The text of Democrat Barack Obama's video message to supporters Thursday:
"Hi, this is Barack Obama.
"I have an important announcement and I wanted all of you - the people who built this movement from the bottom-up to hear it first. We've made the decision not to participate in the public-financing system for the general election. This means we'll be forgoing more than $80 million in public funds during the final months of this election.
"It's not an easy decision, and especially because I support a robust system of public financing of elections. But the public financing of presidential elections as it exists today is broken, and we face opponents who've become masters at gaming this broken system. John McCain's campaign and the Republican National Committee are fueled by contributions from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs. And we've already seen that he's not going to stop the smears and attacks from his allies running so-called 527 groups, who will spend millions and millions of dollars in unlimited donations.
"From the very beginning of this campaign, I have asked my supporters to avoid that kind of unregulated activity and join us in building a new kind of politics and you have. Instead of forcing us to rely on millions from Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs, you've fueled this campaign with donations of $5, $10, $20, whatever you can afford. And because you did, we've built a grass-roots movement of over 1.5 million Americans. We've won the Democratic nomination by relying on ordinary people coming together to achieve extraordinary things.
"You've already changed the way campaigns are funded because you know that's the only way we can truly change how Washington works. And that's the path we will continue in this general election. I'm asking you to try to do something that's never been done before. Declare our independence from a broken system, and run the type of campaign that reflects the grass-roots values that have already changed our politics and brought us this far.
"If we don't stand together, the broken system we have now, a system where special interests drown out the voices of the American people will continue to erode our politics and prevent the possibility of real change. That's why we must act. The stakes are higher than ever, and people are counting on us.
"Every American who is desperate for a fair economy and affordable health care, who wants to bring our troops back from Iraq. Who hopes for a better education and future for his or her child, these people are relying on us. You and me. This is our moment and our country is depending on us. So join me, and declare your independence from this broken system and let's build the first general election campaign that's truly funded by the American people. With this decision this campaign is in your hands in a way that no campaign has ever been before. Now is the time to act. Thank you so much."
Today was a good day, it had sunshine and Obama.
I saw him in Los Angeles this afternoon. The place was packed. It was so exciting. I heard a few people say they came 'cause they though it was history in the making. I guess that's why I went too.
The world sure will be a better place when he's president.
I've been trying to think of what Gamers for Obama could do and then was hit by the obvious. How about if we develop an Obama game? I'm thinking a simple board game, a 'roll the dice, move your mice' sort of thing. Something we could have as a pdf file, and have cards (also as a pdf) so people print the game and the cards, and provide thier own markers and dice.
It could be a race for the presidency and be linear like the game of LIFE. The first big obstacle will be the democratic primary.
I have zero experience with this and am totally open to suggestions. Also, I have no idea how to design a game board.
Comments? Suggestions? Who wants to help?
