In the recent The Reuters/Zogby poll of 991 potential voters, some interesting facts came out. When you squash the actual numbers, instead of looking at the percentages, you can see that Obama is not really that far behind.
It is also evident that of the 991 people polled, more than half don’t frequent popular websites like MySPace and YouTube. This could lead us to believe that even though Barack Obama has a stronghold on the internet campaign, his commercial name and obviously greater worthiness of the presidency is not being broadcast to the television viewing public. The lack of response to MySpace and YouTube could also lead us to believe that the demographic that the Reuters/Zogby poll is targeting, is out of the age group of the average everyday internet user.
Recognizing that 624 (63%) of those polled are “very or fairly confident their children will have a better life than they do” tells me that of those 196 that would vote for Hillary today still don’t have much confidence she will do a much better job than Bush has.
If we can inform the 49 unsure voters in every thousand why they should vote for Obama, and bring the 38 from every thousand from Edwards (after Obama announces him as his running-mate) It is easy to say that Barack Obama will be the United States’ next president.
In which primary will you be voting - Democratic or Republican?
426 - Democratic
377 - Republican
188 - Not Sure
If the Democratic primary were held today, for whom would you vote?
9 - Joe Biden
196 - Hillary Clinton
38 - John Edwards
13 - Dennis Kucinich
104 - Barack Obama
9 - Bill Richardson
4 - Other
49 - Will not vote/not sure
How often do you visit MySpace.com?
20 - Every day
59 - A few times a week
50 - A few times a month
129 - Rarely
714 - Never
15 - Not sure
How often do you visit YouTube.com?
30 - Every day
69 - A few times a week
109 - A few times a month
159 - Rarely
609 - Never
20 - Not sure
How often do you visit FaceBook.com?
10 - A few times a week
15 - A few times a month
50 - Rarely
862 - Never
30 - Not sure
Telephone survey of likely voters nationwide was conducted Oct. 10 through Oct 14 and included 991 interviews. The margin of error is +/- 3.2 percentage points. Numbers may not add up to 100% due to rounding http://www.reuters.com/news/globalcoverage/rzi
As much of a hardcore believer I am in Obama, it is still effecting me, so what about the people that haven't recognized him as the next president yet? What about the people that are going to vote for the sake of who the media tells them is winning so they don't "throw their vote away". I realize this is a new avenue for me to go down. I have never been politically involved in a primary before, and my involvement doesn't necessarily consist of anything more than telling as many people as I can about Barack Obama. But, this is a time that I am fearful. I know it is early, and I know her early lead can turn into an early devastation because it gives more time for neagative ads and more of her political history to come up and haunt her.
Barack has been quoted that he probably would not run for president again because Michelle wouldn't let him <LOL> and I can't help but imagine that this man will change our future for the better, with the best chances than anyone for success.
To anyone else out there that has a bit of doubt I want to say... hang in there! Don't believe the hype on Hillary. The media machine is just waiting to chew her up and spit her out. MUCH BETTER HER THAN BARACK!
Hey fellow North Carolinians:
Here's a link to a petition that was started to get NC Governor Mike Easley to endorse Obama. If you're from NC - please take a half a moment to sign it. I'll be curious to see if we can get the number to jump from where it was after I signed it (only SEVEN signatures). Come on NC, buck up. Gracias,
Gillian
Link
Huge thanks to the many many people who got on board, raised funds and generally showed up for this event. I think that we can expect some serious Obamania in WNC over the coming year. Stay tuned for Obamapalooza!
This is a post I am reposting from our local WNCobama.com website. I find it inspiring and thought I would share it...
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Hello everyone. This is Sam, and I just wanted to give a brief hi, and a little bit about why I support Barack.
I’m 18, live in Fairview, and am a composer. I’ll be going to Furman University in the fall to study music, and tend to suck the marrow out of life.
But, beyond the bio, I’m a person who believes that it’s the responsibility of a citizen to know what’s going on in the world. Living in our country, which allows us rights and freedoms that we take for granted but exist very few places in the world, requires that we take our responsibilities as citizens seriously. Being aware of what’s going on in our government and in the world is as much a responsibility as voting.
But, when I see that only 122 million out of the 300-some million people in our country voted for one of the most contested elections in recent history, I see a problem. Voters in this country have tuned out, picking apathy over the frustration of seeing candidates promise and never deliver.
On the same vein, much of the voter apathy in our country gets blamed on the youth. And, I’m inclined to agree. When I have friends who told me they were “too tired” to vote in 2006 (or more importantly, 2004, and both have happened), I know there’s a problem. It is worth saying, though, that apathy reaches across all age boundaries.
Still, often accompanying the decrying of an apathetic youth is the conclusion that this apathy is a foregone conclusion, which I wholeheartedly disagree with. The movement against the Vietnam War was partly organised, and had its strongest base of support, within the youth of our country. Our voices have changed the country, and can do so again.
Barack Obama is a candidate that can channel these voices, a man who represents a change from the foregone political process, where elections are a choice between the lesser of two evils. Obama is a herald of a new generation, a man who embraces our differences instead of creating a dichotomy out of them. But, he cannot win this election alone.
It will be our job until November to wake up those who have tuned out of the political process. It will be our job to move people from cynicism to hope in their ability to enact change, not in some distant future, but in 2008.
This is one politically active teen who will do everything in his power to fulfill his responsibilities.
peace.
Event Blog Numero Uno (Wilmington Obama Soiree)
I had a few suggestions for an event blog - nice idea. For anyone who's interested or thinks they may be a help (or just for those of you who might be forgetful) - this will keep us all up to date (maybe I'll even stay organized) on the planning for the WILMINGTON Community Kickoff Event (aka: "Obama Soiree") on SATURDAY, MARCH 31st at 7:00PM at The SOAPBOX downtown.
So I'm new to town - but I'm using the short list of contacts I have. So far they got us a venue (Soapbox Laundro-Lounge) and...well, that's about it. Luckily, my roommate has lived here...forever. He seems to know everyone and is playing the role known as right-hand-man.
Here's what I'd like to see next Saturday: a really nice turnout (supporters, volunteers, curious folks, college Dems/any students, young families, local voters, etc etc), family-friendly event, people drinking (alcohol or coffee), a band (we're workin on it), people registering to vote (invite any highschool seniors you know), the speech in Iowa.
I'm trying to get us happy hour prices - at least for the first hour. We're also talking about possibly getting a friend of his/Obama supporter who just so happens to be a pretty excellent head chef to make something. I guess hors'dourves are appropriate, but I'm curious about the turnout...although the more the merrier. We've actually had a few different bands offer to play, but we need to find one that The Soapbox won't mind accomidating b/c they have another band coming much much later that night. A local comedy group may do a short performance as well.
Through some stuff I've done w/MoveOn.org I've made a few media contacts. I'd like to do an all-out media blitz and get everyone to come. It's surprisingly possible with a positive local grassroots event, but you have to be persistant.
Leave a comment or shoot me at email (nc@draftobama.org) with any suggestions, answers, or any particular contributions you'd like to make to the event. Thanks*
You are Invited to Attend WNC’s First Fundraising Party for Barack Obama!
Facts Roundup:
March 28th6:00 – 9:00 PMHomewood Estate19 Zilicoa St. (in Montford)Asheville, NC 28801
(Click here for directions)
Donations:$25 in advance$35 at the door$10 studentsWine and hors douvres will be served.
Register Now:Link
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If you prefer to register by phone, contact Ian Bryan at 828-242-1868 and I will complete your form.
Asheville
Sunday, March 4th at 10:00 AMBarnes & Noble on Tunnel RoadAsheville, NC 28803
Davidson College
C. Shaw Smith 900 Room (Davidson, NC)Davidson CollegeAlvarez Student UnionDavidson, NC 28035
Charlotte:
Saturday, March 17 at 10:00 AMPura Vida Wordly Arts (Charlotte, NC)1521 Central Ave Charlotte, NC 28205
Asheville Wine & Hors D'ouvres$25 advance / $35 door
Wednesday, March 28th 6 - 9 PMHomewood Estate on ZillicoaAsheville, NC 28801
Coming Soon!
Weekly community video screenings of Barack Obama's Speeches in WNC region.
Greetings Western North Carolina.
Had a great gang come out on Sunday and we left with a lot of great ideas and a few good projects. Ronnie, our web guru, is on the job to create the best Obama Grassroots Campagin website in the nation - one that will be so complete that we can zip it off and send it to other regions that lack websites.
I need your help, though. We need a weekly meeting space that can handle 30 people or more. The goal is to rent or use space where we can play video of Obama's speeches and then followup with an open dialogue. Its a great opportunity for those of us who want to introduce a relative or friend to Obama's character.
But we need space. Any ideas, suggestions, donations, etc are greatly appreciated. Please comment directly to this post so that we can all see what each other is saying and be able to build a list.
If you have no ideas, please comment anyway because I want to know how many people are actually reading this blog in WNC.
Thanks!
Ian
Here's the deal:
The most recent North Carolina info I've seen says this: Edwards leads with 30%, Clinton isn't far behind at 26% and Obama is third place with 19% of the NC Democrat's prospective votes. Here's where we have a major opportunity: 15% of NC Dems are undecided and six other candidates (some of whom aren't actually running) take up another 12%*
We have an opportunity to make a real difference for Barack Obama's Presidential campaign in North Carolina.
Below is a link to the new Triangle Barack Obama meetup group. There is already a dinner scheduled and they are just waiting on some RSVPs from you guys. Think about what we could do with all of the North Carolina groups together (Students for Obama, NC DraftObama.org, Artists for Obama, Western NC, etc).
pay them a visit at: Link
(* from the vaugely named American Research Group, Inc at: Link)
On Monday night, over 25 people raised their hand to volunteer to bus down to South Carolina to support the Obama Campaign's efforts there.
We want to put the call out to everybody in North Carolina - South Carolina will be HUGE. In your meetings and fundraisers, talk about South Carolina and plan full-day trips to support Obama rallies there. Reach out to S. Carolina grassroots campaigns and find out what they need in terms of support. Call your relatives in South Carolina and educate them about the campaign.
Expect Hillary to pull out all stops in South Carolina.
HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE who came out on President's day for our Western North Carolina Obama 2008 Grassroots Campaign Kickoff.
Here's what we accomplished:
Our next event is in 4-5 weeks and next time, we'll hire a professional videographer!
I'm tired of this one but it keeps coming up because there isn't much else to disucss I guess. Fox new already tried to exploit his name - but most of the American people are too smart for that. We know better than to judge one's competance by their name, that's insanity.
So then they tried to exploit uncontrollable aspects of his childhood: Islam and Africa still didn't scare people off. He had already admitted to drug use and we know he himself worries about his relationship with his wife and children.
So what then? Oh yes, a "lack of experience." I can't think of many old-school Senators around whos constituents would describe as the embodyment of "hope" or who represent a newfound political idealism in America...and I don't want Obama to lose those things. I do however, want my President to have them. Below is a reply I've sent out to a few critics I've run into while working with DraftObama.org - people who say they will not vote for him because of his lack of experience...
"It's a shame you feel that way, although I know a lot of poeple are unsure about him b/c of his lack of experience – he in fact spent seven years in the Illinois state senate fighting for the underprivileged, civil rights, labor, and improved education - among other things. You probably do know that he was one of 2 or 3 Senators who was against this disastrous war from Day One....unlike all of those experienced ladies and gentlemen we've had in our Senate for years that have rubberstamped this entire administration's mistakes.
Maybe more time in the nation's Senate isn't such a good idea - how many of our current Senators have that "substance" you're talking about? I can't think of many that aren't too busy trying to please special interest groups and lobbyists. Maybe more time in that environment isn't such a good idea after all.
It's also important to remember that it is nearly impossible to beat an incumbent (if Bush can “win” twice, anyone can) - so he realistically wouldn't have a shot until 2016. I don't know about you, but after the damage done in the last six years to our place in the world stage (thanks to Iraq and our newfound isolationism) and our environment (thanks to Bush’s policies, or lack thereof) - we don't have the luxury of waiting another ten years for a man like Obama to become President.
So I hope you'll research and maybe reconsider - or at least vote for "one of the good ones." Have a great day, thanks for writing."
I have a great opportunity for anyone interested in thanking Rep. Mike McIntyre for his decision to vote for H.Con.Res. 63 (for the resolution against Bush's troop surge) - a chance to really show your support.
I want to invite any members in Wilmington, NC to come downtown between 11:50AM and 12:15PM on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 to the PORT CITY JAVA on the corner of GRACE STREET and N. FRONT STREET. This is a Moveon.org sponsored event that I thought you guys may be interested in because it's a chance for like-minded people to get together in their community for a very positive reason - we are going to visit Rep. McIntyre's office and deliver letters from all over the state asking him to continue to fight the President's troop surge and let him know we are ready for an end to this war.
We will get a chance to meet at the coffee shop and discuss why we're there, a Moveon.org member that happens to be a vet will speak for 2 or 3 minutes, we may have one more speaker but again we are keeping it short (we know many of you will be on your lunch breaks or have to get to class or home - please bring the kids!) Then we head about one block to Rep. Mike McIntyre's office and a few of will go up to his office and thank him for his decision, let his office know we support him and deliver the letters.
I'm trying to get the word out to more than just the MoveOn.org members because I think we can all agree this is an important time in history and we can make a difference- let's get to know eachother! I am going to write a letter to the editor and get as many outlets as I can to stop by so they know we're here and we're ready for and end to this war. Come down, www.DraftObama.org will be there - as will moms, college kids, grandparents, new voters, and others. Again, here's the info - feel free to e-mail me with any questions or suggestions - it's all appreciated.
WHEN: Thursday, February 22 from around 12:00PM until no later than 12:30PM
WHERE: Meeting at Port City Java on the corner of GRACE and N. FRONT, then we head to the office building on 201 N. FRONT about one block away. Handicap accessible.
WHO: Like I said, everyone should be there, bring the kids!
WHY: The next few votes on this issue are going to be crucial to what happens in Iraq (and possibly Iran), we need to pressure our Rep. by supporting decisions like the one he recently made disagreeing with the President's surge.
Thank you, hope to see you there,
MoveOn.org volunteer event host
Heads up for those of you involved in our North Carolina DraftObama.org group - Obama will be in Columbia tomorrow, speaking at the Richland County Rally.
Info: Location: The Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center1101 Lincoln StreetColumbia, SC 29201
Doors open at 4:30 PM
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are available for pick-up at the following locations:
University of South CarolinaStudent Government Office227 Russell HouseColumbia, SC 292089:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mac's on Main1710 Main StreetColumbia, SC 2920111:00 AM - 3:00 PM5:00 PM - 12:00 PM
*He will be in Orangeburg, SC the following day. Here are the details for that:
Saturday, February 17, 10:00 AM at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Claflin UniversityJonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center Tullis Arena 400 Magnolia St.Orangeburg, SC
Tickets: The event is free and open to the public. Ticket distribution locations to be announced shortly.
*I plan to TRY and attend tomorrow, please let me know if you plan to do the same!
Thanks,
North Carolina DraftObama.org
