Is the Talk Radio message reflecting the "conservative" political values that the Republicans have been using to block President Obama's Stimulus Bill? The President has been in office only four-weeks, and Talk Radio is already calling him a failure for not having more Republicans on board. In fact, the hosts on this venue brazenly proclaim their hopes for President Obama's failure. Americans are fortunate that the badly needed Stimulus Bill finally past into law; however, the political squabbling emanating from Right-Wing politicians have tried to taint President Obama's victory. Furthermore, it gave the impression that the Republican Party is trying undermine the political policies that America voted for on Nov. 4th.
Listening to “conservative" Talk Radio, it becomes apparent that the purpose of this venue is to “agitate” their audience and stir-up discontent by spreading disinformation. The Republican Party would have a great deal to gain by using Talk Radio as agitators. Under the pretense of entertainment, these radio hosts can use volatile language to validate the pernicious behavior of Republican politicians. Unfettered, these “conservative” hosts instigate undercurrents of superiority in their audience while inserting pejorative words and phrases to describe people with diverse social/ethnic backgrounds. Then to provoke hatred towards these targeted groups, the radio hosts identifies them as the principle cause of America's problems.
These agitprop tactics harkens back to McCarthyism or worse Hitler's Nazism; in Nazi Germany, the “conservative" agitprop accused Jews of causing the economic crisis and destroying their country. The similarities are surreal; Talk Radio is freely rewriting history to mirror their ideologies to facilitates the fear mongering agitprop that they bombard their audience with virtually every day all day long. In addition, there is the bizarre claim that “Liberal” media and the “Liberal” Democrats will soon eliminate their inalienable rights by eradicating “conservative” Talk Radio; evidently, the purpose of this bizarre claim is to induce paranoid delusions.
Conservative Talk Radio and the Republican Party are like minded - functioning in a group-think mode: They spread “disinformation” to confuse the public; they're ignoring the eight-years of George W. Bush’s governance that has nearly destroyed the America economy; and they continuing to blame the Democrats for our huge $10 trillion Outstanding National Debt ($10,024,724,896,912.49 in September 30, 2008). Conveniently forgetting that Clinton was the only Democratic President in office during the last twenty-eight-years and the amount he contributed to the National Debt was $1 trillion. This means that over the past twenty-eight-years, Republican Presidents are responsible for $8 trillion of the Outstanding National Debt.
Undaunted, President Obama is doing everything possible to quickly bring some relief to America's economic troubles with the $787 billion Stimulus Bill and other legislation in the works. However, Republicans are taking every opportunity to obstruct the President’s efforts, and expecting him to solve America's problems their way. Although looking back, these problems were created by the decades of "conservative" mayhem. Nevertheless, despite the Right-Wing political opposition and the "conservative" agitprop, Americans can be proud of our President's performance during his first four-weeks in office. With a steady hand, President Obama is successfully proving his metal by fulfilling a campaign promise to stand up for working class Americans.
http://www.treasurydirect.gov/govt/reports/pd/histdebt/histdebt.htm
We've built the largest grassroots operation in Minnesota's history, but we still need your help in these next few hours.
Doorknocking and phonebanking shifts will be running throughout the day -- it's not too late to find a staging area near you. Just enter your zip code and we'll tell you exactly where we need your help.
All across the country people are coming together for change. People of all ages and backgrounds got back to the basics of grassroots organizing to do everything possible to help elect Barack Obama president.
Check out this video of folks up on the Iron Range discussing why they're voting for Barack Obama today.
Have you voted?
Find out your polling place now.
And if you have an hour or three today, volunteer to get out the vote.
Simply enter your zip code and we'll tell you where and when you're needed most.
U.S. Representative Collin Peterson writes in the Fergus Falls Daily Journal:
I have the distinct privilege of representing some of our country’s hardest working farmers and agricultural workers, and serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture where we shaped the 2008 Farm Bill. As many of you know, I feel strongly about the importance of agriculture to this country. Farmers are part of the backbone of this country, responsible for our food security, and increasingly important contributors to our drive towards energy independence.One thing I know for sure is that in order for our agricultural economy to be strong we’re going to need a President that we can work with. We need a President who understands the importance of federal agriculture programs, a President who will share our priorities and work with us to accomplish them.I’ve taken time to study the records of both candidates and where the interests of Minnesota and American agriculture are concerned the only candidate who has supported agriculture is Senator Barack Obama. He’s not a perfect candidate – no one is – but at the most fundamental level, Barack Obama has shown me that he understands agriculture, appreciates its critical role in this country, and will work with farmers.I cannot say the same of his opponent, Senator John McCain, who recently proposed abolishing the farm safety net and tax credits for renewable energy. Senator McCain has a long record of leading the charge against agriculture research, against biofuels, and against critical programs for sugar and dairy producers.On all of the key issues for farmers and Minnesota agriculture, from preserving the farm safety net to developing renewable energy and making essential infrastructure improvements that are important to farmers, Senator Obama has been on the side of our nation’s farmers while Senator McCain has been against them.Senator Obama has represented a key farm state and has maintained an open door to farmers from Illinois. He supported the 2008 Farm Bill, which will provide certainty and stability to producers and the entire farm sector, invest billions of dollars in conservation, and feed tens of millions of low-income families.On the other hand, Senator McCain opposed the Farm Bill and said he would have vetoed it, just like President Bush did. This position has been criticized by leaders of numerous groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, and the National Association of Wheat Growers. It indicates to me that Senator McCain is badly out of touch with how agriculture really works in our country.One of the most promising elements in our agricultural economy is the ongoing development of biofuels and other renewable energy sources. Increasing production and use of biofuels and other sources of alternative energy is decreasing our reliance on imported oil, injecting billions of dollars of capital into rural economies, and enhancing our local economies. The industry has grown from a combination of the entrepreneurial spirit and creative innovation found in American agriculture and the successful federal programs that helped lay the foundation for broader investment and growth.Senator Obama strongly understands and supports these “ag-focused” energy development programs and even introduced legislation that created the first mandate for the production of renewable sources of diesel fuel. His leadership on renewable energy earned Senator Obama a Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmers Union and endorsements from a number of Democratic and Republican former Presidents of the National Corn Growers.Senator McCain, on the other hand, has one of the worst records in Congress on renewable fuels. He has repeatedly opposed and voted against all of the key biofuels programs and even said, “Ethanol has absolutely under no circumstances any value whatsoever.”Finally, I’ve been impressed by the fact that Senator Obama has put members of his campaign team on the ground throughout rural American and has had them listening to what rural voters have been telling them. From what I can see he is an able leader who is committed to working with us for the good of agriculture – in Minnesota and throughout the nation -- and the rural communities who depend on it.I believe that anyone who understands the economic importance of agriculture – and farmers in particular – should support Barack Obama.
I have the distinct privilege of representing some of our country’s hardest working farmers and agricultural workers, and serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture where we shaped the 2008 Farm Bill. As many of you know, I feel strongly about the importance of agriculture to this country. Farmers are part of the backbone of this country, responsible for our food security, and increasingly important contributors to our drive towards energy independence.
One thing I know for sure is that in order for our agricultural economy to be strong we’re going to need a President that we can work with. We need a President who understands the importance of federal agriculture programs, a President who will share our priorities and work with us to accomplish them.
I’ve taken time to study the records of both candidates and where the interests of Minnesota and American agriculture are concerned the only candidate who has supported agriculture is Senator Barack Obama. He’s not a perfect candidate – no one is – but at the most fundamental level, Barack Obama has shown me that he understands agriculture, appreciates its critical role in this country, and will work with farmers.
I cannot say the same of his opponent, Senator John McCain, who recently proposed abolishing the farm safety net and tax credits for renewable energy. Senator McCain has a long record of leading the charge against agriculture research, against biofuels, and against critical programs for sugar and dairy producers.
On all of the key issues for farmers and Minnesota agriculture, from preserving the farm safety net to developing renewable energy and making essential infrastructure improvements that are important to farmers, Senator Obama has been on the side of our nation’s farmers while Senator McCain has been against them.
Senator Obama has represented a key farm state and has maintained an open door to farmers from Illinois. He supported the 2008 Farm Bill, which will provide certainty and stability to producers and the entire farm sector, invest billions of dollars in conservation, and feed tens of millions of low-income families.
On the other hand, Senator McCain opposed the Farm Bill and said he would have vetoed it, just like President Bush did. This position has been criticized by leaders of numerous groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, and the National Association of Wheat Growers. It indicates to me that Senator McCain is badly out of touch with how agriculture really works in our country.
One of the most promising elements in our agricultural economy is the ongoing development of biofuels and other renewable energy sources. Increasing production and use of biofuels and other sources of alternative energy is decreasing our reliance on imported oil, injecting billions of dollars of capital into rural economies, and enhancing our local economies. The industry has grown from a combination of the entrepreneurial spirit and creative innovation found in American agriculture and the successful federal programs that helped lay the foundation for broader investment and growth.
Senator Obama strongly understands and supports these “ag-focused” energy development programs and even introduced legislation that created the first mandate for the production of renewable sources of diesel fuel. His leadership on renewable energy earned Senator Obama a Golden Triangle Award from the National Farmers Union and endorsements from a number of Democratic and Republican former Presidents of the National Corn Growers.
Senator McCain, on the other hand, has one of the worst records in Congress on renewable fuels. He has repeatedly opposed and voted against all of the key biofuels programs and even said, “Ethanol has absolutely under no circumstances any value whatsoever.”
Finally, I’ve been impressed by the fact that Senator Obama has put members of his campaign team on the ground throughout rural American and has had them listening to what rural voters have been telling them. From what I can see he is an able leader who is committed to working with us for the good of agriculture – in Minnesota and throughout the nation -- and the rural communities who depend on it.
I believe that anyone who understands the economic importance of agriculture – and farmers in particular – should support Barack Obama.
This Thursday, October 30th, please join President Bill Clinton with special guests U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senate Candidate Al Franken in Minneapolis, where they will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need.
Five Days to Change Rally with President Bill Clinton and Special Guests Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken Minneapolis Convention Center Exhibit Hall A 1301 2nd Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN Thursday, October 30th Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
http://mn.barackobama.com/MinneapolisChange The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however an RSVP is strongly encouraged. For security reasons, do not bring bags and please limit personal items. No signs, banners, or umbrellas permitted.
The Obama for America and Al Franken for Senate campaigns today announced that former President Bill Clinton will headline a “Five Days to Change” Get-Out-The-Vote rally in Minneapolis Thursday evening. Clinton will be joined by U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
President Clinton will talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of change we need and the candidates, like Al, who are working to help make that happen.
Here are the details:
Five Days to Change Rally with President Bill Clinton
Minneapolis Convention Center Exhibit Hall A 1301 2nd Ave S Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, October 30th Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
RSVP Online at: http://MN.BarackObama.com/FiveDaysToChange
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required; however, an RSVP is strongly encouraged.
Don't forget to RSVP at http://MN.BarackObama.com/FiveDaysToChange
Can you make a real difference in the election? Does this election really matter? You bet it does. Ida Rukavina in Aurora writes to the Timberjay Newspaper:
In 2002, I worked as the 8th Congressional District Coordinator for Senator Paul Wellstone. A couple weeks before the election, I got a call that my Grandpa, Benny Rukavina, had died. Paul Wellstone called me the next morning and it was the last time I spoke with him. When we heard that Paul was taking time out of campaigning to come to my Grandpa’s funeral, my dad asked him not to because he should be spending his time campaigning. However, Paul loved my grandparents, just as he loved all Iron Rangers and Minnesotans. Paul, his family and other friends of mine died that day coming to the funeral. I still cry as I write this, because that was the worst day of my life and for my family. Some of you might ask why it wasn’t the worst day of my life when my own Grandpa passed away. To be perfectly honest, I miss him every day, but he lived a long, fulfilling life. He raised three kids on a steelworker’s income along with my grandmother’s income from the Public Utilities. Grandpa Benny helped organize the Steelworker’s Union. Because of his union, he owned a house, he retired with a pension, he had health care for his family and he was able to send all his kids to college. My Grandpa and Grandma knew the importance of unions for the middle class. He knew that without unions, there would be no middle class and he knew for sure that the DFL party was the party that supported his middle class neighbors and friends and his union. My Grandpa, being the good citizen he was, had already voted absentee before passing away- he voted for Paul. This past summer, my Grandmother, Martha Rukavina, passed away during another important Senate campaign. I talked to my Grandma and I know she would have cast her vote for Al Franken and Barack Obama. Why? Because my grandparents believed in education, health care, and jobs. They knew that when we invest in our communities we all do better. That’s how I was raised and that’s how I hope to raise my children some day. Al Franken and Obama will fight for the working class. We don’t need champions for the rich- like Coleman and McCain. It seems they already have enough support in Congress with the $700 billion bailout. We need someone to fight for the principles that Minnesotans believe in and in my heart, I know that’s Obama and Franken. This election will shape our country for years to come. As a union member, I am voting on the issues that I know are right for our country and our middle class- affordable health care, retirement, living wage jobs, and education. I’m voting for Obama and Franken for another reason too and that’s Social Security. They know that Social Security should be secure- NOT put into private accounts in the stock market like McCain and Coleman have proposed. Can you imagine the dilemma our elderly neighbors and friends would be facing if the Republicans had invested our Social Security in the stock market like they wanted to? The thought is frightening, almost as frightening as McCain as President and another term of Senator Coleman. In my job as a union representative, representing school, city and hospital employees, I see every day what this economy is doing to my members. I know we can’t take another four years of this. The last eight years under George Bush haven’t been good for my union members who had to pay for a war and, as an example, saw their union jobs jeopardized at local nursing homes and hospitals when Medicare and Medicaid got cut because of a war. The Republicans, including McCain and Coleman, promised us that the tax breaks to the rich would trickle down to us. I haven’t yet felt a drop. Have you? On Nov. 4, I ask you to join with me by voting Obama for President and Al Franken for Senate.
In 2002, I worked as the 8th Congressional District Coordinator for Senator Paul Wellstone. A couple weeks before the election, I got a call that my Grandpa, Benny Rukavina, had died. Paul Wellstone called me the next morning and it was the last time I spoke with him. When we heard that Paul was taking time out of campaigning to come to my Grandpa’s funeral, my dad asked him not to because he should be spending his time campaigning. However, Paul loved my grandparents, just as he loved all Iron Rangers and Minnesotans. Paul, his family and other friends of mine died that day coming to the funeral. I still cry as I write this, because that was the worst day of my life and for my family.
Some of you might ask why it wasn’t the worst day of my life when my own Grandpa passed away. To be perfectly honest, I miss him every day, but he lived a long, fulfilling life. He raised three kids on a steelworker’s income along with my grandmother’s income from the Public Utilities. Grandpa Benny helped organize the Steelworker’s Union. Because of his union, he owned a house, he retired with a pension, he had health care for his family and he was able to send all his kids to college. My Grandpa and Grandma knew the importance of unions for the middle class. He knew that without unions, there would be no middle class and he knew for sure that the DFL party was the party that supported his middle class neighbors and friends and his union. My Grandpa, being the good citizen he was, had already voted absentee before passing away- he voted for Paul.
This past summer, my Grandmother, Martha Rukavina, passed away during another important Senate campaign. I talked to my Grandma and I know she would have cast her vote for Al Franken and Barack Obama. Why? Because my grandparents believed in education, health care, and jobs. They knew that when we invest in our communities we all do better. That’s how I was raised and that’s how I hope to raise my children some day. Al Franken and Obama will fight for the working class. We don’t need champions for the rich- like Coleman and McCain. It seems they already have enough support in Congress with the $700 billion bailout. We need someone to fight for the principles that Minnesotans believe in and in my heart, I know that’s Obama and Franken.
This election will shape our country for years to come. As a union member, I am voting on the issues that I know are right for our country and our middle class- affordable health care, retirement, living wage jobs, and education. I’m voting for Obama and Franken for another reason too and that’s Social Security. They know that Social Security should be secure- NOT put into private accounts in the stock market like McCain and Coleman have proposed. Can you imagine the dilemma our elderly neighbors and friends would be facing if the Republicans had invested our Social Security in the stock market like they wanted to? The thought is frightening, almost as frightening as McCain as President and another term of Senator Coleman.
In my job as a union representative, representing school, city and hospital employees, I see every day what this economy is doing to my members. I know we can’t take another four years of this. The last eight years under George Bush haven’t been good for my union members who had to pay for a war and, as an example, saw their union jobs jeopardized at local nursing homes and hospitals when Medicare and Medicaid got cut because of a war. The Republicans, including McCain and Coleman, promised us that the tax breaks to the rich would trickle down to us. I haven’t yet felt a drop. Have you? On Nov. 4, I ask you to join with me by voting Obama for President and Al Franken for Senate.
We couldn’t agree more. Take some time this weekend to go talk to voters in your neighborhood. 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.
There are just eleven days left before the Election, and this weekend Barack's Minnesota Campaign for Change will launch its statewide "Get Out the Vote" program with events across the state.
For one hour, one day, or more, spend your time working for Barack. This election will be won or lost on the ground and we need everyone contacting voters over the next 11 days.
When Hillary Clinton was in Hibbing on Monday, she talked about the importance of getting involved now.
Help us Get Out The Vote this weekend by attending one of the kick-off events below:.
Saturday October, 2410AM St Paul Featuring Al Franken Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring Rep. Betty McCollum Sheet Metal Local #10 1681 Cope Ave E, Suite A St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 2PM St Paul Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Rep. Keith Ellison Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN Duluth Featuring Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN Virginia Featuring Rep. Tom Rukavina Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MNSunday, October 25 12 PM St Paul Featuring Mayor Chris Colman Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN St Paul Featuring Thomasin Franken Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave. St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis- Featuring Mayor RT Rybak CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis- Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN Virginia Featuring Senator David Tomassoni Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN 4PM St Paul Featuring Mayor Chris Coleman Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN St Paul- Featuring Thomasin Franken and Susan Gaertner Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN Minneapolis Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN Duluth: Featuring Mayor Don Ness Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN Virginia Featuring Senator David Tomassoni Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN
St Paul Featuring Al Franken Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN
St Paul Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
St Paul Featuring Rep. Betty McCollum Sheet Metal Local #10 1681 Cope Ave E, Suite A St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
St Paul Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Rep. Keith Ellison Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Duluth Featuring Speaker Margaret Anderson Kelliher Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN
Virginia Featuring Rep. Tom Rukavina Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN
St Paul Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
St Paul Featuring Thomasin Franken Macalester College 1600 Grand Ave. St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Assistant Senate Majority Leader Tarryl Clark Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis- Featuring Mayor RT Rybak CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis- Featuring State Auditor Rebecca Otto Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Virginia Featuring Senator David Tomassoni Obama Campaign for Change Office 327 Chestnut St Virginia, MN
St Paul Featuring Mayor Chris Coleman Obama Campaign for Change Office 1389 University Ave W St Paul, MN
St Paul- Featuring Thomasin Franken and Susan Gaertner Laborer's Hall 346 West Larpenteur St Paul, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Al Franken and Rep. Keith Ellison Obama Campaign for Change Office 2200 W Broadway ave Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman CWA Local 7200 Hall 3521 E Lake St Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis Featuring Mayor RT Rybak Central Labors Union Council Hall 312 Central Ave SE Minneapolis, MN
Duluth: Featuring Mayor Don Ness Obama Campaign for Change Office 302 E. Superior ave Duluth, MN
Check out these photos from the "Change We Need" rally in Hibbing with Hillary Clinton and share your own.
In Hibbing last night, Hillary Clinton drew on her years of public service and made a lucid observation on the choice Minnesotans have in this election.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden. With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
Barack Obama has a plan to jumpstart the American economy, provide middle class tax relief, and provide quality, affordable healthcare to every American. This fact, and the reality that on every one of these issues John McCain is disturbingly out of touch with middle class families, was not lost on Hillary:
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion. But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong."
Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground
and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion.
But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
"The evidence is clear," continued Hillary, a champion for working families in her own right, "Barack Obama and the Democrats are for you. And that's why I hope you will be for the DFL candidates up and down the ballot to delivver the change we need."
Folks in Minnesota are struggling to cope with a failing economy and looking for real leadership from the next President. Since President Bush has taken office, health care costs have risen 4.3 times faster than average wages in Minnesota, and over 430,000 Minnesota residents – and over 45 million nationally – lack health insurance today.
The situation in Minnesota is just a microcosm of what's happening across the country, a situation which will only get worse if John McCain is allowed to continue the failed policies of the last eight years.
That's why we have to take action to prevent that from happening:
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream. I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket. That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream.
I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket.
That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
"So I hope each and everyone of you will go out and talk to those who are yet undecided. Maybe try to persuade those you think are heading in the wrong direction," added Hillary.
Join the tens of thousands of volunteers across Minnesota who have responded to Barack's call to service. You can phonebank, go door-to-door, volunteer in your Campaign for Change 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.
Or, as Hillary put it in Hibbing last night: "This is our moment, this is our time."
With less than two weeks until Election Day, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Obama’s Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett will make four campaign stops across Minnesota to make the case for change to undecided Minnesota voters.
Events will be held in St. Paul, St Cloud, Grand Rapids and Virginia to highlight Senator Obama’s comprehensive plans to restore the economy and lead our country in the 21st century.
The day’s events will kick off at 10 AM at the State Capitol in St. Paul on Thursday. With undecided voters making their decisions over the next few days, these events will speak to independent voters who are concerned with the direction of our economy and are fed up with the viscous attacks and smear tactics being used in the campaign.
Jeff Blodgett explains:
Undecided voters are starting to make their choices and they are seeing a stark contrast between the two candidates for President. Senator McCain has been erratic and out of touch in the face of a serious economic crisis, while Barack Obama has shown strong and steady leadership. As Minnesotans have struggled to deal with the economic crisis, the McCain campaign has stooped to the worst kind of smear tactics that our political process has to offer and Minnesotans are just fed up. Minnesotans want to hear about how we’ll get out of this economic mess, not more negativity and dishonesty.
Undecided voters are starting to make their choices and they are seeing a stark contrast between the two candidates for President. Senator McCain has been erratic and out of touch in the face of a serious economic crisis, while Barack Obama has shown strong and steady leadership.
As Minnesotans have struggled to deal with the economic crisis, the McCain campaign has stooped to the worst kind of smear tactics that our political process has to offer and Minnesotans are just fed up. Minnesotans want to hear about how we’ll get out of this economic mess, not more negativity and dishonesty.
St. Paul Senator Amy Klobuchar State Capitol Room B-15 Program Begins: 10:00 AM St. Cloud Economic Round Table East Side VFW 104 Franklin Avenue Northeast St. Cloud, MN Program Begins: 12:00 PM Grand Rapids Canvass Kickoff Grand Rapids Campaign for Change Office 809 NE 4th Street Grand Rapids, MN Program Begins: 4:00 PM Virginia House Party Home of Paul Cerkvenik 817 S 5th Avenue Virginia, MN Program Begins: 5:30 PM
St. Paul Senator Amy Klobuchar State Capitol Room B-15
Program Begins: 10:00 AM
St. Cloud Economic Round Table East Side VFW 104 Franklin Avenue Northeast St. Cloud, MN
Program Begins: 12:00 PM
Grand Rapids Canvass Kickoff Grand Rapids Campaign for Change Office 809 NE 4th Street Grand Rapids, MN
Program Begins: 4:00 PM
Virginia House Party Home of Paul Cerkvenik 817 S 5th Avenue Virginia, MN
Program Begins: 5:30 PM
Yesterday, Iron Range gave the type of hometown welcome its famous for when nearly 5000 people welcomed Senator Hillary Clinton to Hibbing.
Folks started lining up as early as 3 o'clock for their chance to hear Hillary outline Barack's vision for the kind of change Minnesota needs.
As Hillary looked out at the audience in the Hibbing Memorial Arena, she noted that the folks gathered there were "people who have been at the core of making America safe and making America work."
Just as the iron ore that made the steel enabled us to win these conflicts, Minnesota's Iron Range casts the votes that made the difference in statewide campaigns that elected John F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale. You have given more than your iron ore, your steel, and your votes. You have sacrificed for America... Northeastern Minnesota had the highest per capita enlistment rate in WWII, one of the highest in other conflicts after the Great War, and many of you, your children, and loved ones have served and proudly serve today. Our nation owes you a great gratitude. The working men and women of Northeastern Minnesota--the miners, the loggers, the building trades, the steelworkers, the teachers, the laborers--people who have worked for yourselves and your family, your community, and your country. And you deserve better than what you've been delivered the last eight years by the Republican leadership in Washington.
Just as the iron ore that made the steel enabled us to win these conflicts, Minnesota's Iron Range casts the votes that made the difference in statewide campaigns that elected John F. Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, Walter Mondale.
You have given more than your iron ore, your steel, and your votes. You have sacrificed for America... Northeastern Minnesota had the highest per capita enlistment rate in WWII, one of the highest in other conflicts after the Great War, and many of you, your children, and loved ones have served and proudly serve today. Our nation owes you a great gratitude. The working men and women of Northeastern Minnesota--the miners, the loggers, the building trades, the steelworkers, the teachers, the laborers--people who have worked for yourselves and your family, your community, and your country.
And you deserve better than what you've been delivered the last eight years by the Republican leadership in Washington.
Among the veterans in the crowd was retired U.S. Marine Breanna Osterhoudt, who wants to see change in the veterans benefits.
"We'll, I'm here because I'm a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton and Obama. I served four years in the United States Marine Corps, and I think we need a change.
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. Learn more about the Obama-Biden plan for veterans here.
Hillary spoke of the important role the next thirteen days play in determining whether the country continues down the same course or charts a new course in a new direction:
In these next days, people will be reaching a decision that will impact America for years to come. This is truly a fight for the future and its a fight we must win, and its a fight we have waged and won before. Yes, times may be tough, but we're tougher than the times and you need to look no further than the hardworking, nation-serving, patriotic people of the Iron Range and Northern Minnesota.
In these next days, people will be reaching a decision that will impact America for years to come. This is truly a fight for the future and its a fight we must win, and its a fight we have waged and won before.
Yes, times may be tough, but we're tougher than the times and you need to look no further than the hardworking, nation-serving, patriotic people of the Iron Range and Northern Minnesota.
With such a short time left, we need everyone to get involved and make phone calls, and canvass as part of our grassroots campaign for change.
As Hillary said last night, "So my friends, this is our moment, this is our time... Let's go win the election and change America!"
This evening, Senator Hillary Clinton visits the Iron Range to host a "Change We Need" rally in Hibbing.
Change We Need Rally with Senator Hillary Clinton
Memorial Arena 400 East 23 Street Hibbing, MN 55746
Tuesday, October 21st Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.RSVP Online at: http://my.barackobama.com/mnhrchibbing
The event is free and open to the public; tickets are not required but an RSVP is encouraged. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yesterday, Hillary joined Barack on stage at a rally in Florida. This is the first time Barack and Hillary have campaigned together since the summer.
The Clintons have been campaigning for the Obama-Biden with increasing regularity in the past weeks, as the election draws near. Hillary and her husband Bill Clinton both appeared with Joe Biden at a Rally in Scranton Pennsylvania just last week. "This is a mad dash to the finish line,” Hillary said.
Check out the pictures of Hillary and Barack from yesterday and join us for a rally with Hillary Clinton later tonight:
Tomorrow evening, Hillary Clinton returns to Minnesota for a "Change We Need" rally in Hibbing at the Memorial Arena. The doors open at 6 p.m., and you can RSVP online at http://MN.BarackObama.com/HibbingChange.
Earlier this month, Hillary, Joe, his wife Jill, and President Clinton appeared together in Scraton. Here's what Joe said about Hillary:
She's more than just a fighter. I don't know many fighters who fight not just from their head but from their gut. She's always fighting against the abuse of power.
Hillary was raised in a middle-class family in the middle of America, and went on to become one of the nation's foremost advocates for children and families, a best-selling author, and a champion for women's rights and human rights around the world.
In Scranton, Hillary talked about how important it is that we elect Barack & Joe on November 4th, and how we all have to do everything we can to reach out to everyone we know over the next few days:
Bill was talking about how he and I have been involved in presidential politics since 1968 - 10 presidential elections and Democrats have only won 3 of them. And of course Bill won 2 out of the 3. That’s why you have to leave here committed and ready to go to work. You have to talk to your friends and neighbors. I know you have friends and neighbors who aren’t decided yet. I know you have friends and neighbors, and maybe even some family members who are not decided yet. You might even have a few leaning the wrong direction. So I am deputizing every one of you to go out and make the case because Barack and Joe are not asking you to marry them. They are asking you to vote for them - and vote for yourselves.
Bill was talking about how he and I have been involved in presidential politics since 1968 - 10 presidential elections and Democrats have only won 3 of them. And of course Bill won 2 out of the 3.
That’s why you have to leave here committed and ready to go to work. You have to talk to your friends and neighbors. I know you have friends and neighbors who aren’t decided yet. I know you have friends and neighbors, and maybe even some family members who are not decided yet. You might even have a few leaning the wrong direction.
So I am deputizing every one of you to go out and make the case because Barack and Joe are not asking you to marry them. They are asking you to vote for them - and vote for yourselves.
So, do you know what you have to do? Rally with Hillary, talk to your friends and neighbors, and help get out the vote for Barack and Joe!
Tomorrow, Senator Hillary Clinton visits the Iron Range to talk about Barack's vision for creating the kind of we need.
Signs of change are popping up across the Range, including the sign below:
There are only three Mondays left before Election Day. What are you doing today?
Please join us Tuesday, October 21st, for a rally with Senator Hillary Clinton in Hibbing:
Tuesday, October 21st Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.
RSVP online at: http://mn.barackobama.com/HibbingChange
Earlier today, DFL Associate Chair, Donna Cassutt sent out the email below promoting the Campaign for Change's Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) effort...
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to. Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4? This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket. Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up. Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now. Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing. I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now. We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4. You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in. Click here to find an office near you. Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state. Sincerely, Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to.
Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4?
This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket.
Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up.
Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now.
Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing.
I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now.
We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4.
You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in.
Click here to find an office near you.
Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state.
Sincerely,
Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
Photo Credit: Bemidji Pioneer - Submitted photo
Ray Schoenke, the founder and president of the American Hunters and Shooters Association, is in Minnesota talking to rural Minnesotans about Barack's respect of the rights of sportsmen and women and the Obama-Biden plan to restore the economy.
From the Bemidji Pioneer:
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama won’t take away Americans’ guns, says the head of the American Hunters and Shooters Association. “We’re a gun rights organization and we are stating Obama’s not going to take away your guns,” Ray Schoenke, who is founder and president of the AHSA, said in an interview Thursday night. Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a Washington, D.C., total ban on handguns as unconstitutional. In overturning the ban, Justice Antonin Scalia said that “the individual right is confirmed, that law-abiding citizens have the right to own a gun,” Schoenke said. “That pretty well set the issue aside,” he said. “He basically said government cannot confiscate your guns. Congress cannot enact laws that can take your guns away. Which means Obama can’t take your guns away, nor can McCain. That whole issue is over with.” Coming up with laws for rural American and for urban centers “takes away their fear issue,” he said of the NRA. “To me, it’s misrepresentation, distortions and lies. It’s the only thing they have. It’s unfortunate that McCain and Palin buy into it.” “The gun rights issue is behind us and conservation is important,” he said. “Obama is ahead of McCain, and I think he’s clearly ahead when it comes to the economy. That’s why I strongly urge hunters and shooters throughout Minnesota to look to Obama and support him.”
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama won’t take away Americans’ guns, says the head of the American Hunters and Shooters Association.
“We’re a gun rights organization and we are stating Obama’s not going to take away your guns,” Ray Schoenke, who is founder and president of the AHSA, said in an interview Thursday night.
Last summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a Washington, D.C., total ban on handguns as unconstitutional. In overturning the ban, Justice Antonin Scalia said that “the individual right is confirmed, that law-abiding citizens have the right to own a gun,” Schoenke said.
“That pretty well set the issue aside,” he said. “He basically said government cannot confiscate your guns. Congress cannot enact laws that can take your guns away. Which means Obama can’t take your guns away, nor can McCain. That whole issue is over with.”
Coming up with laws for rural American and for urban centers “takes away their fear issue,” he said of the NRA. “To me, it’s misrepresentation, distortions and lies. It’s the only thing they have. It’s unfortunate that McCain and Palin buy into it.”
“The gun rights issue is behind us and conservation is important,” he said. “Obama is ahead of McCain, and I think he’s clearly ahead when it comes to the economy. That’s why I strongly urge hunters and shooters throughout Minnesota to look to Obama and support him.”
Rather than relying on attack ads and distractions, Barack is focused on dealing with the economic challenges Americans are facing.
Barack will give tax cuts to 95% of middle class families. He'll end the tax breaks for companies shipping jobs overseas, and put them where they belong by cutting taxes on small businesses that grow local economies.
But we need your help to make sure people know the truth, and are focused on all the issues.
Log on to My.barackobama.com to get involved. Be sure to check out the brand new “Neighbor to Neighbor” canvassing campaign that makes it easy to reach out to voters in your own neighborhood.
The Obama campaign just announced that Hillary Clinton will campaign for Barack and Joe up on the Iron Range next week.
ST. PAUL – U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton will hold a public rally for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign next Tuesday evening on the Iron Range.Sen. Clinton will speak with Minnesotans about her trust in Sen. Obama’s steady leadership and ability to turn around our economic crisis. Sen. Clinton will discuss the current crisis and the leadership required to bring the change we need.More details will be announced in the coming days.
ST. PAUL – U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton will hold a public rally for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign next Tuesday evening on the Iron Range.
Sen. Clinton will speak with Minnesotans about her trust in Sen. Obama’s steady leadership and ability to turn around our economic crisis. Sen. Clinton will discuss the current crisis and the leadership required to bring the change we need.More details will be announced in the coming days.
Hillary said it best in Scranton last week:
Barack Obama and Joe Biden are for you and that’s why I am for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. My friends, this is an all-hands-on-deck moment for America. We’ve got to work hard and we’ve got to work together. This is a fight for the future and it is a fight we must win.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden are for you and that’s why I am for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
My friends, this is an all-hands-on-deck moment for America. We’ve got to work hard and we’ve got to work together. This is a fight for the future and it is a fight we must win.
All hands-on-deck!
Let's change this country!
Today, the Obama-Biden campaign released a new 30 second TV ad, “Can’t Explain”, which highlights health care in the debate last night. In the ad, which features footage from the debate, Joe Biden sheds light on the truth about John McCain’s health care plan, telling America that McCain pays for his health care plan by taxing your health care benefits, and he calls that, “the ultimate bridge to nowhere.”
"Can’t Explain" will air across the country on national cable beginning today.
Watch the ad...
