I would like to thank Jim Esch the Democratic nominee for the 2008 general election for Nebraska's 2nd congressional district of the United States House of Representatives for his support for Senator Obama's campaign. A few days ago, I visited his Sarpy/Bellevue campaign office in the Southroads Mall looking for yard signs. I enjoyed talking to Jim's brother who was manning the campaign office at the time and asked for some Scott Kleeb, Jim Esch and Barack Obama yard signs to put up at my house in Golden Hills/Bellevue. They delivered my signs this weekend. I'm a retired/disabled veteran and it would have been difficult getting out of the house again to track down all three yard signs. Thank you.....
Original Post: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/OffuttAirForceBaseNebraska
I was at the opening of the Obama Campaign Headquarters in Omaha last Wednesday and was floored by the amount of people that came out.... I would say there were between 750 - 1,000 people who had shown up by 6PM just to see the OPENING of a campaign office!!!! That is very exciting to me and shows that we really have a chance at flipping the 2nd.
You can read more about the opening at the World Herald:
http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10429623
Show your support for the 2nd District by donating through the Omaha for Obama fundraising page. Our goal is ONLY set to $50 - and we have not raised any yet... Donate now by clicking the link below:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/maingroup/Omaha
I would also like to highlight that the US House of Representatives race for the 2nd District of Nebraska is very close too. Jim Esch is taking on Lee Terry in a repeat match of 06. Esch really seems to have a chance, and the National Democratic Party seems to think so as well, because they have added the race to the Red to Blue list. If you can, send some support to Jim too by donating $10 or volunteering for him. Below are some links to learn more, or donate to Jim:
http://www.jimesch.org/
http://omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10431970
http://www.actblue.com/page/ten4jim
http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19363
I have lived in Omaha, Nebraska for twelve years, and I have never been involved in a political campaign before, outside of some college experiences. This morning, however, I made my first financial contribution and now I'm writing my first blog. Why? It was an article in the World-Herald that inspired me to this action. I was having breakfast with a friend, also a Barack supporter. We started talking about this campaign and the challenges that Sarah Palin presents. The rallying of the evangelicals and social conservatives have played a significant role in the last two Presidential elections, as we know.
We all remember Karl Rove. We all remember the divisive, dirty tricks that were played to re-elect the "Boy Who Would Be King" (also known as President Bush). The only reason Palin scares us so much is that she rallies the same people who made the last eight years possible. The type of supporters she ralllies are fiercely loyal to their beliefs, and they are willing to walk on broken glass to get the McCain-Palin ticket elected.
At this point, my friend brought me the front page of the Omaha World-Herald. I'm paraphrasing here, but the article said that since Nebraska is not a winner take all state for electoral votes, that we actually may have an opportunity, in this district, to cast an electoral vote for Obama. This news was a shock to me, as I have assumed for years that my vote doesn't count in this state.
It was at that moment that I decided that I had to get involved. The stakes are simply too high to let McCain-Palin win. I am just as fiercely dedicated to my beliefs as Palin's followers are, and this time, I'm willing to put my money where my mouth is. Over the next sixty days, I am willing to donate my time and talents to the Obama campaign. I don't care if people laugh at me, or tell me to go away. I care that no matter what happens in the general election, my voice will be heard. I'm a proud American, and a thirty-four year old gay woman, and for the first time I feel like I count.
If you're reading this, you already know how I feel. The elections in 2000 and 2004 were won by a slim majority and a technicality. This election, let's show America what the words "grassroots movement" really means. If there's a little broken glass along the way, I'm quite willing to walk on it.
A number of people have requested I post the Obama poster and pins again. These posters and pins have a little story. With only a few weeks left before the big event in Washington DC, our local bake sale fell short to raise the funds for the permits, tables, stage, and other costs for a big rally and fund raiser in Washington DC. A grassroots event is just that, grassroots and cannot receive support from the campaign or the DNC.
With people making plans to attend and bands volunteering, I sat down and painted a portrait of Obama. Not a portrait artist, but I used to paint wildlife in watercolors. Working as a nurse in the ER, I got home from a shift, started painting, answering emails, and trying to keep ahead of a growing event. The grassroots groups have been great help, and it is coming together. I finished the painting and had a limited edition printed off along with pins from the same artwork. I am pleased to say, the stage is being built thanks to everyone!
The original painting will be in Washington DC framed, and raffled off for the Presidential campaign.
Jeanie
Link to see posters and pins:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=25596901414
for any other information, contact: jeanieschneider@gmail.com
According to the Omaha World Herald (OWH), Obama has taken a serious interest in Nebraska's Second District. The campaign has hired a staff has been that will be lead by John Berge, Executive Director of the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation.
David Plouffe, Obama's campaign manager, has said the campaign will pursue Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District's electoral vote, which includes Omaha, Douglas County, and parts of Sarpy County. Nebraska is one of two states which splits its electoral vote based on Congressional District.
You can read read the OWH article here:
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2835&u_sid=10398164
Does this mean that Omaha might get a second visit from Obama? I think it is a certainty, especially with Iowa sitting so closely to the border. What do you think? Will Obama come see the Husker state again and attempt to make the Second District blue?
I purchased one of those kits in the Obama store and didn't realize just how many stickers 250 really is. Since I have pushed them off on all of my friends, family, and neighbors... and still have a huge amount, I started leaving them for people to grab in unusual places, so that people who find them, can do what they want with them.
Places I have left them include the bank tubes in the drive through, in the community room at a friends apartment, along with a tip for my waiter, along with the $25 check I pay my lawn boy, when sending out items I sold on eBay... and just this weekend, I left a couple next to the ketchup dispenser at Burger King.
The young man who took my order (probably no more than 16), was cleaning the area when he saw one of the stickers I left behind. He picked one up, looked around to see if anyone was looking, then stuck it on his shirt. It put a huge smile on my face! As I ate my french fries and sandwich, I watched another customer pick up the other two I left behind and stuck them in her purse. I couldn't gauge if she was grabbing them for later, or because she was a supporter. Either way, it was worth sacrificing two of my stickers to see that young man stick that on his shirt wearing his sticker with pride! Before I left, I noticed his sticker was gone.... I needed to get a soda for my mother, who met me in the parking lot after she finished shopping.... I asked him what happened to his sticker... he said the boss made him take it off. I handed him a handful of stickers and told him to share them with his friends! He said thanks, and said he would save them for later!
I guess I am sharing this story because it shows that little things can make a difference. Leaving a sticker on the counter of a fast food restaurant might just help someone make up their mind, or reinforce them to vote... at least I like to think so.
Most of us here have a combined interest in helping get Barack Obama into office this November. I was wondering if anyone supports, volunteers, or is interested in the local elections here in Nebraska. Candidates for Congress and Senate.
We have four races with Democrats running including:
Congress:
1st Distirct: Max Yashirin http://www.maxcongress.com/
2nd District: Jim Esch http://www.jimesch.org/
3rd District: Jay Stoddard
Senate:
Scott Kleeb http://www.scottkleeb.com/
I have been doing things for the Jim Esch campaign in addition to the Obama campaign. I would love to here others who are involved in local races. If you live in Omaha/Sarpy and want to learn more about Jim Esch -or even get involved, let me know you can join my team!
I'm sure you've seen a lot of negative smears and lies about Obama on the internet and other media outlets. Let's work together to overwhelm these lies with truth and drown out the divisions with HOPE!
People all over the country are writing one blog post per week about Obama for the next 10 weeks. We have 55+ bloggers in 25 states, but we're missing NEBRASKA!! We want to have bloggers in all 50 states, so we can't do it without you!!
It would be great to get people who live in so-called "red states" involved with this project, since you may be most in need of Operation HOPE!.
If you're new to blogging, I can get you set up with you own blog in less than 5 minutes! so why not? Join Operation HOPE! One of the greatest things about Obama's campaign is the way that people whose voices have previously been silent are listened to and respected. Lots of folks have set up their first blog just to participate in this event, so we'd love to have you!!
If you are already an active blogger, it doesn't take any extra effort. and your blog will probably get more traffic, since I'll be linking all the bloggers and promoting the event.
Please check out the event details and sign up if you're interested in blogging for Obama: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/444wt I am coordinating the bloggers (with an interactive map and links to all the active bloggers doing 10 posts in 10 weeks) on my "Crush on Obama" blog at: http://rubycrushonobama.blogspot.com Hope to see you in the blogosphere! -Ruby
The best thing that we can all do is work towards getting out the vote... donating is always nice, for those who can afford. But for those of us who can not afford to give money, giving time to volunteer, or even encouraging friends and family to vote for Obama is just as valuable as giving money to the campaign. If you can afford to give... nothing is ever to small!
-Bob
MoveOn is giving away Free Obama Buttons.... I figured some people might want one. Here is the link:
http://pol.moveon.org/obamabuttons/?id=-4545840-CKaHjrx
Enjoy your new button!!!
I have created another Omaha group since the current one is set so all blogs must be manually approved by the admin, and it appears it hasn't been moderated since February. The new group, Omaha for Obama: Split the Electoral Votes allows for blogs to be posted without pre-approval from an admin. I think this will help out the Omaha locals who want to read local blogs! The link to the group is:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/OmahaforObamaSplittheElectoralVotes
The foundation of this group is based on the fact that Nebraska is one of two states that can split its Electoral votes based on Congressional districts. The second District encompasses the Omaha metropolitan area. It includes all of Douglas County and the urbanized areas of Sarpy County. The Second District has a very good chance of having its Electoral vote go to Obama. This group is for those who want to be able to help deliver Nebraska's Second District for Obama.
The New Yorker described Barry Blitt's work as lampooning of "scare tactics and misinformation in the Presidential election to derail Barack Obama's campaign.""The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Senator Obama's right-wing critics have tried to create," Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton said."But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree," Burton added.
I think the idea that the Obamas are branded as unpatriotic [let alone as terrorists] in certain sectors is preposterous. It seemed to me that depicting the concept would show it as the fear-mongering ridiculousness that it is.
Today I watched Fareed Zakaria's interview with Sen. Obama with the expectation that the Senator would speak well, but show a lack of understanding about the international community. I was, thankfully, mistaken.
As with most things, Sen. Obama showed a through knowledge of the subject matter and gave insightful answers to questions posed by Dr. Zakaria. The Senator's insight and judgement exceeds his years, both personally and politically. While I respect and admire Sen. McCain as a patriot, his attacks upon Sen. Obama's qualifications to lead the free world quite simply miss the mark.
During the interview, I was most impressed with Sen. Obama's judgement, insight, and maturity. Qualities that, frankly, have been lacking in the current administration, and which are sorely needed to return respect in the international community for the United States. Well done Senator!
I've invited bloggers to commit to writing one post per week about Obama for the next 10 weeks. This will take us through the convention in Denver. Our guidelines are simply that the posts are positive and honest. The movement is building: already 25+ bloggers signed up, so that's at least 250 posts over the next 10 weeks, and more folks sign on everyday!
It would be great to get people who live in so-called "red states" involved with this project, since you may be most in need of Operation HOPE!. I'm hoping to have bloggers from every single stats in the United States... so I'm reaching out to the "red" states first!
Especially if you are already an active blogger, it doesn't take any extra effort. and your blog will probably get more traffic, since I'll be linking all the bloggers and promoting the event.If you're new to blogging, I can get you set up with you own blog in less than 5 minutes! so why not? Join Operation HOPE!
Please check out the event details and sign up if you're interested in blogging for Obama: http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/44hfj I am coordinating the bloggers (and will have links to all the active bloggers doing 10 posts in 10 weeks) on my "Crush on Obama" blog at: http://rubycrushonobama.blogspot.com Hope to see you in the blogosphere! -Ruby
