One year ago, we did something special. We built an unprecedented grassroots organization statewide, and along with staff and volunteers, we celebrated then-Senator Obama's election on November 4th. That night, the President-Elect reminded us that "this victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance to make that change."
One year later we stand at the cusp of enacting real health insurance reform, and in part because of all the work that you have done since we kicked off this campaign for health reform on June 6, all those declarations we gathered throughout the summer, all the calls we made on October 20.
Come join us at an event near you to say thank you to all the volunteers that have put us this close to enacting real health reform. The kind of reform that will provide stability and security to Americans who have insurance, affordable options for those who don't, and lower costs for families, businesses and our country as a whole.
If you live in St. Louis come on out to our St. Louis Office Opening, and if you live in other parts of the state, you can find an event near.
Hope to see you tonight.
All across Missouri groups of volunteers are gathering together to join their friends and neighbors in calling for health reform.
Whether its students in Springfield, women in Webster Groves or doctors and nurses in Kansas City, we are seeing people of all backgrounds wanting to reach out and tell their story.
When asked what motivated her to participate in a Women-To-Women Time to Deliver Phone Bank, Michelle of South St. Louis County shared the story of her son with the other participants. Michelle's son, Tyler, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was only 18 months old. He has two years remaining on his father's health insurance before he is dropped from coverage. Michelle fears that insurance companies will not cover him down due to his pre-existing condition and as a result he will have to go through the rest of his life without health coverage.
She said "Given that he will not be able to be covered, and with health insurance costs rising for my husband and me, I know that as the greatest nation in the world, America can do better. It's important for me to come here tonight and speak with other women in Missouri, share my son's story, and let them know how important it is to my family, that health insurance reform is passed this year."
This afternoon, seniors gathered in volunteer Lisa's home in St. Louis County this evening to make calls to other senior citizens. Thanks to the work they have been doing, we have more than doubled our goal of finding 100,000 people to commit to calling their member of Congress today. With your help, we can make sure every Missourian who supports reform can have their voice heard.
If you have not called your representatives in Congress, you can do so by following this link:
http://my.barackobama.com/TTDCall
Congratulations Missouri!
With your help we've blown the goal of 100,000 calls out of the water. We are setting a new goal of 150,000 calls made or committed in a single day.
This morning we had volunteers meet at 9am at Afroworld in St. Louis. They had coffee and donuts waiting and started making calls to people in their community. Sheila, our Community Organizer who was leading the phone bank, called Senator McCaskill's office to thank her for her work on health reform, and said that her staff was very polite and supportive of all the people calling in.
We need everyone's help to hit this new goal. Come on out this evening to a phone bank near you.
http://my.barackobama.com/findtimetodelivereventnearyou
Good Morning Missouri,
We are very excited to be part of Organizing For America's National Time to Deliver Day of Action. Missourians are joining thousands of OFA volunteers all over the country in holding Time to Deliver phone banks; our goal, to find 100,000 people who can commit to calling their Member of Congress today and asking them to support real health insurance reform.
We have a lot of momentum as these bills make it through Congress, but now it is more important than ever that your voice is heard. Your representatives in Washington need to hear that it is time to deliver.
We'll be providing updates and stories throughout the day, so check back.
All across the state we've got our phone banks ready to rock and we're fired up! Are you?
Find a phone bank near you and come join us.
OFA Deputy Director Jeremy Bird wrote this update from the bus en route to Indianapolis …
More than 2,000 people came out last night on a cold August night in St. Louis to demonstrate their support for President Obama's reform principles and deliver the tens of thousands of declarations they collected this summer to Rep. Russ Carnahan. The crowd was another beautiful example of our movement: young and old, black, white, Latino, wealthy and poor. "Yes We Can" and "Health Care Now" chants rang throughout the St. Louis night.
Rep. Carnahan talked about the thousands of Missourians he has talked with this summer — not just in town halls but in grocery stores, gas stations and community events. The congressman told our St. Louis crowd that he has overwhelmingly heard one message this summer: it's time to get it done and pass health insurance reform in 2009.
St. Louis county executive Charlie Dooley, board of aldermen president Lewis Reed, and Bob Soutier, president of the St. Louis Labor Council, also joined the program.
Lisa Hill, a Missouri OFA volunteer, shared her personal story — a story defined by crushing health care costs that are all too common across this country. Lisa's son has leukemia, and her latest health care bill topped $3,300 — even though she has insurance. For Lisa, this fight is not about numbers. It's not about ideology; it's about fighting for her child, for her family, for a better America.
Liz Pund, one of Missouri's fantastic volunteer summer organizers, addressed the crowd about a particular encounter she had this summer. While canvassing a South St. Louis neighborhood, she met an elderly woman who had heard a lot of health care myths and distortions. Liz had an engaging, truthful and personal conversation with the woman — and a half-block after she left, the woman called her back over and signed a declaration of support for the President's health insurance principles.
Pictured above: Missouri organizer Liz Pund
Person-to-person, real conversations — that's how volunteers like Liz and Lisa elected a president. And it's how we are going to win this health reform fight.
Last night's rally was particularly personal for me. I was born in a hospital less than two miles from the rally. I watched my grandparents battle cancer at that same hospital, thankful every day that they had health insurance. I grew up in a trailer park about 30 minutes from the rally and remember our family struggling with crippling health care costs.
Last night was a great culmination of weeks of hard work across the Show Me State. Thousands of volunteers have knocked on doors, made phone calls, turned out in record numbers to town halls outnumbering opponents, and hosted small events focused on real, honest, meaningful conversations about reform. And last night was not the end — our work in Missouri and across the nation continues.
Take action for Lisa and with Liz today.
From Daniel Herman, the new Missouri State Director for Organizing for America:
Since Inauguration Day, Organizing for America has been dedicated to making real the change we fought for during the election. But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization. That's why I'm so excited to announce that we're back on the ground in Missouri, and starting this Tuesday, April 14th, we'll be hosting Listening Tour Town Halls across the state. Will you make your voice heard and join us on the Listening Tour? At Listening Tour meetings, you'll get a chance to meet new state staff members, hear about some lessons learned during the general election, and offer your thoughts on how we can organize Missouri going forward. Your ideas will be used to write a Missouri-specific plan for Organizing for America in 2009 and beyond. The campaign brought an unprecedented number of new voices into the process -- we need to make sure those voices remain at the center of the debate as the President and Congress work on providing solutions for our economy. But these meetings are not just for folks who were involved in the campaign -- we're hopeful that every Missourian will get involved. We can't stop growing our movement now. We've never had a better opportunity to shape our future -- and just like during the election, we'll do it from the bottom up. Sign up now to attend a Listening Tour event. I look forward to seeing you, Daniel Daniel Herman Missouri State Director Organizing for America P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Listening Tour event, you can still get involved with Organizing for America in Missouri. Let us know how you'd like to see Missouri organized.
Since Inauguration Day, Organizing for America has been dedicated to making real the change we fought for during the election. But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization. That's why I'm so excited to announce that we're back on the ground in Missouri, and starting this Tuesday, April 14th, we'll be hosting Listening Tour Town Halls across the state. Will you make your voice heard and join us on the Listening Tour? At Listening Tour meetings, you'll get a chance to meet new state staff members, hear about some lessons learned during the general election, and offer your thoughts on how we can organize Missouri going forward. Your ideas will be used to write a Missouri-specific plan for Organizing for America in 2009 and beyond. The campaign brought an unprecedented number of new voices into the process -- we need to make sure those voices remain at the center of the debate as the President and Congress work on providing solutions for our economy. But these meetings are not just for folks who were involved in the campaign -- we're hopeful that every Missourian will get involved. We can't stop growing our movement now. We've never had a better opportunity to shape our future -- and just like during the election, we'll do it from the bottom up. Sign up now to attend a Listening Tour event.
I look forward to seeing you, Daniel Daniel Herman Missouri State Director Organizing for America P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Listening Tour event, you can still get involved with Organizing for America in Missouri. Let us know how you'd like to see Missouri organized.
On Thursday President Obama delivered his budget outline to Congress, a document that represents the ideas he campaigned on and millions of supporters fought for. "Because it represents real and dramatic change," the President explained, "it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington." He acknowledged the fight ahead to bring this budget plan from outline to final legislation, but he also sent a clear message:
Two years ago, we set out on a journey to change the way that Washington works. We sought a government that served not the interests of powerful lobbyists or the wealthiest few, but the middle-class Americans I met every day in every community along the campaign trail – responsible men and women who are working harder than ever, worrying about their jobs, and struggling to raise their families. In so many town halls and backyards, they spoke of their hopes for a government that finally confronts the challenges that their families face every day; a government that treats their tax dollars as responsibly as they treat their own hard-earned paychecks. That is the change I promised as a candidate for president. It is the change the American people voted for in November. And it is the change represented by the budget I sent to Congress this week.... I realize that passing this budget won’t be easy. Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington. I know that the insurance industry won’t like the idea that they’ll have to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that’s how we’ll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs for American families. I know that banks and big student lenders won’t like the idea that we’re ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that’s how we’ll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won’t like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that’s how we’ll help fund a renewable energy economy that will create new jobs and new industries. In other words, I know these steps won’t sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they’re gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this:So am I. The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long, but I don’t. I work for the American people. I didn’t come here to do the same thing we’ve been doing or to take small steps forward, I came to provide the sweeping change that this country demanded when it went to the polls in November. That is the change this budget starts to make, and that is the change I’ll be fighting for in the weeks ahead – change that will grow our economy, expand our middle-class, and keep the American Dream alive for all those men and women who have believed in this journey from the day it began.
Two years ago, we set out on a journey to change the way that Washington works. We sought a government that served not the interests of powerful lobbyists or the wealthiest few, but the middle-class Americans I met every day in every community along the campaign trail – responsible men and women who are working harder than ever, worrying about their jobs, and struggling to raise their families. In so many town halls and backyards, they spoke of their hopes for a government that finally confronts the challenges that their families face every day; a government that treats their tax dollars as responsibly as they treat their own hard-earned paychecks. That is the change I promised as a candidate for president. It is the change the American people voted for in November. And it is the change represented by the budget I sent to Congress this week.
... I realize that passing this budget won’t be easy. Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington. I know that the insurance industry won’t like the idea that they’ll have to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that’s how we’ll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs for American families. I know that banks and big student lenders won’t like the idea that we’re ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that’s how we’ll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won’t like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that’s how we’ll help fund a renewable energy economy that will create new jobs and new industries.
In other words, I know these steps won’t sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they’re gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this:So am I. The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long, but I don’t. I work for the American people. I didn’t come here to do the same thing we’ve been doing or to take small steps forward, I came to provide the sweeping change that this country demanded when it went to the polls in November. That is the change this budget starts to make, and that is the change I’ll be fighting for in the weeks ahead – change that will grow our economy, expand our middle-class, and keep the American Dream alive for all those men and women who have believed in this journey from the day it began.
Read the full text of the President's address . . .
In case you missed it, last Saturday then-President-elect Obama announced the next step for the unprecedented grassroots movement that grew out of this campaign: Organizing for America.
Today David Plouffe sent out the following message to supporters, inviting them to attend one the many grassroots house meetings taking place throughout the country later this month:
Exactly one month ago, you made history by giving all Americans a real opportunity for change. Now it's time to start preparing and working for change in our communities. On December 13th and 14th, supporters are coming together in every part of the country to reflect on what we've accomplished and plan the future of this movement. Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead. Join your friends and neighbors -- sign up to host or attend a Change is Coming house meeting near you. Since the election, the challenges we face -- and our responsibility to take action -- have only gotten more urgent. You can connect with fellow supporters, make progress on the issues you care about, and help shape the future of your community and our country. Learn what you can do now to support President-elect Obama's agenda for change and continue to make a difference in your community. Take the first important step by hosting or attending a Change is Coming house meeting. Sign up right now. To get our country back on track, it will take all of us working together. Barack and Joe have a clear agenda and an unprecedented opportunity for change. But they can't do it alone. Will you join us at a house meeting and help plan the next steps for this movement? Thanks, David David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America
"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you." - Barack Obama, Election Night 2008
Read the full speech, as prepared for delivery . . .
The polls close in Missouri at 7 PM, just under three hours from now. That's just a few more hours to make a difference and help turn Missouri blue. Volunteers across the state have been working all day to ensure that everyone has the information they need to get to the polls. Below are some shots from across the St. Louis area, capturing just a slice of this massive effort.
The direct voter contact these volunteers are engaging in is the best way to motivate people to get out to vote in these final hours, and that's something we simply can't accomplish without you. It's going to be tight here in the Show Me State, so every single vote is critical. Join volunteers in your area for this final push and help us make history.
If you have any questions about the voting process, need to find your polling location or simply want to report something you observed at the polls call (314) 361-0700. A team of dedicated volunteers are waiting on your call.
It's 6 a.m. and the polls are now open in Missouri. After months and months of preparation, it all comes down to today. Get out there and vote, and make sure your friends and family do the same. Before you do though, here's a brief video that explains many of your rights as a voter in Missouri. Look it over and pass it out to your friends so we can ensure that everyone's voice is heard today.
The polls open in just a few short hours, and once they do all the attention will move towards ensuring that people get out to vote. Before we shift completely into election day, it helps to take one more look at the sort of stories that have fueled this movement.
One such story comes courtesy of Wes Shoemyer, a third generation family farmer and local state Senator residing just outside Clarence, MO. Take a moment to watch as he and his family harvest the annual soybean crop while he shares his story, and views on why Barack will help promote independent family farms and bolster the rural economy. Once you've finished, take action in your own community. Help get out the vote and drive this campaign to victory here in Missouri and across the nation.
With less than 24 hours to go until the polls close in Missouri, the ground game is in full force. Volunteers have poured into the Show Me State in recent days, eager to assist the existing local teams with the critical task of getting out the vote. One of those people is John W. from California.Yesterday he shared some thoughts from his first day canvassing in downtown St. Louis.
Today was my first day working for the Obama campaign in St Louis, and my team worked three "turfs" in the inner city, making sure that the voters knew where to go to vote, what to bring to the polls, and where to go if they needed help.When I described the neighborhoods that we worked to my parents (who live here) they were terrified. Apparently these are some of the worst neighborhoods in the city, but everyone we talked to was so happy to see a team of volunteers for Obama. From white haired women in their 70s to the 18 year old young men, and everyone in between, they were all so excited about the opportunity to vote for Obama. The children on some streets were chanting along with us as we went door to door, letting their parents know we were coming.Tomorrow, more of the same, and I can't wait to get out there again.Tuesday, we get everyone to the polls.
Today was my first day working for the Obama campaign in St Louis, and my team worked three "turfs" in the inner city, making sure that the voters knew where to go to vote, what to bring to the polls, and where to go if they needed help.
When I described the neighborhoods that we worked to my parents (who live here) they were terrified. Apparently these are some of the worst neighborhoods in the city, but everyone we talked to was so happy to see a team of volunteers for Obama. From white haired women in their 70s to the 18 year old young men, and everyone in between, they were all so excited about the opportunity to vote for Obama. The children on some streets were chanting along with us as we went door to door, letting their parents know we were coming.
Tomorrow, more of the same, and I can't wait to get out there again.
Tuesday, we get everyone to the polls.
Follow John's lead and become a part of historic movement. It's not too late -- in fact your time has never meant more. We need every single minute you can give, so sign up now to help in your area on election day. Together we will turn Missouri blue.
Last Thursday, Barack spoke to an overflow crowd that exceeded 40,000 at the University of Missouri in Columbia. We documented parts of that experience last week, but wanted to share with you some powerful footage from that event. In it, Barack discusses the need for people across Missouri to take ownership over this process in the final days; especially the younger generation, which came out in force that night.
Now this change I'm talking about won't be easy and it won't be quick. But it's time -- I look at this younger generation, and you especially know that it's time.
He also offered a word of caution, against complacency and arrogance "Don't believe for a second that this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power concedes anything." Instead he argued that we must push to overcome. Digging down deep and working to the very end. If in these final days you "knock on some doors for me, make some calls for me..." we will be victorious and finally bring about the change we so desperately need.
So watch the clip below and if you haven't already, sign up to volunteer in your area during these critical final hours of the election.
Joe Biden and his wife Jill are about to speak at Longview Community College in Lee's Summit. The program is slated to begin sometime after 9:30 a.m. and will be streamed live in the feed below. Feel free to post your thoughts about the event in the comments section, and if you haven't already, sign up to help in these critical final hours of the campaign.
This event has concluded. Be sure to continue to check mo.barackobama.com for the latest campaign updates.
Earlier this week, Senator Claire McCaskill took some time out of her day to record a message to you and all the other Obama supporters across the Show Me State. Please take a moment to view it and consider getting involved in these final days. Missouri is as close as any state in this race, and it is the efforts of people like you that will put us over the top.
So find your polling place if you're unsure where to vote and get involved today.
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