From Luke Hayes, the new Texas State Director for Organizing for America:
Since Inauguration Day, Organizing for America has been dedicated to making real the change we fought for during the election. But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization. That's why I'm so excited to announce that we're back on the ground in Texas and, starting this week, we'll be hosting Listening Tour Town Halls across the state. Will you make your voice heard and join us on the Listening Tour? At Listening Tour meetings, you'll get a chance to meet new state staff members, hear about some lessons learned during the general election, and offer your thoughts on how we can organize Texas going forward. Your ideas will be used to write a Texas-specific plan for Organizing for America in 2009 and beyond. The campaign brought an unprecedented number of new voices into the process -- we need to make sure those voices remain at the center of the debate as the President and Congress work on providing solutions for our economy. But these meetings are not just for folks who were involved in the campaign -- we're hopeful that every Texan will get involved. We can't stop growing our movement now. We've never had a better opportunity to shape our future -- and just like during the election, we'll do it from the bottom up. Sign up now to attend a Listening Tour event. I look forward to seeing you, Luke Luke Hayes Texas State Director Organizing for America P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Listening Tour event, you can still get involved with Organizing for America in Texas. Let us know how you'd like to see Texas organized.
On Thursday President Obama delivered his budget outline to Congress, a document that represents the ideas he campaigned on and millions of supporters fought for. "Because it represents real and dramatic change," the President explained, "it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington." He acknowledged the fight ahead to bring this budget plan from outline to final legislation, but he also sent a clear message:
Two years ago, we set out on a journey to change the way that Washington works. We sought a government that served not the interests of powerful lobbyists or the wealthiest few, but the middle-class Americans I met every day in every community along the campaign trail – responsible men and women who are working harder than ever, worrying about their jobs, and struggling to raise their families. In so many town halls and backyards, they spoke of their hopes for a government that finally confronts the challenges that their families face every day; a government that treats their tax dollars as responsibly as they treat their own hard-earned paychecks. That is the change I promised as a candidate for president. It is the change the American people voted for in November. And it is the change represented by the budget I sent to Congress this week.... I realize that passing this budget won’t be easy. Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington. I know that the insurance industry won’t like the idea that they’ll have to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that’s how we’ll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs for American families. I know that banks and big student lenders won’t like the idea that we’re ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that’s how we’ll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won’t like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that’s how we’ll help fund a renewable energy economy that will create new jobs and new industries. In other words, I know these steps won’t sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they’re gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this:So am I. The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long, but I don’t. I work for the American people. I didn’t come here to do the same thing we’ve been doing or to take small steps forward, I came to provide the sweeping change that this country demanded when it went to the polls in November. That is the change this budget starts to make, and that is the change I’ll be fighting for in the weeks ahead – change that will grow our economy, expand our middle-class, and keep the American Dream alive for all those men and women who have believed in this journey from the day it began.
Two years ago, we set out on a journey to change the way that Washington works. We sought a government that served not the interests of powerful lobbyists or the wealthiest few, but the middle-class Americans I met every day in every community along the campaign trail – responsible men and women who are working harder than ever, worrying about their jobs, and struggling to raise their families. In so many town halls and backyards, they spoke of their hopes for a government that finally confronts the challenges that their families face every day; a government that treats their tax dollars as responsibly as they treat their own hard-earned paychecks. That is the change I promised as a candidate for president. It is the change the American people voted for in November. And it is the change represented by the budget I sent to Congress this week.
... I realize that passing this budget won’t be easy. Because it represents real and dramatic change, it also represents a threat to the status quo in Washington. I know that the insurance industry won’t like the idea that they’ll have to bid competitively to continue offering Medicare coverage, but that’s how we’ll help preserve and protect Medicare and lower health care costs for American families. I know that banks and big student lenders won’t like the idea that we’re ending their huge taxpayer subsidies, but that’s how we’ll save taxpayers nearly $50 billion and make college more affordable. I know that oil and gas companies won’t like us ending nearly $30 billion in tax breaks, but that’s how we’ll help fund a renewable energy economy that will create new jobs and new industries.
In other words, I know these steps won’t sit well with the special interests and lobbyists who are invested in the old way of doing business, and I know they’re gearing up for a fight as we speak. My message to them is this:So am I. The system we have now might work for the powerful and well-connected interests that have run Washington for far too long, but I don’t. I work for the American people. I didn’t come here to do the same thing we’ve been doing or to take small steps forward, I came to provide the sweeping change that this country demanded when it went to the polls in November. That is the change this budget starts to make, and that is the change I’ll be fighting for in the weeks ahead – change that will grow our economy, expand our middle-class, and keep the American Dream alive for all those men and women who have believed in this journey from the day it began.
Read the full text of the President's address . . .
In case you missed it, last Saturday then-President-elect Obama announced the next step for the unprecedented grassroots movement that grew out of this campaign: Organizing for America.
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 . . .
In Texas, polls are open today from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM local time. Anyone who is in line by 7:00 PM will be allowed to vote. You can find your polling location now.
For additional information or for any issues you may have with voting visit our Voter Information Center or call 1-877-US-4-OBAMA (877-874-6226). Answers to some of the most common voting questions are below:
You are required to show your voter registration certificate in order to cast your vote. If you have lost or misplaced your certificate, you must show another form of identification. Acceptable forms of identification include:
You may be required to show identification in addition to your voter registration certificate if you have not been issued a Texas driver’s license or personal ID number or a social security number or the information provided on your registration could not be verified.
7:00 am–7:00 pm
Voters with a physical disability that renders the voter unable to write or see, or unable to understand the language in which ballot is written, are entitled to assistance in voting under Texas election law. Such a voter may receive assistance from either (a) two election officers of different political parties unless this is impossible or (b) someone other than that voter’s employer, employer’s agent, or officer or agent of labor union.
In a case where the individual assisting the voter is a non-election officer, the provider of assistance must swear an oath.
In either case, the assistance provided to the voter may only consist of reading the ballot, directing the voter to read the ballot, marking the ballot, and/or directing voter to mark the ballot.
We've reached the most important days of this entire campaign.
All of the voters we've registered, phone calls we've made, doors we've knocked on, friends and neighbors we spread the word to over the course of this campaign have brought us to where we are today: making Barack Obama very compettive in the race for the presidency of the United States.
Now we have to make sure all of that time and effort doesn't go to waste. It's time to once again take change into our own hands and get out the vote (GOTV).
As Barack explained in Nevada this morning:
Don’t believe for a second this election is over. Don’t think for a minute that power concedes. We have to work like our future depends on it in these last few days, because it does.
Join millions of Americans all over the country by volunteering in the last four days of this campaign. Everything we have worked for over the past 20 months will come down to what we do -- or don't do -- to help get out the vote.
Miss Laura from the DailyKos offered these words of wisdom from a veteran volunteer:
Before you hit your first door, or dial your first number...think about why you're doing it. Maybe it's your loved one in Iraq. Maybe it's wanting a Supreme Court that will preserve your right to control your own body. Maybe it's the healthcare you need and can't afford. Take a piece of paper and a pen and write your reason down. Keep it in your pocket, and if you have a hard conversation or string of them, take that piece of paper out of your pocket and read it. Remind yourself that this is not an empty chore, it's a way to something really, really important. Carry that knowledge with you to each door or each dial.
Before you hit your first door, or dial your first number...think about why you're doing it. Maybe it's your loved one in Iraq. Maybe it's wanting a Supreme Court that will preserve your right to control your own body. Maybe it's the healthcare you need and can't afford.
Take a piece of paper and a pen and write your reason down. Keep it in your pocket, and if you have a hard conversation or string of them, take that piece of paper out of your pocket and read it. Remind yourself that this is not an empty chore, it's a way to something really, really important. Carry that knowledge with you to each door or each dial.
So what can you do? Find a volunteer event near you and sign up to help between now and Election Day.
In the final days of this historic campaign, the Texas Call Team has set a new goal of making 20,000 calls into battleground states between now and Election Day to help get out the vote (GOTV).
If you haven't started making calls yet, it's not too late. It only takes a minute to find a phonebanking event near you or to get started calling from home. You'll be provided with lists of targeted voters and a call script.
We only have a few days left to contact millions of voters. We've been gearing up for this moment for a long time, and now it's here. What we do in these next few days will make the difference.
In the final days of this historic campaign, the Tennessee Call Team has set a new goal of making 3,500 calls into battleground states between now and election day.
This weekend, Texans from all over the state will be coming together to board campaign buses and head into battleground states like New Mexico and Ohio to work for victory and help bring change to all of America. All travel and lodging expenses will be provided.
With only 7 days until Election Day, November 4th, Texans have one last chance to make a big difference and help change Washington. This weekend, Texans from all over the state will be coming together to board campaign buses and head into battleground states like New Mexico and Ohio -- not just to reach out to swing voters and get folks to the polls, but to help bring change to all of America. This nationwide grassroots movement for change was founded on the simple premise that we all have a stake in each other, and we can solve our common problems by working together. Sign up now to join your fellow Texans on a bus trip to a crucial battleground state. Barack is using his closing argument to remind voters about his plan for restoring our middle class and bringing change, but John McCain is continuing the same false, desperate attacks he's used for months. This election will come down to the wire, and we can't afford to wake up on November 5th wishing we'd done more. The stakes are just too high. And the face-to-face contact that Texas supporters can make with voters could tip a crucial battleground for Barack. No experience is required to make a difference. Campaign for Change staff in a battleground state will welcome you with everything you need to succeed. Just pack some warm clothes and join your fellow Texans in connecting with voters in New Mexico or Ohio.Thanks for your support, Juan Juan Sepulveda Texas State Director Obama for America P.S. -- Can't make it for the bus trip? You can still make a significant impact from here in Texas by joining your neighbors at a Last Call for Change phonebank or making calls from home using our online calls tool. Look up a phonebank or get started from home now.
If you live in a non-battleground state you can play an important role in deciding this election in key battleground states. Especially tonight.
The campaign will be airing a 30-minute special tonight called Barack Obama: American Promises from 8-8:30pm EDT.
Tonight supporters are gathering at Last Call for Change phonebanks across the country, calling voters in swing states to tell them where their polling location is.
There are only 6 days left to bring the change we need.
Barack is counting on your incredibly important phone calls. You can make sure Obama supporters know where to vote on Tuesday. Their polling location may have changed, or they may have never voted before.
No experience is required. You'll have a script to work from, and our staff will help you every step of the way.
Last week the Texas Call Team set a goal of making 20,000 calls into Missouri by October 30th. As of today at 9:30 AM CDT, 11,341 calls have been logged, putting us a little off course to meet the original target, showing the importance of the remaining days.
As Barack explained in Canton, Ohio yesterday:
Don't believe for a second this election is over. Don't think for a minute that power concedes. We have a lot of work to do. We have to work like our future depends on it, in this last week, because it does depend on it this week.
Don't believe for a second this election is over.
Don't think for a minute that power concedes.
We have a lot of work to do.
We have to work like our future depends on it, in this last week, because it does depend on it this week.
If you haven't started yet, it's not too late. The Neighbor to Neighbor phonebanking tool allows anyone to get involved without any previous experience. It just takes a few minutes to set up and get started calling. You'll be provided with lists of voters and a call script. Watch this instructional video on how to use the make calls from home, or you can join an organized event and enjoy the company of other supporters.
You can also sign up to attened a Last Call for Change house party tomorrow, October 29. Invite everyone you know to watch Barack's 30-minute presentation and make important phone calls to voters in key battleground states. Click here for more details.
This weekend and next, Obama supporters in your community are coming together to call voters in key battleground states.
You can make a big difference in states where the race is neck-and-neck by sharing crucial information about Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden. Time is running out to make direct personal contact with potential supporters, especially since early voting is underway in many of these states. As the McCain campaign tries to smear Barack's character and distract voters from the issues that matter, your phone calls are more important than ever. Sign up to join a Last Call for Change event near you.Many people tell us they "can't" make calls. We'd like to share a story about limits and how you can exceed them if you try.
Diane stood out among all of our attendees in a training session in Austin. Diane is legally blind, but she hasn't let that stop her from taking on new challenges. We sent materials in advance to her for review, and she was well-prepared when she arrived. The reason she is so remarkable, though, is how she handled the "maze game". Part of the training is an experiential. We have a 10' x 10' grid on the floor, outlined in chalk. There are no markings in the boxes, and the teams are given instructions but have to play without talking. There is only one route across the squares. When they hit an incorrect square, we make a sound. It's pretty difficult to do without visual signs and without being able to take notes or talk to your teammates. One of our team leaders had asked explained the game to Diane on Sat. afternoon and asked her if she thought she could play with a replica on posterboard. She was willing to try. Our team leader created the board that night. It was amazing to watch her try to grasp the 'game' - it's difficult enough being sighted. At one point, she said, "I give up, I quit!"The team leader suggested that she guide Diane's hand to the squares that were "good". By the time both teams were done, she had completed it herself without any help and was able to do it in front of the group. Everyone was so thrilled for her success. It was a definite testament to Barack Obama's mantra of "Respect, Empower and Include". Diane said she could not express her gratitude for being so included. She said she felt a genuine love for us because of the experience.
This Sunday, October 26th, at 6:30pm CDT, Texas supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how they can make a huge impact for Barack in this historic election.
In addition to learning the basics of Neighbor to Neighbor, you wil hear from special guests talking about our ground game in the battleground states you'll be calling into.We'll be doing a conference call and a webinar (an online seminar), so you can follow along with the training on your own computer and ask questions. Don't worry though if you're not able to join the webinar - you can still listen in on the conference call!Here are the details:
Phone Number: 718-709-0655Access Code: 144-389-508If you can join us for the webinar, RSVP now:http://my.barackobama.com/webinar24I hope you can join us!
If you can't make this special conference call, learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor by watching these training videos. Then, make sure you are signed up so you can start making calls as soon as possible. Every call plays a part in this campaign and puts us one step closer to our goal in November.
The Texas Call Team has set a goal of making 20,000 calls into Missouri this week between October 23rd and the 30th, and tonight we have a progress report. As of this writing on October 24 at 10:30 PM CDT, 2300 calls have been logged, putting us close to being on course to meet the target. Altogether over 153,000 calls have been made by this team of dedicated grassroots supporters from every corner of the state.
The most important thing to remember now is to not let-up. The past 20 months of hard work by millions of Americans comes down to these last few crucial days. The goal is 20,000 calls, and Texas should strive to shatter that goal to show that this election is too important to leave to chance.
You can also Host a Last Call for Change house party next Wednesday, October 29. Invite everyone you know to watch Barack's 30-minute presentation and make important phone calls to voters in key battleground states. Click here for more details.
Click here to sign up to Get in the Van to Get Out the Vote!
After a big send-off in Austin by State Director Juan Sepulveda and State Field Director JD Gins, over 90 Texans got on charter buses and spent 14 hours riding to Albuquerque, New Mexico. The New Mexico staff greeted them at 8am on Saturday with handmade nametags and homemade omelets. One of the New Mexico volunteers even burst into tears as the bus pulled in. The Texans canvassed from 10am until 7pm on Saturday in a western neighborhood of Albuquerque, using their Texan charm to persuade potential voters. In combination with New Mexico volunteers, they nearly doubled the usual number of doors knocked on in the area where they worked.
Some of highlights of the trip were:
I looked at the sheet and it said "likely McCain" for this particular house. I thought "this will be quick", so I knocked on the door and waited impatiently. Two kids came to the door, and I asked for their parents. A long while later, a young-ish Hispanic man came to the door. I said my little spiel about early voting and Obama, and he became very excited and wanted to ask a lot of questions. Turns out that he had just registered and this will be his first election as a new citizen. He was very concerned that his voter registration card hadn't come yet - so I told him about early voting, how to do it, etc. The best part was the light in his eyes and huge smile on his face when he looked at me and said, "This is very important, yes? It's my first time and I want to make sure I get to do it. That I get to vote for Obama." I think he may not have voted at all if we hadn't helped him out. What a fantastic feeling.
I will never forget this trip. We travelled long and worked hard for a cause we love and believe in with all of our hearts. The volunteers and staff in NM took great care of us with lots of food and lots of love and appreciation. We'll all be together in spirit on November 4.
While my partner Denise and I were canvassing on the first day, we passed a family having a yard sale. A boy of seven years asked us what we were doing, and we told him we were telling people about Obama. He, his sister, and parents said they were supporters of Obama and would be voting early (despite being surrounded by a few McCain supporters).
I noticed that the boy was making a sign while we were talking to his parents, which I assumed was for the family's yard sale. But, several minutes later Denise and I passed a sign was posted in the neighborhood. It read: KIDS FOR OBAMA!GO-BAMYAY OBAMAno mccain
One highlight was meeting Cheryl. I sat next to her when we gathered prior to boarding the bus. We ended up being seat mates, walking buddies, and hotel roommates. Our personalities were compatible, so that made the experience even better. Cheryl said the last time she boarded a bus for a political cause was a trip to Washington in 1968 to protest the Vietnam War. She signed up for this trip at the last minute after seeing reports on PBS about the importance of New Mexico in the presidential election. And the best part was that Cheryl noticed the little old man selling tamales in the Walgreen’s parking lot – we gave him literature about Obama and had delicious tamales for lunch.
My most memorable experience was a couple who was leaning toward Obama but not quite sure. The lady (the wife of house) noticed my Texas for Obama button and asked was I from Texas. I told her yes and how we came on a 14 hour bus ride to show our support for this ticket of Obama and Biden. I also told her this was me and my husband's first time out of Texas in our 38 years and we picked to come to New Mexico because this election is just that important. She hugged me with tears in her eyes and said, "God bless you, and with people helping him (Obama) like you and your husband he will get to the White House."
Check out the photos from the Texans: That night, everyone wound down with some much needed fuel at a local Mexican restaurant and got some sleep. After another scrumptious breakfast and a morning canvassing shift from 9:30am to 2pm, the New Mexico staff organized a picnic of hot dogs and homemade enchiladas for everyone. The Texas team left New Mexico about 5pm and rode home tired, with blisters on their feet, wearing brand new New Mexico Obama shirts and cheering about Gen. Colin Powell's endorsement of Sen. Obama. Thanks to New Mexico for welcoming Texas so warmly!
This Wednesday, October 22nd, at 7:30pm CDT, Texas supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how they can make a huge impact for Barack in this historic election.
In addition to learning the basics of Neighbor to Neighbor, you wil hear from special guests who will talk about our ground game in the battleground states you'll be calling into.We'll be doing a conference call and a webinar (an online seminar), so you can follow along with the training on your own computer and ask questions. Don't worry though if you're not able to join the webinar - you can still listen in on the conference call!Here are the details:
Phone Number: 718-709-0655Access Code: 400-001-195If you can join us for the webinar, RSVP now:http://my.barackobama.com/webinar18I hope you can join us!
If you can't make this special conference call, learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor by watching these training videos. Then, make sure you are signed up so you can start making calls as soon as possible.
Juan Sepulveda, Obama for America Texas State Director, wants you to vote early.
From now until the end of the month, every day is Election Day in Texas. Early voting is fast, easy, and it could make the difference in this state. Show your friends and family that you've made up your mind and you're ready for change now. Take the first step today. Find your Early Vote location. Early voting is simple, safe, and convenient. It's also a vital part of our strategy. The best way you can bring about change right now is voting for Democrats up and down the ticket. The more supporters who make their voices heard now, the more energy and resources we can devote to our get out the vote efforts closer to Election Day. Vote early for Barack and other Democrats, and see if you can get five or more friends to vote early with you. All across the country, supporters like you are working together to grow this movement for change. We know that Texas families can't afford four more years of failed Bush-McCain policies. That's why we need you to help make sure we have an advantage in Texas before Election Day. Take a moment now to fill out some basic information and make your voice heard: http://www.voteforchange.com This is our chance to take America in a new direction -- so the next four years don't look like the last eight. We can't do this without you. Thanks, Juan Juan Sepulveda Texas State Director Obama for America
The Austin American-Statesman reports on the first day of early voters:
About 20 people stood outside waiting for the doors to open before 7 this morning at the Airport Boulevard early voting site so they could cast their ballots on the first day of early voting. Lourdes Kneitz was one of the first people to walk out at about 15 minutes after early voting opened. She is going to be out of the country on Election Day and wanted to get it over with. “I’m ready,” she said, while rushing to her car to get to work.Not everyone has specific reasons for voting so early on the first day of early voting. Gary Bowie said he’s an “early-morning person. I wanted to be sure to get it in without the lines.”
About 20 people stood outside waiting for the doors to open before 7 this morning at the Airport Boulevard early voting site so they could cast their ballots on the first day of early voting.
Lourdes Kneitz was one of the first people to walk out at about 15 minutes after early voting opened. She is going to be out of the country on Election Day and wanted to get it over with. “I’m ready,” she said, while rushing to her car to get to work.
Not everyone has specific reasons for voting so early on the first day of early voting. Gary Bowie said he’s an “early-morning person. I wanted to be sure to get it in without the lines.”
These Farmersville supporters have been active all year and are ready to get their votes in for Obama/Biden:
