The vast majority of those participating in the November 25th Mercer for Obama meet-up had participated actively in the 2008 campaign for change, many having worked in multiple states. After 90 minutes of discussion, in both sub-groups and plenary, about whether and how to continue this citizens’ movement, the following principles drew broad and often unanimous agreement:
1. The Mercer for Obama network should continue in active existence, to press for change in the spirit of the “post-partisan” campaign this year that has catapulted Barack Obama into the White House. The largest number of active volunteers in this movement surely identify themselves as Democrats, but many see themselves as nonpartisan and some adhere to a venerable tradition of the Republican Party. The Mercer for Obama network will continue, therefore, as a separate and distinct entity, not as an affiliate or arm of the Democratic Party organization.
OK folks, time to get down to work on the next primaries - Wyoming caucus and Mississippi. Barack has great potential in each of these. I think the Clinton camp will dismiss these as "The Little States" that aren't worth her time.
But we know that change depends on ALL Americans. The Obama campaign reaches out to ALL citizens, not just those in politically expedient states!!
So let's go... phone calls, donations, whatever is necessary.
YES WE CAN!!!!
I'm sure that either candidate will be ready on "Day 1" - they'll have a nice suit picked out for the Inauguration, they'll have a nice walk down Pennsylvania Avenue, and then they get to put their pencils in a cup and arrange their desk in the White House. Maybe try out the sofas and decide that they want to get rid of the "Bushy" smell anyhow... "Day 1" is easy. Smiles, cheers, joy... it's all easy.
It's "Day 2" that most concerns me. Day 2 is when the rubber hits the road and the business of the nation gets under way. Day 2 is when the personalities really begin to show themselves. The stress of the job sets in. "Gravitas" begins.
I'm voting for Barack Obama because I believe he's the right person for day 2 and the right person for the remainder of the 4 years. I believe that he HAS enough experience already to hit the ground running... but I also believe that he has the even demeanor, the open-mindedness and the consensus-building power to deal with crises from Day 2 on.
So, that's why I'M voting for the candidate who's "Ready on Day 2".
Barack Obama won an informal straw poll in Willingboro, Burlington County, Thursday night by over a two-to-one margin! The poll was among members of the Willingboro Township's Democratic Committee and Democratic Club members. The win continues the trend of Obama poll victories across the state, including most recently BlueWave's Statewide Forum in Monclair and the Princeton Community Democratic Organization endorsement meeting, and shows the broad grassroots support Obama has throughout New Jersey.
(more below)
You've seen the national blog posting on the Jersey City Rally. Come here to New Jersey now, and take a closer look at the unbelievable energy that rocked Jersey City when Barack Obama came steaming into town.
The story starts with a late night phonecall - National HQ, confirming to our State Director that the man himself - one Senator Barack Obama would be coming to our very own state...when? in 2 days time!
This news was long awaited and when it came, NJ was ready. A flurry of activity followed, and within the next two days over 20 sites had been visited, rumors had made the rounds throughout North Jersey as sightings of our advance team were reported, and finally, our Press Advisory hit the news...after the story somehow had leaked to a local paper!
Obama to Kick Off Campaign for New Jersey Primary
CHICAGO, IL – On the day after the New Hampshire primary, Senator Barack Obama will host an organizational meeting and Rally for Change in Jersey City, New Jersey on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 to gather supporters and organize volunteers before statewide canvasses this weekend.
Join the Princeton Students for Barack Obama, Mercer for Obama, NJ for obama, and other groups/Obama supporters for a rally Tuesday, October 2nd at 6pm in Palmer Square. The event is one of only 18 nationwide, as recognized by the national campaign, commemorating the 5-year anniversary of Obama's inital anti-Iraq War speech. Come help spread and share Barack's message of hope, action, and change!
Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) endorsed Barack Obama for President yesterday. This great endorsement shows that Hillary's winning the Democratic nomination is no longer viewed as "inevitable" -- even in her neighbor state, NJ. Rothman is a good congressman -- smart, progressive, and strong on foreign policy, homeland security, and the environment. He also has ambitions to move beyond the House. Rothman would only endorse Obama if he felt Obama would be the best President and that he can win.
Rothman will be serving as the Northeast regional co-chair for the campaign -- congrats to Rothman and Obama!
Full statement under the fold:
Did anyone else read the NY Time’s article on Obama and basketball today? An interesting story analyzing his style of play: no blood-no foul pick up games with players from all walks of life. Link It’s interesting because we have also been seeing Obama willing to throw some elbows in the presidential campaign against John McCain, the biggest sell-out of the season. I think it answers the question of whether Obama is “too nice” to hit hard back against attackers. (more below the fold)
