroots network of donors across the country by starting your own grassroots fundraising page today.

"Voting is just too important, to let people sit this one out"

Molly Claflin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:23:49 EDT

Voter registration deadline across the country are coming up, but there’s still time for you to get involved.

Cheryl, 56, in Sioux City, Nebraska has been registering voters from her laundromat.

I own two business and work all the time, so I don’t have any free time.But I decided to register as many voters as I can from here. Every person that comes in, I ask if they’re registered, and if they’re not,, I go on the computer, register them, print out the form and have them sign it.”

Then I send it in myself. I bought a roll of stamps and a box of envelopes I have sitting by the counter. I want to make sure the registrations get in!

Voting is just too important, to let people sit this one out.

A member of a Baptist church here in town, Cheryl got to meet Barack last year when he visited her church.

I’m a faith-monger. When I met him and shook his hand, I could just feel what a kind and honest person he is.

Cheryl also likes Barack’s personal story.

He knows our struggles – he’s been there. I was a single mom myself, and raised my son and helped put him through college. And Barack understands what that means.

Beyond registering voters, Cheryl also donates every month.

I don’t have much, but I do what I can because I know what it means for this country.

Registering voters is an easy way to be involved in our campaign for change and make a big difference in November. Take a few hours this week to volunteer to register voters in your community, or find a voter registration event near you. Or, follow Cheryl’s lead and bring some voter registration forms to work with you. Because every voter counts.

Send Us Your Photos From the Field

Molly Claflin — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:20:02 EDT

There are millions of you all across the country working for change in your communities. You’re canvassing in New Hampshire, phonebanking in Indiana, registering voters in Florida, and volunteering in field offices from Washington, DC to Washington state. If you want to show America what you’re doing for our movement, send your Obama photos and stories to blog@barackobama.com and be the face of change.

Voter Registration: Your Stories

Molly Claflin — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:10:31 EDT

Our volunteers have been busy registering voters before state voter registration deadlines close -- which in many states is in just a few days.

Voter registration is a fun way to meet people in your community while making a big difference for our campaign for change. Here are a few stories from supporters who have left comments here on the blog:

Sue in Florida:

I have been registering voters a long time down here in Broward County Florida. I don’t go anywhere without registration forms. I just got done with my Poll Recertification here in Florida. I stopped at a gas station after the class to get a cold drink. I always take my forms with me and ask "Are you registered to vote"? I usually get two or three in this one service station everyday. This morning there was a new cashier. He was 19 years old. I asked him if he was registered. He said, "I am not interested in politics." I asked him how could he not be, and he said it just doesn’t affect him.

So I asked if he knew about John McCain and his policies towards military force, and the possibility of starting conflicts with Iran and Russia. He said no, and asked me if I had "one of those forms.” While he was filling out his form a man behind me asked, "May I have one too?

I have two sons about their age. I am doing this for all of them.

Nelson in Virginia:

I volunteered registering voters last weekend and helped a coworker get an absentee ballot because he will be traveling, most likely, on Nov. 4th. Every vote counts! Especially in this state!

Dave in Seattle, Washington:

This is the home stretch of the race... just hold tight and keep volunteering. I registered 75 voters this week and now am coordinating with new volunteers.

Nicole in Austin, Texas:

Well I'm so proud of myself -- tonight I worked for the Obama campaign and along with two other girls we registered 30 people in less than two hours. It was our first time ever doing anything like this. I also got three of my co-workers registered, trying to change the world one day at a time.

Thirty three people and counting until Oct. 6th!

Diane in Eugene, Oregon:

I have to be on the University of Oregon campus tomorrow morning to register incoming freshmen. We gathered 25 new Oregonian voters on Monday and expect no less than 60 tomorrow.

Isaiah in Midlothian, Virginia:

On the night Barack accepted the nomination, we hosted a nomination watch party. About 30 people attended. Believe it or not, there were two people in this group that were not registered to vote. Well, so happen I had some registration forms and promptly got them to fill the forms out before they left that night. If we all do this whenever we go to an event, victory is ours.

You can be a part of our movement for change, too. Grab a clipboard, some voter registration forms, and get out into your community. We’ve only got a few more days to register voters, and we can’t do it without you.

Check out our Voter Registration Action Center to get started.

Voices for Change: Debbie in New Jersey

Molly Claflin — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:49:20 EDT

Debbie in Marlton, New Jersey is a proud military mom. With a 33-year-old son in the military, Debbie understands the implications of the upcoming election.

“I’m not a one-issue voter,” she says, “but because we’re in two wars right now and my son is in his third deployment, the resolution of the war in Iraq and the care of our military are very important to me.”

Barack Obama has an outstanding record of caring for our servicemen and for military families. The other candidate doesn’t have a good record when it comes to the care and treatment of out troops.

Whether you’re a pacifist or believe we should be in Iraq for 100 more years, the care of our military families and veterans should matter to all of us. And it matters to Barack Obama.

Debbie and her daughter are members of Blue Star Families for Obama – a "Pro-Military, Pro-Obama" group made up of active-duty military wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, and sisters and brothers of members of the armed services.

Veterans and military families have been making 9-11 calls to Bush and McCain regarding veterans returning from war, and they have ignored those calls. Blue Star families are not going to ignore those calls. Barack Obama is not going to ignore those calls. He has a care package for veterans and their families.

Debbie thinks many military members see Barack as the candidate who can best address their needs, citing a recent report that active military members gave six times as much to the Obama campaign as to the McCain campaign, and citing recent reports by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

Barack has a plan to help our veterans. The Obama-Biden plan will strengthen VA care by fully funding the VA and improving care for polytrauma vision impairment, prosthetics, spinal cord injury, aging, and women's health. Barack and Joe Biden will also improve care for mental health and traumatic brain injuries. Learn more about the Obama-Biden plan for veterans here.

Debbie is frustrated that “the republicans often claim the military issue. But our troops support Barack Obama because he is supporting them.”

Though she’s never been involved before, Debbie is excited to volunteer this year.

The war is important. Taking care of our troops is important. However you feel about the war, we can all agree that taking care of our military families is important. And Barack is going to do that.

Join Debbie and volunteer for the campaign in your area to help Barack support our troops. And if you’re part of a military family, join Blue Star Families for Obama and find out how you can get more involved.

Voter Registration Deadlines Are Less Than Two Weeks Away

Molly Claflin — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:31:50 EDT

Since the primaries, you’ve been registering hundreds of thousands of new voters – and we appreciate all your efforts!

You've helped register more than 100,000 new voters in Florida, nearly 98,000 in Iowa, and over 105,000 in Pennsylvania.

But there’s still work to do. For example, in Virginia, an estimated 8 million African Americans who are eligible to vote are still not registered. These voters could easily swing the state for Obama.

First time voters could make all the difference in November. But we’re going to need your help to get them there. In many states, voter registration closes in just over one week.

Can you spare a few hours to help register voters in your community? Visit our Voter Registration Action Center and find a voter registration event near you. Or, create your own. And make sure that every voter has a voice on Election Day.

We only have a few more days to get these crucial new voters included in the process, so go out into your community and make a difference today.

And don't forget to check and make sure your own registration is up-to-date at VoteForChange.com.

Get the Facts, Fight the Smears

Molly Claflin — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:29:28 EDT

Heard any nasty rumors lately? Don’t ignore them – go to FightTheSmears.com and get the facts to fight back. FightTheSmears.com is our website dedicated entirely to providing facts to refute all the vicious and malicious rumors about Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

At FightTheSmears.com, you can get the facts, as well as independent analysis from truth-checking sites like Snopes.com and Factcheck.com to fight back with accurate information.

If you get a smear email, send it to watchdog@barackobama.com and help spread the truth.

ObamaWorks: Cleaning Up in Virginia

Molly Claflin — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:47:06 EDT

On a perfect early fall morning last Saturday, 24 enthusiastic Obama volunteers, inspired by Senator Obama’s call to service, came together to clean up Jones Point Park in Alexandria, Virginia. The park is at the site of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge, and needed a little care.

Jill, 54, of Alexandria helped organize the event. “I run every morning along the Protmac River and see all the trash along the river. I got to thinking about Barack’s call to service and his encouragement that ordinary people can make a difference in their community.”

There’s a certain point that I think all Obama volunteers go through, when they realize that they don’t have to wait for someone to tell them to do something – they just need to find a project that matters to them and go do it. That could be canvassing, registering voters, or cleaning up a local park.

Jill decided that cleaning up her community mattered to her, and took the lead to organize the ObamaWorks project. “I called the city where I live and they were excited to give us a park that could use some cleanup. The I used the easy tools on MyBO to organize the event.”

Jill says all of the volunteers had a great time and were excited to feel like they were already bringing welcome change to their community.

The most rewarding part was seeing everyone’s enthusiasm. There was such positive energy for Obama and for the event. The people that use the park kept coming up and thanking us for cleaning the park; they cheered us on all day.

This is all about working together to change our community and make it a better place.

Before volunteering for the Obama campaign, Jill had never been politically involved at all. “It’s hard for me sometimes to explain how important I believe this election is. Our country turns on this election. I’ve seen changes in this country, and it’s time to get back on track.”

Jill says the ObamaWorks project is great because many people don’t realize all the different ways they can get involved in the campaign. “There’s a ripple effect with this campaign,” she says. “You get one person involved, and they get a few of their friends involved, and pretty soon you get this huge volunteer base that ripples out.” After the ObamaWorks event, one of Jill’s friends who had never volunteered before went canvassing for the first time. “And that’s what it’s all about,” Jill says.

We weren’t phonebanking – though that’s really important! –but we made a difference in our community, and that’s what Barack Obama is all about.

Join the millions of volunteers across the country who have responded to Barack's call to service. You can phonebank, go door-to-door, register voters, volunteer in the local field office, or even clean up a local park or roadway in your community. It's all about making change in your community, and we're proud that you're making a difference.

Vote Early Today, Skip the Lines on November 4th

Molly Claflin — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:54:07 EDT

As of today, early voting has already started in a number of states. Early voting means you can cast a ballot – in-person in some states, and via absentee ballot in most others – well before Election Day on November 4th.

Voting early has lots of benefits – it means you get to avoid the long lines on Election Day, but it also means it frees you up in November to help Obama get out the vote and help your friends and neighbors get to the polls.

Thirty-one states and the District of Columbia allow some sort of early voting. Check today and see if your state is among them.

(Still not registered? That's okay - you still have time! Visit VoteForChange.com and register today.)

Are You Registered to Vote? Are You Sure?

Molly Claflin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:43:25 EDT

As September winds down, many states voter registration deadlines are coming to a close. In 34 states, the voter registration deadline is early October. That means you only have a few weeks to register and make sure your friends and family members are registered.

Go to VoteForChange.com to make sure you’re registered and correctly registered at the right address for Election Day.

VoteForChange.com makes it easier than ever to check your own voter registration, make sure your registration information is correct and up-to-date, and soon it will even be able to find your specific polling location. You can also sign up to vote early, apply to vote absentee, and find out what you need to bring with you to the polls on Election Day.

Once you’ve made sure your own registration is up-to-date, spend a few hours out in your community helping to register new voters and bring new people to the political process.

This election is going to be all about turnout, and making sure as many voters as possible get to the polls. So check VoteForChange.com to make sure you’ll be part of the process on November 4th.

Register Voters and Make a Difference in Your Community

Molly Claflin — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:07:48 EDT

With only 41 days before the election, many state voter registration deadlines are coming up.

Registering voters is a fun and easy way to be part of our campaign. Take a few hours after work or on a Saturday and go to a busy neighborhood location. Or carry some voter registration forms with you and you'll be surprised how many new voters you can register at the grocery store, at work, even at your kid's soccer game. Sign up to volunteer and register voters in your community, or find a voter registration event near you.

Sheree in Arkansas said:

I just got back from my old college campus the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff during my lunch break and I was able to register 45 new voters in just one hour!

That is 45 more votes for Senator Obama in Arkansas. That is 45 more young people who will be voting for the first time.

It was amazing to be back at my old college campus where I voted in my first election in 1996 for President Bill Clinton. I remember how excited I was to vote for the first time. It was inspiring to know what people went through so that I could vote. Now I am able to give back the joy that someone gave to me this year and help a young person get the chance to vote for a candidate that will help change America.

VoteforChange.com makes it easier than ever to register. Instead of tracking down the right forms, all you need to do is answer a few basic questions and you'll be ready to vote. You can also:

• Confirm your existing registration

• Apply to vote absentee

• Learn about early vote options

• Find your polling place

Visit voteforchange.com today.

Making Higher Education Accessible to All Americans

Molly Claflin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:43:52 EDT

"There’s only one candidate who is looking at how we make college affordable for every single child in this nation..." -- Michelle Obama, September 22, 2008

On Monday morning, Michelle Obama hosted a conference call with college newspapers across the country to discuss the Obama-Biden plan for higher education and the importance of the youth vote. You can read more about her statements and see what students at the University of Colorado thought of the Obama-Biden plan.

We were planning to compare the Obama-Biden plan with John McCain’s plan for higher education, but he doesn’t seem to have much of one. His stated plan would seek to simplify the application process for existing tax benefits and financial aid, but offers no new aid proposals or plans to make college more affordable. The Colorado Daily reported that, when contacted yesterday, "McCain campaign officials declined to discuss their candidate's stance on higher-ed issues."

That’s definitely not the change we need.

In today’s economy, a college education is more important than ever. College trains the next generation for the jobs of tomorrow, and can get today’s young people on track for achieving their own American dreams.

That’s why Barack Obama and Joe Biden have proposed creating new programs to make college more affordable for every student.

The Obama-Biden plan creates a universal and fully-refundable $4,000 Opportunity Tax Credit. This credit will cover two-thirds the cost of college tuition at the average public state university and make community college almost free for most students. In exchange for the tax credit, students would be required to contribute 100 hours of community service. In this way, the Obama-Biden plan ensures that not only do American students get a great education, they will also learn the value of serving their community.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden will also streamline the financial aid process, removing key hurdles that keep students from the aid they need. Instead of filling out a cumbersome federal financial aid form, parents would simply be able to check a box on their tax forms authorizing their tax information be used to apply for financial aid.

Obama-Biden also plan to make college more affordable by expanding Pell grants for low-income students and ensuring that Pell grants keep up with the rising costs of college inflation.

Read more about the Obama-Biden plan to make college a reality for all American students...

Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania Gets Involved

Molly Claflin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:15:31 EDT

Yvette is the volunteer phonebanking organizer in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. The all-volunteer team is working out of the South Hills for Obama office, which just opened a few weeks ago with over 400 supporters showing up to celebrate the opening.

The Mt. Lebanon team was organized by an Obama fellow who showed up for six weeks during the summer to get things started. Today, they have a core of six volunteer organizers who work with a local field organizer.

Yvette is proud of her all-volunteer team in Mt. Lebanon.

Our canvassing coordinator Dave is exceptional – he’s out there every evening and all day on weekends trying to get people registered. And that’s just one example – we have a great team here.

We’ve got a young girl in our office named Evelyn who’s 11 or 12, and has been phonebanking, canvassing, and coming to every event. The most inspiring part about our team is that is spans across generations. We’ve got them all.

Last week, Arizona governor Janet Napolitano stopped by the office to fire up the volunteers. Thanks to Governor Napolitano’s encouraging words, the Mt. Lebanon volunteers knocked on over 1000 doors in one day!

I took my kids – ages 5 and 7 – to hang literature on doors and they loved it. Even after it was time to go home, my 7-year-old wanted to keep going.

Yvette says most of the voters her team talks to are concerned about the economy.

Gas prices and the economy are key here. We’re having to scrimp and save and watch our pennies, and we’re worried about our retirement savings. But I know Obama can help us.

Barack Obama and Joe Biden are proposing substantial tax cuts for ordinary Americans. The Obama-Biden plan cuts income taxes by $1,000 for more than 150 million working families, and eliminates the income tax altogether for senior citizens making less than $50,000.

I've done community organizing, and I know how tough it is, so I really admire Obama's work in that area. I know that anyone who has done that kind of work is doing it for the right reasons, and will work for real people.

The group in Mt. Pleasant is working hard to do all they can before November.

We made so many calls recently that our Field Organizer actually told us to slow down! So we’re focusing on canvassing now.

We’re thrilled that there are so many supporters in Pennsylvania who are volunteering their time to bring change to their communities. You can get involved too! Join our movement by canvassing, phonebanking, or helping to register voters in your community.

Tons of eager volunteers showed up at the office opening in Mt. Lebanon.

"One new voter at a time"

Molly Claflin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:23:05 EDT

Voter registration is a fun and easy way you can make a big difference in this election. With your help, we’ve made big headway in voter registration and are confident that on November 4th, all your efforts will pay off.

Many states have voter registration deadlines coming up in the next few weeks, so go out into your neighborhood and help register new voters to make sure your neighbors have a voice in November.

Marsha in Salem, Massachusetts has been busy registering voters for months.

In the last few months, I've organized several Vote 4 Change events in Massachusetts. It's been very invigorating and I still get that rush of excitement when I'm registering a new voter, or teaching others to how to register voters. It truly feels like I'm part of something way bigger than myself.

It's humbling to think that each person I've helped register is now able to exercise their right to vote, and it feels incredible to have been a part of that experience. Knowing that I can help this campaign - one new voter at a time - gives me great satisfaction and keeps me motivated to continue to do the hard work it's going to take to win this election in November.

Registering voters has always been meaningful for me. I registered my first voter as a college student studying at Brooklyn College in NYC about 20 years ago. Back then I was volunteering for the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG), the same organization Barack Obama worked for briefly at City College back when he was just learning about community organizing. It was during that time that I came to realize and experience first hand how the simple act of registering a voter is both sacred and empowering - both for them and for myself.

You can get involved in voter registration in your community, too. Send your friends and family to www.voteforchange.com to register, and check out our Voter Registration Center to find out how you can get involved registering others in your neighborhood.

This Week in Photos

Molly Claflin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:52:50 EDT

We know you've been busy volunteering to bring change to your community. You've knocked on doors, called your neighbors, registered thousands of voters and even traveled to battleground states to find more support for Barack. Here are some of the photos that you've sent in over the last week.

Check them out, and then send in your own photos or Obama photos to blog@barackobama.com.

Canvass for Change: Veronica in St. Louis, Missouri

Molly Claflin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:47:57 EDT

Last week, a St. Louis volunteer organizer wrote in to tell us about one of her local volunteers.

One of our volunteers, Veronica, came to the canvass tonight and told me that she was not sure about doing door-to-door stuff. She described herself as "shy," and said that she really didn't think she'd be able to knock on the doors of strangers... but she felt like she needed to push herself because this election is "just too important for me to sit at home and do nothing."

So she agreed to do a canvass. Veronica came back two hours later with a big smile on her face. And even better, she said she’d be back the next night for another canvass.

We called Veronica to hear about her canvassing experience.

I was really nervous beforehand. But it was really exciting! Most people were really friendly and excited that we were helping people vote. I went down one street and got five people registered to vote – and all were supporting Obama!

The 51-year-old St. Louis mom of three has never been politically involved before, but got involved this year because she felt she couldn’t sit on the sidelines any more.

Veronica met some amazing people during her two hours of canvassing.

The first guy I registered was a disabled man who was so happy that someone had come to his door and made registration easy for him. He had trouble writing, so I filled out the form for him and he carefully signed it himself.

Veronica is even going the extra mile to help the people she registered.

I told him I would call him before the election and give him a ride to the polls so he can vote.

At the next house veronica visited was a group of college students having a barbecue.

They invited us in and we shared their potluck while helping three of them register to vote.

Veronica’s excited to get back out and canvass again.

It’s wonderful! I never thought I would feel so involved in something so positive; I never thought it could bring me such personal joy. I honestly feel that I am making a difference for my country.

I’m going back out tomorrow!

Even if you've never been politically-involved before, you can be a part of our movement for change. Sign up to volunteer and find an opportunity in your community to make a difference in this historic election.

Lawyers for Change

Molly Claflin — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 20:23:47 EDT

The 2000 presidential election ended in a legal battle in Florida that kept the country on edge for days and ultimately ended with the Democrats losing the White House. There were charges of vote irregularity, faulty voting machines and even voter intimidation.

This year, we’re not going to let that happen.

We’re amassing a substantial network of attorneys across the country who can be at the polls on election day to help protect the democratic process and make sure every voter gets his or her voice heard.

Our voter protection program is unprecedented – bringing thousands of volunteer attorneys into the process to make sure every vote in protected.

But it all depends on you. If you are an attorney or law student, put your legal skills to work on November 4th and sign up to be a part of our nationwide voter protection program.

Lawyers are essential to our victory in November. We need lawyers to make sure the polls open on time and don’t close early; to ensure that voters are given the correct ballot and that voting machines are working properly. We need lawyers to make sure that voters are not unfairly purged from the registration lists, and that every eligible American citizen has the opportunity to cast his or her vote.

We’re expecting an unprecedented turnout on November 4th, and your legal help will be indispensable to make sure every vote counts.

So sign up for the voter protection program today – and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

Together we can make sure every American has a voice on November 4th.

Organize for Change in Your Community

Molly Claflin — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 21:24:46 EDT

From the very beginning of the campaign, My.BarackObama.com has been the online hub for grassroots supporters across the country, providing them with tools to effectively organize in their communities. Over the past 19 months, MyBO has evolved into an active community of more than a million users.

Many of you know MyBO well by now, but for those of you who've yet to try it, we’ve created a brief tutorial to help you make the most of MyBO:

With MyBO, you can find a local Obama group and connect with other supporters in your community. There are over 20,000 active groups, with local groups in every part of the country. In addition to communicating with other members online, you can find or create events to help organize offline.

Through MyBO, you can also contact voters in your neighborhood to help build support for Barack. The MyBO Neighbor to Neighbor tool provides you with a personalized list of voters to contact, as well as a list of addresses, a script, fliers, and even a map of your canvass route. You can also use Neighbor to Neighbor to make phone calls to key voters in battleground states.

MyBO will help you set up your own personal fundraising page to help raise contributions to the Obama campaign. You can set your own fundraising goal and send invitations to your friends and family to help out.

And finally, you can create a blog to share your personal experiences on the campaign with friends, family, and other supporters.

In these final 45 days, in what will no doubt be a close election, it will be ordinary people working within their own communities that will make the difference. Tools like MyBO and Neighbor to Neighbor have made it easier than ever to get involved, no matter where you are.

"Neighborhood by Neighborhood"

Molly Claflin — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:23:43 EDT

From the very beginning, our campaign has been about building a grassroots movement for change. It's a movement that's been built by ordinary people going into their communities to talk to neighbors about Barack and to bring them into our campaign.

To help you reach more people in these final, crucial weeks, we’ve created a new online tool called Neighbor to Neighbor. Neighbor to Neighbor allows you to easily find lists of undecided voters in your neighborhood, go door-to-door to talk to them about Barack, and then report back to the campaign what you've learned.

We’ve created a short video tutorial to help you learn how to use Neighbor to Neighbor below:

With Neighbor to Neighbor, you can print walk lists and a map of those undecided voters in your area. You'll also be provided with a sample script and a printable flyer with information on Barack and many of the key issues in this election. When you get home from canvassing, you can report back to the campaign what you learned so that we can bring those new voters into the process.

Now matter where you live, you can access Neighbor to Neighbor and get started talking to voters in your community right now. We'll be updating and adding to the voter lists and features frequently as we move into the final month of the election. If you can help, today or in the weeks to come, please sign up now.

In Florida today, Barack asked the assembled supporters to "walk with me, so that we can turn the page on the failed policies of the past." And when he asked the crowd to organize, block by block and neighborhood by neighborhood, this is what he meant:

Voter Registration: Lori in Walnut Creek, California

Molly Claflin — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 16:24:35 EDT

Twice a week, rain or shine, Lori of Walnut Creek, California is out pounding the pavement in her neighborhood to register voters.

I’ve never been involved in a campaign before. But Barack inspired me to get involved. And I’m hoping that by being out here, I can inspire others to get involved too.

Lori often sets up at a local farmers’ market on weekends, and can be found at the BART train station during the week.

From the minute people walk through the turnstiles, I call out ‘Welcome home! Are you registered to vote?’

Last Tuesday night Lori met a very special would-be voter. Chinese immigrant Ta-hsia walked through the turnstile coming from his U.S. citizenship ceremony, and right to Lori’s voter registration table. Ta-hsia grinned as he carefully filled out the voter registration form, telling Lori that since China does not hold elections, he was honored to be casting his first vote ever in November. And he was proud to be voting for Barack Obama.

This is what it’s all about. This is why I’m out there every week.

Lori was inspired to get involved in this campaign because:

It’s all about what we can do together. Barack’s message is that we may not be able to bring change on our own, but if we all work together as a nation, we can change the country.

Lori estimates that she registers over 30 new voters each week.

The key is, you just have to be out there. Get a table and some stickers and just do it. Because if I hadn’t been there, who knows if Ta-hsia would have registered to vote in this election. I’m proud to be a part of it.

You can be a part of the movement as well by registering voters in your community. Sign up to get involved in your area. You can also go to www.voteforchange.com to register to vote or check your own registration.

Register Voters in Your Community

Molly Claflin — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:53:08 EDT

We take our clipboards with us whenever we are out and about and take any opportunities that we can to register new voters. And we always have plenty of buttons on-hand for any supporters that we meet. It’s a fun and effective way to register voters.   -- Steve and Sandy in Wisconsin.

Registering voters is a fun and easy way to be part of our campaign. Carry some voter registration forms with you and you'll be surprised how many new voters you can register at the grocery store, at work, even at your kid's soccer game. Sign up to volunteer and register voters in your community, or find a voter registration event near you.

At www.voteforchange.com, you can get answers to all of your voting questions in just a few minutes. Using this online tool you can:

* Find out if you are registered to vote
* Get registered to vote
* Apply to vote absentee
* Find your early vote location

Barack: "America is ready for change; but I can't do it alone."

Molly Claflin — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:37:40 EDT

Our grassroots campaign is based on voters like you reaching out to your friends and neighbors, registering voters before the early October deadlines. We must make sure that every single person in America who is eligible to vote is registered and ready to cast their vote for change on Election Day.

Every vote counts. In 2000, Democrats lost the election by less than 600 votes in the state of Florida.

This year, we won’t let that happen. With your help, we’re going to break records on voter turnout. This is the way we’re going to take our country back. And we’re getting everyone involved to do it.

So join our campaign for change. Take Barack’s message into your community, get your friends, family, and neighbors registered to vote, and help us win this election.

Barack recently recorded a video stressing the need to register voters by October 6th. Watch the video now:

Grassroots Fundraising: Hanna from Missouri

Molly Claflin — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:51:46 EDT

Hanna, 25, from St. Louis, Missouri supports Barack Obama because “our country needs somebody who is not just a great leader, but someone who can motivate other people to get involved in their communities and take control of their government.”

Hanna wanted to find way to show her support, and decided to create a personal fundraising page at my.barackobama.com. “It’s an incredibly easy way to do fundraising,” she says. “You can upload your email contacts directly from your email program, so I sent it to my whole email address book. Then I sent more emails to a more targeted list once I got a sense of who was interested and supported Barack.”

Hanna also put a link on her Facebook page.

So far, she has raised $1075 – already exceeding her original goal of $1000.

I just thought it was going to be interesting to see if I could raise that much money. I supported the campaign, and the grassroots fundraising idea was a cool way for me to do something beyond registering voters. It’s so easy to do! People can help raise funds even if they don’t have the time or resources to be a bigger part of the campaign.

When she reaches her goal, Hanna plans to keep her fundraising page up and set a new goal to work towards for the election. "My friends, family, and my friends’ parents have all donated. They all like to feel like they’re supporting me, which is cool. The only problem I have now is that many of my donors have started their own fundraising pages instead of donating to mine,” she laughs. “Though that’s a great thing!”

Grassroots fundraising is central to this campaign. Barack has sworn off money from lobbyists, so our campaign is entirely funded by people like you. You can set up your own grassroots fundraising page at my.barackobama.com.

Have you had good luck on your grassroots fundraising page? If so, send us your stories to blog@barackobama.com and let us know how you’re doing.

Voices for Change: Edna in Owensboro, Kentucky

Molly Claflin — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:50:55 EDT

Edna in Owensboro, Kentucky doesn’t have to go far to drum up votes for Barack. She’s already registered ten new voters for Obama in her own family – spanning three generations!

A retired librarian, Edna, 65, is married with three children and six grandchildren – all part of one happy Obama family.

One of my sons started talking to me about Barack Obama. I read more about him, read his book, and realized maybe he was the candidate for me. I grew up with the idealism of the Kennedys and the changes they stood for, and those are the things I admired most about Obama too.

Edna was also inspired by her grandchildren’s interest in Obama.

I had previously noticed an apathy in my grandchildren for political issues. But then Barack Obama reached the hearts and minds of three generations in my family.

She’s thrilled that all the generations in her family are supporting the same candidate.

I love it! And it’s never happened before.

Last Thanksgiving, after dinner I took all my kids and the grandkids and we went to the movies to see Bobby. The kids had tears in their eyes afterward and asked me, ‘Do you ever wonder how different things would be if he hadn’t died?’ I said yes. And I felt so much pride that we were all united in that feeling. And now we’re all united behind Obama and a similar message of hope.

Edna’s grandson Scott, 21, said...

It feels great knowing we can have everyone in our family -- regardless of age -- working together to better the world for generations to come.

Edna has always voted, but this is the first campaign she has ever volunteered for. She’s done phone banking, neighborhood canvassing, and a number of events with her local Obama office.

This is the first campaign I’ve worked on. This campaign is different because I actually think one person can make a change. People are given hope that change is possible. I believe Barack Obama truly believes that, and he is only candidate who not only says that he can change things, but he will. We need someone who has been raised in a less than middle class upbringing – that’s what the Democratic Party stands for -- helping people who have less than we do.

Edna is most concerned about the economy and the cost of college.

I have three grandkids in college – and more that will be going -- I’m worried about how they’re going to pay for it. Plus, I realize these kids are going to need to get jobs after college, and with the economy in this state, getting jobs is going to be tough for them.

Barack Obama has a plan to make college more affordable. Obama has proposed a $4,000 tax credit to help families offset the cost of tuition. In exchange, students would be required to do 100 hours of community service -- both furthering their education, and helping their communities at the same time.

Whatever volunteer work Edna gets done before the election, she knows she’s already bringing ten voters to the polls with her as her kids and grandkids have committed to voting for Obama. And that’s certainly something to be proud of.

Join Edna’s family and our grassroots network of small donors across America by making your own contribution.

Go. Register. Now.

Molly Claflin — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:01:49 EDT

With less than two months left before the election, voter registration deadlines are fast approaching. In fact, in 34 states the voter registration deadline is less than 30 days away.

If you live in one of these states, go to voteforchange.com to register to vote or check your registration, and make sure your voice is heard in November.

If you’re already registered to vote, make an even bigger difference in the election by registering others in your community.

Voter registration was key to our campaign in the primary, and is an even more integral part of our strategy to win in November. Since the 2006 election, we’ve registered more than 2 million new Democrats. That’s 167,000 new Democrats in North Carolina, 375,000 new Dems in Pennsylvania, and nearly 500,000 in Georgia. On Labor Day weekend alone, our volunteers registered 100,000 new voters!

But we’re not stopping there. We need your help to get out in your communities and register even more of your friends and neighbors. So register to vote, help your friends and family to register, then sign up to volunteer in your community and bring even more people into the political process.

Continue reading for a full list of states with voter registration deadlines coming up soon.

Voices for Change: June in New Jersey

Molly Claflin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 11:44:58 EDT

June in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey is a 49-year-old self-employed woman with 5 dogs she rescued from shelters.

My whole conservative family is voting Republican. But I’m slowly working on them. I already converted my niece and my sister-in-law.

June has always voted Republican before – in fact, in her youth she was even in the Young Republicans Club – but this year she’s excited to be voting for Barack.

When I was deciding who to vote for, I went to all of their websites and read everything I could about the issues. When I took the time to do the research, he was the guy for me. I just believe in everything Barack is saying. I think he’s a fair person who will make the country more equal.

June says, “He’s a fair, honest guy, and truly knows where Americans are coming from.”

June is most concerned about taxes.

The taxes on my home have nearly doubled in the past few years, and are still rising. I know Barack plans to help lower taxes on the middle class.

June is also concerned about health care.

As a single woman, I’m paying over $500 per month. Americans need affordable health care and Barack is going to help them get it.

Though it’s her first time voting Democratic, June has volunteered for the campaign and has already donated as well.

I donated because I believe in him and because he’s going straight to the people. He’s not gong to be bought by big lobbying groups; he’s going to be the people’s president.

This Week in Photos

Molly Claflin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:29:09 EDT

Last week, we asked for your photos, and you responded with hundreds of images of all the exciting events and volunteer efforts you’re doing around the country. Check out some of the photos we received last week and see the amazing and creative ways that supporters from coast to coast are working for change:

If you have photos or stories about your Obama events, send them to blog@barackobama.com and you could see yourself on the Obama blog.