We came so close.... Never-the-less, we had a great time and had a tremendous showing of new supporters ready to buckle down and help us get the job done in Ohio.
This good looking group (below) spearheaded the drive in Central Ohio to get Senator Obama on the Ohio ballot. To stay informed and get involved in the Central Ohio area, join "Central Ohioans for Obama" on this site and be sure to sign up to receive emails from our group.
Senator Obama made it a point to have pictures taken with the two groups that helped with the event: Central Ohioans for Obama and Buckeyes for Obama (students). Some but not all of the groups are shown below.
More pictures in the extended post.
I know that a number of Senator Obama supporters are not registered Democrats. However, please provide some input this question:
Based on the campaign so far, does the Establishment Candidate really have the interest of the Party that is going out of its way to promote her candidacy?
To me the political machine that is promoting the “front –runner” is being duped into the long-term weakening of the party both on the fundamental positions it upholds and also on the size of its base.
I agree with the people who have totally lost their willingness to vote for the Establishment Candidate even if that is the only name on the ballot.
Initially, I disagreed with the policy positions of the Establishment Candidate but at least I respected her.
However, during the course of this campaign, I have learned better what each candidate is made of at the core and I do not like what I see.
My respect for Her Royal Highness Queen Inevitable is totally gone due to her double- talk as to the following issues:
(a) Breaking the "glass ceiling" even as she hides behind the husbands' professional achievement;
(b) Manipulation of people by claiming to be a victim of her gender even as her policy positions victimize the people whose support she seeks;
(c) A campaign that swift-boats other candidates even as they claim mud-slinging when
people challenge her purely on policy differences;
(d)Claiming to unite the Democratic Party and the nation although most of her speeches
and campaign activities are designed to keep the nation divided. Any person hoping to unite their party would know that it is not in the party’s best interest to boo other candidates during a debate officially sanctioned by the same party and that it is very rude to solicit birthday contributions from people who are volunteering for and supporting your competition.
(d) Claiming to represent the poor and middle classes even as you aggressively seek financial
contributions from the very lobbyist who oppress them.
A party leader would know that if your candidacy has the highest potential to result in a razor-thin win or loss for the other s facing re-election, then you would not force nomination at all costs.
To me the Establishment Candidate cares more about personal power and fortunes than the future of the party /nation.
I have signed up to be one of Obama's Grassroots Fundraisers. I have committed myself to raising $1,000 by the end of this year. It is a lofty goal for an individual. I am not afriad to make the attempt. I believe that in the end the goal will be met with success.
This is a new avenue for me to walk down. I feel that this is a necessity for Obama's campaign to continue making the strides forward. There is no way that any success political bid can be made without proper finicial backing. Hopefully there are those among my friends who will see the necessity and will be supportive of this effort.
I would like to encourage others to join in the effort to raise money for Obama. We have committed ourselves to be the ones who helped in his bid for office. We have ownership in this effort. Like any good support team with a goal-we must now do the actual work.
When I logged onto Eons yesterday evening, I was anxious to share what was happening in Columbus with other Obama Supporters. When I clicked over to the Obama Supporter's Group there was a post that immediately caught my attention. I would like to share the information from that post with other Obama Supporters.
Democracy for America is currently running a Pulse Poll that will determine which candidate will receive their endorsement. This is a grass roots organization that supports progressive, and responsible office seekers for all levels of government. Currently Obama is running second in the vote. Obama deserves to be Democracy for America's endorsed Presidental Candidate.
That requires that Obama supporters take a moment to cast a vote for Obama to move him into the number one position. Democracy for America will base their support on how grass roots supporters vote.
This is just as much a part of our ownership responsibilities as every other job that we are performing. Obama Supporters can help Obama win the endorsement just by taking time to link to the Democracy for America website and casting a vote. If you are still no t sure that this is worth your effort-take a moment to read the About Us information. You will receive a clear cut picture of the goals that this organization has set.
Hopefully, we will move Barack Obama from the number two slot in the Pulse Poll into the number one slot.
Please take a moment to go to http://DemocracyforAmerica.com/PulsePoll
Cast your vote for Obama. Let's move our candidate from number two-up to where he belongs. THE NUMBER ONE CHOICE OF THE PEOPLE!
http://myspace.com/grassroots4obama
Please link to their site. The Utah Group has a request that they would like to forward to all Obama supporters. It is in regards to contacting Al Gore for an endorsement for Obama. I received this information in a bulletin post on myspace.
We also learned that many immigrant Africans treasure their right to vote because they were denied it in their home countries. Many want to participate in this campaign, but think that they cannot because they are not yet citizens. One or our group members, Harriet Nannyonga, distributed a list of just some of the many important ways that all people, regardless of whether they are residents or citizens, can show their support for Obama. Do you live in an ethnically diverse community? Let this list inspire you to reach out to EVERYONE!
Ways That All Immigrants Can Support Obama
Write letters to the editor and columns in local & small community newspapers
Make suggestions to campaign staff and grassroots volunteers on unique ways to reach and keep new voters
Organize an event and invite residents and citizens
Offer your home or office for meetings and social gatherings
Contribute services to translate campaign outreach materials
Participate in phone banking to increase awareness
Search for and share Senator Obama's position on issues; email videos of his speeches to your busy undecided friends
Purchase campaign merchandise
Volunteer labor for activities supporting the campaign
Attend events supporting Senator Obama
Write blogs and post thoughts online
Participate in online debate forums
Reach out to all friends and relatives to support Senator Obama
Place a bumper sticker on your car
Wear "Obama Gear," including buttons, hats, t-shirts
Encourage friends who are citizens to register to vote
Buy Senator Obama's books, "Dreams from My Father" and "Audacity of Hope," and encourage undecided people to read and share them
Use creative artistic talents (music, art, poetry, etc) to encourage participation
Encourage young people to participate fully
Visit the campaign website regularly
Drive voters without transportation to campaign events and voting precincts
Provide baby-sitting or house-sitting services to enable citizens to vote.
FOLKS, LET’S MAKE OUR DREAM A REALITY! OBAMA '08!
Hi Folks!
Not too long ago I saw a video clip of a speech Barack Obama gave in Iowa. He talked about how he understands that politics and politicians have let down the American people and that we are feeling cynical about the entire process. But, he said if we do not become engaged, they will win. Barack is absolutely right. If we sit back and do nothing, they will win.
People, I want to WIN! I want justice to win!. I want truth to win! I want universal healthcare to win, and jobs, and education, and social security, and energy independence…I want to get people engaged in the political process so that they can work to bring about the changes they want to see!!
Towards that end, I have accepted an Internship with the Ohio Democratic Party and I hope to be hired as a Field Organizer for Franklin County. While I love and support Senator Obama more than ever, I can no longer actively campaign on his behalf during the primary. This is my last blog.
After eight years as a Stay-at-Home Mother, my life in politics begins. I'm so excited.
Last night I attended a house party hosted by Claudia Byrne, a Latino who is extremely passionate about Senator Obama's candidacy for president. Six new people came, most of whom had not heard very much about Barack Obama. We immediately began talking about politics in general and the changes we are hoping for in this country. Most of the conversation was in Spanish, and since my Spanish is limited, so was my literal understanding, but I DID understand that folks want a change, especially in the areas of education, family, and health care.
We had the special privilege of participating on an international phone call from Claudia's brother Carlos, a university professor and political analyst who lives in Columbia and is very supportive of Obama! Again, since he spoke in Spanish, I didn't understand as much as I wanted to, but all of the guests said that Carlos clearly enunciated his reasons for believing that Obama is our best option for president, emphasizing that Sen. Obama considers improved education and health care to be the pillars of American reconstruction. The guests were quite impressed and moved by Carlos' testimony!
We viewed the Obama campaign DVD, had more discussion, then enjoyed refreshments. Two staffers from WCRX-LP (Bexley Public Radio) were present and recordered much of the discussion in order to get a sense of the nature of a grassroots campaign. What a great meeting for them to attend! They plan to air portions of this meeting in the near future (I will post dates -- stay tuned!).
At the close of the meeting, we announced to the guests that Obama Now Ohio! is in the process of planning a Latino Community Dinner in November. One of the guests at the meeting is opening a new restaurant, and this will be the location of the dinner. We are hoping for a large social event, which will of course be open to the public. Keep checking "Events" -- this dinner will be posted as soon as we have the details confirmed.
I am going to say what is on my mind about taking ownership of this particular campaign. My reasons for taking time to blog about my thoughts will be obvious within the context of my remarks.
There are some things that are really beginning to bother me as a woman of color. I sit and listen to Obama talk about we all are Americans. It will take Americans to rebuild the nation and reshape the future. Not one particular group of Americans is singled out. We are enjoying the label of inclusion-Americans. That same language is also extends an invitation to be an active participate in the process of helping our canididate win the entire election.
Yet, I also hear terms like minorities being used in our groups. I have not use that term to identify myself or any other persons of different cultures since the early 1980's. Either we are Americans or we are not. That will either be the binding force between us or the one that continues to divide us. I am fully aware of the fact that each of our cultures have specific concerns and needs to be dealt with. But, if we are forwarding a campaign that is inclusive- then we need to consider making some changes from within our own thoughts.
Taking ownership of Obama '08 has definite meaning to me. Ownership means I have a responsibilitiy to do whatever I can to ensure that what needs to be accomplished is done. I also have to be consistently willing to give of my time, personal expertise, and share some of my resources. It is also my responsibility as an owner in this process to make sure that I am encouraging others who are interested in Obama's bid, to start where the connection to ownership begins-by directing them to make contact with Obama-via this site. To do what we have all done in some form or fashion-take the time to learn what Barack and Michelle Obama are about. Taking the steps of ownership means-taking time to learn what is available in this campaign. We cannot be too quick to assume that if the steps to ownership include that process-others will not do so. I fear that if we individually believe that others are not interested enough or motivated enough-we will be practicing a form of the same politics that have traditionally forwarded. I do not see my ownship status in Obama '08 in agreement with that notion. Yes, there are some traditional actions we must take to help Obama win the primary election. There are also some new traditions that we must begin to forward as well. Encouraging others to make their personal and political connection to Barack Obama. I believe in the standard of education that promotes thinking and discovery. That means that instead of giving all the answers to other's questions, giving them the incentive to look for their own answers is my focus. I have no intention of giving out long political comparisons between the Democratic runners. That information is available. That is the reason for the televised debates. The media barage on the primary run. Each one of the candidates have multiple websites and information available. If they do not take the time to learn about the platforms, issues, and how each of the runners have positioned their platforms, we are missing the mark. Those who are undecided need to have information to make a decision. I can give my opinion about the differences in the platform. But in order for others to join us-they have to develop their own reasons for wanting to see Obama elected.
I was undecided myself. When it became apparent that we would have choices of who represented the Democrats in the upcomming elections, I had to take the time to figure out which one of the runners would generate enough confidence in me to vote for them. Quite frankly, I do not have an interest in the politics of some of the candidates period. I won't pretend that I do. Or I have adquate reasons why they should not be supported by me. I am now at that point in life where just a straight party ticket has got to be represented by the over all party ranks. I have grown real tired of going to the polls to vote and feeling like I am casting a vote against the lesser of two choices. Because every politican who is a registered Democrat is not necessarily a politican that is well equipped to to the job. But for the sake of not having the members of the GOP hold that office, I cast my vote in line with our party. I would like to feel that when I go to the polls in 2008, I am casting my vote for the individual who has demostrated their qualifications for the job. As an owner in Obama '08, it is obvious that Barack is my choice. That is why I moved out of my traditional mode of just casting my ballot when it matters. I felt that it was my responsibility as a voter to become actively involved in this camp. To get up and do some work for my choice. Being involved daily in some form or fashion in supporting Obama. I set aside my personal feelings on certain aspects of being politically active just so our choice could be successful. I do not like meetings. I never have and probably never will. I have just learned to accept that it is a part of life. A necessity that has purpose in the big picture. I am not employed so giving of my personal funds is a real sacrifice. I am not in the dire-straights money-wise. However, donating to fundraising locally, statewide, and nationally is also a part of ownership. It is being a resource to my choice. Making that type of investment is necessary to pay for the ads, and to keep offices, phones, and supplies flowing adequately. I could easily talk myself out of contributing. It is not hard when I consider that I am only receiving one half of my usual earnings. Then I remember that sacrifices of a greater nature were given just so I could walk into a polling place and cast my vote. That realization makes the dollar amounts that I have given so far seem to be small in comparison. I know that every dollar helps to move things forward and I want to see progress made. Just like every other supporter of Obama, I want to see him take the leadership of this nation. Instead of focusing on what I have had to set aside by giving, I started feeling that it was an investment in our future. Which in reality it is just that-an stake in what lies ahead.
The reason that I am taking time to write on this topic is due to the experiences I have had so far. They are not bad experiences. I have enjoyed meeting people who are supporters and being a small part of what is going on in my hometown. But I am going to be who I am as an individual and do the work of a supporter. That is something that I feel needs to be fully considered. I also plan to be my independent out of the box self. With my focus always remaining of one simple point-to help move Barack Obama into the Presidency.
I believe that we as individuals are going to have to remember that there are certain mindsets and notions that we need to work on adjusting as supporters. As an owner in Obama '08 I am willing to do my share of the work right along with other supporters. But we all need to be mindful that a revolution is taking place in this camp. How we see politics and our roles as leaders in that process will not be the same. My views on how the nation should be operating have changed continually over five decades. The impact that Obama is having on all sides of the poltical coin denotes the movement we are participating in is having an impact. Even if it is not comfortable to everyone-it is felt. That is obvious by the way the mainstream media covers stories along with the printed media. It is also obvious that those who uphold American Tradition are very rattled by the notion that the time has come to open that tradition up and make it honestly reflective of the American people. I have no doubt for that sector of society this whole camp is a threat. I believe that without out a doubt. I do not plan to agrue whether we should or should not be engaged in such activity based on race, age, or gender. Obama has satisfied the requirements to run for office. That is just basic human resources in action. I know that those are also the same issues that have cause so much division in the nation. In spite of all the laws, and attitude adjustments around those areas, there is still the basic belief that no one is capable of running our nation except an elite group of politicans. I am sick and tired of supporting a tradition that only embraces American me-when it is time to vote. I also will resist the notion that because I am a registered Democrat that it is an automatic given I will vote the party line. I have a problem with that assumption. In an age where we are trying to move away from being cynical and apathetic that is a must -do- adjustment. I am an indepdent thinker. I may not use the same processes that are comfortable or understandable to others to arrive at my decisions-but that is my right as an American. This is how I have been my entire lifetime. Like it or not, it is what it is.
I raise these points just as food for thought. I know that there are other supporters who would not agree and there are other supporters who would agee with me. I really don't need anyone's stamp of approval. I just believe that while we are working for a change in our national leadership we must be midful of making changes ourselves. If we are going to share in the ownership of Obama's bid and election, we have to start thinking in ways that will help others to join our efforts.
What motivated me to write these particular thoughts was my time on the streets on Saturday evening, in my hometown of Columbus, Ohio. We were out in the community. Dealing with all that goes with a social situation. The good, the annoying, the ulgy. I am a social observer. It was so interesting to watch the different responses, pro and con. There was one encounter that occured that really could of blown up into a major arguement, ironically that would of pitted two members of the same political party against one another. Why? That notion that the nation is not ready for a Black man to lead from out of the White House. That particular idea has been forwarded everytime we step up to move the national status quo. The nation has never been ready for the next level up when it denotes change. If we waited for the time to be right-the movements that we forwarded would stil be waiting to occur. When I consider that the other individual was a representive of that tradition, it was not difficult for me to understand why he feels that way. But there is a reality that we all have to face-if we are not going to be open to change and forward contemporary ideas and people who can work out of that base-we will not be in the national leadership too much longer. Nor will the Republicans. If there is not alterations made to include the actual citizens of these United States- our respective parties face the possibly of spawning an offshoot party that will pull votes just like the major parties do now. Can our national and international interests afford that type of situation? Perhaps, since it really isn't a reality yet, there is no way to judge what would happen. However we need to overshadow what tradition has yielded over the years by being a party of progression. That means supporting those individuals who are qualified no matter what their ethnic hertiage is. We should be the party that supports that by running the best that we have to offer. The pool of well qualified people is not limited to just one sector of this nation or of our party. I seldom use the term "our" when discussing Democratic politics. Why? I registered as a Democrat because there was no other choice for me as a voter. In 1971, it was either the Dems or the GOP, or the progressive tickets that sprung up out of distain for the situations of that era. It is the political party that most black people select. We have battled within the ranks of our party to gain recognition and support from the leadership. I have not always liked the Dems stance during certain eras. I am so glad that we have some real talent to select from. It is refreshing in the political process.
However, I am a woman of color. I have found that it still galls me when I hear that we have to wait because it is not time. The nation isn't ready. We can't win without the traditional symbols in place. Reality denotes that when we have moved traditionally we haven't won either. So that particular stance is one that I will have to either remain silent on or have my say. Either choice suits me. But, I felt it was just due time for me to speak up as one of the owners in Obama '08. Hopefully, I have done so in a polite and respectful to all manner. I would like to believe that some of the ideas that I have taken the time to share are useful to others. We are all working for the same goal to see Barack Obama as the President.
You must watch this new Obama TV Ad!
All I can say is: "Baby, I BELIEVE!! :)
Here's the link.
If you've been wondering why the Obama Campaign is spending so much time in Iowa, please watch Obama's interview with Brian Williams of MSNBC. Barack talks about some of the challenges he faces as a new democratic presidential candidate and the campaign's strategy for dealing with this.
After watching it, I better understand what the campaign is trying to do.
Barack talks about the campaign's strategy towards the end of the interview. Here's the link.
Thank you to Sheldon Motley for letting Ohioans for Obama know about the interview and sharing the link.
I hosted a Countdown for Change event at my house on Saturday. The focus was on South Carolina. This was the first time that I have EVER opened up my house to people I do not know. Eight people showed up, it was a great event and I'm glad that I did it.
What worked well:
--Asking a question or two to keep the conversation going, but otherwise keeping my
mouth shut and focusing on LISTENING (we learned about this at Camp Obama).
People talked for a good hour non-stop.
--Listening in on the conference call with Stacey Brayboy, the SC Obama Campaign
Director. She laid out three things we can do to help Barack win in South Carolina:
write postcards to undecided voters and voters living in rural areas, contact friends and
family in SC and tell them about Barack, and phone banking. It was great that we
have specific things we can do.
--Raising money. I HATE asking people for money, but I sucked it up and asked
anyway. We raised $65.
--Obama "goody" bags. I handed out goody bags to everyone at the end of the party.
Each bag contained a Barack DVD, a Got Hope? bumper sticker, a button, supporter
cards, contact info for the SC HQ and an upcoming events flyer for Central Ohio.
Folks loved it!
The highlight of the event for me, occurred when one participant who is from South Carolina said she would send the Barack DVD to her family and friends living there! She was excited about doing it too!
Here are some interesting demographics about the group that attended the event:
8 people showed up.
6 were women.
2 were in the military
2 were born and raised in countries other than the U.S.
3 drove 45 minutes or more to attend the event.
4 attended a Barack Obama related event for the FIRST time. This was their first event.
2 were from the South; one of them from South Carolina.
7 have never been involved with a campaign or politics.
Ages ranged from 35 to 70!
Now that I have gotten over my fear and anxiety over hosting my first Barack Obama event, I'm fired up! My next move is to host an Obama Open House for people living on my street who want to drink hot cider and eat doughnuts while learning more about Barack!
