YES, WE DID! We want to THANK ALL OF YOU, especially the LGBT & Allies, who we had the pleasure of directly working with over the past several weeks for your volunteerism and commitment to the Obama campaign in NH and around the country. Because of your efforts, WE have advanced the cause of equality in our country by accomplishing what some considered as impossible. WE have elected Barack Obama, as President of the United States.
OUR BEST,
Tom Malone & Sheila Healy,
NH LGBT & Allies Outreach Volunteer Co-Coordinators
Stratham High School student Elias has been an intern for the New Hampshire Campaign for Change since early July. A former John Edwards volunteer, Elias has spent the last four months dedicated to electing Senator Barack Obama.
Elias is a tireless and deeply passionate advocate for causes that he believes in, whether it be the affordability of health care or the rising cost of home heating fuel. Elias enjoys going door to door, as it allows him to engage in discussion with his neighbors about why he so avidly supports Senator Obama.
Elias has effectively utilized his network of friends and schoolmates to bring other volunteers to the campaign. Along with fellow intern, Chelsea (Brentwood), Elias has helped build a core of high school students at Exeter High School who are now regular volunteers. Sixteen “Blue Hawks” came out on Columbus Day to canvass in Exeter and Stratham for Senator Obama.
To join Elias and his friends by getting involved in the campaign in Exeter, call Jonny Asen at 603-438-3152 or email him at Jasen@nhforchange.com
Are you a student who wants to get involved in your local student group too? Visit our student resource page and sign up today to help with your student group.
This field blog was written by Field Organizer Jonny Asen
A political cartoon depicting Barack Obama as a mental asylum inmate appeared in my local newspaper yesterday. Restrained in a straitjacket, Glenn McCoy's Obama has clearly been writing the word "Sarah" with his foot all over the walls of his padded white room ... in lipstick. The clearly simian bend of McCoy's portrayal (the monkey-like face is overshadowed by the clenched ape foot clutching the tube of lipstick) is obviously a not-so-subtle jab at Obama's race. The cartoon is available at http://townhall.com/funnies/cartoonist/GlennMcCoy/2008/09/3
What I want to know is, where is the outcry? I mean, the chorus of dissent over Obama's use of a popular political phrase reached the rafters, but why are cheap shots about the fact that Obama is an African-American allowed to pass without comment? I'm a white female, and my increasing awareness of the double-standard allowing everything that might possibly be construed as anti-woman being blown out of proportion while blatant jabs at African-Americans are evidently fair game is starting to really make me angry.
If anyone hasn't heard about it, Senator Obama said, in reference to McCain's economic policy, "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig." For some reason, this was taken as somehow referring to Governor Palin and, faster than you can say hypocrisy, the word was out that Obama had made an anti-woman crack.
The phrase, "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig" is clearly another way of saying that, no matter what short-term appearance fixer you put on something ugly, it's still going to be ugly. In other words, you can't change what something is by playing with its outward appearance. A similar phrase involves the inability to make chicken salad out of chicken s***, but I digress.
The fact that John McCain said of Hillary Clinton's health care plan, "I think they put some lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig" in Iowa last October (that's less than a year ago) is for some reason not getting the same press. There was no feminist outcry last October, and there is very little mention of this in response to the public skewering Obama is currently taking. The ultimate irony, in my humble opinion, is that Hillary Clinton is a far greater champion of women than Sarah Palin will ever be.
A longtime part of used-car dealership jargon, the phrase was, according to Time magazine, first exposed to the public in 1985 when a news station said using its financial surplus to renovate Candlestick Park would be like "putting lipstick on a pig." Since then, the phrase has been used by (in no particular order) Elizabeth Edwards, Dick Cheney, Torie Clark (former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs under Rumsfeld, former communications chief for the Pentagon for a portion of Bush's presidency, and former McCain press secretary), John Edwards, and House Minority Leader John Boehner as well as by John McCain and Barack Obama.
The overblown criticism Obama has taken for his use of a saying that has been used by a variety of people from differing walks of life is just adding to the surreality of this campaign. That direct cracks directed at Obama (a la McCoy's political cartoon) are somehow fair game only add to the bitterness that is starting to really bog me down and look at my country with a cynical eye.
Has anyone else noticed this, or am I just overly sensitive, cynical, or out-and-out wrong?
I am appalled at the game the McCain campaign is playing in the name of feminism. I am even more appalled that it’s, at least to a degree, working.
Conventional wisdom in recent political blogs seems to be that McCain’s choice of Sarah Palin for a running mate caught Barack Obama completely by surprise, that his perceived “shakiness” in responding to her reflects poorly on his ability to think fast in response to sudden curveballs should he become president. Has it not occurred to those of this mindset that this is a situation with unwritten rules, that proceeding with caution is the only recourse available when every step you take is so open to criticism from every direction?
Obama’s position as the first viable African-American presidential candidate has already given this election a unique feel. Some feel that the media has given Obama a free ride because of his race, or even that his ethnicity is the sole reason for his meteoric rise as the Democratic candidate. And sometimes it gets far uglier than that. American citizens post hundreds of internet comments about “Barack Hussein Obama” as though this “proves” that the senator is a distant relative of Saddam. He is targeted as the anti-Christ, accused of being a radical Muslim even as he is simultaneously taken to task for worshipping at a Christian church (where, in response to questionable comments by the pastor, Obama severed his ties), written off as an arrogant upstart, and insulted in various ways that speak directly to an unfortunate and frightening degree of racism still present in America today.
Obama is exposed to abuse and harassment from the media in various forms, the American people (the internet has really allowed the crazies a place to speak their supposed minds), and even subtly from politicians. As an African-American, Senator Obama has put up with words and actions that are chilling even as he faces a crushing silent doubt. There is a belief by many in the working class demographic that Obama is untrustworthy, elitist, and unable to relate. I’ve heard many people say, “There’s just something about him that rubs me the wrong way.” Although I’d like to hope it’s otherwise, I’m scared that this is because he’s an African-American from humble origins that has somehow managed to succeed.
Our country has come a long way, but there is unfortunately still a degree of doubt when a young boy born to a white mother and black father, raised with help from his grandparents, no stranger to words like food stamps and student loans, is able to rise to the top. There’s a certain degree of, “Why him and not me?” Although pains have been taken to keep this simple truth under wraps, here it is: Barack Obama is more like the typical American than most politicians will ever be.
The McCain campaign’s selection of Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential candidate has proven to be a brilliant move. If an attempt is made to hold Palin’s feet to the fire on the issues, there will no doubt be an outcry because “she’s being picked on for being a girl.” If Palin is given a pass on some of her ridiculous statements or actions while in public office, an outcry is equally likely under the “she’s getting away with it because she’s a girl” argument.
Senator Obama, who has withstood varying degrees of both active and passive negative response to his race throughout his campaign, is walking a tightrope with the addition of Palin that his opponents—and a media that has allegedly given Obama an easy ride—seem bent on blowing him down from.
I’m a professional working mother and a proud believer in equal rights for women. I am ashamed of Sarah Palin’s candidacy on behalf of the hundreds of better-qualified Republican women whose policies I can disagree with even while I respect them as people and workers for the greater good. I am ashamed of John McCain’s manipulation of those that believe in women’s equality. I am ashamed of those women supporting Palin solely because she’s a woman with little or no thought given to her beliefs or her record.
The reaction to Palin’s candidacy is a huge step backward for feminism because doors are simultaneously forced open and held closed in the name of women’s rights; if the country had truly come as far as we’d like to believe in terms of equal rights for women, a female candidate would be able to comfortably open a door and walk on through by herself.
Instead, there is a disturbing focus on how wrong Obama's attitude toward Palin's inclusion on the Republican ticket is no matter what he does. This is especially ironic when one realizes that, if anyone can understand the frustration of being judged on outward appearance and stereotypes instead of accomplishments, it's Barack Obama.
So gotta share here a short story about my mixed-political family and Michelle Obama's speech. My stepdad Charlie is a retired naval officer and a lifelong Republican, conservative and deeply religious. The Bush administration, the war, the economy and healthcare issues have all soured him on the Republican platform. When Obama first came on the stage he was interested but skeptical. My mom, sister and I were all early supporters, and my mom is also a Republican. They live in Ft Collins, CO.
As time went on with the primary season, Charlie pounced on the Rev Wright issues and other things and went hot to cold on Obama. He was obviously deeply conflicted on values and views and policies, but eventually got so negaitve we as a family stopped talking politics. The last two months I have not had a single email from him...which was nice since they were mostly smearmail forwardings - all of which I refuted with strong evidence.
Anyway, after Michelle's speech, I expected a message from my mom and sister but not Charlie. After Michelle spoke, I got an SMS from him saying it was absolutely fanastic, one of the best speeches he has ever heard and he thought she was amazing.!!!!! I was stunned, thinking my mom had used his cell phone to send the text. But then I got a flurry of SMSs from my mom all saying they had sat there watching the convention, moved throughout Ted Kennedy's speech but then Charlie was simply emotionally overwhelmed during Michelle's speech. Mom said it was a 5 kleenex night and "he might just vote for Obama afterall!"
I never expected to hear from him like this. But Michelle's speech managed to open up a dialogue within my family again and provided just the right emotional window to the Obama family that Charlie needed to personally be moved.
Just thought I would share. I hope to see some of you tomorrow night at a watch party!
OK, so I was out in Newmarket NH today canvassing with Chris. We knocked on at least 80 doors. Many people were not home, but those that were in this working class town had a variety of views and concerns. We noted lots of houses for sale and some foreclosed upon. I spoke with one resident whose Vietnam vet father had committed suicide recently due to stresses related to the war in Iraq. Very disturbing. And then she said that there were at least 3 other households on the street with suicides due to some type of stress, war or economy related. There is a lot of angst here. I met only one person who was not voting or participating at all and quite a few who were closely paying attention and had not yet decided. A big thank you to the supporter who invited me into the air conditioning and provided me with 2 bottles of drinking water!!!
You never know when you knock on the door, the life you are about to intersect with, or how this short visit will touch you.
There is now no longer any question. The Bush administration was flat out deceitful and manipulative in attempting to garner support for the war in Iraq. Every so-called justification for invading Iraq has failed to bear scrutiny. In fact, a number of allegations have sprung up alleging that members of Bush's team manufactured evidence in order to gain support for the war. True or not, our unilateral and "preemptive" attack on Iraq was unjustified, unnecessary and imprudent.
Almost 5000 of my uniformed brothers and sisters are dead as a result of this debacle. Thousands more bear the burns, scars, and emotional anguish of it. Countless civilians have died. Scores of military contractors now line their pockets with cash (such as Cheney's old company Haliburton).
So i ask you: where is the accountability? Where is the outrage?
McCain, a war supporter, made a radio address accusing Obama of willing to "lose the war In Iraq" for his political gain. However, why is nobody asking McCain how you can "win" a war that was illegal to begin with?
HOW MANY MORE PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO DIE?
Who gives a crap about "winning" when our very reason for being involved in the war is not justified. We have already lost the war. The Bush administration and the Republican party and its supporters have lost the war. They lost it the moment they sent our troops into harm's way without due cause.
Now I say, why should one more son or daughter, mother or father, brother or sister have to die? WHY?
To achieve what? For whom?
I believe that if you support this war then fine. Go and fight it. Not from your recliner, but from the front lines.
But do not send brave young men and women to do your bidding.
The best way to support the troops is to bring them home immediately. Their lives are just as precious and important as anyone else's. Do not bicker about exit strategies or "supporting the surge" because those things are meaningless in he face of the lives and potential of those that will die as a result.
Hi all - I am doing some volunteer GIS work on behalf of the campaign and it is pretty interesting. If you or someone else you know, who is an Obama supporter, and knows GIS, wants to help - contact your local campaign leaders! (Or, if you are in NH and want to know more, feel free to post to me here.) Hope to see some of you in Portsmouth, NH tonight at the Market Square Vote for Change visibility event!
Hi Everyone
I have parked the Prius today and I am donating the money that I have saved on gas and tolls to Barack's Campaign. Fortunately, I have a bunch of paid vacation days banked so I have the luxury to do this.
Here is a break down of the savings: Gas $9.00 Tolls: $4.00 Total Donation $13.00
Please pass this on to other Obama Supporters- this is a win-win way to conserve gas and at the same time contribute to our cause ..... Barack as #44 in the Oval Office.
See you soon on the Campaign Trail!!!
Peace,
Charlotte
Yes We Can & Yes We Will.
On Friday, March 28, a group of NH Seacoast Democrats, Republicans and Independents attended a fundraiser for presidential candidate Barack Obama. Participants included residents from throughout the region including North Hampton, Hampton, Portsmouth, Rye, Dover and Newmarket. Concerned by the recent negative tenor of the Democratic race for the White House, this group of Granite Stater’s wanted to send Senator Obama funds to support his campaign efforts in the Keystone state.
"Although the New Hampshire primary may feel like eons ago, those of us who truly believe in Barack Obama’s ability to unite not just the Democratic party, but the country, decided to do something to show the campaign that we are as passionate today as we were in January," said event co-host Margaret Rice, a Republican who organized the Obama campaign operations in North Hampton. Attending the event was committed super-delegate U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter. Recently back from a fact finding mission to Iraq, the Congresswoman spoke passionately about her support for Barack Obama and emphasized why she believes it will take his leadership to move the country in the right direction with regards to the war.
Hosted by North Hampton residents Ross and Amanda Peterson, the fundraiser gave Seacoast Obama-Manics a reason to gather, commiserate and plan for the general election. So committed was this group of supporters that several intend to travel to Pennsylvania to work on behalf Barack Obama in the final days of the Pennsylvania primary.
"As New Hampshire residents we had the unique opportunity to personally interact with all of the candidates and after seeing Barack Obama in person, for us the choice was clear. Given that the Obama campaign started here, an event like this gives his supporters a chance to regroup, recharge and reconnect with one another while at the same time raising funds to support his Pennsylvania effort,” said Ross Peterson.
PHOTO: from left to right, Margaret Rice, North Hampton organizer for Barack Obama Campaign; Ross Peterson, North Hampton Democratic Town Chair; Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter; Lenore and Gary Patton, Rockingham County Democratic Co-Chairs.
