These days, one can't go many places without hearing about the need for Health Care Reform and Insurance Plan coverage with choice of a Public Option plan,as well.
Today was a day where groups of people all over the Unites States attended Events having to do with Health Care Reform. These events were all organized by volunteers. There was no compensation other than the fact that the events were successful. Since these events were successful then the argument that we don't need Health Care Reform becomes a false statement. Today was just more proof of how much we do need Health Care Reform, and it must include a Public Option.
There is something else that can be done to prove the need for Health Care Reform with a Public option. Many Doctors, Nurses and Health Care Workers,are supportive because they know it's needed and must happen now. The fact that forty seven million Americans,that includes working people are without insurance,threatens the very core of our Nation.To the concerned members of our prestigious Medical Profession,I submit this challange...
How about organizing your own "Health Care Day", in cities all around the United States and volunteering your time and your service. I'm not talking about a day where blood pressure is taken and weight is checked. I'm talking about a Health Care Day where Pap Tests and Mammograms for women without Health Care Coverage are given at no charge. A Health Care Day where prostate exams are given to men without Health Care Coverage at no charge.
A Health Care Day like this would bring out thousands of people, because they do not have health care coverage to afford these tests. That would prove once again, that there is an urgency and need for a Public Option to be included in Health Care Reform.
So, to all Health Care professionals, are you ready to show your support, and volunteer just as Middle Class Americans did all over the United States today? We, Middle Class Americans,are asking you to do, what we are doing on a regular basis,"A Day of Service".
Welcome to the 21st century!
Our time has come!
I feel that we will, finally, be moving America into the 21st century when President-elect Obama is sworn in!
I will be watching the inauguration on CNN from my television. If you have a facebook account you can join others watching CNN here:
Congratulations to all of you who will be there in person! Enjoy, and please share your stories and photos with the group! We would all appreciate it!
As you may know, Mon. Jan. 19th is a national day of service, as well as Martin Luther King, Jr. day. Those of us who are busy on Mon. will be participating on Sat. and/or Sun.
In Peoria, on Sun., the 18th, at 8am., some of us will be going downtown, taking food, clothes, blankets, etc. for the homeless. You can sign up to join us here:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpt87m
Hope, Pride, Honor, Justice: just a few adjectives that describe America's new course, to me.
What adjective would you use?
Happy New Year
Happy New Day: January 20, 2009!
Check out the story behind the Obama logo as told by Sol Sender, who led its creative development. Sender recounts the story in two parts on the VSA Partners website. A graphic presentation of the other ideas that were considered in the development process leading up to the ultimate selection of the now ubiquitous design is at "Obama logo ideas that weren't chosen."
Both parts of Sol's interview are on YouTube. And if you advance to minute 2:18 on "Sol Sender - Logo Design Part 2 of 2" you will see our Food Tasters for Obama logo -- conceived by me and executed by my son Zach -- used as an example of the "viral expression" of the grassroots movement.
We will be back with more political analysis and satire soon. If you would like to be notified when a new article is posted join Food Tasters For Obama.
Hello, I'm Gail and I just moved here from Peoria,IL. I'm a middle aged woman with 2 children and 3 grandkids. I've been involved with Barack's campaign since the beginning.
I'm looking for fellow supporters to meet with, plan activities, and find volunteer opportunities.............I'm also looking for a job!!
I'd love to hear from you!
I'm admin of the following groups: Obama in the Heart, Peoria, IL, Illinois chapter of Families for Obama and Phi Theta Kappa members 4Obama.
Let's start making that change!
I look forward to hearing from you!
The road we all where put on by God is over now and we can take a deep breat and look back at the crazy people and the crazy things they said about President Obama, YES I SAID PRSIDENT. it is time for us to call him the respected tital. I even got really sick and the doctors though I had cancer, and I had to have to have two surgeries and a long recovery, but I never stop praying for the Democratic Party and Sen. Obama.
I didn't pray for myself, nor did I worry about my health I put all of that in God's hands and took one day at a time. I even enrolled in school and I'm still in school hoping to finish by this Summer or next fall.
But all and all I lived to be cancer free and to see the first African American President and a fresh start in America for me, my children, and my grandchildren. This is pray answered from the pass. from my grate grate grate grandparents and yours.
Now in January there will be another road we will have to face and we will have to face that road the same way determanation.
President Obama has a lot of mess to dill with one is the war the other is the dept and the other is the loss of jobs and bussinesses the other in medical care just to name a few.
President Obama will need us to be calm and understanding while he and his team is working on the problems we are facing, and we should. look at it this way we have made it this far we will make it a little farther while this mess is being worked on. so stay calm, and keep doing what you are doing and keep pray for Obama.
This campaign has been so exciting! I am so proud of everyone and all the work they have done! I'm especially proud of the young people and kids who are paying such close attention to this historic election and doing whatever they can to make Senator Obama our next President! I'd like to share a few short stories about some of the kids in my life that are making a difference!
My grandson turned 2 yrs old today! He doesn't talk much yet, but he says Hi, Momma, Dadda and Bama! He's been saying Bama longer than Hi! My daughter, his Mom, has an Obama calendar hanging on the wall, so, when he sees Barack on TV, he gets so excited saying "Bama" and pointing to the TV and then the calendar!
My granddaughters watch everything they can about the Senator! Then they call me, "Grandma, did you see Obama on TV?" Then they tell me what they liked about his speech or interview and ask me if I liked it. They talk to their friends, too, and if they don't support Barack, they talk to them about it and then call and tell me all about what they said to convince them that Barack is the best candidate!
My 10 yr old cousin is very convincing with her friends and their families. If they don't support Barack she says, "Do your parents make more than $250,000 a year?" Not too many say yes, but if they do she still tries to convince them to vote for Barack or tell their parents to!
My daughters attend rallies, talk to everyone they know about Barack and have done some canvassing and voter registrations!
I'd love to hear stories about your Obama Kids!
Gail/Obama in the Heart
Early Voting for the entire state of Florida has just been extended.
Every Early Vote location in Florida will now be every day from 7am-7pm up through November 2.
Please pass along this great news to everyone you know who will be voting in Florida. Click here to find your nearest early vote location.
Here's the release:
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS ~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~October 28, 2008Contact:GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008. "I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote." Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting. Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting. Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29. Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217. STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217 WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties; WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; andWHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008. GOVERNORATTEST:SECRETARY OF STATE
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS
~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~
October 28, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
"I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote."
Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting.
Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting.
Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29.
Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217.
STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217
WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and
WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and
WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and
WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties;
WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; and
WHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008.
GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF STATE
My Grandmother and I were watching the news tonight when the story broke that Senator Obama's grandmother's health has taken a turn for the worse. My heart goes out to Obama tonight. As I was sitting with my grandmother and taking in this news, we both got teary eyed. We have been working together on the 85andchange.com blog, as we have worked on so many projects together, and this news hit home. My grandmother was imagining what must be going through the heart and mind of Barack's grandmother, while I was thinking of the fear and love that Barack must be feeling.
I sincerely hope that her health is strong enough to get her through the next few weeks. Win or lose, she has accompanied Barack through his amazing life, and I'm sure it will be so satisfying for her to see this journey through to election day. And I am sure it is his hope to be able to call her, or see her the moment after he is elected the next president of the United States!
On behalf of my grandmother and myself, our thoughts and prayers go out to his whole family tonight, and we pledge to do whatever we can to get her wonderful grandson elected.
If anyone cares to share a story of a bond between grandparent and grandchild, or just would like to share their hopes for Obama's grandmother - I encourage you to visit my grandmother's blog at 85andchange.com.
I'm happy to report that Granny Gobama has decided to stay in Ohio through the election. She already sent her request to California for her absentee ballot and has changed her flight home. The project that we launched together - 85andchange.com - has been more popular than we could have imagined and after all our effort, we could not imagine being apart on Election Day. So my grandmother will be moving over to my house to stay for a few weeks.
Together we will focus more energy on her blog, and try to get her out to even more events. This will also allow her to have further face-to-face conversations with some of her older friends here in Ohio and tell them again why she is supporting Barack Obama. Maybe... just maybe... she'll be able to convince another voter, as she was able to convince her Florida voting Son!
Go Obama!!
Well... Granny Gobama and I just returned from our Fall Foliage trip to Vermont. The colorful trees were spectacular and the trip was wonderful. But what made it even better was the fact that we now know for sure that all of her efforts at 85andchange.com were worth it. We were able to convince my Uncle ( Granny Gobama's son) to vote for Barack Obama! Granny Gobama was so proud... she felt if she couldn't even help convince her own son that this is the chane we need, that it would be difficult for her to convince anybody. But we did it! And here's the bonus... he's a registered FLORIDA voter!! YAY!!!!
Go Granny Gobama! Go 85andchange.com! Go Obama!!
Barack, I want to tell you... The William Ayers is comming for this tuesday's debate. Scream out with force and vigor and tell McCain, "ENOUGH." American can't afford 4 more years of the same policies that is an extension of the last 8 years contrived by a Bush Administration. A Bush administration, like your campaign, that sat there telling the American people they were worried about American jobs and main street problems, LIES. That you are telling people you are all about working accross the isle in a bipartisan effort; LIES. America can not afford 4 more years of this nonsense. Enough, John McCain, Enough.
MARKYOUR CALENDARS NOW! October 25,10:00 AM, Long Beach Convention Center.
Boomers for Obama RALLY plus FREE admission to the Baby Boomers Expo.How to be Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser...and Live It Up!
BABYBOOMERS come together - Stand up for CHANGE - NOW!
Wedid it in the '60s & '70s, we need CHANGE, NOW more than ever!
Obama-BidenNOW!
Planto attend the Rally. We can get the media to broadcast the rally tothe swing states. We needthe people. Count yourself in.
SIGNUP NOW. Visit www.BarackObama.comsearch Events,put in zip code 90802 and info will be displayed, Sign up for the RALLY.
WENEED HELP. TO ORGANIZE ANDCOORDINATE. CALL 310-271-2118 TOVOLUNTEER. EMAIL turnerbradshaw@yahoo.com
BabyBoomers Rally in Long Beach, CA, 10:00 A.M.
October25, 2008, to Kick-off 9 Day Countdown to
PresidentialElection and Go to the Boomers Show
LongBeach, CA, October 25, 2008 - Baby boomer, men and women – ages 42-62-who remember their significance in the 60’s and 70’s, and “change” as definedby JFK, Martin Luther King, and John Lennon - come together in the 2008election year to how their support for Barak Obama.
TheBoomers for Obama rally takesplace on Saturday, October 25 at 10:00 A.M. in Long Beach, CA in front of theLong Beach Convention Center. Celebrities are invited to participate, and will be introduced to themedia on the Green Carpet. Thedate of the Rally is just 9 days prior to the Presidential election, and providesthe opportunity for baby boomers to have your voices heard – as they wereduring the decades of “change” during your high school and college years.
Babyboomers, you are the nation’s hot topic. You represent the largest, wealthiest demographic. You are concerned about finances,Social Security,taxes,careers, health, aging, parents and children.
TheBoomers Show, How to be Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser…and Live it Up!”, is being independently produced atthe Long Beach Convention Center, featuring exhibits and seminars relevant tothe needs of baby boomers. AllRally participants will receive complimentary admission to the Boomers Show.
Therally and the Boomers Show mark activities that will take place in Long
BeachOctober 25–26, kicking-off” Boomer Days” in Long Beach.
Foradditional information on the Rally visit www.BarackObama.com search
Events,put in zip code 90802 and info will be displayed For information on the BoomersShow visit www.boomersshow.com.
PLEASE SHARE YOUR PICTURES - CAMPAIGNING WITH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN!
Hi Carole (Obama_grandmama@mac.com and grandparents everywhere as well)
I look forward to your emails, even though I don't live in WI, but rather in CA. I have relatives in WI, so I am a member of your listserv. I am a single grandmother raising my grandchildren (a second family after I raised my four kids) and have raised them from toddlers to teens. It's so great to see another grandmama so politically active and astute. I was wondering if you would join our group www.grandparentsforobama.org (or) www.grandparentsforobama.com which had several delegates in Denver, were an active presence there, and are very devoted to proving that we "older folks are not resistant to change. We relish CHANGE that could restore this country to it's former greatness on the World scene, guarantee our retirement and see that we do not leave our children and grandchildren to choke on debt, destroyed international relations, the loss of constitutional rights for women, a destroyed environment,(my personal horror) the loss of endangered species, and a never ending list of atrocities. WE WILL VOTE FOR CHANGE!
Are there actually smears being spread against our generation? Are the Republicans saying that everyone over 50 is stuck in the past - afraid of the promise of a bright future if we need to adopt a policy of CHANGE - and clinging to John McCain because he is old, with stuck failed policies and that's all we have the intelligence to believe in?Well, let me tell you, John McCain, and your imported brutal wolf killer, that we, as a voting block are LONGING FOR CHANGE, TO RESTORE THIS COUNTRY TO BE CAPABLE OF ONCE AGAIN, OFFERING THE AMERICAN DREAM! We want to know that we do not leave behind the destruction that the last 8 years has created. We still dream! We dream about the restored America we can make happen We want to assure that we don't lose everything we worked for all our lives to become a problem to our children and grandchildren. We want CHANGE to be our legacy to the children and grandchildren we love.
We want to tell them, that one day our country met a man who we recognized would take us forward, restore us, take us by the hand and pull us out of the shame wrought upon this beautiful country. He was Barack Obama and we recognized him as the leader who the World would applaud. He, we can tell them, did just that! We can tell them that the safety they enjoy was because this man was CHANGE and we embraced it. We knew he was CHANGE WE COULD BELIEVE IN! Barack Obama presidency will leave a legacy that will allow us to proudly say that we knew would make the sum of us better than each of us. There is a man, an extraordinary man, who is the voice of reason and a beacon of light in the chaos and darkness. He is a standard bearer against a government for the rich, deregulation for the greatest of all scams perpetrated upon this country which took place under the noses and protection of the Republican party. This same party, who are now grandstanding their reluctance to bail out that which they have caused. This degenerate party has hopefully self-destructed without taking the entire middle class with it. It has collapsed before our eyes, and God forbid threatened to bring down everyone who was not part of the well lobbied, and now spoiled feast, spoiled by the worst unchecked greed this country has known. So, please join us.
We are not the sheep, not afraid of CHANGE! We are the generation who was known to shake up the status quo, refuse to accept corruption, bad wars, and discrimination against women, minorities, gays, and we stood up and created CHANGE! Don't try to make us believe we are the old, the fearful, the prejudiced, that we just can't get what all the young people see and are embracing. WE WERE THE FIRST GENERATION TO ROCK AND WE STILL DO! BA-ROCK AND ROLL!
Remember when we marched, came together against what we could not accept, and made our voices heard? We can do that again. We can do it NOW, AT THIS MOMENT, FOR THIS CANIDATE, FOR OUR COUNTRY, AND FOR A BETTER TOMORROW!!! Please join us at www.grandparentsforobama.org and blog with us too at grandparentsforobama@groups.barackobama.com on MyBarackObama.com (search grandparents)We are a force to reckon with! Make them hear our unified voices again! Make this country remember who we are, what we stand! www.grandparentsforobama.org
Thank you and we hope to have your voice join ours as Grandparents of America for ObamaSusan FederighiLET'S SEND OUT PHOTOS OF GRANDPARENTS CAMPAIGNING WITH OUR GRANDCHILDREN AND MAKE A GIANT ONLINE SCRAPBOOK. SEND ME YOUR PHOTOS AND I WILL MAKE A CAMPAIGN AD FOR GRANDPARENTS FOR OBAMA WITH JUST PHOTOS (MAYBE ON SENTENCE TO GO WITH EACH) GET PHOTOS OF YOU WITH THOSE KIDS! WE NEED THE OLDER DEMOCRATS TO SHOW WE ARE BIG NUMBERS!
A note to grandparents: If you are not a grandparent, PLEASE pass this along to the many grandparents you must know.
THIS ELECTION NEEDS OUR VOICE!
The Children's World is in Your Hands
Grandparents for Obama
The article below is very encouraging coming from the from the Kansas City Star. I am pleasantly surprised at the opinions stated, This is a an example of a state where we need Grandparents for Obama representation since MO is currently reported as leaning McCain This article suggests a chink in McCain's armor. I too believe that older voters. (I am a member of www.grandparentsforobama.org as the older vote is so essential this election) are not pleased with arrogance and disdain of McCain so dramatically obvious in the 1st debate, He has no shame after his complicity in the complete Republican failure of leadership in America over the last 8 years. www.grandparentsforobama.org is a National group and our membership is spreading across the country with a membership from a large number of states. We need a large number of grandparents, unified for CHANGE from every state in the nation.
We are working to CHANGE the direction of this country for our children and grandchildren. I am a single grandmother who has raised my grandchildren from toddlers to teens. We are working together for this campaign. I know that young people are afraid of what has become of the country they will inherit. We are horrified by the complete disregard for the disappearing middle class, America's poor and unemployed. We as seniors are worried about what will happen to our own social security, retirement, and our futures as well. We want to make things better for our children, not become dependent upon them on them. We certainly hope it will!
The Republicans are trying to demonize AARP, which is putting up a spirited fight against private social security accounts.. Bush and McCain suggested that older Americans are standing in the way of change to protect their own retirement incomes - an insulting tactic that could backfire.
Those who have already reached retirement age understand better than anyone that a guaranteed safety net of social security could be as necessary for coming generations as it is now, when nearly two out of three retirees rely largely or solely on Social Security. So we are looking out for our children and grandchildren, an act of responsibility not self-interest.
McCain has aligned himself with Bush on almost every issue in his tenure as the Senator from AZ, one of the nations most right wing states. We need change there too and have members on the ground to energize our party there.
Lets, show this country that as older voters we trust Barack Obama and that the Change he promises is for 95% of us. There is a myth that we, older voters, as a voting block, are afraid of CHANGE. Being afraid of the disaster in America, taking us to the brink of a depression, soaring unemployment, and the threat of privatizing our social security is the real fear, not Change!! We're not fooled or stuck in past failures. We, grandparents have had enough of the devastating results from the McCain supported, deregulated financial institutions and their investments. Should we toss our retirement into the same heap that has just failed to the tune of a trillion dollars? McCain thinks we should. Should we pay taxes on our health care benefits? McCain says that if he is President we will. In a desperate attempt to win at any cost, McCain and the Rove gang found a woman for his running mate that was to appeal to the block of voters McCain had never reached. Sarah Palin stands for nothing that McCain's claims of reaching across the isle and maverick politics was painted to represent. He has been pro-choice, believes in global warming, against off shore drilling, and it appears that the straight talk express is the double talk express. The maverick, non-conformist is a genuine schizophrenic chameleon, willing to sell us all out for his personal gain. He no longer knows his own platform or himself.
McCain is agitated and behaving erratically. It was unnerving to watch him during the debate. He appeared so unstable - not a condition suitable to the Presidency. And, a 72 year old's (with a horrific health history) heartbeat from the Presidency is a candidate who is the greatest insult to America's intelligence in political history. The arrogance of McCain to belittle us like this. Sarah Palin is the final straw, the final threat, the last insult and greatest danger of our times, perhaps greater than the financial holocaust we are now facing. We could find ourselves with a constitution run by a particular religious vision, and a woman who loves to have her finger on the trigger to have her finger on America's nuclear power. Sarah Palin, with no knowledge of foreign policy or the federal government who has only had a strobe light intro to foreign leaders (conversation consisting of what?) It would be funny if it wasn't real! This is a CHANGE I am afraid of! I am not afraid of the CHANGE Barack Obama is offering us! I am not afraid of the CHANGE that recognizes the plight of the middle class and wants my second family to have health care, food on the table and a roof over our heads that we are not afraid of losing. I am not asking for 8 houses, jets, servants or becoming the "Chairwoman of the Beer Board". I am afraid of a President who can't relate or recognize what the middle class is! How can McCain know what we have lost? He lives in a mega-millionaire's bubble and his entire history is tax breaks for the rich. When has he spent 5 minutes fighting for me?. Lies! I AM AFRAID OF 4 MORE YEARS OF A REPLICA OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND MORE LIES. BUT, DO NOT TELL ME THAT I AM AFRAID OF CHANGE - I AM FIGHTING FOR THE CHANGE TO MY LIFE AND YOURS THAT BARACK OBAMA WILL BRING US.
How can anyone, anywhere who is not rich, vote against their own best interests and against someone begging to help them. I watch the crowds, obviously middle class people, who gather to hear McCain's speeches or Palin's rhetoric and I wonder who these people really are. Who could listen to someone who saw to it that the financial industry was deregulated so the greedy rich could run wild with our money?. Who could vote for a longtime cohort of Bush and his cronies - the fraternity of greed and lies? Why would they cut off their feet rather than walk away? I AM NOT AFRAID OF CHANGE. I SUPPORT BARACK OBAMA AND BELIEVE HE WILL RESTORE AMERICA. If you have friends who don't understand, help them understand. Reach out and help them see through the lies and the mask - the many masks of McCain.
Please, if you are a grandparent join us, or if you know grandparents tell them about us, If you have grandparents tell them they can be empowered by www.grandparentsforobama.org Together, we can help every older voter grab the gold ring of CHANGE! Each of us can be a strong link in a long chain of older voters who have the power to increase our state's and national polling in this crucial election. This election will determine the fate of the middle class, those who will be retiring, those who have retired, and the future of our grandchildren who we must protect from Republican greed. We are their voice.
Please join us!
Thank you, Susan Federighi
sfed147@aol.com
Steering Committee
www.grandparentsforobama.org
Kansas City Star Article:_______________________________________________________________________________Poll results for first presidential debate (with update of independent voter poll): Obama wins
By George Harris, Kansas City Star Readers Advisory Panel 2008
Who won the debate?
Ignore all commentators' opinions expressed without evidence. The winner is determined by the numbers, especially the votes of the undecided. Here are some preliminary answers:
CBS Insta Poll shows Barack Obama won 39% to John McCain's 25% with 36% saying the debate was a draw.
Insider Advantage reports of those polled Obama won 42% to McCain's 41% with Undecided 17%
CNN reports voter opinions that Obama "did better" 51%, McCain "did better" 38%
The CNN poll showed men were evenly split, but women gave Obama higher marks 59% to 41% for McCain.
The CNN pollster noted a slight Democratic bias in the survey. Well, there just are more Democrats in the country. So more Democrats watched. However, this may also suggest Democratic enthusiasm which will help turn out the vote.
The MSNBC on-line (non-scientific) poll showed Obama winning the debate 52% to 33%. (But this is what one would expect from such a poll at MSNBC because of the nature of its viewers.)
MediaCurves.com reported Independents favored Obama overall 61% to 38%. (I do not know this organization or know how it conducts polls, so take results with a couple of grains of salt.)
Some free analysis: As I noted on this site during and after the debate, McCain appeared angry and dismissive of Obama and generally impressed as someone who would slap colleagues across the aisle if reaching over to them. He said several times in the debate that he hasn't won the Miss Congeniality contest in the Senate, and he proved why during the debate.
I suspect that women voters especially would be turned off by McCain's sarcastic tone because women do tend to be the conciliators in our society and saw Obama display those conciliatory qualities very well in the debate. Obama looked at McCain, and McCain wouldn't return the eye contact but rather glared or displayed a tight and angry expression.
I also suspect (but don't have the data to support) that older voters were also turned off by Senator McNasty. I believe older voters will also be reassured that, though McCain has been around longer, Obama has a good grasp of foreign affairs and can learn quickly. He impressed as a statesmen, in marked contrast to McCain's warrior demeanor.
McCain referred to Obama as naive or as not understanding on many issues when the listener probably saw a mere difference of opinion. McCain's condescenion felt annoying; to the listener who might agree or disagree with Obama, Obama nevertheless was making good points, not naive ones.
In general, I think the country is tired of negativity, and McCain's performance didn't give anyone the impression that age has mellowed him. In fact, he seemed rather proud of his continuing bellicose manner. The country seems ready for a change from the "fighting as first choice crowd."
Watch for new polls over the next week. Things can shift for a variety of reasons as people reflect on the debate.
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COULD BE A VOTING BLOCK THAT SHIFTS THE NEW POLLS IN KEY STATES. LET'S BE ONE OF THOSE VARIETIES OF REASONS!
Well - it's full steam ahead for my grandmother and her blog. She is consistently posting thoughts to her webiste at 85andchange.com, and her fan base keeps growing. She continues to receive great feedback from old and young. Everyone seems to be so appreciative that a senior citizen has spoken up and made it easier for other senior citizens to fall in line. As we saw in the numbers today - senior citizens are really starting to break for Barack Obama and Joe Biden! Others have said how they are so grateful that she has provided them a way to bridge a gap between grandparents and grandchildren and given them something to talk about with each other.
And if writing on her blog was not enough - she now has a video, too! You can find her video at her website (85andchange.com) or you can find it on You Tube! My smart, hip grandmother speaks up any chance she has and lets people know they are never to old - or young - for change!
Just this week, Granny Gobama met a couple influential people - Kathleen Kennedy Townsend & Alice Travis Germond - not to mention Heather Tom, as well! Meeting all of these women was a thrill for her. She found Kathleen Kennedy to be a thoughtful and inspiring speaker, and Alice Germond to be so enthusiastic and energetic.
Please take a moment to visit her site and pass the link on to anyone who may read (or watch) about why it is important for seniors, and everyone, to think long and hard about this important upcoming election - and why they should seriously consider voting for Barack Obama!
This is from today's blog by Will:
"I heard this morning that McCain has a measurable lead amongst those 55 and over -- a cohort into which many of us fit. So while we fret and fume over support in other areas this is one we can seriously ask ourselves how to address. "Dear age-mate ... what on earth are you thinking!?! " In particular, McCain's health issues, which the campaign is trying to bury under cries of ageism, ought to concern us all. McCain’s embarrassing confusion is already pretty major news in Spain today, but at this point, the only major U.S. outlets who’ve picked up on this are the online sections of Time and the Washington Post. (I saw it on CNN-Pati)Forgetting Zapetero’s name is almost forgivable, though hard to explain for a candidate who claims to be an expert in foreign policy. But the interviewer kept using the word “Spain.” She even gave him a big hint with the word “Europe.”Let’s also not lose sight of the broader pattern. McCain thinks the recent conflict between Russia and Georgia was “the first probably serious crisis internationally since the end of the Cold War.” He thinks Iraq and Pakistan share a border. He believes Czechoslovakia is still a country. He’s been confused about the difference between Sudan and Somalia. He’s been confused about whether he wants more U.S. troops in Afghanistan, more NATO troops in Afghanistan, or both. He’s been confused about how many U.S. troops are in Iraq. He’s been confused about whether the U.S. can maintain a long-term presence in Iraq. He’s been confused about Iran’s relationship with al Qaeda. He’s been confused about the difference between Sunni and Shi’ia. McCain, following a recent trip to Germany, even referred to “President Putin of Germany.” All of this incoherence on his signature issue.I’m curious. What do you suppose the reaction would be from the political establishment if Barack Obama had made these mistakes over the course of the campaign? What would reporters, pundits, and Republicans have to say about Obama’s ability to lead a complex world in a time of war and uncertainty?I think an intellectually honest person would agree that if Obama had made these same mistakes he’d be labeled “clueless” on foreign policy. So, why the double-standard?"
I am proud to say my grandmother's blog 85andchange.com is off to a roaring start! She has made two posts already, is working on her third, and is toying around with the idea of making a video that we can post to her blog and to You Tube. People seem to have gravitated to her site to find out more about this 85 year old blogging grandmother and they seem encouraged by her message of change. Her site has already receieved almost 500 hits!! UNBELIEVABLE!! So... the point is... the message is spreading. And even an old lady who isn't very mobile has found a way to reach out and pass on her hopes and dreams and a positive message of change to hundreds of people who may not have otherwise taken the time to listen to someone her age. Please circulate a link to her site to anyone you think could benefit from reading the words of a woman who has been around a while and who has some words of wisdom to pass along. Go Granny Gobama!!
85andchange.com
