From Alan H., Manhattan Community Organizer
It was a few minutes after 8 pm on November 4, 2008 at Molly Brannigan’s Irish Pub in Scranton, PA. The place was packed and the tension almost unbearable as we watched the tv monitors. I was there with family, with friends I’d known for decades, with others I’d known only for a few months as we built our neighborhood teams in New York City, with still others I’d just met that day and with many people I didn’t know but who were not strangers. For the past two months increasing numbers of us had been traveling from NYC to Scranton and other regions of Pennsylvania as part of the campaign’s Border States strategy to reinforce efforts in battleground states. As someone who has been politically active since the 1960s, I was prepared for the worst. At ten minutes after 8pm one of the television stations projected Barack Obama the winner in Pennsylvania—a pivotal state—and we knew that this great country of ours had emerged from a disgraceful and terrible period of its history. And we knew that each of us had a role in making this happen. All of us have our own unique trajectories through this extraordinary campaign, but there is a common thread. We did this by working together, by creating a new and intensely focused political movement that did not allow itself to be distracted by the endless media barrage.
It was a few minutes after 8 pm on November 4, 2008 at Molly Brannigan’s Irish Pub in Scranton, PA. The place was packed and the tension almost unbearable as we watched the tv monitors. I was there with family, with friends I’d known for decades, with others I’d known only for a few months as we built our neighborhood teams in New York City, with still others I’d just met that day and with many people I didn’t know but who were not strangers. For the past two months increasing numbers of us had been traveling from NYC to Scranton and other regions of Pennsylvania as part of the campaign’s Border States strategy to reinforce efforts in battleground states. As someone who has been politically active since the 1960s, I was prepared for the worst.
At ten minutes after 8pm one of the television stations projected Barack Obama the winner in Pennsylvania—a pivotal state—and we knew that this great country of ours had emerged from a disgraceful and terrible period of its history. And we knew that each of us had a role in making this happen. All of us have our own unique trajectories through this extraordinary campaign, but there is a common thread. We did this by working together, by creating a new and intensely focused political movement that did not allow itself to be distracted by the endless media barrage.
Through the euphoria of that night a year ago, it was easy to miss or underestimate the centrality of one thing Barack Obama had to tell us. “What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night,” he said from the stage at Grant Park. “This victory alone is not the change we seek—it is only the chance for us to make this change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.” Twelve months later we are on the verge of realizing a reform of our health care system that has eluded Presidents for half a century. We will do it because enough of us took to heart those words of a year go. We are not going back to the way things were.
Through the euphoria of that night a year ago, it was easy to miss or underestimate the centrality of one thing Barack Obama had to tell us. “What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night,” he said from the stage at Grant Park. “This victory alone is not the change we seek—it is only the chance for us to make this change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.”
Twelve months later we are on the verge of realizing a reform of our health care system that has eluded Presidents for half a century. We will do it because enough of us took to heart those words of a year go. We are not going back to the way things were.
Here's a memory from Keith Kinch, our Deputy Field Director at OFA New York
On Nov. 4th 2008 I found myself in an unfamiliar environment. I woke up at 4am in the morning in a house with a family I met six weeks prior in Manayunk Pennsylvania preparing to travel to polling stations in Delaware County. Starting the morning this way is something I did not anticipate when I joined a group of organizers in New York to start an organization called Brooklyn for Barack in February 2007. From collecting signatures to help Barack Obama get on the ballot in New York to working as a staff member in Pennsylvania, all the hard work would finally payoff at 11pm. The moments leading up to that time are something I will never forget. I was driving in a car in downtown Philly looking side to side seeing hundreds of people on the sidewalks. They were listening to the radio and watching big screen TVs awaiting the results. Cars alongside us and behind us were honking and screaming Obama’s name while calling out which states we had won. Then the official announcement came and the celebration began. People were hugging total strangers, elderly women crying throwing their purses in the air, and young people dancing in the middle of the street. The entire city had become one giant party and you were invited whether you liked it or not. At that point driving another inch was not an option with hundreds of thousands of people in the streets, so we got out of the car and joined in. A year later as we come together to celebrate and remember moments like this in the past we also must look forward to the future. The election of President Obama was just the beginning. We must use the same energy and commitment that got him elected to ensure the change we want to see occurs. Now is the time to deliver through our actions and not just say “Yes We Can” or “Yes We Did” but “Yes We Will”. That is why I urge Obama supporters from far and wide to remember what is possible when we all work together, and join, yet again, to continue the fight.
From Diana C., a grassroots leader and original member of Buffalo for Obama:
I remember the feeling I felt during the elation of election night -- in the midst of the exhaustion and exhilaration of the crowd, not knowing whether to scream, laugh or cry, so we did all three at the same time....It can be summed up in that word we campaigned so hard on -- hope. A mixture of the pride of the accomplishment. The security of knowing that we had worked so hard for so long in a cause we felt so deeply and had won, and it was time to celebrate. But we have to keep on going. We are in the middle of the battle for health reform, this is one that I work on every day. Being embroiled in the middle of it, it is so easy to get caught up in each and every shift of the tide. To become discouraged when we lose a skirmish one day. But as I watched the president's speech in New York on October 20th I remembered how far we have come -- Congress is getting ready to debate a health reform bill on the floor of both houses -- AND they both contain a public option. That is AMAZING if you look at the long history of health reform. When you think of what we are up against and then look down at your own hands armed with only a clipboard and a cell phone it can be overwhelming. But we are winning with the sheer power of millions of voices.And that is the feeling of hope. That we are not at our destination, but we are at a rest stop on the road to it.So I am so glad to celebrate another milestone. One year from the night of elation after staying up a full 24 hours to make sure we crossed the goal line with the ball in our hands. And I am realizing in this moment that I am so proud to be on that road with millions of others who believe we can all have something better. That we can do something to make our country stronger.
I remember the feeling I felt during the elation of election night -- in the midst of the exhaustion and exhilaration of the crowd, not knowing whether to scream, laugh or cry, so we did all three at the same time....
It can be summed up in that word we campaigned so hard on -- hope. A mixture of the pride of the accomplishment. The security of knowing that we had worked so hard for so long in a cause we felt so deeply and had won, and it was time to celebrate.
But we have to keep on going. We are in the middle of the battle for health reform, this is one that I work on every day. Being embroiled in the middle of it, it is so easy to get caught up in each and every shift of the tide. To become discouraged when we lose a skirmish one day. But as I watched the president's speech in New York on October 20th I remembered how far we have come -- Congress is getting ready to debate a health reform bill on the floor of both houses -- AND they both contain a public option. That is AMAZING if you look at the long history of health reform. When you think of what we are up against and then look down at your own hands armed with only a clipboard and a cell phone it can be overwhelming. But we are winning with the sheer power of millions of voices.
And that is the feeling of hope. That we are not at our destination, but we are at a rest stop on the road to it.
So I am so glad to celebrate another milestone. One year from the night of elation after staying up a full 24 hours to make sure we crossed the goal line with the ball in our hands. And I am realizing in this moment that I am so proud to be on that road with millions of others who believe we can all have something better. That we can do something to make our country stronger.
Today marks one year since we elected President Obama to the White House. Across the country, supporters are sharing with us their memories of election night in 2008. Share your story.
My name is Melissa DeRosa and I am the New York State Director for Organizing for America. We in New York feel incredibly lucky to have President Barack Obama with us tonight to celebrate the end of our national day of action, and to thank all of our volunteers not only in New York, but nationwide, for the work that all of you have done to get us where we are today.
OFA supporters, volunteers, and activists here tonight are overcome with excitement The energy and enthusiasm in the room is palpable, with thousands working together to achieve the change we all fought together for almost one year ago.
OFA has worked in communities across New York and the country to highlight the stories that have been submitted online. Whether it is the story of the small business owner struggling to provide coverage for employees, the aspiring entrepreneur who worries about starting a business because he worries that he can’t afford insurance, or the employee who can’t send a child to a specialist because her insurance company says that doctor is “out of network.” We talk about these stories and the President’s plan at the doors, on the phones, and in the local papers every day. We are getting the message out there and building a lasting organization that will help us win on health reform, and the fights ahead. And today, we’re continuing that effort, that fight. Today, across the country thousands of volunteers have attended events to call friends and neighbors to encourage them to call their members of Congress in support of reform. Tonight’s event here is the culmination of the day’s work. Thousands of other OFA supporters will take a break from making phones calls and tune in online a little later to hear from Chairman Tim Kaine and President Obama. We've made over 200,000 calls to members of Congress at these events around the country and we couldn't have done it without you! That’s how people are empowered, that’s how change is made, and thanks to your support, that’s what OFA in now able to do. So thank you again for being your generous support. We truly could not have achieved our goals tonight without you!
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 . . .
This is it!
We're coming down to the final stretch and Barack Obama needs your help now, more than ever before!
Please bring your cell phone, a charger and a few fun friends who care about change and join with thousands of your neighbors in the largest ever-attempted phone bank effort in New York state history. The Obama campaign is hosting several of these "mega call centers" all over New York, so invite your friends and family to make calls to voters in key battleground states and change America for years to come.
Visit http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/nylastcall to find a location near you.
Dispatch from Florida Volunteer Kristen "Greetings from the sunniest battleground state!After doing hometown duty in NYC and border state canvassing in PA, I headed down to Tampa, Florida last week to help win the Sunshine State once and for all (and hopefully, by more than a few hanging chads). The Early Voting push is in full swing at my post in Hillsborough County, which is THE swing county to watch this election. Here in the field, we are doing our darndest to get Obama supporters to the polls and counted before November 4th, and we are super busy rounding up our Obama army for the massive GOTV push starting this weekend. That means hitting the streets – and the phones – hard, and not taking “I’m busy” for an answer. Speaking of early voting, turnout has been awesome so far, and we got a sweet break yesterday when Governor Crist extended early voting hours to 12 hours a day (long lines are a VERY good thing!). We were also downright giddy to find out that Jimmy Buffett would be doing a Parrotheads for Change rally at Tampa’s Ford Amphitheater this Sunday. As for my personal experience, it has been nothing short of thrilling to be right in the thick of things, and it’s hard not to feel energized and encouraged by all of the passionate people I’ve had the pleasure to work with and chat up. Here in this Swing State, the Yes We Can spirit is alive and well, and we plan to ride it all the way to victory. Oh, and to any New Yorkers thinking about heading down to Florida to help Get Out the Vote for Obama: The weather is absolutely beautiful. And we need you something fierce."
Report from Volunteer Andrea Scoppetta on the photo sets she posted: "The first set was at The Moxie Spot in Brooklyn Heights. Daphne, a St. Ann's teacher, where my son, Luca goes to school, makes these original, fantastic, glittery, colorful Obama pins which children and their families decorate to send to canvassers in swing states to help GOTV. Daphne does not believe in selling the pins- her motto-"Obama can't be bought!"
She has made thousands of individually decorated pins for over a year now and gives them all away. We've given them to hundreds of volunteers and voters in the field, our children and our friends, as well as to the Biden and Obama family. I've also heard that they were featured in Teen Vogue recently, and people comment on them constantly. I gave one to Obama, at the Alfred E Smith dinner, and he said it was "the prettiest pin" he's seen. It was moving-a real connection between grassroots activity and our candidate. Michelle Obama mentioned "grassroots glitter" in her speech at The Women's Leadership Forum in Chicago, and that is what these pins provide. They truly make people hopeful and happy. They help weary people smile and hold themselves upright. The first set of photos are of children and their parents, grandparents, teachers and neighbors gathering together to decorate Daphne's pins on Friday evening from 5-9. Daphne shies away from recognition and sees her pins as a community effort. She's the pretty, petite, brunette with short hair and glasses in the photos. The second group of photos is the Kids Rally For Hope, held this Sunday Oct. 26th in Madison Square Park from 3-5pm. Our children wrote a collective manifesto, sharing their hopes and dreams for the next President of The United States. We also helped the USO suport our troops overseas with children's notes and drawings. We asked our children to create signs that spoke to their hopes and dreams for their future. We decorated a "Wish Tree" with hopes for Obama and our world. We formed an inspiring children's marching band that sang, honked on their kazoos, played their tambourines and marched around Madison Park waving their handmade Obama signs and their American flags. Both of these grassroots events embody the heart of the campaign. As Obama eloquently says: " Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change we seek." What better way to pass on his message of grassroots empowerment than through our children."
On Wednesday, we challenged the New York Call Team to make 75,000 calls in seven days to help get out the vote in Pennsylvania. Your calls allow in-state staff and volunteers to focus on face-to-face, door-to-door voter contact.
So far, New York has made almost 19,000 calls in just two days. Although this is a great start, we can't afford to let up now. As we head into the final week of this historic election, it's time to work together and push each other across the finish line at full speed.
On Thursday night, Montana's Field Director Carrie Glenn gave an inspiring call to action for all the callers out there using Neighbor to Neighbor to make phone calls from home, or for anyone still hesitating to pick up the phone.
You can listen to it below:
If you haven't done calls before, I'm gonna ask you to pick up the phone and make a couple more than you really think you have time to do. 'Cause no one's even woken up on November 5th and said, 'I wish I'd done less.' We've got less than two weeks right now to actually make this happen and it's got to be a little bit more than you think you can do. If you've been doing a hundred calls a week, that's incredible, thank you so much for that. We need you to do 200. If you've never made a phone call before, we need you to make 100...
Almost two years of work comes down to these last two weeks, but we know what we need to do to win.
Over the weekend, Latino Obama supporters gathered to make hundreds of calls to Latino voters in Florida and Pennsylvania. To kick off the phone bank, several Latino elected officials, union leaders and community leader motivated the crowd by talking about why Senator Obama is the only candidate that will bring the change we need for Latino families and all Americans during these tough economic times. In attendance were Assemblymember Félix Ortiz, Assemblymember Jose Rivera, Council member Joel Rivera, Sonia Ivany, of NYS AFL-CIO, Pete Gutierrez, of Teamsters, Agueda Arias of Local 888 UFCW, District Leader Maria Morillo and more.
With less than two weeks left in this election, one of the best ways supporters in New York can help is to make calls into the key battleground state of Pennsylvania.
These calls provide essential support for field organizers on the ground, as they go door to door to Get Out The Vote.
In yesterday's Get Out The Vote strategy call with the New York Call Team, Pennsylvania's Field Director, Paulette Aniskoff, talked about the ground operation in Pennsylvania and explained why your calls are so essential for this campaign. Also, veteran caller Sue Shimer offered some helpful advice on making calls using the Neighbor to Neighbor tool.
The New York Call Team has set a goal to make at least 75,000 calls in the next seven days. This means we need everyone to step up their efforts and make a commitment to reaching out to as many voters as possible.
We'll be updating you on our progress here on the New York blog throughout the week. By working together, you can make a huge impact in Pennsylvania and bring Barack that much closer to victory on November 4th.
