1%, or 1 vote out of 100There have been 12 Presidential elections that were decided by less than a 1% margin; meaning if less than 1% of the voters in certain states had changed their mind to the other candidate the outcome of the entire election would have been different. More than half were decided by less than a 2% margin.
In 2004, 57,787 votes would have given us President Kerry.In 2000, 269 votes would have given us President GoreIn 1996, 575,515 votes would have given us President Dole.
From ABC News:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/scienceandsociety/2008/09/squeakers.html
=========="Squeakers"Ned PotterABC NewsSeptember 29, 2008How close have Presidential elections been? Closer, perhaps, than we ever guessed. Mike Sheppard, a grad student in statistics at Michigan State, has done a mathematical exercise that shows it.He ran a computer program to answer this question: "What is the smallest number of total votes that need to be switched from one candidate to another, and from which states, to affect the outcome of the election?"The answer: in some years, very, very few. Take a look at his analysis HERE. It shows the powerful interaction between the popular vote and the electoral college.[...]==========
Full article here:http://blogs.abcnews.com/scienceandsociety/2008/09/squeakers.html
Detailed analysis here, including colored maps:https://www.msu.edu/~sheppa28/elections.html-Mike Sheppard
"The choice here between Barack Obama and Joe Biden and the other ticket is so stark when it comes to the issues that working women and women at home care about." She believes the fact that North Dakota does not require voter registration provides an incredible opportunity for women in the state to help shape the outcome of this election.
On the issue of social security, she said,
"Social Security has been a stronghold for people to know that in retirement, in the loss of health or in the loss of work opportunities, that they will have a program that they've paid into that will benefit them in retirement. Why should women care about this? Women should care about this because they live longer"
Ms Cantwell said she has "faith and confidence that Barack Obama's priorities are the right priorities for North Dakota," and was surprised and excited to see the field effort that has already been established in the state on behalf of Barack,
"Today's effort is just another commitment by Senator Obama to say how much he cares about North Dakota, because if you care about North Dakota now, you're certainly going to care about North Dakota when you're in the White House. And so I really appreciate that he's putting the time and energy into understanding the issues here and to make the commitment to work hard with the people of this state."
"When I look at this transition we have to make, I want a new leader with new ideas, with a vision for the future, particularly on energy, who's going to get us off our dependence on Middle East oil"
On Monday, Senator Cantwell will hold a roundtable with women small business owners in Fargo. The discussion will focus on Senator Obama's plan to support North Dakota's working women.
Charlie Bolte is a recent high school graduate who plans to enter into military service with the Navy later this year. In the interim he volunteers at the Minot Campaign for Change office several times per week, making calls for hours on end, spreading Barack's message of hope and change to his fellow North Dakotans.
It is because of volunteers like Charlie that the field campaign is doing so well here in North Dakota. Like Charlie, the vast majority of volunteers in this campaign have never been involved politically before, but have been inspired and empowered by their desire for change and their recognition that they can do something about it.
If you are not already involved, now is the time. There are only 56 days left and there is a lot of work to be done. Everyone of you is needed and each one of you can make a difference. Sign up online to volunteer or stop by a regional field office to find out how you can make a difference.
Micki Lindeman is a student at United Tribes Technical College. Outside of volunteering at the Pow Wow booth, she has been helping to get fellow students involved and educated about Obama. Micki became an Obama supporter after reading his book "Dreams of My Father", prior to his presidential run. She has been following his career and campaign, and remains an avid supporter today. Like many of her fellow students, Micki is concerned about the future of her tribal college and she believes Obama's plan will not leave tribal colleges out as has been the case for years.
"Our college's President has had to fight for funding for the past seven years because we've been left out of the budget. That's kind of scary when you're going to a tribal college, to wonder if it's going to be there the next year. And then this year our President was invited to speak at the Democratic National Convention. It's a huge difference!"
Photos from this weekend
North Dakota First Americans for Obama, directed by Standing Rock Nation native Jodi Gillette, is committed to getting that message out to the tribal communities in North Dakota.
Well, Senator Obama has finally said something that I strongly disagree with. He said during an interview on The O’Reilly Factor that “[The surge] it’s succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.” It is a common mistake to assume cause-and-effect without supporting facts. For example, Bush implements the ‘surge’ and a few months later we have the transfer of Anbar from US to Iraqi control therefore the ‘surge’ is a success. Actually, the transfer was the results of the Awakening groups, those Sunni Arab tribal groups that decided, not so much that we were their friends but that our enemy was their enemy. The ‘surge’ made no contribution to this. It has made very little and probably no contribution to the increasing number of trained Iraqi military and police personnel. And it is making no contribution to the struggle by the Shia, Sunni and Kurds to form a truly representative government. Though the situation in Iraq is complex and certainty is illusive, I believe that the ‘surge’ has made no significant positive contribution to the situation. Governor Palin asked an interesting question today: we must ask where we would be today without the surge. Very likely the Iraq situation would be as it is today and we would have more resources to deal with a significantly deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. Senator Obama, you were right and you have a fundamentally deeper understanding of the situation in Iraq and the Middle East than your opposition.
In addition to Earl, District 42 State House candidates Cory Mock and Bruce Stanford, State Senate candidate Mac Schneider, and Public Service Commission candidate Cheryl Bergian were on hand to talk to students at the University of North Dakota on Wednesday.
Campaign for Change is co-hosting two events this week with local college Democrats featuring special guest North Dakota Congressman Earl Pomeroy.
Wednesday, September 3rd, Congressman Pomeroy will be on the campus of the University of North Dakota to join students for burgers and s'mores and to speak to them about Barack Obama and the importance of political participation. District 42 State House candidates Cory Mock and Bruce Stanford will be attending the BBQ as well as State Senate candidate Mac Schneider.
The event is planned to begin at 3:30 PM and run for about an hour and a half. Those interested in attending should plan to meet at the Wilkerson Gazebo located outside of Wilkerson Dining Center on campus.
The following day, Thursday, September 4th, Campaign for Change is teaming up with the NDSU College Democrats and Congress Pomeroy for an Ice Cream Social to be held at the Babbling Brook on the NDSU campus in Fargo and is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM.
Ali Ness, head of the NDSU College Democrats will be introducing Congressman Pomeroy who is scheduled to speak at 4:00 PM. Cheryl Bergian who is currently running for the office of Public Service Commissioner will be attending both events.
Come on out, get some free food, meet some new people and hear Congressman Pomeroy speak. An RSVP is not required, but is recommended.
RSVP for the UND BBQ on Wednesday
RSVP for the NDSU Ice Cream Social on Thursday
Campaign for Change is currently looking for fall interns. It's a great way to spend your fall internship and earn college course credits. You will also learn more about the political process while meeting new people and having a great time. Apply for an internship today!
Campaign for Change staff and volunteers will be out walking and knocking on doors; reaching out to North Dakota voters and spreading Barack’s message across the state.
The Democratic National Convention created a huge momentum and we need to seize that momentum to mobilize as many voters as possible, starting this weekend.
Your Support and enthusiasm fuels this movement. Come help us continue to build the amazing strength of this grassroots movement.
Find the Weekend of Action event nearest you
Hillary Cliton ROCKED the house last night.. and then.... BILL CLINTON was just amazing >>>> Biden was off the chain; and then Barack Obama is now on the DNC stage. I'm so excited!!! The energy tonight is contagious!
ALSO ---
FRIENDS!!! listen up..
>>>If you happen to know anyone would care to add me; I'd appreciate the support. I'm trying to gain some notice for a couple of simple reasons.. 1. I am a lifelong Republican turned full Democratic (( yes, I converted completely and voted for Barack in the primary here in ND )) 2. I am a budding talk show host with 23 years of radio broadcasting experience. My entire family is on the air somewhere.. it's crazy. >> Interesting note: My oldest brother Scott [Hennen] is now my *greatest* rival >> google "Scott Hennen" you'll see why. I should also confess that I've been trying to get a 2 minute phone interview (more like LOVEFEST) with Barack. I don't see it happeningbut my "official" media request was e-mail ages ago now. *smile*
I can't wait to do my part to TAKE our country BACK when I vote for the Obama/Biden ticket Nancy PS: Feel free to donate dollars for Obama/Biden 08' at http://my.barackobama.com/page/dashboard/public/gGt2mQHey There! Need to REGISTER to VOTE ? --> http://www.vote411.org/
Tomorrow, millions will be watching Barack Obama accept the Democratic Nomination. People across North Dakota and across America will be attending Convention Watch Parties and planning for the Nationwide Weekend of Action that will take place this Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Here in North Dakota, there are nearly 60 House parties planned for Thursday evening and over 100 events planned for the Labor Day weekend. These events are taking place all across the state of North Dakota; from Williston to Wahpeton, from Bottineau to Bismarck. To find the House Party or Weekend of Action event near you, visit ND.BarackObama.com/organizeforchange-bg
This is your opportunity to get involved, this is your moment, seize it!
If you missed Amanda's speech last night or would like to watch it again, click on the image below.
I am Amanda Kubik. In 1997 I was a high school sophomore in North Dakota. That spring, the Red River flooded its banks and devastated Fargo and Grand Forks. In our saddest and soggiest hour, I saw my generation, my friends, come to life. We’ve moved on from filling sandbags to raising money for a myriad of causes, to signing up for AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps. And even serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. We feel a sense of urgency to make this country the America we grew up believing in. So when I hear that people doubt the impact of young people, I know they don’t know our powerful potential. But Senator Obama knows. Before the caucuses, the campaign sent staffers to North Dakota. That had never happened before. That team engaged young people, tapping into our potential. Until then, we were unregarded and the result was voter apathy among us. That has changed. Thanks to Barack Obama, young people got involved and found our voices. Across the nation, thousands of students and young professionals are uniting on campuses and in coffee shops, organizing, speaking out and running for local office. We are making our change visible. The victory of Barack Obama and Joe Biden in November may be the first presidential election where the youth vote and our activism play a decisive role, but I guarantee it won’t be the last. We are a generation who grew up believing yes, we can do anything, or as we sometimes say up in Fargo, “Ya sure, ya betcha.” For the better, we young patriots will change our country, and Barack Obama is the change we need to do it.
WHO: Amanda Kubik, Fargo native and Youngest Member of the North Dakota delegation WHERE: Democratic National Convention, Denver, CO WHEN: Between Approximately 5:30 - 6:00 PM CT
WHO: Amanda Kubik, Fargo native and Youngest Member of the North Dakota delegation
WHERE: Democratic National Convention, Denver, CO
WHEN: Between Approximately 5:30 - 6:00 PM CT
I personally
hope
it's
HILLARY CLINTON.
WHO DO YOU THINK WILL GET IT?
Nanner
Today, Campaign Manager David Plouffe sent out the following email:
Barack Obama is about to make one of the most important decisions of this campaign -- choosing a running mate. You have helped build this movement from the bottom up, and Barack wants you to be the first to know his choice.Sign up today to be the first to know: http://my.barackobama.com/vp You will receive an email the moment Barack makes his decision, or you can text VP to 62262 to receive a text message on your mobile phone. Once you've signed up, please forward this email to your friends, family, and coworkers to let them know about this special opportunity. No other campaign has done this before. You can be part of this important moment. Be the first to know who Barack selects as his running mate. Thanks, David
Campaign for Change staff will be hosting birthday parties at offices across the state. To find the office nearest you visit my.barackobama.com/ndoffices.
Click here to RSVP for one of these events
For more information, visit my.barackobama.com
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 NORTH DAKOTA!!We want to include 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
Guest speaker, District 42's Senatorial candidate, Mac Schneider stressed the significance of the campaign's presence in North Dakota, "For the first time since 1964, North Dakota is in the game". He went on to talk about how polling numbers and historical voter turnout leads him to believe this race could come down to only a couple thousand votes and the impact each person can have on the outcome of the Presidential election here in North Dakota.
"It's the only campaign with paid staff here in North Dakota, 50 paid staffers across the state all trying to reach voters in every single county, every single town; wherever people want change, they're going to be there. But they can't do it alone; so, a couple of thousand people, what does that mean? It means you're going to have to talk to your friends, you're going to have to talk to the people who sit next to you in church, you're going to have to knock on doors, make phone calls, get absentee ballots and early vote applications to students who wouldn't otherwise know they can vote in North Dakota. And I think if you do that, North Dakota is going to be in a lot better shape; we're going to wake up on Nov 5th and we're going to see Senator Obama make history. And we're all going to feel pretty proud of ourselves too because we've done our little part to make this country just a little bit better."
Read more >>
Barack Obama's Campaign for Change is opening offices across the state of North Dakota. Show your support by attending one of these events.
Office openings will be at the following locations:
Fargo 107 Roberts St N Fargo, ND 58102 Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 6:00 PM View map
Bismarck 3333 E Broadway Ave, Suite 1206 Bismarck, ND 58501 Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 6:00 PM View map
Minot 1602 4th Ave NW Minot, ND 58703 Tuesday, July 29, 2008 at 5:30 PM View map
Grand Forks 2750 Gateway Dr, Suite F Grand Forks, ND 58203 Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 6:30 PM View map
