It's possible you haven't heard from me since the election. I've not been idle. I had a house party in December. I hosted a service event on Martin Luther King Day which was wildly successful, collecting over two tons of food for Neighborhood House Food Shelf and 25 plus units of blood for Memorial Blood. I recently participated in a recap/potluck regarding that event hosted by fellow volunteer Linda Zwicky. During that party, I discovered what I'm doing next. Ever since the election, I haven't been settled or sure of what the next step for me personally would be with respect to our new administration. I am keenly interested in community gardening and have taken steps to educate myself in this area in hopes of fostering community gardens all over the Twin Cities. My thought was to throw myself wholly into the urban gardening movement and consider that to be my contribution to the new administration. After all, food democracy was a worthy and concrete endeavor and with the economic crisis looming, it seemed like a justice issue as much as a health and environmental issue. So when I attended the recap of our service event last weekend, I wasn't prepared for the epiphany I experienced. We were talking about what to do going forward. Lots of smart people in the room, as usual. We talked about how we were all waiting for the Obama Administration's organizing arm, Organizing for America, to lead us. An astute observer nixed this concept. No, the administration was waiting for us to lead them. Huh?
Much as I wanted to forget about door-knocking and phone banking, I had to admit this was still a powerful calling. I had to reconcile myself--can I pursue urban gardening and continue to organize for Obama? Yes, simple as it sounds and it was oft repeated during the campaign, change happens from the bottom up. Reminded of this at the meeting I attended recently, we agreed we wanted to continue to meet to try and bring change to our communities and to our country with the help of OFA and the Obama administration. We agreed that we wanted to continue to meet face-to-face on a monthly basis. We agreed that our activities could include a broad range of activities, from the community gardening projects I am interested in to lobbying legislators for health care or door-knocking and phone calling as we did during the campaign.
AndI realized that my urban gardening project, once I really understood it fully, would fit neatly into the new organizing paradigm. Service projects for kids in the garden, help in the garden on planting day, invitations to the community on harvest days all would fit into Organizing for America.
The one thing that we all seemed to agree is that this group needed to meet face to face. It wasn't enough to communicate via email or online blog postings. We gained sustenance from EACH OTHER and so once a month meetings were imperative.
Thus, Face to Face for Change - Twin Cities was created. Its goal seemed simple--to meet on a monthly basis to exchange ideas and plan for change in its many shapes and forms. We will be there to support OFA and this fledgling administration's agenda, in much the same way we supported its agenda during the campaign.
I'll invite you to join as soon as the site has approved our group. We hope to organize for the next phase of this Movement--the part where the lion's share of the work will be involved--creating permanent change we can believe in. I hope to see you there. Katie McGee
Hello Everyone,
I cannot wait until next week, January 20, 2009! It seems like liberation day for the country. I propose a toast, by everyone the moment after the chief justice says those magic words, "Congratulations Mr. President." I am goingto start a atalog ofcomments by people on, "Where they were" and "What they were doing" when Barack Hussein Obama became our nation's 44th president.
From social networking to text messaging, young people have changed the way political campaigns are run in the United States.
And, today, we have a chance to change the nation.
But only if we vote.
Check out this video of Kal Penn, the star of the Harold & Kumar movies, talking to students at the U about the power of the youth vote, and then find your polling place and vote!
Now the big question: if your attention is worth billions of dollars, how much power does your vote have?
Go to www.VoteForChange.com to find your polling place.
In an effort to mobilize an unprecedented turnout among first time and youth voters, Mike D., Ad-Rock and MCA of the Beastie Boys will help Get Out The Vote for Barack in Minnesota. They will host a Canvass for Change kick off at Augsburg College in Minneapolis.
Here are the details:
GOTV Canvass Kickoff w/ Adam Yauch, Adam Hrovitz, & Michael Diamond of the Beastie Boys Oren Gateway Center, Augsburg College Minneapolis, MN 3:30 PM
We’ve got four more days to make a difference. So take some time this weekend to volunteer. If we don’t each do our part, the next four years could be scarier than anything you see tonight.
There are just four days left before Election Day and the campaign's Get Out the Vote effort is running on all cylinders to ensure that Barack is elected on November 4th.
Tomorrow, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean will make stops in St. Cloud and Minneapolis to rally supporters to "Get Out the Vote" over the next few days.
Governor Dean will campaign for Barack Obama, Al Franken, Elwyn Tinklenberg and other DFL candidates. He’ll appear alongside Tinklenberg, state Senate Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark, Thomasin Frankin, Mayor RT Rybak, and Rep. Keith Ellison.
Saturday, November 1: ST CLOUD: Get Out The Vote Rally for Change with Gov. Howard Dean FEATURING: El Tinklenberg, Minnesota Senator Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Thomasin Frankin Campaign For Change Office 904 West St. Germain Street St. Cloud, MN 5PM MINNEAPOLIS Get Out The Vote Concert for Change With Howard Dean, Martin Zellar, White Light Riot, and the Radiators FEATURING: Mayor RT Rybak, Thomasin Frankin, and Rep. Keith Ellison Trocaderos Nightclub & Restaurant 107 3rd Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 8PM
Saturday, November 1:
ST CLOUD: Get Out The Vote Rally for Change with Gov. Howard Dean FEATURING: El Tinklenberg, Minnesota Senator Assistant Majority Leader Tarryl Clark and Thomasin Frankin
Campaign For Change Office 904 West St. Germain Street St. Cloud, MN 5PM
MINNEAPOLIS Get Out The Vote Concert for Change With Howard Dean, Martin Zellar, White Light Riot, and the Radiators FEATURING: Mayor RT Rybak, Thomasin Frankin, and Rep. Keith Ellison
Trocaderos Nightclub & Restaurant 107 3rd Avenue North Minneapolis, MN 8PM
Governor Dean knows that in 2000 and 2004 the Republican turn-out machine helped deliver the presidency to George Bush, twice. Over the last 21 months, grassroots supporters across Minnesota -- many of whom had never been involved in politics before -- have built an organization to match. In four days, we'll know who wins.
But the one thing we do know is that you can't win if you don't fight. This weekend is your chance to be part of that fight.
The clock starts this weekend.
Polls close in four days.
With just six days until Election Day, Conor Oberst, the guitarist and vocalist of the popular band Bright Eyes, will host a Get Out The Vote concert today at Loring Pasta Bar in Minneapolis, near the University of Minnesota campus.
WHAT: Get Out The Vote Concert with Conor Oberst
WHEN: 2 :30 PM, Wednesday, October 29
WHERE: Loring Pasta Bar 327 14th Av. SE. Minneapolis, MN
RSVP Online at: http://mn.barackobama.com/ConorOberst
Want to attend? All you have to do is sign up for two "Get Out the Vote" volunteer shifts between now and Election Day.
When Chris Walla, who plays in the band Death Cab for Cutie, was in Minnesota recently, he encouraged young people to get involved in this election, and to help "Get Out the Vote." Check out the video below:
Former President Bill Clinton will host a rally in Minneapolis on Thursday night for Barack Obama and DFL Senate candidate Al Franken.
UPDATE: This event will be free and open to the public. Tickets will not be required. Check back here later today for more information on how to RSVP.
Here's the press release sent out by the campaign in Minnesota:
SAINT PAUL– The Obama for America and Al Franken for Senate campaigns today announced that former President Bill Clinton will campaign in Minnesota Thursday to show his support for the two candidates. Clinton will host a rally in Minneapolis Thursday evening, joined by U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken. “President Clinton has always understood that you grow the economy by investing in the middle class and putting people first,” said Al Franken. “Minnesota families need a change in Washington so we can get our economy back on track -- and I'm so honored to be able to stand with President Clinton in fighting for that change in this election.” “President Clinton presided over a time of great economic prosperity,” Obama’s Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett said. “We’re honored to have President Clinton campaigning in Minnesota as the campaign comes to a close. President Clinton has a unique understanding of what it takes to bring the change we need for middle-class families.”
The Minnesota Daily, the campus newspaper of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, joins the Star Tribune in endorsing Barack Obama for Presiden, believing he is the candidate who will lead us in "a new direction":
Barack Obama, the unlikely Democratic presidential nominee, entered the presidential race with troubling inexperience: four years as a freshman U.S. Senator from Illinois and seven years in the Illinois state Legislature. John McCain’s political career, meanwhile, has spanned more than two decades. The Vietnam War hero, during that career, has legislated for and against military intervention, pushed for ethics reform and environmental regulations. McCain has indeed stood against the Republican Party, often risking his preservation within it. But that hasn’t been so during this presidential race. In an extraordinary about-face, he has campaigned against the very bills he helped author, changed his stance on the Bush tax cuts for the richest in the nation, and chose a running mate with little knowledge of the challenges that face this country. McCain has failed to put country first, instead choosing to appease the fringes of his party he once flouted. Obama has offset any concerns about inexperience with his astute judgment on the campaign trail and during his political career. His decision to denounce the war in Iraq amid a swell of patriotic support for it was the first sign of sound foreign policy judgment. Sen. Joe Biden, a 36-year Delaware Senator who currently chairs the Senate Foreign-Relations committee, will certainly serve as a necessary and knowledgeable advisor. Domestically, Obama called for restricting the financial regulatory system months before the housing and credit crises hit while McCain oddly called for a domestic spending freeze. The Organization for Economic Corporation and Development recently released a report that found income inequality in the United States has increased greatly since 2000, when the Bush tax cuts on the top percent of income earners went into effect and financial regulation went lax. McCain’s recent assertions that Obama will redistribute wealth — ignoring the fact that distribution of wealth is the very purposes of taxes — in the United States are correct: Obama has proposed to repeal the Bush tax cuts and put money back into the hands of the lower and middle classes because it does not just trickle down to them. McCain provides few answers to quell this economic turmoil. And the ones he does provide are ineffectual: he has proposed to pay for his sweeping tax cuts — the majority of which are on the rich — by cutting pork-barrel spending, which only account for a small percent of the budget. McCain’s hawkish stances on Iraq, Iran and Russia are the very reason the U.S. reputation is damaged abroad. While we are disturbed with Obama’s assertion that he would have no trouble violating Pakistan’s sovereignty, his realization that military troops and resources must be shifted to Afghanistan from Iraq provides necessary direction to a catastrophic U.S. strategy in the region. His willingness to talk to dictators — not without pre conditions — illustrates a much more diplomatic and multilateral approach to foreign relations necessary in this dangerous, post-Sept. 11 era. On energy policy, McCain’s energy plan bellies on domestic oil production and increasing the role of nuclear power, but ignores that government support for companies producing alternatives will greatly accelerate the nation’s aim to become energy dependent. Moreover, under McCain, a dangerously conservative Supreme Court could take shape with three liberal justices possibly leaving. Obama would retain a proper balance on the Court while McCain’s appointments would fundamentally alter its direction. Obama’s run for president has showed a remarkable and resounding call for optimism while McCain’s campaign message has turned incredibly divisive, at times, skirting on bigotry. We urge readers to take part in fundamentally shifting U.S. policy away from politics of fear, unilateralism and exclusion with the prospect that the world which we inherit is one, at the very least, taking heed of the lessons of the past eight years and moving into a new era of prosperity, safety and above all hope.
Barack Obama, the unlikely Democratic presidential nominee, entered the presidential race with troubling inexperience: four years as a freshman U.S. Senator from Illinois and seven years in the Illinois state Legislature.
John McCain’s political career, meanwhile, has spanned more than two decades. The Vietnam War hero, during that career, has legislated for and against military intervention, pushed for ethics reform and environmental regulations. McCain has indeed stood against the Republican Party, often risking his preservation within it.
But that hasn’t been so during this presidential race. In an extraordinary about-face, he has campaigned against the very bills he helped author, changed his stance on the Bush tax cuts for the richest in the nation, and chose a running mate with little knowledge of the challenges that face this country. McCain has failed to put country first, instead choosing to appease the fringes of his party he once flouted.
Obama has offset any concerns about inexperience with his astute judgment on the campaign trail and during his political career. His decision to denounce the war in Iraq amid a swell of patriotic support for it was the first sign of sound foreign policy judgment. Sen. Joe Biden, a 36-year Delaware Senator who currently chairs the Senate Foreign-Relations committee, will certainly serve as a necessary and knowledgeable advisor. Domestically, Obama called for restricting the financial regulatory system months before the housing and credit crises hit while McCain oddly called for a domestic spending freeze.
The Organization for Economic Corporation and Development recently released a report that found income inequality in the United States has increased greatly since 2000, when the Bush tax cuts on the top percent of income earners went into effect and financial regulation went lax. McCain’s recent assertions that Obama will redistribute wealth — ignoring the fact that distribution of wealth is the very purposes of taxes — in the United States are correct: Obama has proposed to repeal the Bush tax cuts and put money back into the hands of the lower and middle classes because it does not just trickle down to them. McCain provides few answers to quell this economic turmoil. And the ones he does provide are ineffectual: he has proposed to pay for his sweeping tax cuts — the majority of which are on the rich — by cutting pork-barrel spending, which only account for a small percent of the budget.
McCain’s hawkish stances on Iraq, Iran and Russia are the very reason the U.S. reputation is damaged abroad. While we are disturbed with Obama’s assertion that he would have no trouble violating Pakistan’s sovereignty, his realization that military troops and resources must be shifted to Afghanistan from Iraq provides necessary direction to a catastrophic U.S. strategy in the region. His willingness to talk to dictators — not without pre conditions — illustrates a much more diplomatic and multilateral approach to foreign relations necessary in this dangerous, post-Sept. 11 era.
On energy policy, McCain’s energy plan bellies on domestic oil production and increasing the role of nuclear power, but ignores that government support for companies producing alternatives will greatly accelerate the nation’s aim to become energy dependent.
Moreover, under McCain, a dangerously conservative Supreme Court could take shape with three liberal justices possibly leaving. Obama would retain a proper balance on the Court while McCain’s appointments would fundamentally alter its direction.
Obama’s run for president has showed a remarkable and resounding call for optimism while McCain’s campaign message has turned incredibly divisive, at times, skirting on bigotry. We urge readers to take part in fundamentally shifting U.S. policy away from politics of fear, unilateralism and exclusion with the prospect that the world which we inherit is one, at the very least, taking heed of the lessons of the past eight years and moving into a new era of prosperity, safety and above all hope.
In Hibbing last night, Hillary Clinton drew on her years of public service and made a lucid observation on the choice Minnesotans have in this election.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden. With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
This election is really coming down to one simple slogan. It's a slogan that embodies what Democrats stand for, what we fight for, what we believe: "Jobs, baby, jobs!" That's what it's about and that's why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
With Democrats in the White House and in the Congress, we will end the tax breaks for shipping jobs overseas, we're going to start creating jobs in America again. We did it before and we can do it again.
Barack Obama has a plan to jumpstart the American economy, provide middle class tax relief, and provide quality, affordable healthcare to every American. This fact, and the reality that on every one of these issues John McCain is disturbingly out of touch with middle class families, was not lost on Hillary:
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong." Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion. But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
Senator McCain has repeatedly said that "the fundamentals of our economy are strong."
Well, maybe they are if you're looking through rose-colored glasses. But if you're living with both feet on the ground
and you're going in and out of people's homes and you're listening to what's on your minds, there isn't any way you could reach that conclusion.
But to George Bush and John McCain the middle class isn't fundamental, it's ornamental. They don't understand that if you don't have a strong and prosperous middle class, we will not have a strong and prosperous America.
"The evidence is clear," continued Hillary, a champion for working families in her own right, "Barack Obama and the Democrats are for you. And that's why I hope you will be for the DFL candidates up and down the ballot to delivver the change we need."
Folks in Minnesota are struggling to cope with a failing economy and looking for real leadership from the next President. Since President Bush has taken office, health care costs have risen 4.3 times faster than average wages in Minnesota, and over 430,000 Minnesota residents – and over 45 million nationally – lack health insurance today.
The situation in Minnesota is just a microcosm of what's happening across the country, a situation which will only get worse if John McCain is allowed to continue the failed policies of the last eight years.
That's why we have to take action to prevent that from happening:
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream. I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket. That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
There isn't anybody who really thinks we could survive the next 4 years if they're like the last 8 years and recognize our country. The income inequality will continue to expand, people will start losing their hope and their belief in the American dream.
I know that you probably have friends and even families, coworkers and neighbors who are not yet decided; who may even be thinking of voting for the McCain-Palin ticket.
That dog don't hunt anymore. You can't keep rewarding the same bad policies and expect to get anything better.
"So I hope each and everyone of you will go out and talk to those who are yet undecided. Maybe try to persuade those you think are heading in the wrong direction," added Hillary.
Join the tens of thousands of volunteers across Minnesota who have responded to Barack's call to service. You can phonebank, go door-to-door, volunteer in your Campaign for Change office, or even clean up a local park or roadway in your community.
It's all about making change in your community, and we're proud that you're making a difference.
Or, as Hillary put it in Hibbing last night: "This is our moment, this is our time."
With less than two weeks until Election Day, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Obama’s Minnesota state director Jeff Blodgett will make four campaign stops across Minnesota to make the case for change to undecided Minnesota voters.
Events will be held in St. Paul, St Cloud, Grand Rapids and Virginia to highlight Senator Obama’s comprehensive plans to restore the economy and lead our country in the 21st century.
The day’s events will kick off at 10 AM at the State Capitol in St. Paul on Thursday. With undecided voters making their decisions over the next few days, these events will speak to independent voters who are concerned with the direction of our economy and are fed up with the viscous attacks and smear tactics being used in the campaign.
Jeff Blodgett explains:
Undecided voters are starting to make their choices and they are seeing a stark contrast between the two candidates for President. Senator McCain has been erratic and out of touch in the face of a serious economic crisis, while Barack Obama has shown strong and steady leadership. As Minnesotans have struggled to deal with the economic crisis, the McCain campaign has stooped to the worst kind of smear tactics that our political process has to offer and Minnesotans are just fed up. Minnesotans want to hear about how we’ll get out of this economic mess, not more negativity and dishonesty.
Undecided voters are starting to make their choices and they are seeing a stark contrast between the two candidates for President. Senator McCain has been erratic and out of touch in the face of a serious economic crisis, while Barack Obama has shown strong and steady leadership.
As Minnesotans have struggled to deal with the economic crisis, the McCain campaign has stooped to the worst kind of smear tactics that our political process has to offer and Minnesotans are just fed up. Minnesotans want to hear about how we’ll get out of this economic mess, not more negativity and dishonesty.
St. Paul Senator Amy Klobuchar State Capitol Room B-15 Program Begins: 10:00 AM St. Cloud Economic Round Table East Side VFW 104 Franklin Avenue Northeast St. Cloud, MN Program Begins: 12:00 PM Grand Rapids Canvass Kickoff Grand Rapids Campaign for Change Office 809 NE 4th Street Grand Rapids, MN Program Begins: 4:00 PM Virginia House Party Home of Paul Cerkvenik 817 S 5th Avenue Virginia, MN Program Begins: 5:30 PM
St. Paul Senator Amy Klobuchar State Capitol Room B-15
Program Begins: 10:00 AM
St. Cloud Economic Round Table East Side VFW 104 Franklin Avenue Northeast St. Cloud, MN
Program Begins: 12:00 PM
Grand Rapids Canvass Kickoff Grand Rapids Campaign for Change Office 809 NE 4th Street Grand Rapids, MN
Program Begins: 4:00 PM
Virginia House Party Home of Paul Cerkvenik 817 S 5th Avenue Virginia, MN
Program Begins: 5:30 PM
Earlier today, DFL Associate Chair, Donna Cassutt sent out the email below promoting the Campaign for Change's Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) effort...
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to. Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4? This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket. Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up. Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now. Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing. I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now. We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4. You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in. Click here to find an office near you. Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state. Sincerely, Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
In 17 short days, Minnesotans will go to the polls to vote in the most historic election of our time. That is, of course, if they are asked. We know that the number one reason people don’t vote is that no one asked them to.
Will you join me in these final few days of the campaign and ask our fellow Minnesotans to join us at the polls on November 4?
This weekend, we are pleased to launch a new website, www.gotvforchange.com. In the final days leading up to Election Day, we’ll need thousands of volunteers to fill thousands of shifts as we Get Out the Vote in all corners of Minnesota. We’ll be walking door to door and calling our neighbors, encouraging them to vote for the entire DFL ticket.
Visit www.gotvforchange.com right now to sign up.
Many of you have been working hard during a very long campaign. You've been incredible. You might be tired. You might be thinking it’s someone else’s turn to help out. You might think that we’re going to win. But we can’t give up now.
Campaigns are about how we finish and we're almost there. No one will remember how many doors we knocked on or how many phone calls we made if Senator Obama doesn’t win Minnesota. But when he does, because of your efforts, we will know that we pushed to the end to make it happen. Let’s keep pushing.
I’m fired up and ready to go. Are you? Click here to sign up right now.
We need your help to encourage our neighbors to go to the polls in the final days of this campaign. We know the most effective way to motivate voters is by calling them or visiting with them on their doorstep. Whether you can volunteer a few hours or several days, it is critical to our success that you sign up now to talk with your neighbors to ensure Minnesotans vote for change on November 4.
You might say – well, I don’t want to wait until the weekend before Election Day to start helping. Excellent. We have offices throughout Minnesota that are up and running day and night right now and we’d love to have you stop by and pitch in.
Click here to find an office near you.
Thank you so much for all you do, and will do to help get out the vote. With your efforts, we will elect Senator Barack Obama as the next President of the United States, send Al Franken to the Senate, elect three new Democratic members of Congress and secure a veto-proof majority in the Minnesota House. With your help, the DFL will win – up and down the ballot – in all corners of the state.
Sincerely,
Donna Cassutt Associate Chair Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party
P.S. There is too much at stake to stay home. It will take each and every one of us to do our part to achieve victory on November 4. Please visit www.gotvforchange.com to sign up now.
Last weekend, a group of "Mamas for Obama" used the my.barackobama.com grassroots organizing tool to set up a playdate with their kids at their neighborhood park.
From the beginning, this campaign has been about everyday people stepping up to make change happen in their own communities. As Barack said today in Londonberry, NH:
John McCain thinks this campaign is all about me – but the truth is, this campaign is about you. Your jobs. Your health care. Your retirement. Your children’s future. That’s what this election is about. That’s what I’m fighting for. Because I can take 3 more weeks of these attacks from John McCain, but the American people can’t take four more years of the same failed policies and the same divisive politics. That’s why I’m running for President of the United States.
Barack was raised by a single mother who put herself through school, followed her passion for helping others, and taught Barack that there are no barriers to success if you are willing to work for it.
His grandmother, who also helped to raise him, worked on a bomber assembly line during World War II. Michelle, Barack's wife, has been described as "the rock of the Obama family." She and Barack want their two daughters, Malia and Sasha, to grow up in an America where both work and family are part of the American Dream.
All of Barack's accomplishments have been made possible because of these women. And it is because of these women that Barack fights for women's rights. He fights for healthcare and education, support for working parents and an insistence on equality.
These are the issues that are important to the women who support Barack -- women who come from all types of backgrounds, and who are united by care for their families and their communities.
We can turn the page on the last eight years and create a better world for our children, but we need your help. By talking with your neighbors about Barack's plan for women and families you can help bring change to Minnesota and to America.
This election is too important to sit on the sidelines -- so get out there, and get started!
Check out the pictures from the "Mamas for Obama" playdate and share your photos with us:
The St. Paul headquarters of the Minnesota Obama campaign had a special visitor on Monday.
The time to get involved is now. the strength and success of Barack's campaign for change in Minnesota depends on you. Sign up to attend a volunteer orientation at your local office this weekend.
"Our purpose today is to come together to contribute and contribute significantly to make sure Barack Obama is elected the next president of the United States."
With those words, Marian Moore opened up a night of musical entertainment, dance, and revelry at The Lab in Minneapolis hosted by Minnesota Artists for Obama.
[Tonight is the product of] three ordinary citizens who thought this election was too important to just stay on the sidelines and see what happens. So they put in their time and resources to make this happen.The presidency for Barack Obama is within reach, and we have just 23 days. After that, the window's closed. What can we give and what can we do to make sure we wake up happy on November 5th?We really can't afford another 4 years of an assault on everything that is good and that is beautiful in the world
[Tonight is the product of] three ordinary citizens who thought this election was too important to just stay on the sidelines and see what happens. So they put in their time and resources to make this happen.
The presidency for Barack Obama is within reach, and we have just 23 days. After that, the window's closed. What can we give and what can we do to make sure we wake up happy on November 5th?
We really can't afford another 4 years of an assault on everything that is good and that is beautiful in the world
The fundraiser, organized by Susan, Mary, and Jan, demonstrates the belief in the power of coming together at the grassroots level, a fundamental tenet of Barack's campaign for change.
The 250 folks who gathered to show their support for Barack, enjoyed musical performances by Adam Levy of the Honeydogs, Prairie Home Companion regulars Prudence Johnson and Dan Chouinard, and John Munson and Matt Wilson of The Twilight Hours. Rhythmic Circus, a local tap dancing troupe, also performed.
Jeff Blodgett, the Obama campaign's Minnesota State Director, spoke with passion about Barack Obama:
The McCain campaign keeps asking the question, "Who is Barack Obama?"But we know who he is, we know the answer. We know that Barack Obama is a man who has devoted his entire life to his community, his country, and that he will be a president who will make the economy work for the American people again.Barack Obama is someone who has tapped into something we're feeling right now in this room--people are ready for change. They're tired of divisive politics and people want real leadership.And while some want to create fear by asking these questions, our campaign here in Minnesota is focused on talking to people about the issues. Because that's what the people want to hear--what is the next president going to do to help me and my family?Minnesotans deserve better than they're getting from John McCain and his campaign.And on November 4th, we're going to make sure they get it.
The McCain campaign keeps asking the question, "Who is Barack Obama?"
But we know who he is, we know the answer. We know that Barack Obama is a man who has devoted his entire life to his community, his country, and that he will be a president who will make the economy work for the American people again.
Barack Obama is someone who has tapped into something we're feeling right now in this room--people are ready for change. They're tired of divisive politics and people want real leadership.
And while some want to create fear by asking these questions, our campaign here in Minnesota is focused on talking to people about the issues. Because that's what the people want to hear--what is the next president going to do to help me and my family?
Minnesotans deserve better than they're getting from John McCain and his campaign.
And on November 4th, we're going to make sure they get it.
From day one, this campaign has been driven by the everyday people, like Susan, Mary, and Jan, who, instead of sitting idly by, stood up and acknowledged their responsibility to make change happen in their community.
Whether it's volunteering at your local Obama office, joining a Team Obama in your neighborhood, or setting up a personal fundraising page, there's something we can all do to impact the future of this country.
After all, as Susan, Mary, and Jan ask, "When has an election in our lifetime been more critical than this?"
Check out the photos from the Artists for Obama event in Minneapolis below, and sign up to volunteer:
Last week, we posted a video of two friends, Anya & Emily, canvassing in Minneapolis.
Both Anya and Emily have made a personal commitment to volunteer for at least three hours each week to make sure Barack wins Minnesota on November 4th.
Watch the video of the drive back from the canvass, as Emily and Anya share their experiences with each other:
When you get out and talk to voters about Barack, you feel like you're making a difference, because...you are!
Check out Neighbor to Neighbor right now and see how easy it is to print up a list of people to canvass right in your own neighborhood.
This post-debate weekend is the perfect weekend to get out there and talk to your neighbors about the real differences between Barack Obama and John McCain. Getting a real live visit from a real live supporter makes a difference at this crucial time when voters are making up their minds.
And it's also a great time to get your kids involved!
Anya said it best: it's inspiring just to hear how excited other people are about Barack Obama.
In front of a crowd of more than 4500 in St. Paul yesterday, Michelle Obama said that, for her, this is not just politics. "It's personal. It's personal for me, it's personal for all of us now."
Hard-working people who don't want government to solve all their problems. Folks in this country aren't asking for much. They just want to be able to do what my dad did for me -- get up, go to work every day and earn a decent living. And from my vantage point, as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, the choice is clear. There's only one candidate who is speaking at all to the issues that I care about.
Hard-working people who don't want government to solve all their problems. Folks in this country aren't asking for much. They just want to be able to do what my dad did for me -- get up, go to work every day and earn a decent living.
And from my vantage point, as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, the choice is clear. There's only one candidate who is speaking at all to the issues that I care about.
Michelle's story is the American story. Michelle grew up on the South Side of Chicago, attended public schools, and took used scholarships and loans to pay her way through college and law school. After a few years practicing corporate law, she returned to the South Side of Chicago to give back to the city she loves and to help others serve their communities as the executive director of a non-profit.
Michelle reminded folks that Barack was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. And while they didn't have much money, they taught him to believe in the promise of America.
I can't speak for anyone else, but Barack Obama gets it. And he doesn't get it in some philosophical, theoretical way. He gets it because he's lived it.
"Don't we deserve leaders who get it?" asked Michelle.
Find out how you can get involved today and join this grassroots movement for change. Sign up to use our Neighbor to Neighbor tool, set up a personal fundraising page, and join your local Team Obama. We need everyone to do their part to help bring real change to America and make sure we elect a president who gets it.
Check out the pictures from Michelle's Change We Need Rally at Macalaster College:
Minnesotans are fired up and ready to make elect Barack Obama the next president of the United States.
Michelle Obama started off this morning with a community event in Rochester, and is now on her way to St. Paul for a Change We Need rally, featuring Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Thousands of everyday Minnesotans braved the cold and rain to wait in line before doors opened at 2:30 p.m.
The line is moving fast, and folks are singing along to "Celebration" and other rally tunes waiting for the rally to start.
It's not too late, come join the fun. The rally starts at 4:30 p.m. Here are the details:
Macalester College Leonard Center 125 Snelling Ave S. St. Paul, MN
Monday, October 13th Doors Open: 2:30 p.m. Program Begins: 4:00 p.m.
