Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for your hard work and commitment. Because of your canvassing, fundraising, phone-banking, and advocacy, Barack Obama was elected to the presidency. When Barack Obama was elected President, it forever changed the way generations of AAPIs view their government and themselves. This election was not just about making history... it was about creating possibility. We are very proud of the work of the AAPI Vote Team staff: Daphne, Jordannah, Sid, Jian, Poonam, and Patrice. We are grateful to our AAPI Executive, Steering, Finance, and Leadership Committees. Of course, we would not be here were it not for the countless numbers of AAPI staff and volunteers who worked long hours for Barack and Joe. We hope you take the moment to relish this transformative victory and to reflect on your hard work. We are so proud of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community for this victory – one that will be remembered for many decades to come. In unity, Charmaine and Betsy
Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for your hard work and commitment. Because of your canvassing, fundraising, phone-banking, and advocacy, Barack Obama was elected to the presidency. When Barack Obama was elected President, it forever changed the way generations of AAPIs view their government and themselves. This election was not just about making history... it was about creating possibility.
We are very proud of the work of the AAPI Vote Team staff: Daphne, Jordannah, Sid, Jian, Poonam, and Patrice. We are grateful to our AAPI Executive, Steering, Finance, and Leadership Committees. Of course, we would not be here were it not for the countless numbers of AAPI staff and volunteers who worked long hours for Barack and Joe.
We hope you take the moment to relish this transformative victory and to reflect on your hard work. We are so proud of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community for this victory – one that will be remembered for many decades to come.
In unity,
Charmaine and Betsy
Thank you from Maya and I:
We thank you for your expressions of love and sympathy on the passing of our beloved Tutu, Madelyn Dunham. Tutu was the matriarch of this family, and, although she is not here with us in body, we all felt her powerful spirit with us during this historic event. Over the past 21 months, our AAPI Vote Team and AAPI staff and volunteers have worked hard and achieved much. Thank you for being our bridge to the Asian and Pacific Islander American community. Thank you for making this campaign possible. Millions of people have come together with the purpose of making our country a better place, and we are truly proud and honored to be part of this movement for change. With Barack's victory, our country now begins a new chapter. This chapter will require all of us to continue our efforts and to understand that our work is only beginning. We have much to do in order to unite and to improve this country, and we look forward to continuing our common purpose.
We thank you for your expressions of love and sympathy on the passing of our beloved Tutu, Madelyn Dunham. Tutu was the matriarch of this family, and, although she is not here with us in body, we all felt her powerful spirit with us during this historic event.
Over the past 21 months, our AAPI Vote Team and AAPI staff and volunteers have worked hard and achieved much. Thank you for being our bridge to the Asian and Pacific Islander American community. Thank you for making this campaign possible. Millions of people have come together with the purpose of making our country a better place, and we are truly proud and honored to be part of this movement for change.
With Barack's victory, our country now begins a new chapter. This chapter will require all of us to continue our efforts and to understand that our work is only beginning. We have much to do in order to unite and to improve this country, and we look forward to continuing our common purpose.
"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you." - Barack Obama, Election Night 2008
Read the full speech, as prepared for delivery . . .
Here is an Election Day message to you from Konrad Ng.
You can find out where, when and how to vote in your state at VoteForChange.com. After voting, help others find their polling location by making calls.
“Each and every time, a new generation has risen up and done what's needed to be done. Today we are called once more - and it is time for our generation to answer that call. For that is our unyielding faith - that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it. […] That is our purpose here today. That's why I'm in this race. Not just to hold an office, but to gather with you to transform a nation. I want to win that next battle - for justice and opportunity. I want to win that next battle - for better schools, and better jobs, and health care for all. I want us to take up the unfinished business of perfecting our union, and building a better America. And if you will join me in this improbable quest, if you feel destiny calling, and see as I see, a future of endless possibility stretching before us; if you sense, as I sense, that the time is now to shake off our slumber, and slough off our fear, and make good on the debt we owe past and future generations, then I'm ready to take up the cause, and march with you, and work with you. Together, starting today, let us finish the work that needs to be done, and usher in a new birth of freedom on this Earth.” – Barack Obama, February 10, 2007.
For that is our unyielding faith - that in the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it.
[…]
That is our purpose here today.
That's why I'm in this race.
Not just to hold an office, but to gather with you to transform a nation.
I want to win that next battle - for justice and opportunity.
I want to win that next battle - for better schools, and better jobs, and health care for all.
I want us to take up the unfinished business of perfecting our union, and building a better America.
And if you will join me in this improbable quest, if you feel destiny calling, and see as I see, a future of endless possibility stretching before us; if you sense, as I sense, that the time is now to shake off our slumber, and slough off our fear, and make good on the debt we owe past and future generations, then I'm ready to take up the cause, and march with you, and work with you. Together, starting today, let us finish the work that needs to be done, and usher in a new birth of freedom on this Earth.”
– Barack Obama, February 10, 2007.
Vote and make history.
Highlighting major videos, unique videos, and others that might have fallen through the cracks, from HQ and state video folks, from the recent past. For videos from Friday October 31, 2008 through Monday November 3, 2008. Again, an amazing output of videos these last few days, as spotlighted by CNN here 1. A number of final inspirational videos from HQ and the states: HQ (with the road team’s beautiful HD footage), NC, PA, VA, MO, FL, MI. 2. Matthew Broderick for Take the Day Off 3. Springsteen and the Obamas in Cleveland 4. Wilco in Madison, WI 5. Ethel and Max Kennedy on Barack 6. Making It Count 7. Michelle Surprises a New Mexico Field Office 8. Video Message from Konrad Ng 9. What Keeps Me Going 10. World’s Biggest Obama Supporter VIDEO FROM THE VAULT:Iowa Caucus Victory Speech They said our sights were set too high, that this country was too divided, too disillusioned, to ever come together around a common purpose. You have done what the cynics said we couldn’t do. Worth a watch if you have the time.
For videos from Friday October 31, 2008 through Monday November 3, 2008.
Again, an amazing output of videos these last few days, as spotlighted by CNN here
1. A number of final inspirational videos from HQ and the states: HQ (with the road team’s beautiful HD footage), NC, PA, VA, MO, FL, MI.
2. Matthew Broderick for Take the Day Off
3. Springsteen and the Obamas in Cleveland
4. Wilco in Madison, WI
5. Ethel and Max Kennedy on Barack
6. Making It Count
7. Michelle Surprises a New Mexico Field Office
8. Video Message from Konrad Ng
9. What Keeps Me Going
10. World’s Biggest Obama Supporter
VIDEO FROM THE VAULT:Iowa Caucus Victory Speech
They said our sights were set too high, that this country was too divided, too disillusioned, to ever come together around a common purpose. You have done what the cynics said we couldn’t do.
Worth a watch if you have the time.
Not a lawyer? We still need your help. Visit http://my.barackobama.com/AAPIgetinvolved and don’t forget to VOTE!.
AAPIs in the news: Watch CNN reporter, Betty Nguyen, explore the Asian American vote during this election..
Today’s GOTV pictures:
Konrad -- Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been stepping up across the nation to help bring the change we need. But with only days until Election Day, your support is more important than ever. We've put together a video about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders getting involved to help Barack. Watch the video, then sign up to help in the final push: Watch the video and get involved Everything will come down to these last few days. No matter what anyone says, this election will be decided on the ground, by dedicated people helping to get out the vote. We're almost there. And we need you to take us over the finish line. Watch the video and take action to make sure we bring the change we need: http://my.barackobama.com/AAPIgetinvolved With your help, we can make history and change our country. Thank you for all that you're doing, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Obama Last chance to donate. Volunteer to get out the vote.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been stepping up across the nation to help bring the change we need.
But with only days until Election Day, your support is more important than ever.
We've put together a video about Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders getting involved to help Barack.
Watch the video, then sign up to help in the final push:
Watch the video and get involved
Everything will come down to these last few days. No matter what anyone says, this election will be decided on the ground, by dedicated people helping to get out the vote.
We're almost there. And we need you to take us over the finish line.
Watch the video and take action to make sure we bring the change we need:
http://my.barackobama.com/AAPIgetinvolved
With your help, we can make history and change our country.
Thank you for all that you're doing,
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Obama
Last chance to donate.
Volunteer to get out the vote.
In the next four days, you can knock on doors if you live in battleground state.
In the next four days, you can travel to a battleground state.
In the next four days, you can make phone calls.
In the next four days, you can donate to the Obama campaign and possibly join Barack on Election Night.
And most importantly, in four days, you can VOTE. Find your polling place now.
With your help, in four days we can change the direction of a nation and make history.
Our National AAPI Vote Director, Charmaine, has been in a Nevada for almost two months. Today, she sent these pictures of AAPI Obama supporters (and some from my home state of Hawai‘i) in Las Vegas.
Volunteer Near You
Make Phone Calls
Join Us In The Field
Join Us On Nov. 4
Watch this Obama video featuring Kal Penn as he discusses our program http://adoptfive.barackobama.com. Learn how to organize people around you by adopting five voters.
Betsy, our National AAPI Vote Deputy Director, shared this CBS News segment on Asian Americans and the election. The clip features Obama supporter Hung. Hung is a valued member of our AAPIs for Obama Leadership Council. Betsy, Hung and many other AAPI supporters have been working hard in Virginia.
AAPIs in the news: Read this article from the San Jose Mercury News about how young Vietnamese Americans are embracing Obama.
Finally, I wanted to express our thanks (again) to the hundreds of people who sent us cards, flowers and well wishes for our beloved Tutu. Your thoughtfulness gives our family precious comfort. Thank you!
This afternoon, National Field Director Jon Carson sent out this message to supporters:
Ask your Boss. Ask your Professor. Take Election Day off and volunteer to make history. Watch this video and sign up to help get out the vote on Tuesday, November 4th: This election will be decided by what this grassroots movement can accomplish on Election Day. We have volunteer shifts to fill throughout the day -- make calls, knock on doors, and make sure your fellow voters get to the polls. No previous experience is required. Sign up now to take the day off and make history on November 4th. Thanks, Jon Jon Carson National Field Director Obama for America
Ask your Boss. Ask your Professor. Take Election Day off and volunteer to make history.
Watch this video and sign up to help get out the vote on Tuesday, November 4th:
This election will be decided by what this grassroots movement can accomplish on Election Day. We have volunteer shifts to fill throughout the day -- make calls, knock on doors, and make sure your fellow voters get to the polls. No previous experience is required. Sign up now to take the day off and make history on November 4th.
Thanks, Jon Jon Carson National Field Director Obama for America
If you live in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia or Wisconsin, you can sign up now to volunteer in your community.
If you live elsewhere and are willing to travel to a neighboring battleground state to help out, you can sign up here, or you can sign up to make phone calls on Election Day to help Get Out The Vote.
A swing state is defined as a state which has a good chance of voting for either the Democratic or Republican presidential candidate. My state, Pennsylvania, is one of these battleground states, and one in which Asians and Pacific Islanders form 5% of the voting bloc. I am an API American from Philadelphia and would like to see my state's 21 electoral votes go to Barack Obama for the next president of the United States. After eight years of a failed Republican administration under Bush, a failed war, a failed economy, and failed GOP policies, the choice is clear. McCain really is McSame. He voted against funding for Minority Health Services that we need desperately for the Southeast Asian community here in the United States and opposes the DREAM Act. I support Barack Obama because he will provide leadership for this country and he will be the change that this country needs. I support him because he will reform immigration laws, invest in small businesses and education, and provide universal health care.
There are 9 days until the election. We need everyone’s help to talk to undecided voters and help get out the vote. You determine the outcome of this election. Join our Last Call for Change or Join us on the ground
Update: Read this AP story about Asian American and the 2008 election.
Growing Asian-American vote sheds passive past By Jesse Washington LORTON, Va. (AP) — For a long time, says Loc Pfeiffer, his fellow Asian-Americans were passive participants in American politics. But things are changing. "Asians don't like confrontation or being adversarial, but that's politics," says Pfeiffer, a 41-year-old lawyer who was 6 when his parents brought him to America from Vietnam. "The more we're raised and bred here, the less likely we are to be passive. So much of our culture, it's a very, very obedient culture. ... You don't argue with the government. You don't argue with Big Brother. There's the assumption that you give up all your individual rights for the whole. Which is astounding to me, because I'm American now." An assertive Asian America matters, especially in places like Virginia and Nevada, swing states where Asians have been growing in numbers and influence. With a booming population of highly educated, increasingly Americanized voters, this former "silent minority" is entering the most engaged and visible era of its political history. The number of Asians in the United States has grown 25 percent in the last seven years, to 15 million, said Jane Junn, an associate professor of political science at Rutgers University. Educated people are more likely to vote, and 50 percent of the Asian population has a college degree, compared with 25 percent of the U.S. population, Junn said. "There comes a point where there's a critical mass," said Junn, whose parents were born in Korea. "When you're only one person out of 100, you're very self-conscious about (becoming politically active). But there is power in numbers." Asian attitudes toward the two presidential candidates are as varied as the nations stretching from India to Malaysia to Japan, lumped into one racial category by the U.S. Census. Yet some say Barack Obama's rise from humble origins resonates with many Asians who value education and hard work as the keys to success and have been forced to fit their heritage into an American framework. In a recent column for the San Francisco Chronicle, writer Jeff Yang was even inspired to riff on President Clinton's honorary black membership and ask if Obama's background — parental academic pressure, struggle for identity, guilt-wielding mother, Harvard education — would make him the first Asian-American president. "So much of what we deal with is the notion of being outsiders, foreigners, of being outside the social dialogue of the United States," Yang said in an interview. "You look at Obama and those are some of the same aspersions and slanders being cast at him. He's kind of the closest thing we can have legally to an immigrant in the White House. He's somebody who understands this journey that Asian-Americans and other immigrants have made." Obama also spent much of his youth in Hawaii, with its Asian-American majority, and in Indonesia. Obama's half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, is the daughter of his white mother and an Indonesian businessman, and has helped reach out to the Asian-American community. Yang added that his Taiwan-born parents, who had never voted for a Democratic presidential candidate, were seriously considering Obama. News of Yang's Obama proclamation inspired hearty laughter at the gathering of a half-dozen lawyers at the home of 65-year-old Paul Nguyen in Lorton. Although many had voted Republican in the past, all but one planned to vote for Obama. Read the rest of the article here
By Jesse Washington
LORTON, Va. (AP) — For a long time, says Loc Pfeiffer, his fellow Asian-Americans were passive participants in American politics. But things are changing.
"Asians don't like confrontation or being adversarial, but that's politics," says Pfeiffer, a 41-year-old lawyer who was 6 when his parents brought him to America from Vietnam.
"The more we're raised and bred here, the less likely we are to be passive. So much of our culture, it's a very, very obedient culture. ... You don't argue with the government. You don't argue with Big Brother. There's the assumption that you give up all your individual rights for the whole. Which is astounding to me, because I'm American now."
An assertive Asian America matters, especially in places like Virginia and Nevada, swing states where Asians have been growing in numbers and influence.
With a booming population of highly educated, increasingly Americanized voters, this former "silent minority" is entering the most engaged and visible era of its political history.
The number of Asians in the United States has grown 25 percent in the last seven years, to 15 million, said Jane Junn, an associate professor of political science at Rutgers University. Educated people are more likely to vote, and 50 percent of the Asian population has a college degree, compared with 25 percent of the U.S. population, Junn said.
"There comes a point where there's a critical mass," said Junn, whose parents were born in Korea. "When you're only one person out of 100, you're very self-conscious about (becoming politically active). But there is power in numbers."
Asian attitudes toward the two presidential candidates are as varied as the nations stretching from India to Malaysia to Japan, lumped into one racial category by the U.S. Census.
Yet some say Barack Obama's rise from humble origins resonates with many Asians who value education and hard work as the keys to success and have been forced to fit their heritage into an American framework.
In a recent column for the San Francisco Chronicle, writer Jeff Yang was even inspired to riff on President Clinton's honorary black membership and ask if Obama's background — parental academic pressure, struggle for identity, guilt-wielding mother, Harvard education — would make him the first Asian-American president.
"So much of what we deal with is the notion of being outsiders, foreigners, of being outside the social dialogue of the United States," Yang said in an interview. "You look at Obama and those are some of the same aspersions and slanders being cast at him. He's kind of the closest thing we can have legally to an immigrant in the White House. He's somebody who understands this journey that Asian-Americans and other immigrants have made."
Obama also spent much of his youth in Hawaii, with its Asian-American majority, and in Indonesia. Obama's half-sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, is the daughter of his white mother and an Indonesian businessman, and has helped reach out to the Asian-American community.
Yang added that his Taiwan-born parents, who had never voted for a Democratic presidential candidate, were seriously considering Obama.
News of Yang's Obama proclamation inspired hearty laughter at the gathering of a half-dozen lawyers at the home of 65-year-old Paul Nguyen in Lorton. Although many had voted Republican in the past, all but one planned to vote for Obama.
Read the rest of the article here
Read this note from Kal Penn. Kal is one of our many extraordinary Obama volunteers (and a talented actor)!
October 24, 2008 A year ago this month, a friend and I signed up to volunteer for Barack Obama's Presidential campaign. It was the primary season, and winter was on its way to Iowa. Barack was down 30 points in the polls, and as we trekked through the snow on our way to knock on doors, it seemed that it may take something close to a miracle to change the course of the election. Of course, it didn't take a miracle to turn the election around - and it didn't even take a dime of lobbyist money. But, it did take the passion and support of thousands of ordinary individuals like you and me. If you're looking for a way to make a difference…you can do it NOW. In 2004, only about 35% of AAPIs voted in the battleground states. You can easily change that by coming to Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina or Florida to mobilize the AAPI community to vote - and bring real change to our country. Sign Up Here: http://my.barackobama.com/driveforchange All over the country, countless volunteers and staffers are knocking on doors, making phone calls, and registered new voters as part of this historic campaign for change. It is up to us. We can accept four more years of failed Bush policies by electing John McCain and Sarah Palin…Or, we can bring about real change by working to elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden. To join us on the ground, please go to http://my.barackobama.com/driveforchange Polls fluctuate. But your commitment, the hard work and dedication of our staffers and volunteers, and Barack's resolve remain steady and strong. Please join us. - Kal Penn
A year ago this month, a friend and I signed up to volunteer for Barack Obama's Presidential campaign. It was the primary season, and winter was on its way to Iowa. Barack was down 30 points in the polls, and as we trekked through the snow on our way to knock on doors, it seemed that it may take something close to a miracle to change the course of the election.
Of course, it didn't take a miracle to turn the election around - and it didn't even take a dime of lobbyist money. But, it did take the passion and support of thousands of ordinary individuals like you and me.
If you're looking for a way to make a difference…you can do it NOW. In 2004, only about 35% of AAPIs voted in the battleground states. You can easily change that by coming to Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina or Florida to mobilize the AAPI community to vote - and bring real change to our country.
Sign Up Here: http://my.barackobama.com/driveforchange
All over the country, countless volunteers and staffers are knocking on doors, making phone calls, and registered new voters as part of this historic campaign for change. It is up to us. We can accept four more years of failed Bush policies by electing John McCain and Sarah Palin…Or, we can bring about real change by working to elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
To join us on the ground, please go to http://my.barackobama.com/driveforchange
Polls fluctuate. But your commitment, the hard work and dedication of our staffers and volunteers, and Barack's resolve remain steady and strong. Please join us.
- Kal Penn
And read Barack’s letter celebrating Diwali – Festival of Lights
October 24, 2008 Dear Friends, Thank you for the opportunity to share a few thoughts with you as we near the night of Diwali. In the coming days, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and their friends of all faiths will gather across America and around the world to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Much has happened in the world since the last Diwali, and this is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the year past and rededicate ourselves to spreading peace and tolerance in the coming year.Last year, I wrote that Diwali’s celebration of the triumph of illumination over ignorance had a special meaning for me. At that time, traveling across America and meeting people ofevery spiritual and ethnic background showed me that there’s much more that unites us than divides us. Now, one year later, I believe this even more strongly. Americans, despite our varied backgrounds, believe that all people are created equal, and that each person should be free to practice or not practice religion as they choose. These beliefs have faced challenges at home and abroad throughout history, but they are the beliefs our nation was founded on, and we always return to them. If I’m elected President of the United States, I will work to renew America’s moral leadership in the world. This is our time to create change, and I believe that we can and must continue the fight against ignorance and intolerance. I hope you enjoy your celebration and renew your commitment to overcoming ignorance. I wish you all the best for a joyous Diwali. Sincerely, Barack Obama
Dear Friends,
Thank you for the opportunity to share a few thoughts with you as we near the night of Diwali. In the coming days, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and their friends of all faiths will gather across America and around the world to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Much has happened in the world since the last Diwali, and this is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the year past and rededicate ourselves to spreading peace and tolerance in the coming year.
Last year, I wrote that Diwali’s celebration of the triumph of illumination over ignorance had a special meaning for me. At that time, traveling across America and meeting people ofevery spiritual and ethnic background showed me that there’s much more that unites us than divides us. Now, one year later, I believe this even more strongly.
Americans, despite our varied backgrounds, believe that all people are created equal, and that each person should be free to practice or not practice religion as they choose. These beliefs have faced challenges at home and abroad throughout history, but they are the beliefs our nation was founded on, and we always return to them.
If I’m elected President of the United States, I will work to renew America’s moral leadership in the world. This is our time to create change, and I believe that we can and must continue the fight against ignorance and intolerance. I hope you enjoy your celebration and renew your commitment to overcoming ignorance. I wish you all the best for a joyous Diwali.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
An announcement from the DNC
Today is Thursday, October 23rd. The election is in 12 days and if you’re hearing rumors about the rules around voting, get the facts at the Obama campaign’s new web site: http://truth.voteforchange.com. It’s a terrific resource where we de-bunk e-mail rumors, myths and misconceptions about voting.
Read Barack’s interview on page 16 of Desi Talk Chicago
“In an interview, Senator Barack Obama elaborates on a wide range of issues, from his determination to address the issue of comprehensive immigration reforms, making globalization and trade work for American workers, to seeking the active participation of Indian American community in the process of change that he has advocated”
Watch this campaign video about Maya and Barack’s mother and learn more about the woman “who was the single constant” in their lives.
Read this Q&A with Maya in Salon.
Tea with Barack Obama's sister: Maya Soetoro-Ng on her "awesome" big brother, his early presidential leanings and their mother's legacy of hope By Stuart Coleman Oct. 23, 2008 […] Did you ever imagine Barack becoming president? There was this joke in our childhood that he was going to be the first African-American president ... but it was based on the fact that he was so bossy and he was always winning arguments! You know, he was always trying to tell people what to do so we were like, "Oh, yes, Mr. President!" There's a difference between a family joke and having a real concrete understanding. No, I didn't think that this would happen, or even could happen, until perhaps just after the 2004 Democratic convention when he made that big speech. What changed after that speech? He started being recognized and people started really investing their own hopes and aspirations in him, and there were these Draft Obama movements all over the country. But even then, we thought, "All right, the Senate, that's big -- you can effect a lot of change with that." We weren't really thinking beyond that. When did you first learn that he had aspirations for the nation's highest office? I remember a few years ago going into his office, and he was pacing and frustrated, and I said, 'What's wrong?' This is in Chicago in his home office. He said, "I don't know. I feel like I'm floundering, like I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing, that I could be doing more, that I haven't quite found my path, my mission." I started laughing at him because I was like, "You are the only guy who could be a state senator, a law professor and a civil rights lawyer and feel like you're underachieving." The big joke became, "Finally, you're not underachieving!" What was Barack like as a big brother? He was an amazing big brother. I've obviously said that a lot, but I mean it. He really was much more attentive than anyone his age could be expected to be. As a teenager, you went to stay with Barack when he was working as a community organizer in Chicago. Is this when you feel like you began to know him as an adult and an individual? He was in his 20s so he was pretty young to be taking over the care of his teenage sister. He took me to several colleges around the country to help me make the good decision about where to go to school. He let me stay with him and helped me get my first job. He took me to festivals and fairs and museums. He enrolled me in classes at the Art Institute of Chicago, and I studied dance there. He was awesome! He showed me his life and an impressive dedication to service. I was a teenager then, and our relationship really hasn't changed. Is it strange seeing what a national and international phenomenon your brother has become? It's kind of like I'm loaning him out to the rest of the world. I get a wee bit less of him, but he's still the same guy. I don't feel like there's a huge disconnect between the man I see on the television and the man who calls me at night. The smile is the same, the sense of humor is the same, and the ears are the same, and the voice is the same. And it's the same with his politics. He's working now to represent more people, to be more broadly inclusive in his representation. He can't really afford to think, "Who am I?" Now, it's more like, "Who are we as a nation? Or who do we want to be? And how can I help facilitate a stronger, broader, unified identity?" Read the rest of the article here.
By Stuart Coleman
Oct. 23, 2008
Did you ever imagine Barack becoming president?
There was this joke in our childhood that he was going to be the first African-American president ... but it was based on the fact that he was so bossy and he was always winning arguments! You know, he was always trying to tell people what to do so we were like, "Oh, yes, Mr. President!" There's a difference between a family joke and having a real concrete understanding. No, I didn't think that this would happen, or even could happen, until perhaps just after the 2004 Democratic convention when he made that big speech.
What changed after that speech?
He started being recognized and people started really investing their own hopes and aspirations in him, and there were these Draft Obama movements all over the country. But even then, we thought, "All right, the Senate, that's big -- you can effect a lot of change with that." We weren't really thinking beyond that.
When did you first learn that he had aspirations for the nation's highest office?
I remember a few years ago going into his office, and he was pacing and frustrated, and I said, 'What's wrong?' This is in Chicago in his home office. He said, "I don't know. I feel like I'm floundering, like I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing, that I could be doing more, that I haven't quite found my path, my mission." I started laughing at him because I was like, "You are the only guy who could be a state senator, a law professor and a civil rights lawyer and feel like you're underachieving." The big joke became, "Finally, you're not underachieving!"
What was Barack like as a big brother?
He was an amazing big brother. I've obviously said that a lot, but I mean it. He really was much more attentive than anyone his age could be expected to be.
As a teenager, you went to stay with Barack when he was working as a community organizer in Chicago. Is this when you feel like you began to know him as an adult and an individual?
He was in his 20s so he was pretty young to be taking over the care of his teenage sister. He took me to several colleges around the country to help me make the good decision about where to go to school. He let me stay with him and helped me get my first job. He took me to festivals and fairs and museums. He enrolled me in classes at the Art Institute of Chicago, and I studied dance there. He was awesome! He showed me his life and an impressive dedication to service. I was a teenager then, and our relationship really hasn't changed.
Is it strange seeing what a national and international phenomenon your brother has become?
It's kind of like I'm loaning him out to the rest of the world. I get a wee bit less of him, but he's still the same guy. I don't feel like there's a huge disconnect between the man I see on the television and the man who calls me at night. The smile is the same, the sense of humor is the same, and the ears are the same, and the voice is the same. And it's the same with his politics. He's working now to represent more people, to be more broadly inclusive in his representation. He can't really afford to think, "Who am I?" Now, it's more like, "Who are we as a nation? Or who do we want to be? And how can I help facilitate a stronger, broader, unified identity?"
Read the rest of the article here.
Asian American voters in Virginia, highly organized and registered in record numbers, have become energized by the presidential race and the role they see themselves playing in this tightly contested state."This is the first time I've seen multiethnic coalitions forming around an election. The margin is razor-thin in Virginia, so we could still be a swing vote," said Nguyen Dinh Thang, executive director of SOS Boat People, a nonprofit group in Falls Church and a center for get-out-the-vote efforts, including phone banks and weekend canvassing. "Asian Americans realize this election is their opportunity to really get noticed."According to leaders of the large, affluent communities of Korean Americans, Vietnamese Americans and Indian Americans in Northern Virginia, sentiment among those groups favors Democratic Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), although Republican Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) enjoys a core of loyal support among older Asian refugees who suffered at the hands of communist regimes […] A report released this month by the National Asian American Survey showed that Asian Americans across the country favor Obama over McCain but that more than one-third are undecided, which could make them a critical factor in several states […]
"This is the first time I've seen multiethnic coalitions forming around an election. The margin is razor-thin in Virginia, so we could still be a swing vote," said Nguyen Dinh Thang, executive director of SOS Boat People, a nonprofit group in Falls Church and a center for get-out-the-vote efforts, including phone banks and weekend canvassing. "Asian Americans realize this election is their opportunity to really get noticed."
According to leaders of the large, affluent communities of Korean Americans, Vietnamese Americans and Indian Americans in Northern Virginia, sentiment among those groups favors Democratic Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), although Republican Sen. John McCain (Ariz.) enjoys a core of loyal support among older Asian refugees who suffered at the hands of communist regimes […] A report released this month by the National Asian American Survey showed that Asian Americans across the country favor Obama over McCain but that more than one-third are undecided, which could make them a critical factor in several states […]
Those last sentences stand out for me. While most polls show us in a competitive position, the numbers will tighten – as they always do – over the next 14 days. This is why your help is so crucial right now. Early/absentee voting has started in some states and we need you to help court undecided voters and help get out the vote. How?
Visit your state online headquarters to discover what you can do
Volunteer for the campaign
Recruit 5 bilingual and English speaking volunteers to make phone calls or canvass.
Write op-eds to place in your native language news outlets or mainstream to let the country know that AAPIs support Obama.
On Election Day, volunteer to work at the polls, drive voters to the polls, help us make calls.
One of your best tools is our comprehensive AAPI Blueprint for Change. The booklet outlines the Obama-Biden administration’s commitment to the AAPI community. Download, read and circulate the plan to everyone you know.
In our family, access to a good education is a core value; it is something that we believe all people should have. Watch this new video about Barack’s stance on education. The video features Dr. Jill Biden and Maya (who, like Jill, has her Ph.D. in Education). Both Jill and Maya are lifelong teachers and both care passionately about the state of our education system.
Finally, thank you for all your well wishes regarding our beloved Tutu. Your support means so much to our family.
IndiaWest recently published an article on the importance of the AAPI vote...
Barack Obama’s presidential campaign is making an “unprecedented” push to target Asian American voters in Virginia and other battleground states, Betsy Kim, deputy director of Obama’s Asian American and Pacific Islander voter outreach effort, told reporters in a conference call....Kim and Democratic National Committee co-chair Congressman Mike Honda, D-Calif., listed Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Minnesota, Nevada, Colorado and Florida as key battleground states where the Obama campaign has Asian American staff heading voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives in Asian and Pacific Islander communities.Kim pointed out that in a state like Virginia, where the approximately 370,000 Asian Americans make up five percent of the state’s population, there are areas like Fairfax County, where Asian Americans constitute about 15 percent of the population.A similar situation exists in Nevada, where Asian Americans are about six percent of the state population, but 8.4 percent in Clark County.Kim said the Obama for America team has appointed AAPI field directors and organizers leading multilingual volunteers who greet voters with brochures in Asian languages, including Hindi, Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog.Honda emphasized that Asians Americans have been increasingly voting with the Democratic Party since the 1992 election. He said Asian Americans who register to vote, tend to go to the polls on Election Day, but there is still a lot of work to be done getting Asian Americans registered.Honda stated that Obama “understands the plight of immigrants.”Chris Lu, chief of staff of Obama’s Senate office in Washington and senior advisor of Obama for America, said that the first bill the Illinois senator sponsored in the Senate mandated an increase in Pell college grants. He pointed out that affording a college education is a hot-button issue for Asian Americans and Obama has a comprehensive plan to increase education funding.
Konrad -- My wife Jill is an extraordinary woman. Lately, she's been teaching school during the week and joining me on the campaign trail on the weekends. But this week, she also found some time to go to campaign headquarters and call voters in crucial battleground states. Jill has always had a great time talking to potential supporters, and I'm sure her calls brought Barack and me a few votes closer to victory. Can you do the same? Today you have the opportunity to reach out to Asian American voters in Florida, an important constituency that could help decide the outcome of this election. Get your list of voters right now. Watch this video of my wife making calls, see how easy it is, and then join her and tens of thousands of volunteers across the country by making calls from your own home. With the conventions and the debates behind us, this election is now in your hands. Reaching out to swing voters by making these calls is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference right now. No matter how many rallies Barack and I hold or speeches we give, supporters like you talking to fellow voters one-on-one is the way we're going to win this election. Get your list of supporters today and give them a call right from your own home: Get your list of voters right now. Thanks for everything you're doing, Joe P.S. -- Can't make calls this weekend? Sign up to make calls for the campaign later this week: http://my.barackobama.com/committocall Donate
My wife Jill is an extraordinary woman.
Lately, she's been teaching school during the week and joining me on the campaign trail on the weekends. But this week, she also found some time to go to campaign headquarters and call voters in crucial battleground states.
Jill has always had a great time talking to potential supporters, and I'm sure her calls brought Barack and me a few votes closer to victory.
Can you do the same? Today you have the opportunity to reach out to Asian American voters in Florida, an important constituency that could help decide the outcome of this election.
Get your list of voters right now.
Watch this video of my wife making calls, see how easy it is, and then join her and tens of thousands of volunteers across the country by making calls from your own home.
With the conventions and the debates behind us, this election is now in your hands.
Reaching out to swing voters by making these calls is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference right now.
No matter how many rallies Barack and I hold or speeches we give, supporters like you talking to fellow voters one-on-one is the way we're going to win this election.
Get your list of supporters today and give them a call right from your own home:
Thanks for everything you're doing,
Joe
P.S. -- Can't make calls this weekend? Sign up to make calls for the campaign later this week:
http://my.barackobama.com/committocall
Donate
Host an AAPI House Party and help organize people you know. We need everyone’s help to fulfill the promise of this campaign. To host an AAPI house party, visit http://my.barackobama.com/aapimeeting.
Use our online kit to start planning your event. Once you sign up to host an AAPI party, we will send you the following materials:
- Literature on Barack Obama and Joe Biden's stance on AAPI issues.
- Sign-in sheets.
- A special AAPI for Obama DVD, offering an exciting campaign update and a call to action.
Host or attend a Debate Watch Party on Wed. Oct. 15. It is the final debate of the election – use the debate as an opportunity to organize your community. We can help you host or find a party near you:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/debate-watch-party.
We created the video because we saw this as a perfect opportunity to support Senator Obama in his campaign for Presidency in the best way we know how - a short film. We support Barack Obama because he represents what we all feel we need - a positive change for our nation and our world. We believe in him and support him in every way. Go Obama!
For me, the video, entitled “Hawaii for Obama,” reflects the spirit of Hawai‘i in terms of its concerns and people. With 24 days until election day, I am buoyed by the commitment of people like these students – especially since our focus is now on GOTV: Getting Out the Vote.
Don’t forget to Host an AAPI House Party or read our AAPI Blueprint for Change.
Obama Releases Comprehensive Plan for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Obama's "Blueprint" is the Most Comprehensive Proposal for AAPIs from a Presidential Candidate Chicago, IL- Senator Barack Obama today released his "Blueprint for the Change We Need for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders." The document identifies the issues affecting the AAPI community and describes Senator Obama's plans to address the issues and his record on addressing those issues. The Blueprint also is the most comprehensive planning document for the AAPI community from a presidential campaign. In the Blueprint, Senator Obama said "By reaching out directly to the AAPI communities, we can ensure that AAPIs are well represented in this national conversation about our future and the movement to write our destiny. The story of the AAPI communities is quintessential the American story about drawing strength from our diversity to achieve extraordinary things. I will be a president who remembers that our separate struggles are really one. I will never walk away from the tough battles or the difficult work of bringing people together." The Blueprint addresses a wide range of issues, including economic opportunity, education, immigration, health care, home ownership, seniors, women, civil rights, foreign policy, veterans and faith. "I urge you to read this blueprint so that you will be able to understand Senator Obama's long standing commitment to the AAPI community. His plans are exactly what we need to address the diverse needs of the AAPI community," stated Congressman Mike Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. The Blueprint is available at http://my.barackobama.com/aapiblueprint #### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, October 9, 2008 Contact: Obama Press Office, (312) 819-2423
Obama's "Blueprint" is the Most Comprehensive Proposal for AAPIs from a Presidential Candidate
Chicago, IL- Senator Barack Obama today released his "Blueprint for the Change We Need for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders." The document identifies the issues affecting the AAPI community and describes Senator Obama's plans to address the issues and his record on addressing those issues. The Blueprint also is the most comprehensive planning document for the AAPI community from a presidential campaign.
In the Blueprint, Senator Obama said "By reaching out directly to the AAPI communities, we can ensure that AAPIs are well represented in this national conversation about our future and the movement to write our destiny. The story of the AAPI communities is quintessential the American story about drawing strength from our diversity to achieve extraordinary things. I will be a president who remembers that our separate struggles are really one. I will never walk away from the tough battles or the difficult work of bringing people together."
The Blueprint addresses a wide range of issues, including economic opportunity, education, immigration, health care, home ownership, seniors, women, civil rights, foreign policy, veterans and faith.
"I urge you to read this blueprint so that you will be able to understand Senator Obama's long standing commitment to the AAPI community. His plans are exactly what we need to address the diverse needs of the AAPI community," stated Congressman Mike Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.
The Blueprint is available at http://my.barackobama.com/aapiblueprint
####
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Contact: Obama Press Office, (312) 819-2423
Host an AAPI House Party the week of October 19 – 25 and receive the new limited edition AAPI for Obama/Biden DVD! With less than 30 days remaining in this election, it is more important than ever that we mobilize AAPIs to elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden as our next President and Vice President! Your support, commitment, and hard work has helped to make a tremendous difference in helping build a strong core of volunteers, helping register voters, and helping engage others in the electoral process. What else can we do? Consider hosting an AAPI House Party in your neighborhood! Invite your friends, family, neighbors, and others in your community to participate in an evening of informative discussion. Hosting a house party involves gathering 20-100 of your friends at your home or a friend's home or some other venue. The party can be weekend brunch, dinner, afternoon tea/coffee or anything else. You'll need to create the invite list and follow up with phone calls. During the party, discuss the campaign, discuss the issues and discuss how people can be part of this campaign. House parties help raise awareness, help recruit volunteers and offer an opportunity for people to donate to the campaign. We need to get the parties organized now — there are so few weeks left until the election! Tell us about your AAPI House Party. RSVP to Poonam Patel at: ppoonam.ppatel@gmail.com.We can provide you with: - House party sign-in sheets. - Campaign literature about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's stance on AAPI issues. - A special AAPI for Obama/Biden DVD, offering an exciting campaign update and a call to action. This campaign is grounded in the idea that real change does not come from the top down. Truly remarkable change has only occurred in our history when individuals have stood up, reached out to others in their communities, and made it happen. The most important thing that you can do on behalf of this campaign is bring in new supporters. It is the people that you reach out to who will come out on Election Day and cast their vote to change America.Barack Obama and Joe Biden offer OUR community and OUR country the change that we need to chart a new course in history. Working together, we will make that happen.
With less than 30 days remaining in this election, it is more important than ever that we mobilize AAPIs to elect Barack Obama and Joe Biden as our next President and Vice President! Your support, commitment, and hard work has helped to make a tremendous difference in helping build a strong core of volunteers, helping register voters, and helping engage others in the electoral process.
What else can we do?
Consider hosting an AAPI House Party in your neighborhood!
Invite your friends, family, neighbors, and others in your community to participate in an evening of informative discussion. Hosting a house party involves gathering 20-100 of your friends at your home or a friend's home or some other venue. The party can be weekend brunch, dinner, afternoon tea/coffee or anything else. You'll need to create the invite list and follow up with phone calls. During the party, discuss the campaign, discuss the issues and discuss how people can be part of this campaign. House parties help raise awareness, help recruit volunteers and offer an opportunity for people to donate to the campaign.
We need to get the parties organized now — there are so few weeks left until the election!
Tell us about your AAPI House Party. RSVP to Poonam Patel at: ppoonam.ppatel@gmail.com.
We can provide you with:
- House party sign-in sheets.
- Campaign literature about Barack Obama and Joe Biden's stance on AAPI issues.
- A special AAPI for Obama/Biden DVD, offering an exciting campaign update and a call to action.
This campaign is grounded in the idea that real change does not come from the top down. Truly remarkable change has only occurred in our history when individuals have stood up, reached out to others in their communities, and made it happen. The most important thing that you can do on behalf of this campaign is bring in new supporters. It is the people that you reach out to who will come out on Election Day and cast their vote to change America.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden offer OUR community and OUR country the change that we need to chart a new course in history. Working together, we will make that happen.
