Bettie in West Bloomfield sent us these photos from a rally in West Bloomfield. We need your help in these last nine days to help Get Out the Vote! Sign up today to help in your community, or around the state! From phone banking to canvassing, there's so much work to be done, and so little time left. It's fun, and rewarding to know you can make the difference that brings real change. Sign up today to help Get Out the Vote!
We also could use your help:
Remind all family, friends, and work associates, that the most important phase of our political process is upon us....the ACT OF VOTING IN THE ELECTION. The yard signs, tee shirts and buttons will not put Senator Obama in the Oval office and in the position to lead this country towards POSITIVE CHANGE....YOUR EXERCSING YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT to VOTE (and for Obama) will facilitate the change we al seek.
If you know someone who will need transportaton on election day....help them get to the polls. Let's create car pools and caravans. I hope if you are a lawyer or knowledgeable about voter's rights, that you have volunteered to work the plls. Let's not allow theft of a victory to prevail in 2008!
Nancy C. Lee, GOTV and Obama Volunteer
Obama Will Be One of The Greatest (and Most Loved) American Presidents
by Frank Schaeffer
Great presidents are made great by horrible circumstances combined with character, temperament and intelligence. Like firemen, cops, doctors or soldiers, presidents need a crisis to shine.
Obama is one of the most intelligent presidential aspirants to ever step forward in American history. The likes of his intellectual capabilities have not been surpassed in public life since the Founding Fathers put pen to paper.
His personal character is also solid gold. Take heart, America: we have the leader for our times. I say this as a white, former life-long Republican. I say this as the proud father of a Marine. I say this as just another American watching his pension evaporate along with the stock market! I speak as someone who knows it's time to forget party loyalty, ideology and pride and put the country first. I say this as someone happy to be called a fool for going out on a limb and declaring that, 1) Obama will win, and 2) he is going to be amongst the greatest of American presidents.
Obama is our last best chance. He's worth laying it all on the line for. This is a man who in the age of greed took the high road of community service. This is the good father and husband. This is the humble servant. This is the patient teacher. This is the scholar statesman. This is the man of deep Christian faith. Good stories about Obama abound; from his personal relationship with his Secret Service agents (he invites them into his home to watch sports, and shoots hoops with them) to the story about how, more than twenty years ago, while standing in the check-in line at an airport, Obama paid a $100 baggage surcharge for a stranger who was broke and stuck. (Obama was virtually penniless himself in those days.) Years later after he became a senator, that stranger recognized Obama's picture and wrote to him to thank him. She received a kindly note back from the senator. (The story only surfaced because the person, who lives in Norway, told a local newspaper after Obama ran for the presidency. The paper published a photograph of this lady proudly displaying Senator Obama's letter.)
Where many leaders are two-faced; publicly kindly but privately feared and/or hated by people closest to them, Obama is consistent in the way he treats people, consistently kind and personally humble. He lives by the code that those who lead must serve. He believes that. He lives it. He lived it long before he was in the public eye. Obama puts service ahead of ideology. He also knows that to win politically you need to be tough. He can be. He has been. This is a man who does what works, rather than scoring ideological points. In other words he is the quintessential non-ideological pragmatic American. He will (thank God!) disappoint ideologues and purists of the left and the right.
Obama has a reservoir of personal physical courage that is unmatched in presidential history. Why unmatched? Because as the first black contender for the presidency who will win, Obama, and all the rest of us, know that he is in great physical danger from the seemingly unlimited reserve of unhinged racial hatred, and just plain unhinged ignorant hatred, that swirls in the bowels of our wounded and sinful country. By stepping forward to lead, Obama has literally put his life on the line for all of us in a way no white candidate ever has had to do. (And we all know how dangerous the presidency has been even for white presidents.)
Nice stories or even unparalleled courage isn't the only point. The greater point about Obama is that the midst of our worldwide financial meltdown, an expanding (and losing) war in Afghanistan, trying to extricate our country from a wrong and stupidly mistaken ruinously expensive war in Iraq, our mounting and crushing national debt, awaiting the next (and inevitable) al Qaeda attack on our homeland, watching our schools decline to Third World levels of incompetence, facing a general loss of confidence in the government that has been exacerbated by the Republicans doing all they can to undermine our government's capabilities and programs... President Obama will take on the leadership of our country at a make or break time of historic proportions. He faces not one but dozens of crisis, each big enough to define any presidency in better times. As luck, fate or divine grace would have it (depending on one's personal theology) Obama is blessedly, dare I say uniquely, well-suited to our dire circumstances.
Obama is a person with hands-on community service experience, deep connections to top economic advisers from the renowned University of Chicago where he taught law, and a middle-class background that gives him an abiding knowledgeable empathy with the rest of us. As the son of a single mother, who has worked his way up with merit and brains, recipient of top-notch academic scholarships, the peer-selected editor of the Harvard Law Review and, in three giant political steps to state office, national office and now the presidency, Obama clearly has the wit and drive to lead. Obama is the sober voice of reason at a time of unreason. He is the fellow keeping his head while all around him are panicking. He is the healing presence at a time of national division and strife. He is also new enough to the political process so that he doesn't suffer from the terminally jaded cynicism, the seen-it-all-before syndrome afflicting most politicians in Washington. In that regard we Americans lucked out.
It's as if having despaired of our political process we picked a name from the phone book to lead us and that person turned out to be a very man we needed. Obama brings a healing and uplifting spiritual quality to our politics at the very time when our worst enemy is fear. For eight years we've been ruled by a stunted fear-filled mediocrity of a little liar who has expanded his power on the basis of creating fear in others. Fearless Obama is the cure. He speaks a litany of hope rather than a litany of terror. As we have watched Obama respond in a quiet reasoned manner to crisis after crisis, in both the way he has responded after being attacked and lied about in the 2008 campaign season, to his reasoned response to our multiplying national crises, what we see is the spirit of a trusted family doctor with a great bedside manner. Obama is perfectly suited to hold our hand and lead us through some very tough times. The word panic is not in the Obama dictionary.
America is fighting its "Armageddon" in one fearful heart at a time. A brilliant leader with the mild manner of an old-time matter-of-fact country doctor soothing a frightened child is just what we need. The fact that our "doctor" is a black man leading a hitherto white-ruled nation out of the mess of its own making is all the sweeter and raises the Obama story to that of moral allegory. Obama brings a moral clarity to his leadership reserved for those who have had to work for everything they've gotten and had to do twice as well as the person standing next to them because of the color of their skin. His experience of succeeding in spite of his color, social background and prejudice could have been embittering or one that fostered a spiritual rebirth of forgiveness and enlightenment. Obama radiates the calm inner peace of the spirit of forgiveness. Speaking as a believing Christian I see the hand of a merciful God in Obama's candidacy. The biblical metaphors abound. The stone the builder rejected is become the cornerstone... the last shall be first... he that would gain his life must first lose it... the meek shall inherit the earth... For my secular friends I'll allow that we may have just been extraordinarily lucky! Either way America wins.
Only a brilliant man, with the spirit of a preacher and the humble heart of a kindly family doctor can lead us now. We are afraid, out of ideas, and worst of all out of hope. Obama is the cure. And we Americans have it in us to rise to the occasion. We will. We're about to enter one of the most frightening periods of American history. Our country has rarely faced more uncertainty. This is the time for greatness. We have a great leader. We must be a great people backing him, fighting for him, sacrificing for a cause greater than ourselves. A hundred years from now Obama's portrait will be placed next to that of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt.
Long before that we'll be telling our children and grandchildren that we stepped out in faith and voted for a young black man who stood up and led our country back from the brink of an abyss. We'll tell them about the power of love, faith and hope. We'll tell them about the power of creativity combined with humility and intellectual brilliance. We'll tell them that President Obama gave us the gift of regaining our faith in our country. We'll tell them that we all stood up and pitched in and won the day. We'll tell them that President Obama restored our standing in the world. We'll tell them that by the time he left office our schools were on the mend, our economy booming, that we'd become a nation filled with green energy alternatives and were leading the world away from dependence on carbon-based destruction. We'll tell them that because of President Obama's example and leadership the integrity of the family was restored, divorce rates went down, more fathers took responsibility for their children, and abortion rates fell dramatically as women, families and children were cared for through compassionate social programs that worked.
We'll tell them about how the gap closed between the middle class and the super rich, how we won health care for all, how crime rates fell, how bad wars were brought to an honorable conclusion. We'll tell them that when we were attacked again by al Qaeda, how reason prevailed and the response was smart, tough, measured and effective, and our civil rights were protected even in times of crisis... We'll tell them that we were part of the inexplicably blessed miracle that happened to our country those many years ago in 2008 when a young black man was sent by God, fate or luck to save our country. We'll tell them that it's good to live in America where anything is possible. Yes we will.
(Frank Schaeffer is the author of CRAZY FOR GOD-How I Grew Up As One Of The Elect, Helped Found The Religious Right, And Lived To Take All (Or Almost All) Of It Back. Now in paperback.)
Remember Barney Smith who said it's time Washington looks out for Barney Smith instead of Smith Barney? He spoke right before Barack accepted the nomination in Denver. Given the financial meltdown, his words ring truer now than they did in August.
Barney is just a regular guy from the midwest whose few words were compelling, sincere, and conveyed a great sense of urgency. He was incredibly poised because he was speaking from the heart. Several other everyday people spoke, too. One had been a lifelong Republican until now; another, an educator and a latina, ended her brief remarks with a phrase in Spanish, "arriba y adelante." Each speaker was emphatic and their words heartfelt.
In those half-our infomercials Barack is planning to air on TV a week before the election, the remarks and visuals of these people should be spliced in. In fact, I think those mini-speeches should be made into a web video and distributed online. Those ordinary--yet extraordinary--American voters told us in a few well-chosen word we should all should vote for Barack.
With 18 days left until Election Day, the Michigan Campaign for Change is moving full speed ahead! This weekend, we're opening a new office in Northwest Detroit, to add to our over sixty offices throughout Michigan. The new Northwest Detroit Campaign for Change office is just another example of Barack's continued commitment to working for every single Michigan vote, because our middle class families can't afford more of the same. Organizers in the office will work with supporters in the community to build support for Barack and other local candidates.
All across Michigan this weekend, including at the new Northwest Detroit office, volunteers will hit the streets and the phone lines to talk to voters about how an Obama-Biden administration will turn Michigan's economy around to provide the change we need. Visit one of our sixty offices around Michigan to join this incredible movement for change! Barack needs you - who this campaign is all about! Visit a Campaign for Change office this weekend:
Saturday, October 18
Inkster Canvass Kick-Off with House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, DNC Committeewoman Debbie Dingell, Inkster Mayor Hilliard Hampton, and other elected officials and community leaders9:45 a.m.Hospitality Café27440 Inkster Rd.Inkster, MI
Office Opening, Canvass, and Phone Bank Kick-Off10:00 a.m.Northwest Detroit Campaign for Change Office19512 LivernoisDetroit, MI
10:00 a.m.Detroit Campaign for Change Headquarters2875 W. Grand Blvd.Detroit, MI
10:00 a.m.Marquette Campaign for Change Office121 Washington St.Marquette, MI
10:00 a.m.Traverse City Campaign for Change Office1105 E. 8th St.Traverse City, MI
10:00 a.m.Flint Campaign for Change Office877 E. 5th Ave.Flint, MI
10:00 a.m.Jackson Campaign for Change Office634 N. Mechanic St.Jackson, MI
10:00 a.m.Lansing Campaign for Change Office505 N. Capitol Ave.Lansing, MI
10:00 a.m.Grand Rapids Campaign for Change Office1433 Wealthy St.Grand Rapids, MI
10:00 a.m.Kalamazoo Campaign for Change Office617 W. Portage St.Kalamazoo, MI
Canvass Kick-Off with DNC Vice-Chair Susie Turnbull1:30 p.m.Birmingham Campaign for Change Office1025 E. Maple Rd.Birmingham, MI
He proposes a pragmatic and layered approach, with a mix of public and private insurance options. Employers would be required to either offer health insurance to workers or contribute to the cost. A new National Health Insurance Exchange would give all Americans access to approved private plans with reasonable and stable premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Children would be required to have health insurance, a realistic goal with expansions of the State Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid.To control costs without jeopardizing quality, Obama proposes to cut waste and increase efficiency through multiple measures, including proven health information technologies. Moreover, Obama understands the need to promote prevention and disease management through investments in clinical, community and public health system initiatives. Nonpartisan analysts report that his plan will greatly expand coverage and reduce costs. Read the entire story in the Detroit Free Press
He proposes a pragmatic and layered approach, with a mix of public and private insurance options. Employers would be required to either offer health insurance to workers or contribute to the cost. A new National Health Insurance Exchange would give all Americans access to approved private plans with reasonable and stable premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Children would be required to have health insurance, a realistic goal with expansions of the State Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid.
To control costs without jeopardizing quality, Obama proposes to cut waste and increase efficiency through multiple measures, including proven health information technologies. Moreover, Obama understands the need to promote prevention and disease management through investments in clinical, community and public health system initiatives.
Nonpartisan analysts report that his plan will greatly expand coverage and reduce costs. Read the entire story in the Detroit Free Press
A key message: "Even if you get challenged, here in Michigan you have an absolute right to vote and to have your vote counted on the spot. The only way you lose is if you get intimidated. Stand up for your rights and your vote will be counted." Another note: wearing a campaign button or T-shirt to the polls doesn't prevent someone from casting a ballot; election workers simply will ask to have the pin removed or the shirt covered by a coat under rules that ban campaign paraphernalia within 100 feet of a polling place. Under a new law, Michigan's requires voters to produce photo identification, such as a driver's license or college ID card. But those who lack them -- or just left them out in the car -- still can vote by signing an affidavit. Read the entire story in the Detroit News
We believe that leaders must be open and forward-looking with the American people about the policy decisions facing our nation. This booklet brings together our proposals to support American families so you can see clearly where we stand on these fundamental issues.
And, he's not even a licensed or certified plumber.
I think he was a total set-up. It's way too obvious and over played. More like a distraction from mccains losing streak.
Barack Obama, I am a 16 year old young man from Flint, Michigan. I just stopped by to say you have truly made a great effect on my life. I used to fight a lot, now I can say I haven't been in a fight for at least three months, so thank you Barack Obama.
Senator McCain How could you be proud of your audience calling Obama a “terrorist” shout “Kill Him”?
Senator McCain, why do you make fun of and diminish the importance of “A woman’s health”?
Senator McCain, how can you lie about Obama’s record and run the most negative campaign in history and be proud of the campaign you are running?
Senator McCain, how can you vote with Bush over 90% of the time in the last 8 years and not be mistaken for Bush?
Senator McCain, how can you pretend to care about Joe the plumber, when you think being middle class is making $9 million?
Senator McCain, how can you say that you’re a maverick when all you have been is a sidekick?
Senator McCain, how can you politicize a special need baby for your own political ambitions?
Senator McCain, how can provoke violence and encourage racism in your rallies and feel hurt when somebody calls you on it?
This morning, the New Yorker finally posted video from "If I Were Running This Campaign," the Saturday morning panel featuring NY'er staff writer/moderator Jeffrey Toobin (swoon), and a bevy of his CNN colleagues, including Ed Rollins, Alex Castellanos, and Donna Brazile. Topics discussed: The GOP leadership, Bill Clinton, and Sarah Palin. As the 80-minute discussion wound down, Toobin raised the specter of race in the campaign, and Brazile, 48, let loose with an impassioned, ad-libbed exhortation that could be seen as a prescient, preemptive strike to the race-and-religion baiting tactics ("strategies"?) employed by the increasingly-ugly McCain-Palin campaign.
here's the video link:
http://jezebel.com/5059945/donna-brazile-is-not-going-to-the-back-of-the-bus?cpage=2&sort=asc#viewcomments
Just wanted to let you know that Barack has so impressed my husband (Dale), that he registered to vote for the first time EVER this year (at age 49). He has been talking to all of his Republican friends about Barack and even managed to convert a few, especailly after all the nastiness from the McCain/Palin camp over the last week. As small business owners and one of the many middle-class families making under $100K, we truly appreciate your support and understanding for people like us. We would love to grow and create more jobs but, the taxes, healthcare costs (and now the worsening economy) are preventing it. We like your plan and look forward to new opportunities for growth with you and Joe at the helm. Thanks much. We are both looking forward to your Presidency!
Rachel in Ann Arbor sent us this photo:
Here is an incredibly powerful video made by a supporter - not by the Obama campaign - about why this race is so important. Barack’s campaign brings hope to so many, bringing new people into the political process as they stand up and take action to help bring the change we need. With only twenty-one days until the election, now is the time to do everything you can to overcome the divisions that have turned so many Americans away from politics for so long. Visit your local Campaign for Change office today to learn how you can help change America!
Together, we cannot fail. Together, we can overcome the broken policies and divided politics of the last eight years. Together, we can renew an economy that rewards work and rebuilds the middle class. Together, we can create millions of new jobs, and deliver on the promise of health care you can afford and education that helps your kids compete. We can do this if we come together; if we have confidence in ourselves and each other; if we look beyond the darkness of the day to the bright light of hope that lies ahead. Together, we can change this country and change this world. (from Barack's speech in Toledo, 10/13/08)
I'm 23 and I'm going to vote for the first time this year. My whole family is voting Obama. My parents work for an automotive factory and have been laid off for 6 months now and it doesn't look good. What I don't get is how companies get away with laying people off with no warning. My parents are on unemployment. They make in 2 weeks what they were bringing home weekly which makes it very difficult to pay bills and put food on the table. Things need to change and I believe Obama will help start that change now and then we can start coming back from this downward spiral.
This is how we do it in DETROIT, MICHIGAN!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq7boiBsAt4
