My heart leaps for joy and it feels as though a shadow has lifted from my eyes as I read the news in the LA Times. Never before have I seen a cabinet that looks more like my community, nor have a felt such a strong sense of patriotism. THIS is what it's all about!
Never in my lifetime have I felt more "American" than today, in what is taking shape as a diverse cabinet in Washington D.C.
http://www.latimes.com/news/la-na-richardson-commerce24-2008nov24,0,1405154.story?track=rss
Thank you, President-elect Obama. It is clear that change is finally on the horizon.
As written in the Navajo-Hopi Observer on September 15, 2008, more than 100 tribal leaders endorse Obama. Read more about it on the Navajo-Hopi Observer and Navajo Times websites:
http://wwwnavajohopiobserver.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=7218
http://www.navajotimes.com/politics/0908/092508obama.php
ACORN Obama Campaign RESPONSE
(Please copy this message and post it everywhere. Send to media. Blog it. Post it.)
(This is a reply from watchdog@barackobama.com ~Neil)
Thanks for sending in the email about ACORN. This smear has been gaining popularity lately as people look for explanations for our economic crisis -- and smear artists looking to destroy Barack see an opening. Every word of it is dishonest and manipulative.
Email smears like this are part of a broader, shadowy strategy to scare people who aren't very familiar with Barack by spreading false information.
Here are the facts:
Barack Obama was never an ACORN community organizer.Barack was never an ACORN trainer and was never an employee of ACORN.ACORN was not part of Project Vote, the successful voter registration drive Barack led in 1992.As an attorney, Barack worked with the U.S. Department of Justice to represent ACORN and other voter's rights groups in a lawsuit to enforce the widely praised federal Motor Voter Law in Illinois.The Huffington Post has laid out the evidence showing the truth about Barack, ACORN, and these smears. See: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/05/smears-contradicted-obama_n_132098.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/03/obama-camp-debunks-voter_n_131686.html
Barack Obama was never an ACORN community organizer.
Barack was never an ACORN trainer and was never an employee of ACORN.
ACORN was not part of Project Vote, the successful voter registration drive Barack led in 1992.
As an attorney, Barack worked with the U.S. Department of Justice to represent ACORN and other voter's rights groups in a lawsuit to enforce the widely praised federal Motor Voter Law in Illinois.
The Huffington Post has laid out the evidence showing the truth about Barack, ACORN, and these smears. See:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/05/smears-contradicted-obama_n_132098.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/03/obama-camp-debunks-voter_n_131686.html
There's no way to stop these dangerous, misleading viral emails one-by-one, but together we can take the political process back from the cynical politics of deception. We can all start by spreading the truth about Barack Obama.
Forward this email to everyone else who received the ACORN smear, then head to Fight The Smears <http://www.fightthesmears.com> to get details about more smears and see what else you can do: Fight The Smears: http://www.fightthesmears.com
Here are a few facts about Barack Obama that people might be interested to learn: * Barack Obama is working for middle class Americans. The Obama-Biden tax plan includes a tax cut of $1,000 for more than 150 million working Americans. The plan will also eliminate income taxes altogether for more than 7 million senior citizens who make less than $50,000 per year. Finally, Obama's plan will provide an average of $500 to 10 million homeowners, the majority of whom earn less than $50,000 per year. Learn more about the Obama-Biden tax plan: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/#tax-relief http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/publications/url.cfm?ID=411693* Barack Obama knows that the problems we're facing in this election are too serious to let the politics of manufactured controversy and fake outrage dominate. He wants to bring our troops home from Iraq, so we can focus on Afghanistan and track down the terrorists who attacked us. And he's proposed a detailed plan for using alternative energy sources to relieve America's dependence on foreign oil within 10 years and put millions of Americans to work.See more about Obama's plan for change here: See Barack's detailed plan for America: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/planforchange_ad/* After being raised by a single mother and by his grandparents in a modest household, Barack studied hard and won scholarships and loans to attend Columbia University and later Harvard Law School, where he became president of the Harvard Law Review. After law school, he returned to Chicago, where he helped disadvantaged citizens work for better jobs and better schools. Barack later went on to teach constitutional law at the University of Chicago, helping to educate the community leaders of tomorrow. Read more about Barack Obama: http://www.barackobama.com/learn/meet_barack.php
Here are a few facts about Barack Obama that people might be interested to learn: * Barack Obama is working for middle class Americans. The Obama-Biden tax plan includes a tax cut of $1,000 for more than 150 million working Americans. The plan will also eliminate income taxes altogether for more than 7 million senior citizens who make less than $50,000 per year. Finally, Obama's plan will provide an average of $500 to 10 million homeowners, the majority of whom earn less than $50,000 per year. Learn more about the Obama-Biden tax plan: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/#tax-relief
http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/publications/url.cfm?ID=411693
* Barack Obama knows that the problems we're facing in this election are too serious to let the politics of manufactured controversy and fake outrage dominate. He wants to bring our troops home from Iraq, so we can focus on Afghanistan and track down the terrorists who attacked us. And he's proposed a detailed plan for using alternative energy sources to relieve America's dependence on foreign oil within 10 years and put millions of Americans to work.
See more about Obama's plan for change here: See Barack's detailed plan for America: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/planforchange_ad/
* After being raised by a single mother and by his grandparents in a modest household, Barack studied hard and won scholarships and loans to attend Columbia University and later Harvard Law School, where he became president of the Harvard Law Review. After law school, he returned to Chicago, where he helped disadvantaged citizens work for better jobs and better schools. Barack later went on to teach constitutional law at the University of Chicago, helping to educate the community leaders of tomorrow. Read more about Barack Obama: http://www.barackobama.com/learn/meet_barack.php
Please forward this to anyone you know who has received this smear email about Barack. Together we can make sure these negative and divisive attacks don't affect this election.
Thanks for your help,
Obama for America
Hey guys,
We have a location, and we have a phone list 197 PAGES LONG with 13 contacts on each page! I would love to fly through the whole thing and get newer numbers for next weekend.
We will be hosting a phone bank at the Weber County Democrats HQ located at 2650 Washington Boulevard. This is a professional building that must remain locked but if you are at the door someone will see you and let you in.
All you have to bring is your cell phone and enthusiasm, everything else will be there.
We will be having phone banks every weekend between now and the election (and possibly on Election Day) so if you can't make tomorrow just tell all your friends about it and join us on another weekend.
The location will be changing to Weber State University next weekend but I will get with you later about that. Let's tackle one day at a time and WIN THIS ELECTION!
We will be at WCD HQ from 10 am to 7pm on Sunday, 10/12. Call if you want to come down so we know to save you some phone numbers and we will see you there!
Brenda
801-791-5030
Hey Team,Colorado is more important than ever now. We want to host an official phone bank this weekend and need a place for about 50 volunteers.There will be printed call lists. All the volunteers will need to bring are their cell phones and enthusiasm.Any ideas on a location that is available October 11 and 12 from 10-7 in the Ogden area?
I have checked the library, Marshall White Center. I have a call into Weber State, The Universal Unitarian Church and the Weber County Democrats.
Thanks guys!
Brenda801-791-5030
INVITATION TO ALL MORMONS TO VOTE THEIR CONSCIENCE
LDS Church encourages member involvement in political process
By Carrie A. MooreDeseret News
Published: Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 12:28 a.m. MDT
While the LDS Church has long affirmed its political neutrality regarding political parties, platforms and candidates, it is reminding its members of their duty to vote and of the church's right to speak out on political and social issues.
In a letter sent to priesthood leaders dated Sept. 11 to be read from the pulpit in LDS congregations nationwide on Sunday, the church's First Presidency titled its message "Political participation, voting and the political neutrality of the Church."
Church leaders each year read a statement of political neutrality from the pulpit and encourage members to get involved in the political process, but this year's letter differed from previous years in the urgency with which it encourages individual political participation.
"As citizens, we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future," the letter reads.
"Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties."
"Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government," the letter said.
As in the past, the letter affirms the church's "neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues."
In June, the First Presidency sent a letter to church leaders in California — also to be read from the pulpit — asking church members to "do all you can" to uphold traditional marriage. The move came following a ruling earlier this year by the California Supreme Court that overturned a previous referendum outlawing gay marriage.
Voters there will decide in November whether to approve the proposed amendment, and opponents have grown increasingly vocal in their criticism of the church's stance and the political involvement of its members.
E-mail: carrie@desnews.com
-----
First Presidency Issues Letter on Political Participation
SALT LAKE CITY | 22 September 2008 | The following letter was issued by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 11, 2008, to be read to Church congregations throughout the United States: Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future. Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties. Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues. Sincerely yours,
Thomas S. Monson Henry B. Eyring Dieter F. Uchtdorf The First Presidency
Greetings!LDS Members are invited to join Mormons for Obama!This is a group dedicated to bringing together members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon) who support Barack Obama.We encourage all people to participate with their local Obama groups (i.e. Utah for Obama).Please read Obama's speech on faith.Also, please use the blog feature for discussions, and make announcements over the listserv. The listserv is now moderated.The Mormons for Obama email discussion group can be found here.Visit the Mormons for Obama Store!Some other Mormon groups for Obama:Oregon Mormons for Obama 08AZ Mormons for ObamaLatter Day Saints (Mormons) for ObamaDFW Mormons for Obama
Greetings!
LDS Members are invited to join Mormons for Obama!
This is a group dedicated to bringing together members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon) who support Barack Obama.
We encourage all people to participate with their local Obama groups (i.e. Utah for Obama).
Please read Obama's speech on faith.
Also, please use the blog feature for discussions, and make announcements over the listserv. The listserv is now moderated.
The Mormons for Obama email discussion group can be found here.
Visit the Mormons for Obama Store!
Some other Mormon groups for Obama:
Oregon Mormons for Obama 08
AZ Mormons for Obama
Latter Day Saints (Mormons) for Obama
DFW Mormons for Obama
Gwen and I worked the Farmer's Market yesterday and it went great. We had to be non-partisan since they do not allow politics at the Farmer's Market (which is a actually a good thing, I don't want to run a Godfrey gauntlet every time I go there) but we felt being there and getting people registered since it is our niche was more important than not going.
I apologize for not letting people know earlier that we were going to be flying under the radar while we were there. The coordinator was super busy this week with things for the M2M festival and he did not get back with me about not being able to attend until late in the day. Fortunately I had another way in and that's how we were able to do non-partisan voter registration.
We went through over 100 applications and a large majority of those I will be delivering to the county clerk's office myself. We also got several vote by mail forms and one poll worker application so it was a very successful day.
Several of my Camp Obama mates are in Colorado this weekend. I am expecting to hear how things went soon and I will let you know about that. I am excited since I am going to Colorado on October 1 for five days. Whoo Hoo!
Our debate watching party was wonderful. We had a great time and I collected some donation checks. Money is always helpful. :) I won't be in town for the VP debate but you can bet I will be watching it in Colorado! Keep an eye on SNL. It is HILARIOUS!
More later.
I just joined the group, after attending Camp Obama on Saturday.
Is anyone interested in getting together and phone banking? I have been making calls today (although I have to stop since the Bronco's are playing! LOL) and it would be nice to have a group of us doing it.
We have wireless at our house and if you have a lap top and a cell phone we could meet at my house in South Weber some evening.
Send me a message or comment with interest and when would work for you and I will set something up.
I live in Rep. Roz McGee's district, 28, and since she's retiring, the seat is open. Brian King is the Democratic candidate for the district, and I really can't say enough good things about him. I had lunch with Brian before the primary, and I learned a lot about him. In the months since, I've had several opportunities to meet with him, and his campaign manager, Chris Fleming. They've been very supportive of Obama for Utah, and the grassroots movement. Brian King will continue to represent District 28's interests, and will be a very accessible Representative.
Here are the issues Brian is running on, as stolen directly from his web site:
Representative Politics: I’m running to ensure that the interests of the people in District 28 are represented by an experienced, knowledgeable, and established advocate.Education: I was gratified to see the voucher issue so decisively defeated at the polls last year. We must build a strong educational infrastructure to effectively fund public education at all levels in the state while at the same time put in place mechanisms to attract and retain excellent teachers.Ethics Reform: We must continue to press for basic, common-sense legislation in this area. For example, it is absurd that legislators have the ability to take unused campaign funds and use them for personal benefit at the end of their service.Economy: We must ensure that our economy stays strong. Thousands of people are losing houses due to the mortgage crisis and as a state we must provide avenues for residents of District 28 and across the state to manage their money so that they don’t lose their home while at the same time ensuring that new homeowners can buy a home.Environment: Too often the environment takes a back seat to development or other economic interests. Our representative in the legislature must work to bring greater balance to all environmental issues we in District 28 are concerned about.Health Care: We must work as a state to ensure that every Utahn has health insurance, and is allowed access to quality health care while at the same time encouraging the best and safest possible medical practices in our community.
You can get a good sense of who Brian is by reading his blog, or if you enjoy reading lawyer-speak, check out his law blog.
I got this email, titled 56 Days Till Election day, from Chris Fleming earlier:
Fellow Brian King Supporters: We need to take every ounce of frustration we've felt during eight years of George W. Bush and channel it into a wave of grassroots energy dedicated to electing Brian King to the House of Representatives. If we want our open spaces to be protected, quality education for our children and a affordable healthcare we need volunteers like you to get out and help Brian Keep 28 Blue. Brian, his family, and volunteers are walking four days out of every week, twice on Saturdays and this coming Saturday we have an aggressive walk scheduled for two very large Precincts. COME JOIN US! HELP US KEEP 28 BLUE! Brian King Canvass Precincts 2632 and 2634 9:30 AM-12:30 PM 1:30 PM-4:30 PM Meet at Dan's Parking Lot in Foothill Village! Please email me at Chris@KingForRep.com if you can attend. Democratically Yours, Chris Fleming Campaign Manager Brian King for Representative “Together We Can...For All of Us”
Fellow Brian King Supporters:
We need to take every ounce of frustration we've felt during eight years of George W. Bush and channel it into a wave of grassroots energy dedicated to electing Brian King to the House of Representatives.
If we want our open spaces to be protected, quality education for our children and a affordable healthcare we need volunteers like you to get out and help Brian Keep 28 Blue.
Brian, his family, and volunteers are walking four days out of every week, twice on Saturdays and this coming Saturday we have an aggressive walk scheduled for two very large Precincts.
COME JOIN US! HELP US KEEP 28 BLUE!
Brian King Canvass Precincts 2632 and 2634 9:30 AM-12:30 PM 1:30 PM-4:30 PM Meet at Dan's Parking Lot in Foothill Village! Please email me at Chris@KingForRep.com if you can attend.
Democratically Yours, Chris Fleming Campaign Manager Brian King for Representative “Together We Can...For All of Us”
If you're free this Saturday, please consider helping the Brian King campaign out, and walking with them.
Or, if you're in House District 47 (West Jordan and Midvale), I got this email for Jennifer Burley Wolfe, who also needs help:
Hi folks! So we're in the home stretch with UNDER 2 months! And it's getting heated over here. For instance, I saw my first "Obama / Mascaro" lawn sign combination this morning - how can that happen?!! Let's turn it around by going door-to-door together and getting the word out about the REAL Democrat running in this area. I need ALL the help I can get to pull this off! Email me and let me know which 2-3 walking shifts you can make: TOMORROW Thurs. 9/11 6pm Fri 9/12 6pm Sat 9/13 10am or 3pm Wed 9/17 6pm Thur 9/18 6pm Fri 9/19 6pm Sat 9/20 10am or 3pm Wed 9/24 6pm Thur 9/25 6pm Fri 9/26 6pm Sat 9/27 10am Reminder - all month there are VOLUNTEER PERKS! Everyone gets a free campaign shirt while supplies last (I'll replenish, but there may be a few days delay.) Each time you canvass in September, your name goes into a hat and you may be randomly selected to win a $50 gift card. Then whoever walks the most shifts gets a $25 card, just for being there for us. And each Friday night we have pizza! THANKS for everything!
Hi folks!
So we're in the home stretch with UNDER 2 months! And it's getting heated over here. For instance, I saw my first "Obama / Mascaro" lawn sign combination this morning - how can that happen?!! Let's turn it around by going door-to-door together and getting the word out about the REAL Democrat running in this area. I need ALL the help I can get to pull this off!
Email me and let me know which 2-3 walking shifts you can make:
TOMORROW Thurs. 9/11 6pm
Fri 9/12 6pm
Sat 9/13 10am or 3pm
Wed 9/17 6pm
Thur 9/18 6pm
Fri 9/19 6pm
Sat 9/20 10am or 3pm
Wed 9/24 6pm
Thur 9/25 6pm
Fri 9/26 6pm
Sat 9/27 10am
Reminder - all month there are VOLUNTEER PERKS! Everyone gets a free campaign shirt while supplies last (I'll replenish, but there may be a few days delay.) Each time you canvass in September, your name goes into a hat and you may be randomly selected to win a $50 gift card. Then whoever walks the most shifts gets a $25 card, just for being there for us. And each Friday night we have pizza!
THANKS for everything!
--Jayla Jennifer (Jayla) Burley Wolfe Candidate for House, District 47 www.burleywolfeforhouse.com
--Jayla
Jennifer (Jayla) Burley Wolfe Candidate for House, District 47 www.burleywolfeforhouse.com
If you're not in either district, but you want to help candidates, you can use the Neighborhood Volunteer Program or call the Utah Democratic Headquarters at 801.328.1212 to find out which candidates in your neighborhood need your help the most!
November is less than 10 weeks away, as Justin of the Young Democrats of Utah reminded me via the email below. We can't just wait around and see how this turns out, we have to be a part of changing how it turns out!
Misty, With the election closing in on us fast, it is time for us to get in gear and start working to get Democrats elected. The Young Democrats will be knocking on doors every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1 PM Please come out and join us. This Saturday we will be meeting at Dimple Dell Rec Center 10600 So. 1000 E. in the 10600 So. parking lot. Come out knock a few doors, meet some new friends, and get a free t-shirt. To RSVP: Email justin@youngdemsofutah.org Phone 801-824-4073 We will also be making phone calls every Thursday from now until the election. Our Headquarters are located at 1063 E. 3300 So. (in the Corroon campaign headquarters) If you have any questions about these events or how you can get involved please let me know. Justin
Misty,
With the election closing in on us fast, it is time for us to get in gear and start working to get Democrats elected.
The Young Democrats will be knocking on doors every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1 PM
Please come out and join us.
This Saturday we will be meeting at Dimple Dell Rec Center 10600 So. 1000 E. in the 10600 So. parking lot.
Come out knock a few doors, meet some new friends, and get a free t-shirt.
To RSVP:
Email justin@youngdemsofutah.org
Phone 801-824-4073
We will also be making phone calls every Thursday from now until the election.
Our Headquarters are located at 1063 E. 3300 So. (in the Corroon campaign headquarters)
If you have any questions about these events or how you can get involved please let me know.
Justin
You can also sign up to volunteer through Utah for Obama by calling 801.983.7372. Don't let yourself wake up in November and realize that the wrong person got elected at any level of politics. Do something today!
Theodore Cowan has been one of the most active members of Utah for Obama since the beginning. He's the Secretary of the grassroots group, Utah for Obama, and he was also elected as a delegate to the convention. As if we don't already have enough to be proud of Theo for, he's now been highlighted by the official Obama campaign blog.
I think that the "party official" he mentions in that blog is Rob Miller, the owner of UtahAmicus. We were thrilled when Rob began his involvement with our grassroots group last fall, and has maintained that relationship ever since. Thanks, Rob!
Keep up with the UtahAmicus group's blog postings for continuous Democratic National Convention coverage. You can also find mini-updates from me by watching Twitter. All of my blog posts will be on the UtahAmicus, with some of them duplicated at my personal blog, Saintless, and possibly a few here, as well.
(Cross-posted to Saintless.com)
Barack Obama has announced that he's taking the 50-State Strategy all the way, and there will be campaign offices in every state, including Utah. Monday morning I was able to confirm that it will likely be late July before we see them on the ground here, but that's far earlier than I had even hoped for. So far, they're not telling us much more than that, but I'm sure that when it gets closer, they'll be looking for housing for staffers again. If you have the ability and willingness, please keep an eye out here for the announcement.
Here's the email from David Plouffe about it:
Dear Misty, I have some news that I wanted you to hear. People like you have been the heart of Chairman Howard Dean's 50-state strategy to rebuild our party and empower Democrats to compete everywhere. We've all seen the energy and enthusiasm at the grassroots level impact races up and down the ballot over the last three years. I am proud to announce that our presidential campaign will be the first in a generation to deploy and maintain staff in every single state. The network of volunteers and the infrastructure built up during the historic primary season -- on behalf of all the Democratic campaigns -- have given us an enormous and unprecedented opportunity in the general election. Now it's time to expand our network and push our organizing resources even further. No matter where you live, our success this November will depend on your involvement. Sign up to join our campaign now, and we'll make sure you're aware of all the latest news and opportunities to make a difference: http://my.barackobama.com/getinvolved Of course, some states will be more competitive than others, and we will scale our resources accordingly. But your work building our party means that the list of competitive states will be longer than ever before -- and it will include states like Virginia and Montana where your work has helped a Democratic resurgence at the state level. And in every single state, no matter what the likelihood that we carry it in the fall, our staff will build volunteer capacity that will provide help where we need it and impact races up and down the ballot this November. Every day counts -- voters head to the polls in less than five months. This is your opportunity to shape this election and our unprecedented 50-state campaign now: http://my.barackobama.com/getinvolved Thanks to your support, we are on our way to building an unprecedented organization for the November elections. As the presumptive Democratic nominee, Barack Obama will fight to unite our party and win contests up and down the ballot. But he cannot determine the outcome of this election on his own. It will all come down to what you are willing to do. It's time to answer the call. Thank you, David David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America
Dear Misty,
I have some news that I wanted you to hear.
People like you have been the heart of Chairman Howard Dean's 50-state strategy to rebuild our party and empower Democrats to compete everywhere. We've all seen the energy and enthusiasm at the grassroots level impact races up and down the ballot over the last three years.
I am proud to announce that our presidential campaign will be the first in a generation to deploy and maintain staff in every single state.
The network of volunteers and the infrastructure built up during the historic primary season -- on behalf of all the Democratic campaigns -- have given us an enormous and unprecedented opportunity in the general election.
Now it's time to expand our network and push our organizing resources even further. No matter where you live, our success this November will depend on your involvement. Sign up to join our campaign now, and we'll make sure you're aware of all the latest news and opportunities to make a difference:
http://my.barackobama.com/getinvolved
Of course, some states will be more competitive than others, and we will scale our resources accordingly.
But your work building our party means that the list of competitive states will be longer than ever before -- and it will include states like Virginia and Montana where your work has helped a Democratic resurgence at the state level.
And in every single state, no matter what the likelihood that we carry it in the fall, our staff will build volunteer capacity that will provide help where we need it and impact races up and down the ballot this November.
Every day counts -- voters head to the polls in less than five months. This is your opportunity to shape this election and our unprecedented 50-state campaign now:
Thanks to your support, we are on our way to building an unprecedented organization for the November elections.
As the presumptive Democratic nominee, Barack Obama will fight to unite our party and win contests up and down the ballot.
But he cannot determine the outcome of this election on his own.
It will all come down to what you are willing to do.
It's time to answer the call.
Thank you, David
David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America
Blogging is likely to be a bit sparse again for a while. I just started a new contract through the company I work for, and I'll be doing some overtime in order to be able to take off in August to go with Rob and the rest of the Amicus gang to the DNC in Denver. And I have to admit, I'm loving the new job. It's so odd to work for a company that has written decent, organized code, and gives good requirements. In fact, I was able to write code on my first day there, and finish it by the second. I'll be there around 90 days, and I have a feeling I'll be happy there right up until the end of the contract.
Nikki Norton is being drafted as my Co-Chair for Utah for Obama tomorrow night. She's been a lifesaver as of late, and I'm glad she's finally agreed to it. She was highlighted in this TIME.com article:
Utah is hardly the place that jumps into most Democrats' minds when brainstorming about red states where they have a chance to make headway this November. The Beehive State was one of just three states in which President George W. Bush swept every county in 2004 -- all of them except for two with more than 55% of the vote. In the state's 2008 primaries on Super Tuesday, Republican voters outnumbered Democrats by a margin of 2.5 to 1. None of that, however, has discouraged Nikki Norton and her band of 40 volunteers from organizing for Obama ahead of the General Election. And surprisingly, it hasn't deterred the Obama campaign from formally helping Norton by investing in the state; Norton, co-chair of Utah for Obama's grassroots campaign, got a call a couple of days ago telling her to expect paid staffers to arrive within the next month. "Even if we don't win Utah we definitely want to create a downstream effect for local candidates," Norton said. "It could also force [Republican presumptive nominee John] McCain to defend Utah; he might have to split his resources for a state like ours where he probably wouldn't have needed to before. And our volunteers had a big effect on border swing states, particularly in rural areas in Nevada, and that was a big benefit for Obama [who won Nevada's delegate count over Hillary Clinton by dint of his rural victories]." From the earliest days of his upstart campaign, Obama pledged to run a 50-state effort, vowing to move past the traditional partisan divide and expand the electoral map by appealing to independents and even Republicans. But few people, even in his own staff, thought he'd actually invest in every single state. As it turns out, Obama's phenomenal fundraising has allowed him to deliver on his bold promise and place campaign staff in every one of the 50 states, as his campaign announced it would Monday. The strategy could force McCain to defend Republican strongholds, may help those lonely Democratic candidates in so-called Red States and could further expand Obama's already massive volunteer and donor bases (indeed, the move was announced in a fundraising e-mail plea to donors). Obama is able to do this, in part, because of the grueling, drawn-out delegate fight with Clinton that only just ended. The long primary season forced the campaign to build bases of support for the Illinois senator in every single state. The dividends of the high-profile Democratic presence are already being felt. Earlier this year, Democrats picked up three long-held GOP congressional seats in special elections in Mississippi, Louisiana and Illinois. The party is also mounting House challengers in 14 states that Bush won in 2004, including Wyoming, Alabama and Arizona. And Democratic candidates are contesting at least five GOP stronghold seats in the Senate: Alaska, Kentucky (Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's seat), Nebraska, Kansas and New Mexico. "Senator Barack Obama's plan to compete in all 50 states is a reflection of the overwhelming desire for change that is transcending state boundaries and has energized voters in every corner of the country,&q uot; said Maryland Representative Chris Van Hollen, who runs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which works to elect Democratic candidates. No one contends that the 50-state strategy is Obama's brainchild; it actually comes from Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, who not so long ago took a lot of heat from Democrats angry that he was squandering their limited resources on perceived long shots in the south and west. But after his gamble paid off in 2006, when Dems won both chambers of Congress, his expansive notion suddenly seemed a lot more viable. "The 50-state strategy has been historic -- just the enthusiasm that our volunteers have, that our candidates have, that our party is visible and active even before the campaign, it pays off on so many levels for a state like Kansas," said Mike Gaughan, executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party. In a state where only two out of 105 counties voted for John Kerry in 2004, Democrats took a House seat, six seats in the Kansas Legislature and the attorney general's office from the GOP in 2006. "We saw Obama's staff at w ork here during the primary season. They had organized on the ground back from October for the February 5 caucuses," Gaughan said. "The way that they activated their supporters is going to pay dividends" for all Kansas Democratic candidates as the party seeks to expand its presence there.
Utah is hardly the place that jumps into most Democrats' minds when brainstorming about red states where they have a chance to make headway this November. The Beehive State was one of just three states in which President George W. Bush swept every county in 2004 -- all of them except for two with more than 55% of the vote. In the state's 2008 primaries on Super Tuesday, Republican voters outnumbered Democrats by a margin of 2.5 to 1.
None of that, however, has discouraged Nikki Norton and her band of 40 volunteers from organizing for Obama ahead of the General Election. And surprisingly, it hasn't deterred the Obama campaign from formally helping Norton by investing in the state; Norton, co-chair of Utah for Obama's grassroots campaign, got a call a couple of days ago telling her to expect paid staffers to arrive within the next month. "Even if we don't win Utah we definitely want to create a downstream effect for local candidates," Norton said. "It could also force [Republican presumptive nominee John] McCain to defend Utah; he might have to split his resources for a state like ours where he probably wouldn't have needed to before. And our volunteers had a big effect on border swing states, particularly in rural areas in Nevada, and that was a big benefit for Obama [who won Nevada's delegate count over Hillary Clinton by dint of his rural victories]."
From the earliest days of his upstart campaign, Obama pledged to run a 50-state effort, vowing to move past the traditional partisan divide and expand the electoral map by appealing to independents and even Republicans. But few people, even in his own staff, thought he'd actually invest in every single state. As it turns out, Obama's phenomenal fundraising has allowed him to deliver on his bold promise and place campaign staff in every one of the 50 states, as his campaign announced it would Monday. The strategy could force McCain to defend Republican strongholds, may help those lonely Democratic candidates in so-called Red States and could further expand Obama's already massive volunteer and donor bases (indeed, the move was announced in a fundraising e-mail plea to donors).
Obama is able to do this, in part, because of the grueling, drawn-out delegate fight with Clinton that only just ended. The long primary season forced the campaign to build bases of support for the Illinois senator in every single state. The dividends of the high-profile Democratic presence are already being felt. Earlier this year, Democrats picked up three long-held GOP congressional seats in special elections in Mississippi, Louisiana and Illinois. The party is also mounting House challengers in 14 states that Bush won in 2004, including Wyoming, Alabama and Arizona. And Democratic candidates are contesting at least five GOP stronghold seats in the Senate: Alaska, Kentucky (Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's seat), Nebraska, Kansas and New Mexico. "Senator Barack Obama's plan to compete in all 50 states is a reflection of the overwhelming desire for change that is transcending state boundaries and has energized voters in every corner of the country,&q uot; said Maryland Representative Chris Van Hollen, who runs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which works to elect Democratic candidates.
No one contends that the 50-state strategy is Obama's brainchild; it actually comes from Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, who not so long ago took a lot of heat from Democrats angry that he was squandering their limited resources on perceived long shots in the south and west. But after his gamble paid off in 2006, when Dems won both chambers of Congress, his expansive notion suddenly seemed a lot more viable. "The 50-state strategy has been historic -- just the enthusiasm that our volunteers have, that our candidates have, that our party is visible and active even before the campaign, it pays off on so many levels for a state like Kansas," said Mike Gaughan, executive director of the Kansas Democratic Party. In a state where only two out of 105 counties voted for John Kerry in 2004, Democrats took a House seat, six seats in the Kansas Legislature and the attorney general's office from the GOP in 2006. "We saw Obama's staff at w ork here during the primary season. They had organized on the ground back from October for the February 5 caucuses," Gaughan said. "The way that they activated their supporters is going to pay dividends" for all Kansas Democratic candidates as the party seeks to expand its presence there.
I've been telling people for a while, that we're in this to win, and that Utah for Obama is going to put effort into getting Utah to go blue this November. It's very, very, very gratifying to find out for sure that the Obama campaign believes in us. Then again, that's kind of why we believe in the Obama campaign, huh?
Utah for Obama is hosting a "Yes We Did" Celebration party to watch Barack Obama's Victory Speech tonight (Tuesday) at SkyBox Grille at the Gateway Mall at 7:30 PM.
After Saturday's decision to finalize the Michigan and Florida delegates, 2,118 is the magic number of delegates to reach the Democratic Nomination. As of this writing, Barack Obama needs 31.5 delegates to get there. Tonight, after the votes are counted in Montana and South Dakota, the last few names of Super Delegates who will vote for Senator Obama at the DNC in August will be announced, and Senator Obama will make his victory speech.
According to my sources, his speech will happen at 8:15 MDT, just after the polls close, so make sure that you arrive by 8!.
This campaign is a movement of the people, and I cannot think of a more appropriate title for tonight's event than "Yes we did". Barack won this nomination because of you, and me, and literally millions of other people's efforts. It's not just Barack who won, it's all of us. We have more work to do, but tonight it's time to celebrate what we've accomplished.
And tomorrow, we can get on to the work of showing John McCain for what he really is - 4 more years of Bush.
Details: SkyBox Sports Grill, 7:30 PM 4 South Rio Grande Street Family-friendly event Bring your friends, too! Use Winter Parking entrance on north side of 100 South. SkyBox is on the west side of Rio Grande Street, on the Promenade level
Hillary Rodham Clinton will concede Tuesday night that Barack Obama has the delegates to secure the Democratic nomination, campaign officials said, effectively ending her bid to be the nation's first female president.
While Hillary is conceding that Barack has the delegates needed, she's not dropping out just yet. I'm not quite sure why, but regardless, we're going to celebrate the fact that Barack Obama has won the Democratic nomination tonight!
We don't have a venue yet, because this is just breaking. But, I'll announce it here after we have it confirmed. And if you have a place you'd like to offer that has a tv and plenty of room, let me know!
It's rather amusing to me how right on the spot that The Spoof was about this.
I just got this email from Vanessa Wasserman, Delegate Coordinator for the Barack Obama campaign:
Hello, Just wanted to send you an update of where we stand after yesterday’s exciting primary results. We project that Senator Obama netted a total of approximately 13 delegates out of primaries in Indiana and North Carolina yesterday. Today, Senator Obama moved closer to becoming the Democratic nominee by winning the support of four superdelegates (North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek, North Carolina DNC member Jeanette Council, California DNC member Inola Henry and Virginia Assembly member Jennifer McClellan who switched from Clinton). That total of 4 delegates means that Obama is now only 169 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination. The Math Contests won – Obama 32, Clinton 16 Total Delegates – Obama 1856, Clinton 1698.5 Pledged delegates Obama needs for a majority of pledged delegates – 33 Total delegates Obama needs for the nomination – 169 Link to full state-by-state results: http://www.barackobama.com/resultscenter/index.php We are definitely on the road to change! Hope all is well. Vanessa
Hello,
Just wanted to send you an update of where we stand after yesterday’s exciting primary results.
We project that Senator Obama netted a total of approximately 13 delegates out of primaries in Indiana and North Carolina yesterday. Today, Senator Obama moved closer to becoming the Democratic nominee by winning the support of four superdelegates (North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Jerry Meek, North Carolina DNC member Jeanette Council, California DNC member Inola Henry and Virginia Assembly member Jennifer McClellan who switched from Clinton). That total of 4 delegates means that Obama is now only 169 delegates away from securing the Democratic nomination.
The Math
Contests won – Obama 32, Clinton 16
Total Delegates – Obama 1856, Clinton 1698.5
Pledged delegates Obama needs for a majority of pledged delegates – 33
Total delegates Obama needs for the nomination – 169
Link to full state-by-state results: http://www.barackobama.com/resultscenter/index.php
We are definitely on the road to change!
Hope all is well.
Vanessa
I am SOOOO tired of the argument that Barack isn't electable because he hasn't won the big states (e.g., New York, Ohio, California) in the primary election that the Democrats need to carry in the general election. Here's the problem in a nutshell. Imagine that someone offered you the choice between a glazed donut and a powdered donut. "Hmm," you muse. "I really like donuts. But which one should I take? If I were wearing black today I wouldn't want to get powdered sugar on it. But I'm not--I'm wearing white. So I think I'll take the powdered donut." Now, on another day you might be offered the choice between a donut (who knows? either glazed or powdered) and a slice of toast. No-brainer. You choose the donut.
In this analogy, Obama and Clinton are the donuts, and McCain is the toast.
Don't get me wrong, I would never suggest that Obama and Clinton are interchangeable as candidates (we generally make our voting decisions based on more important things than whether we'll wind up with powdered sugar on our black clothing!), but the truth is, their positions are much closer to one another than to McCain's. When it comes to the general election, donut lovers will take whichever donut is on the plate. The big states that are predominantly Democratic strongholds aren't going to turn to stale toast when there's a donut right in front of them!
