Bloomington for Barack

Obama's speech

Robert Strunk — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:39:03 EST

The first year is almost done and the Republicans continue to bash what in many cases was their policy ie. economy bailout and the 2 wars. The ex-Vice President continues to show that he just isn't in touch with most of the country. He keeps hitting on the economic bailout yet his party started the bailout before Bush left office. He complains about the U.S. debt yet him and Bush created trillions of dollars of debt with the "war on terrorism" in Iraq and other programs relating to "anti-terrorism" The Bush administration spent all this money yet the borders of this country are still not safe, where did the money go? Bush and the VP spent billions on programs that have taken many rights away from the citizens of the country my Grandfather fought for in WII. The money went to "black ops", such as torture, a program that has tarnished this country that has fought for years to be the worlds moral leader. In 8 years the debt exploded yet the Republicans want to blame Obama, give us all a break, we are not stupid. Why do we not see repayment by the Iraqi's as they make billions from their oil? This country spent 100's of billions of dollars on a war that should never have been started. The VP like the rest of the administration lied to the American citizens about Iraq and have put us on the brink economic collapse. Stop blaming Obama for the failure in Afganistan as the they allowed the real terrorists to escape and our soldiers have been paying the price for this since. Back the soldiers who are fighting but remember all those who have fallen, and stop pointing fingers and admit that Bush and Cheaney got us here.

Call to Action

David Joseph Flack — Fri, 29 May 2009 02:37:37 EDT

Now that we have come to understand that it was not just a moment rather a movement in order to bring change to and for the people of this nation, we must all work hard each and everyday in order to keep up the work and positive things that we are all doing in order to make change. As well as be ever mindful of 2012 and the road ahead that we must work toward in order that our voices our acts on order to help others is not in vain and that we each day work to get others to partake on the growth and empowerment of this movement. As I have been to many towns in this state during and after the election, I have come across people who are working hard to help others in any and all ways that they can, it moves me to see small groups who do not care about the lime light and understand the mission and task at hand and that is to help others in their area who are having hard times, as well as get people to come forward and help out in any way that they can rather it be money, time, effort and or just speaking with others, SUCH AS PEOPLE THEY KNOW THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR, FAMILY , FRIENDS, Co-Workers. Every encounter is a chance to give some one a voice, every phone call or knocking of the door is a chance to move people to do more than just talk, to take action to work toward chnage and help out in their local areas as well as where every they may be needed. Thanks to all who are working hard each and everyday as well as those who help on weekends or whenever their time can allow.... working together and with a positive and healthy mind set we can be the change that we seek......

David Joseph Flack

The hard work begins

Robert Strunk — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:54:17 EST

This is the last post befoer the oath takes place. I just hope that everyone begin the hard work this week by contacting their Congressmen or women and let them know that as of today change is going to happen whether they like it or not. We need to inform each of them that they will be replaced if they try to fight against this change.

Please contact everyone in Congress and tell them that our voices mean that business as usual is over. We need everyone who worked so hard to elect Obama to start the battle now.

Time draws near.

Robert Strunk — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:46:03 EST

The crowd in Washington is Amazing as we wait for President Obama to take the oath. As Bush enters the crowd begins a collective boo and sing Goodbye, what a sight. I myself can't stand Bush but I think the crowd though letting off steam could have keeped that out as today is a celebration. I do fully understand their feelings and as this country allows free speech it is great to be able to boo without fear.

Bush is almost gone and the new era begins in minutes. The Crowds are huge and the numbers will never be truly known. All I can say is WOW, this is a great day in the United States of America. I do hope that people are praying for this to be a day of great celebation and nothing happens to Obama or his family. This country unfortunatly still has a large group of fanatics and I'm sure they would love the publicity of doing something stupid on the world stage.

I watch with the feelings of christmas day when I was a child. The emotions are something I expected as this day is long in coming. I just can't wait to see the person I and so many others worked so hard for take the oath and become our President. I see the emotions on the national mall and can almost feel their passion from my seat in Indiana. This is the best day in my lifetime and I am now speechless. God bless President Obama.

1 final day

Robert Strunk — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:37:09 EST

I sit here as the day gives way to night and think that with the sunrise our nation will stand and watch history being made. The terror of the Bush administration is coming to an end and we start working toward a new beginning. It's hard to believe that all this started 2 years ago when most of us saw no hope. Tonight I feel more hope than any time in my life. Change is coming, are you all ready? God knows my family and I are. The hard work begins at noon all across the country.

The time is near

Robert Strunk — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:15:42 EST

I keep counting the days til President Obama takes office. I think I'm still a kid at Chrismas, the wait is just to much. I, like many others around the country look forward to seeing the beginning of change. We all know that we aren't going to wake up and all the problems will be gone. This is a long process that began 2 years ago and we are just starting the change January 20th. I wish I could be in D.C. on the 20th but I can enjoy seeing the man we worked so hard to get in the White House from afar. President Obama has a nice ring to it. We all worked very hard for this day and I hope anyone else that can't be there will just sit back and watch history being made and know we all created this moment. The history isn't just the first African American President, it includes all of us. Never before has such a campaign been run in this country. The excitement around this election was amazing and we may never see one like it again. Thanks to the hard work of millions of American's CHANGE CAN HAPPEN, and it WILL HAPPEN. We can't afford to sit back now and just hope for change, the same people involved with the election are going to be needed during President Obama's term(s). Let's hit the ground running and show President Obama we are still here and willing to do whatever we can to make his job a little easier.

Happy New Years

Robert Strunk — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:16:29 EST

We asked for change with the Obama campaign at what seemed like a lifetime ago. With the New Year comes the change we all voted for. 2009 is going to be a tough year with the economy in the tank, crisis in the Middle East, and people losing their jobs and their retirement. President Obama is going to have his hands full but I believe in the change he has promised. With President Obama coming into office in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the great depression; it's going to take years to dig out of everything this great country faces.

I can only hope people on boh sides of the aisle will give President Obama the time he needs to work out these issues. We as American's have a duty to get behind the man we voted for and help in any way we can. Change is going to include all of us, President Obama is one man with the backing of millions and he will need our continued support. Some people jump on the bandwagon when times are going great and fall by the wayside when the real work begins. We can't afford to lose a single person if the change is going to happen.

Many of us started working with the campaign before President elect Obama even had a viable campaign. We believed all the way through New Hampshire and Iowa and we continue to believe. Please people, the job isn't over, we must continue the fight. Don't sit back and say "we got the job done, Obama is President." I myself will do whatever I can do to help fight for the Obama policies and will campaign to remove anyone in Congress that tries to obstruct the change vital to a new beginning.

The other side of the aisle as well as a few on the left just don't want to see change in Washington. The government doesn't like change, it scares them and they will fight to stop it. One way we can help President Obama to make the changes he promised is to continue to work hard. Millions of you stood as one during the campaign, we will need to continue to stand as one to show Congress we are serious. If Congress sees any cracks in our work for President Obama they will try and divide us and that will give them a chance to destroy all the hard work we did to get President Obama elected. As ONE WE CAN NOT LOSE, DIVIDED WE WILL FALL.

Enjoy the next few days with your families and celebrate the new year. Soon we will need to focus on all the things that change will bring with it. Stay involved locally and if asked stand up and work nationally if necessary. The hard work is on all our shoulders and combined we are un-stoppable. I hope everyone has a great holiday season and a wonderful new year. Thanks to everyone who was involved with the campaign and I look forward to working with anyone who wants to continue the job. January 20th is the day we have all looked forward to. January 20th is the new begining.

Thanks for everything,

Robert Strunk

Bloomington Indiana

economy and Obama

Robert Strunk — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:01:25 EST

As the economy continues to fall apart, the republicans in a lame duck congress will do anything they can to cause further damage. I don't like to see public money going to bailout large corporations that fail from lack of good management. We simply can't sit back and watch the only 3 american car companies fall into bankruptcy. If we bailout banks than helping out the auto industry should not be problem. As economist begin to realize what many of us said almost a year ago. The world is facing a depression as bad as the original one if not worse. Senator Obama is doing everything in his power to help avert this situation. He simply is not in postion to do all he would like to do.

Senator Obama has shown that he is willing to work with all parties to keep this country from going into a financial disaster. He plans to hit the road running when he takes the oath in January and has put together a great team of Democrat's and Republican's to get the job done. We may be to late to stop the worst of the crisis but if we can shorten the duration and move toward a better and stronger economy with more oversight we can try to stop this from occuring again anytime soon. Here in Bloomington we of cource are feeling the pinch though we have a large college so that helps since student are going to spend and the college has to keep employees. We are all looking forward to a brighter future after the worst pesidency in history concludes. We can't call this a victory yet as it's going to take all of us to continue to fight as we did in the campaign. Senator Obama is still going to need the backing of the millions who voted for him. Now we must work even harder than before, we must not sit back and expect one man to do all the work. He needed us than and he needs us now. Don't let him and the rest of this great nation down, continue to fight and keep up the great work.

Canvasing for Food And $ for Hoosier HIlls Food Bank

Pamela Warren — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:39:34 EST

The Grassroots Groups of Monroe County Indiana have been meeting and volunteering our time for the last 4 weeks.

We have been having 3 shifts each weekend to canvas our community for food and donations for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. That is the local food bank under Feeding America; formerly Second Harvest. They collect and disperse the food for 99 agencies in 6 counties that are in our Food Bank's area.

This morning we turned in over $900 dollars and over 500 pounds of food. Just think if more of our volunteers across the country were out on the weekends gathering food for the winter ahead.

Our Campaign for Food is our short term solution to our empty food pantries our long term solution is much bolder. On the 15th of December we have set up a public meeting at our local library with Professor Richard Wilk,Indiana University, who will be speaking to all of us and many of the leaders in our community on Food Sustainability in our Community.

In the words of Professor Wilk, "Indiana University, and particularly the Bloomington campus, has an unusual opportunity to bring together existing resources into a new configuration around the topic of food, connecting faculty in different departments, and furthering links between the university and the surrounding community through both research and education. The Bloomington community itself has a burgeoning food culture concerned with the sustainable, ethical, equitable, and enjoyable production and consumption of food by everyone in the area, and this new groundswell of interest in good local foodways is an exceptional foundation upon which the university research and education efforts in this area can also build. Food is an ideal vehicle for understanding sustainability issues, and knowledge of how our currently-unsustainable food system works is a vital element of education in environmental literacy for our community. Since everyone eats, food connects abstract issues with personal experience, and breaks down boundaries between research in the humanities and the social and natural sciences.

We see food sustainability as a topic encompassing the entire chain from production to consumption. This starts with the ecosystem effects of agriculture and issues surrounding different models of small and large-scale farming. It extends into food distribution systems including the market, government assistance, charities and voluntary organizations, restaurants, stores, and schools, to the University itself." Please join us in your community hungry people need our help.

Display the "We're Back" American Flag on Inauguration Day

Derek Houston — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:51:51 EST

Electing Barack Obama showed the world that the best of what America represents is back! Celebrate your new president and new found sense of patriotism on January 20th by proudly displaying the American flag on a t-shirt or a button.

To order, go to: http://www.cafepress.com/ForFortyFour
All profits will be donated to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Note: I am not a professional t-shirt designer and will not receive any profit from the sales. The markup on these items is only 20%, all of which will be donated to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Volunteers for Change: Campaign for Food

Jeff Thomas — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:06:51 EST

How much is your time worth? A minimum of $10/hour, perhaps double or triple that; $30 per hour means $60,000 per annum -- not a bad living in Bloomington. Perhaps you believe the income you generate in your work is more than the value you could generate as a volunteer for a good cause. Based on today’s experience of some local citizens, most of you would be wrong.

Seven people contributing twelve hours of volunteer time on a Sunday afternoon in a single Bloomington neighborhood generated 350 pounds of food donations and $250. That’s about $950 of value, based on a reasonable estimate of the cost of food, so equivalent to almost $80 per hour!

This is the first direct action for a new community group called Volunteers for Change. Mostly volunteer veterans from Barack Obama’s campaign for the Presidency, the group has not waited for his inauguration let alone any re-election campaign to get back into action. Dedicated to the ideal of “being the change you seek,” watching as more and more local families fall into needy circumstances, and knowing they have developed some skills in community organizing, they simply started calling each other and connecting by email. The message shared? “We need to get back to work – now!”

The food and money being collected is contributed to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Hoosier Hills supplies food to 99 agency programs in six counties surrounding Bloomington. Last month, for only the 2nd time in their 26 year history, they distributed over 2 million pounds of food in a calendar year. This year's economic turmoil has produced a higher level of demand, and at several times during the year, the shelves were empty of canned goods. The agencies that went away empty-handed were therefore unable to feed an increasing number of people at community kitchens and food pantries.

During door-to-door canvassing on Senator Obama’s behalf, many volunteers had become acquainted with the everyday challenges local citizens face. They have seen both the face of despair during these difficult economic times and the face of hope. Their group’s goal is to transform despair to hope by engaging people in the political process at the point in which they are living their lives. Many may have thought the system has passed them by or abandoned them and as a result simply will not work to help solve their needs.

But that sense of hope needs to be transferred into results. During the holiday season, families come together and often share special meals. But for those who have little, the holidays can simply increase a sense of failure, want, and despair. The agencies that can assist families with a little extra food, or serve some extra hot meals directly to them, make a critical contribution to keeping hope alive. As a group, Volunteers for Change knows the goodwill that exists in our wider community. Together they have knocked on thousands of doors and talked to thousands of people all over Southern Indiana. They believe this as a direct result of President-elect Obama’s call to help solve the problems of everyday Americans.

Given the recent publicity on the challenges of the needy, they quickly agreed to focus on a “Campaign for Food.” Using published data, they targetted a neighborhood that voted overwhelmingly for Senator Obama during the general election. It was their hope that those who had had their doors knocked on during that campaign might once again be receptive. They hoped those who lived there had heard the same call. No one was sure, though, quite how this would play out --- till the first doors were knocked.

Students raised from their beds in the early afternoon predominantly went straight to their pantries to find a box or can to contribute. Families asked their children to help carry bigger contributions to the door. The well-off who had already contributed to similar causes through their church or workplace went back to their wallets, checkbooks, and food supplies to give again. Many asked the volunteers to come back again next week for more.

Many people who answered their door instantly recognized the Obama campaign symbols incorporated into the Volunteers for Change badges pinned to the coats of the stranger at their door (some also recognized the faces of the volunteer!), and gave a friendly welcome. A few inquired how they too could join in. But this was no merely partisan celebration. Hardy political campaigners are not dissuaded by potentially unfriendly turf, and they seemed to take extra pleasure in walking to the door of a few houses that still proudly declared their loyalty to Senator McCain. Sometimes a wry smile was shared at the door; but cloth bags were still filled with cans and food and offers of future donations were made with the same degree of responsiveness. The cause is greater than any red-blue politics.

So what happens next? Plenty. Volunteers for Change has been recognized by the still active Barack Obama campaign website, and can use its outreach capabilities. The USA Today noticed its posting there, and sent a photographer to record the Bloomington group’s first meeting as part of its feature on how “Obama volunteers plan to stay in touch.” Recognizing the alternative social networking within the younger community, a Facebook page was started and within three days had fifty IU students as “friends.” Plans are afoot for a website, a phone line, and drop off points for future donations.

And more door-to-door canvassing: Thanksgiving weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, no less. With more volunteers, more neighborhoods, and more donations, they can make more “Change” for those who need it. The Volunteers for Change target is 10,000 pounds of food and $50,000 of financial donations to Hoosier Hills Food Bank by the time our nation’s forty-fourth President is sworn in on January 20th. These seem like heady goals, yet from a group that helped “turn Indiana blue” for the first time in more than four decades of Presidential elections, perhaps anything is possible.

Canvasing for Food And $ for Hoosier HIlls Food Bank

Pamela Warren — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:56:16 EST

Canvasing for Food And $ for Hoosier HIlls Food Bank Description: <img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v738/197/112/558175416/n558175416_4945802_7420.jpg" alt="volunteers for change">This is the first direct action for our Volunteers for Change. We are going door-to-door seeking financial and food donations for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank (HHFB). They supply food to 99 agency programs in six counties. Last year, for only the 2nd time in their 26 year history, HHFB distributed over 2 million pounds of food. This year's economic turmoil has produced a higher level of demand, and at several times during the year, the shelves were empty of canned goods. The agencies that went away empty-handed were therefore unable to feed an increasing number of people at soup kitchens and food pantries. In addition, high gas prices have pushed their fuel bill 30% over budget. They need our help -- we have the expertise and the commitment to effective door-to-door canvassing that will help reach donors. While we will ask for and collect financial donations (which are tax-deductible) we will also be able to collect and carry food from any door willing to share it. In this holiday week, what better time to share with those who have none? Canvassing will continue on a regular basis during November and December. During the weekend of Thanksgiving itself we also hope to supply volunteers for food service at the agencies who usually rely on students that may be out of town for the weekend. This Sunday We will meet at Rob & Mary's house, share a briefing and canvassing materials and then go to neighborhoods that have high potential for donating. We will team people up so each canvassing team has a warm car running with them. We will be wearing buttons promoting Volunteers for Change and happy to explain how we are a new group hoping to help the community. But our goal is to refresh the food stores and finances of HHFB, knowing that this will impact literally hundreds of families who have to rely on outside aid at this time. Be the change we seek! Contact Info Jeff Thomas Phone: 443-220-1673 Email: thomasjbg@hotmail.com Description Time: Sunday, November 23 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Host: Pamela Warren Location: Rob and Mary's home (Bloomington, IN) 1329 South High Street
Bloomington, IN 47401

Homeward Bound Event for the Homeless

Pamela Warren — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:00:37 EST

Homeward Bound Event for the Homeless Description: As you may know by now Rob and Rosemary and I went to Hoosier Hills Food Bank yesterday at 9:30AM and met with Julio and then Rosemary and I went to the city at 11:00AM where I got copies of the letter sent to possible contributors and a phone list of for them of about 1000 follow up calls to make. After that meeting I preceded to the Mayors office where I made arrangements for a table to be set up for us at tomorrows event at City Hall at 11:00AM. We need volunteers there to sign up our volunteers to contribute time to canvas and phone bank to meet our communities needs for food and housing and our nations needs in health care, energy,etc. Meet at Showers Atrium at 10:30 AM for a clip board and instructions See you there Time: Saturday, November 22 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Host: Pamela Warren Location: Shower's Building - Bloomington City Hall (Bloomington, IN) Bloomington, IN 47408 Associated Groups: Bloomington for Barack, Bloomington/Monroe County Indiana for Obama 2008, Indiana University

Volunteers for Change is a national group to assist the Obama Presidency with issues that need our grassroots support.

Pamela Warren — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:08:22 EST

Volunteers for Change is a national group to assist the Obama Presidency with issues that need our grassroots support.

Our first campaign is for the collection of food, time line November 20, 2008 until December 31, 2008. With unemployment rising, and more and more of our food bank pantries empty we want to answer Obama's call to be our brother's keeper and fill our food banks for the winter ahead.

Summary of Plans from meeting of November 19, 2008: Volunteers for Change

Action:

1. Tomorrow, Thursday, November 20, 2008, Rosemary Hart, Pam Warren and Rob Price will go to Hoosier Hills Food Bank at 9:30am to talk with Julio and determine the best way for our volunteers to work with them.

a. Report will be sent to all our volunteers with a plan of action

b. Pam and Rosemary will go to the city and get information on the letter that they sent which needs follow up calls made. We will request a sign up table for Volunteers for Change at the event this Saturday at Showers.

2. Attend Saturday, November 22, 2008 event on hunger at Showers Plaza

1. Set up table with materials, Pam and volunteer
2. Sign up Volunteers for Change, All Volunteers will attend

3. Weekly Meeting at 1329 South High Street, Rob and Mary’s house.

Organization:

1. Jeff Thomas will activate the Team Leaders

a. Jeanette Heidewald will work on scripts for phone banking

2. David Pace will do Publicity

3. Mary Runnell took our minuets this week, but we need a formal secretary

4. Set Up Group on mybo, post actions and blogs

Materials:

1. Product for the Volunteers

a. Rob will make a sheet of button prints and work on the design tonight, intended to say "Volunteers For Change"

b. Button Teams Kelley Latshaw and Terri Bleuel will begin making Buttons

c. Bumper Stickers for change “Volunteers for Change”

2. Sign up Sheets for Volunteers with our logo, Rob Price

Gathering food for the winter

Pamela Warren — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:37:55 EST

Monroe County Indiana carried the day this election for Obama and was responsible in large measure for Indiana turning Blue! While we patiently wait for January 20th 2009 we are planning what we can do for our community at this time! In Monroe County IN we are planning to work together gathering food for our local food bank. I think this is a good suggestion for a current project for Obama Volunteers Nationally. With unemployment raising and many of our food banks empty or running low we need to help our communities stock our food banks for the winter,

In Bloomington, IN Hoosier Hills Food Bank collects food that is then distributed to 99 agency programs in six counties. Forty two percent of Monroe Counties total population wages are below the poverty guidelines. If you exclude every person who COULD be an Indiana University Student; 15%, going to school and working part time, it still leaves 26 percent of Monroe County Residents living in poverty. Even at 26 percent Monroe County’s poverty level is well above the national poverty rate of 12.5 percent and the Indiana rate of 12.3 percent.

Source: US Census 2006, 2007 American Community Survey

We are submitting this as a suggested volunteer effort for November – December 2008 for our Obama Volunteers. Meeting announcement to follow.

Indiana Is Blue!

schalliol — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:23:35 EST

This is so remarkable, we did it!!

MSNBC called it just after 2 AM ET.

Final Days

Ted Boardman — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 20:01:21 EDT

So whenever I can, I ask people I come across who they're supporting in the presidential election.

Because I ride public transportation, I often encounter a new driver. I've been encouraged that these part-time, multiple job, hard working individuals have been supporting Barack Obama. Even the one who identified themselves as conservative republican, and listens to Rush Lingaugh. They've had enough of the policies in the last 8 years.

Tonight I made some calls in Indiana. The majority were either wrong numbers or not home, but I guess that's to be expected from voter registration data. People move, and in these times in particular, I wouldn't be surprised if one or more of the numbers I had called had been to a family who had been kicked out of their home by a bank.

I found making the calls theraputic... gets my mind off the polling data. I'll do some more tomorrow.

Bloomington Indiana

Robert Strunk — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:12:42 EDT

Saturday in Bloomington on a Beautiful fall day is full of people heading to Brown County, just a few miles away, to watch the leaves change into what seems like a thousand different colors. People from hundreds of miles drive here to see the leaves from the rolling hills that surround Bloomington and Nashville. The Indiana University campus looks great this time of year as well. IU has many things on campus that look wonderful against the limestone buildings scattered around town. These are the things that a person would normally see in Bloomington on a Saturday during a crisp fall day. Some people are still watching these things but at the Curry Building, downtown Bloomington has a line of people who can't wait to vote.

Bloomington almost never has a say in an election so most people just watch from the sidelines as the East Coast decides our next President. This election is so different from all those others. People are willing to wait in line for their chance to cast their vote. The line is full of older people that you kind of expect to be there, but something is different this election, young people are excited and they too are voting. Senator Obama might not win the Presidency this election, but he created something we haven't seen in years, excitement.

Many of the people in line are smiling and laughing as they wait 20 - 30 minutes to vote. They are excited that this state gets to be a part of this historic election. They talk about seeing a canidate with a ring of truth in his words. This man has the look and feel that he wants to change business as usual in Washington, but he has something else, he came from the place most of us came from. Senator Obama wants to change this country, he has. I have never seen so many people patiently waiting in a line to do anything.

As this election heads into the the last few days I get the chance to work for the campaign one last time before election Tuesday. I work the polls in Bloomington so I can't talk politics anymore. I have to sit back and watch from the sidelines as people cast their vote. This is fine with me, I get to stand and listen to others talk as they wait. I get to be a part of this historic election in more than one way, I get to vote of course, but now I get to actually become a working part of this election. Monday I will go out and talk with Senator Obama supporters and make sure they know where to go on Tuesday to vote. We will make sure the people have their photo ID., a newer law in Indiana that some still don't know about. On Tuesday I go from a campaign suppoter to another government worker without a voice. I have already voted so my voice has already been heard so I don't mind.

As people vote here in Bloomington we sit and watch as person after person steps to the line and waits their time before voting. This is not a normal fall day in Bloomington Indiana but we will enjoy it just the same. The leaves will be here every year, the limestone buildings on IU. will be there year after year, but you only see an election like this once in a lifetime. Do you hear the clock in the background? It's telling everyone it's time to get out and vote, it's telling us that a new day is upon us and we need change. Senator Obama is that change and it's up to us to give him that charge. Washington can change but we have to change it, we must have our voice heard, our vote is that voice.

Bloomington Indiana

Robert Strunk — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:56:13 EDT

The early voting has been going great so far. The clerk said something around 15-20 thousand people have already voted in Monroe County. I can't say for sure if this is a record but it has to be pretty close. The lines have been reasonable with around 20 minutes being average length wait to vote. I will be Democrat sheriff at one of the polls this year and I imagine with the turnout for early voting being so heavy we will be seeing heavy traffic. I can't wait for Tuesday so we can finally take a break and hopefully have Senator Obama as our next President. Keep up all the great work and get out the vote.

Few days remain

Robert Strunk — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:15:12 EDT

Not much longer for a campaign that has been going on for the past 2 years. I'm not sure what the news channels will talk about after the election. The top stories for at least 2 years has been politics. Now what? The election is only a week away and the people who have worked for Senator Obama's campaign are still working hard and have yet to miss a beat. Many people have spent many hours of many days to get us to this point. I just want to take the time to thank so mant people who have given their time to a campaign for the ages.

Without all the people working long hours to get the word out and getting the new generation of people registered I believe we probably wouldn't have had a chance. Though I couldn't help as much as I would have liked due to a disability, there are thousand of people across the country that gave up their lives to work for real change. We now have a few days left and we will know who the next President and what road this nation will take. The people of this campaign continue to fight for a belief that we must change now. I can imagine how tired these people are but they don't show it. I haven't seen so many people get together for a single cause in my lifetime and I can't say enough about them. Thanks for all the work, thanks for leading the charge, most of all thanks for giving this nation a chance. Because of you, this nation can return to it's former leadership role on the world stage. Thanks for giving of yourselves as my Father, and Grandfather did in WWII and Vietnam. There have been no bullets and no air raids but this fight has taken place on streets across this great nation. Thank you so much and let's all watch Senator Obama become the next President of the United States.

Saturday in Bloomington

Robert Strunk — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:15:29 EDT

The voting in Bloomington is going great. Long lines waiting to get that early vote on a Saturday is amazing to watch. Of course not everyone is voting for Senator Obama but the talk going in seems to lean in Senator Obama corner. I looked for t-shirts at the farmers market downtown where the local Obama office has a booth every weekend, none to be found. I went to the democrat headquarters and finally found a few shirts, 4 or 5 maybe. The office found some shirts that had been in the back of the office. These shirts are all that are left in Bloomington and the demand is still strong. I also lucked into a Obama/Biden yard sign, something I have been looking for since Aug.

The voting is going on this Sunday here, something I don't remember happening in my lifetime. The buzz is all about Senator Obama and the parties are being scheduled for what we hope is a victory for the entire country. I have a little party planned for that night myself after working the polls until 6PM. Just another lazy weekend in Bloomington Indiana, a town that normally is looking forward to seeing the changing color of the leaves in fall. We still love the colors but this year something else is blowing in the wind, Indiana has something to say in November. Go Obama, change is a few weeks away.

Bloomington Indiana

Robert Strunk — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:54:15 EDT

I don't know the record in Indiana for early voting, but we have to be pretty close to it. The lines have begun to get a little longer and it is of course taking longer to get to vote. People aren't complaining about it, they all seem to be having a good time. I have never seen so many people who don't know each other having so much in common. People at the polls smiling, that is not NORMAL. It's so nice to see the voters cracking jokes and truly feeling that this election could really change our countries future and everyone feels a part of something really special.

Yes I hope Senator Obama wins, but in the end I want to see EVERYONE get out and vote. This election means more to this nation than just who becomes President. This country is on the edge of something that has not been seen since Lincoln. The country can't continue to hold together so long as the "right and left" are so far apart. We are Americans not red, not blue but Americans. If we are going to survive as a nation we must come together and lead this country back in the right direction. Get out and vote, there is nothing more important this year, so get out and vote.

Oct. Indianapolis 2008

Robert Strunk — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:29:32 EDT

Senator Obama made a stop in Indianapolis Indiana yesterday. I wasn't able to go but talked to friends and the Indianapolis news channels. The crowd was huge and the energy was amazing. Senator Obama was late but nobody seemed to care. Senator Obama talked about many things, from the economy to the Indiana early voting rules. He asked those who could vote early should do so. Indiana has at least 2 weeks of voting and in some place they can even vote on Saturday.

Senator Obama arrived to a standing ovation and even though he was about an hour late the crowd didn't appear to be upset. He has been to Indiana many times since he entered the race 2 years ago. We keep hoping he will come to Bloomington again. My friends that were able to go said the crowd was electric and listened quietly to Senator Obama talk about the economy, taxes and Indiana's voter laws.

Indiana allows early voting even if you aren't going to be absent the day of the election. In Bloomington we have seen a lot of early voting. I voted last week because I will be democrat sheriff at a local polling place. The lines have been short so people shoudn't have any reasons not to vote early. The lines move very quickly as the ladies that are running the early voting office are doing a great job. In most cases you can vote in less than 20 minutes. This is a great way for elderly, disabled or business people who might have trouble getting away long enough to vote. Many people in Indana don't understand that they can vote early so we are getting the word out.

As Senator Obama gave his speech in Indianapolis people started to move toward the city/ county building just off Alabama and Market street. After the speech the crowd that overtook the city/ county building was led by a local step club who danced all the way to the door. Indianapolis registered the most early votes in one day in Indianapolis history. Thousands have voted daily both in Indianapolis, Bloomington and much of Indiana. The laws are clear here in Indiana but the state doesn't advertise the facts about the law so many don't go.

The laws are in Indiana are clear on early voting but the state doesn't advertise them, many don't go for that reason. This is great for the elderly and disabled as you can get in and out in about 20 minutes. This also gives people time if they don't have the correct papers needed to vote. Here in Bloomington the ladies are great, they tell a person exactly what is needed and explain how to get them. This is not so easy to do on election day, many never vote because the lines at the BMV are to long with people getting their I.D. .

This law was put in place by a republican administration to insure there is no voter fraud. Indiana has not had a problem with that so the law was put in place to make it harder for elderly and disabled people to vote. Many ederly don't have state issued I.D. because many don't drive. The republicans ie. Mitch Daniels claim that the state will give then the card free but know that the lines are long at the BMV so most just give up. The way we can stop the effectiveness of this ploy is to vote early and find out with at least a week what they need from the state. Now the elderly and disabled can get this I.D. during slower times at the BMV.

Let's follow Senator Obama's words and get out and vote now. This keeps the republican's from using the I.D. law against the largest group of democrat voters. Get the voting done know and sit back and watch the next President of the United States, Obama/ Biden. This is the time we take back Washington and put the U.S. in the leading role we have had for 200 years before Bush destroyed that role and has put us in line for a collapsing economy. Vote Now.........

VOTE NOW, VOTE NOW, VOTE NOW, VOTE NOW, VOTE NOW, VOTE NOW, VOTE NOW, VOTE NOW, DON'T WAIT, DON'T WAIT, DON'T WAIT, DON'T WAIT, DON'T WAIT, DON'T WAIT. INDIANA EARLY VOTING, INDIANA EARLY VOTING, INDIANA EARLY VOTING, INDIANA EARLY VOTING. INDIANA EARLY VOTING, CALL YOUR LOCAL CLERKS OFFICE FOR TIMES, CALL YOUR LOCAL CLERKS OFFICE FOR TIMES. DON'T FORGET STATE OR FEDERAL PHOTO I.D. , DON'T FORGT STATE OR FEDERAL PHOTO I.D. . TAKE BACK WASHINGTON NOW, TAKE BACK WASHINGTON NOW, TAKE BACK WASHINGTON NOW,. ((((((((((((GET OUT THE VOTE AND HELP GIVE RIDES TO VOTERS))))))))))))). CHECK YOUR NEIGHBORS AND SEE IF THEY NEED A RIDE TO THE POLLS.................................... MANY ELDERLY AND DISABLED DON'T DRIVE AND NEED HELP TO GET TO THE POLLS, WE NEED EVERY VOTE OUT THERE. THEY MAY NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IS THEIR VOTES COUNT. 08,08,08,08,08,08,08,08. CALL YOUR LOCAL CLERK TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU NEED TO GO IF YOU ARE NOT SURE.

Scare tactics may excite, economy demands answers

Derek Houston — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:49:56 EDT

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081023/OPINION01/810230417/1031

Voting in Bloomington Indiana

Robert Strunk — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:58:00 EDT

Here in Bloomington the early voting is going great. As we get closer to election day a few long lines have popped up at the polling office. I don't remember ever seeing so many people voting early. The buzz for change is moving many 1st time voters and most seem to be very unhappy with the direction this government has been on for 8 years. I know many Republicans that are voting for Senator Obama because they just can't stand Senator McCain. With so few day left everyone is getting ready for election day and praying for Senator Obama and our country. I hope everyone who can vote will get out and vote. This is the most important election since Kennedy and our country can't take 4 more years of the disaster in the White House.

Host a Debate Watch Party

Indiana from Indianapolis, IN — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:45:21 EDT

The final presidential debate is this Wednesday, October 15th, at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

It's the last chance for undecided voters to see Barack and John McCain side-by-side and determine who will bring the change this country needs.

You can make the most of this opportunity by bringing your friends, family, and fellow supporters together to watch.

Sign up to host a Debate Watch Party. We'll make sure you have everything you need to make the event a success.

If you've hosted an event before, you know how powerful they can be to help grow our movement. If you haven't, it's a terrific way to show your support, and we'll be with you every step of the way to help.

We're having a special conference call for Debate Watch Party hosts next week. We'll give you ideas for how to get your guests involved in the rest of the campaign.

In these final weeks, each of us needs to do whatever we can to keep growing our movement and encourage undecided voters to cast their vote for change.

Sign up to host a Debate Watch Party now:

http://my.barackobama.com/debate-watch-party

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

Debate VP

Robert Strunk — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:16:14 EDT

Tonight, the night that the lights went out in Alaska. Can't wait to see this train wreck. We are pulling for Biden, like he needs any help..............lol. The total collapse of the republican party begins and ends with Palin. Vote for Obama/Biden and get a good laugh with the rest of us.

Conservative writer Kathleen Parker calls for Palin to quit.

Ron Owings — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:52:09 EDT

In case your local newspaper didn't run this yesterday or today, this is must read. Please share it with others. Posted on Fri, Sep. 26, 2008 Palin clearly out of her leagueBy KATHLEEN PARKERWashington Post Writers Group If at one time women were considered heretical for swimming upstream against feminist orthodoxy, they now face condemnation for swimming downstream — away from Sarah Palin. To express reservations about her qualifications to be vice president — and possibly president — is to risk being labeled anti-woman. Or, as I am guilty of charging her early critics, supporting only a certain kind of woman. Some of the passionately feminist critics of Palin who attacked her personally deserved some of the backlash they received. But circumstances have changed since Palin was introduced as just a hockey mom with lipstick — what a difference a financial crisis makes — and a more complicated picture has emerged. As we’ve seen and heard more from John McCain’s running mate, it is increasingly clear that Palin is a problem. Quick study or not, she doesn’t know enough about economics and foreign policy to make Americans comfortable with a President Palin should conditions warrant her promotion. Yes, she recently met and turned several heads of state as the United Nations General Assembly convened in New York. She was gracious, charming and disarming. Men swooned. Pakistan’s president wanted to hug her. (Perhaps Osama bin Laden is dying to meet her?) And, yes, she has common sense, something we value. And she’s had executive experience as a mayor and a governor, though of relatively small constituencies (about 6,000 and 680,000, respectively). Finally, Palin’s narrative is fun, inspiring and all-American in that frontier way we seem to admire. When Palin first emerged as John McCain’s running mate, I confess I was delighted. She was the antithesis and nemesis of the hirsute, Birkenstock-wearing sisterhood — a refreshing feminist of a different order who personified the modern successful working mother. Palin didn’t make a mess cracking the glass ceiling. She simply glided through it. It was fun while it lasted. Palin’s recent interviews with Charles Gibson, Sean Hannity and now Katie Couric have all revealed an attractive, earnest, confident candidate. Who Is Clearly Out Of Her League. No one hates saying that more than I do. Like so many women, I’ve been pulling for Palin, wishing her the best, hoping she will perform brilliantly. I’ve also noticed that I watch her interviews with the held breath of an anxious parent, my finger poised over the mute button in case it gets too painful. Unfortunately, it often does. My cringe reflex is exhausted. Palin filibusters. She repeats words, filling space with deadwood. Cut the verbiage, and there’s not much content there. Here’s but one example of many from her interview with Hannity: “Well, there is a danger in allowing some obsessive partisanship to get into the issue that we’re talking about today. And that’s something that John McCain, too, his track record, proving that he can work both sides of the aisle, he can surpass the partisanship that must be surpassed to deal with an issue like this.” When Couric pointed to polls showing that the financial crisis had boosted Obama’s numbers, Palin blustered wordily: “I’m not looking at poll numbers. What I think Americans at the end of the day are going to be able to go back and look at track records and see who’s more apt to be talking about solutions and wishing for and hoping for solutions for some opportunity to change, and who’s actually done it?” If B.S. were currency, Palin could bail out Wall Street herself. If Palin were a man, we’d all be guffawing, just as we do every time Joe Biden tickles the back of his throat with his toes. But because she’s a woman — and the first ever on a Republican presidential ticket — we are reluctant to say what is painfully true. What to do? McCain can’t repudiate his choice for running mate. He not only risks the wrath of the GOP’s unforgiving base, but he invites others to second-guess his executive decision-making ability. Barack Obama faces the same problem with Biden. Only Palin can save McCain, her party and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons, perhaps because she wants to spend more time with her newborn. No one would criticize a mother who puts her family first. Do it for your country. Write to Ms. Parker at kparker@kparker.com. © 2008 TheState.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.thestate.com

Is Sarah Palin qualified to be VP?

Ron Owings — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:25:47 EDT

Apologies for the duplicate posts, but I want to make sure everyone sees this. Please do this:

PBS is conducting an on-line poll which asks if Sarah Palin
is qualified to be VP. The right wing has organized a "yes"
campaign; and at the moment, its 50% yes its 50% no.

Please take 1 second to take the one-question poll and
submit it: for you, for all of us. Please send to everyone you know!

This will take 1 second...it's a must; we can't have PBS reporting next
Friday its audience is for Palin...spread the word
http://www.pbs.org/now/polls/poll-435.html

WOW!!

Robert Strunk — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:17:48 EDT

President Bush must think all america is stupid if he actually believes we would't start fighting the so called Bailout. How could anyone think that no oversight, no chance to go back and account for where the money went and no court resource if needed? Who would come up with those rules in the first place? They know we have to move fast, yet they throw in rules that people need to ask themselves why? Why would we give ONE man control of ONE TRILLIOIN dollars and have no regulation? Oh, I know, the same government that has refused to answer any questions about illegal actions, President Bush. Mr. I don't belong to the executive branch Cheney. His Attorney General and anyone else in charge.

We really have to ask why, why would we give that kind of money with no oversight? No oversight is what has us, the taxpayer, paying ONE TRILLION dollars to bail out private companies. Knowing that time is something we have little of, they add rules that give one man control with no legal recource. Why do they need that clause? Is there something else we need to know that they don't want us to know? President Bush and some in his party ie. McCain have fought to deregulate everything they can over the past 7 years. Senator McCain still thinks that deregulation was a good thing, that it helped speed up the economy. Wait, he is right, it did speed up the economy, all the way into the abyss. We must insure that this bail-out has all the oversight we can have over any government program.

The answer to most of the questions above fall right in the Presidents lap. President Bush has re-created the great depression just so the people who didn't live through the last one had a chance to feel what one feels like. The man knows nothing about the economy, Senator McCain knows nothing about the economy. Hell most of us don't know very much about the economy, but we do know this bail-out, with no regulation is a a bad idea. This government, with the worst president in U.S. history, a Vice-President that doesn't belong to the executive branch, and a refusal to answer to illegal use of power, has thrown us under the train. We were poor and middle-class before, now most of us are just poor. I understand that without a bail-out this economy could very well collapse. What I don't understand is how anyone would want BUSHIII elected. He put us here as did Keating 5 member McCain. Many don't remember this last near disaster, I do and I think the press needs to step up and remind those who don't. We need change, we want change and we must have change if this country is going to survive. GO Senator Obama, our last real hope.

Once Elected, Palin Hired Friends and Lashed Foes

Bullekat — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:39:04 EDT

Another must read!

New York Times article "Once Elected, Palin Hired Friends and Lashed Foes"
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/us/politics/14palin.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=politics

By JO BECKER, PETER S. GOODMAN AND MICHAEL POWELL
Published: September 13, 2008

Swift Boating 2008

Bullekat — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:35:02 EDT

My friend, Jake, responded to the San Francisco Chronicle article "Swift boating 2008" by Debra J. Saunders. This article appeared on page B - 7 of the San Francisco Chronicle on September 11, 2008 and is available on the SFGate Website.

Jake's response is quite lovely! His post is available through the SFGate blog and below...

"There's one key element Saunders has accidentally missed/blatantly ignored; the rumors of Mrs. Palin's indiscretions are simply public exaggerations the press has picked up on, whereas the sideswipes at Mr. Obama come directly from within the McCain campaign itself. It's the difference between hearing some dishy water cooler talk at work and, say, holding a nationally televised press conference meant to skewer your opponent like a roast pig (with lipstick). Rumors will abound, but at least the Obama campaign is above spreading them. (Doesn't look as though they need to help!)"

In essence, John McCain, you can stick feathers up your butt, but that doesn't make you any more of a chicken than you already are.

Vote for Healthcare Reform in November! Vote for Change!

Bullekat — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 04:35:42 EDT

Hello friends.

As many of you know, in July 2007 I sustained a serious and financially cumbersome hand injury. While packing to move, I slipped in my kitchen and lacerated 4 tendons and the carpal tunnel nerve in my left hand. Because I was naive, like so many young people who think themselves invincible, I did not have insurance at the time of my injury. There’s no excuse for my lack of planning and I feel ridiculous for it. Even today, I am embarrassed to admit my faulty judgment.

That said; I’m also embarrassed that I live in a country where a hospital will turn away a needy patient. I’m embarrassed that one year later, after paying thousands of dollars out of pocket, I still don’t have full motion in my thumb and have only partial feeling throughout my hand. Even after obtaining coverage though my employer, which (luckily) didn’t discriminate based on preexisting conditions, I paid $20 per doctor’s visit for 10 - 12 visits per month, that’s $200 - $240 per month, more than my car payment. The minimal amount of care my doctor felt was required was often more than my insurance company’s allowable amount – or beyond what was “reasonable and customary”. As a well educated, productive member of society, who pays their taxes in full and on time, I would think that my country would want me to get the care I needed so that I could once again embody (literally) the ingenuity of the American workforce. After all, I worked summers throughout my teenage years, full-time throughout most of college and as a young professional for two-and-a-half years prior to my injury. My parents raised me well, with a strong work ethic. The period of my life where I was uninsured was a brief 3 months, a drop in the bucket when you think of all the premiums I have and will pay in my life. Americans can and should do a better job of caring for one another when they’re sick and scared and want, quite simply, to get better.

Because I was uninsured, I spent 6 months of my life one-handed. Poor and delayed care resulted in adhesions, excessive scarring that bound together normally separate anatomical structures. Unable to move my tendons, I jokingly referred to my hand as, “the claw.” I struggled with zippers and buttons. I found it difficult to fold laundry, type on a keyboard, put my hair up in a ponytail and open metal cans with a can opener. I spent months in physical therapy, struggling to keep up with my hours at work, while attending 2-3 doctors’ appointments a week. Because I couldn’t find a doctor who would repair my hand within the customary timeframe (though I was willing to pay out of pocket), and because I did not receive any post-op care, I was forced to bear an additional surgery, a tenolysis to remove the additional scar tissue, and months of additional and costly physical therapy.

I feel extremely lucky that I am now able to type this message to you using all ten fingers. I worry, however, for the millions of Americans without proper healthcare coverage or who have healthcare that doesn’t meet their needs. This is why in November I’m voting for Barack Obama. I can’t wait to use my left hand to pull the lever in the voting booth. Obama has been candid in discussing his mother’s death from cancer at age 53, stating that, “In those last painful months, she was more worried about paying her medical bills than getting well.” He understands that Americans should not spend the last days of their lives fighting with health Insurance companies.

I feel strongly about my decision to support Barack Obama. "But,” in the words of Levar Burton, host of public television’s best child-literacy program, “you don't have to take my word for it." Choose your own candidate! Make up your own mind about healthcare! I am telling my story so that you understand how important this issue is and how easily it can turn your life upside down. Choose your own candidate, but make an educated decision!

In December of 2007, just a month after my final surgery, I felt compelled to travel to the Iowa caucuses to volunteer for Obama. While there, I stayed with a wonderful host family, Bill and Lindra, who showed me a video from 60 Minutes – “Under the Influence: How Lobbyists Wrote and Bought the Rx Drug Bill.” This report is must-see viewing if you have ever wondered why the cost of prescription drugs in the United States is the highest in the world. This video details the pharmaceutical lobby’s influence in Washington, D.C. CBS has now made video of this segment available for free on their website (you can stream the content just as you would on YouTube):

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/03/29/60minutes/main2625305.shtml

Please vote and please vote for healthcare reform! Vote for change in Washington!

Feel free to forward this message to other friends.

Many thanks!

Kathryn

PS: If you know a young person – a college student or young person – without insurance, please urge them to obtain coverage. Also, I am much obliged to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and Bloomington Bone & Joint for the care and financial support they offered!

"Country before Party" my a...

Michael — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:05:39 EDT

Joe Lieberman says John McCain puts country before party???... HA!... that's a joke that might be funny if it weren't so dangerous!

2008 Candidate John McCain has clearly and systematically reversed his position on OVER 60 major issues of the day in the areas of national security, foreign policy, domestic policy, the military, the economy, energy, immigration, campaign ethics, and the list goes on!...

don't believe me?... read them here for yourself:

http://www.alternet.org/election08/90956/?page=entire

These reversals are a matter of documented history... not opinion.

Senator McCain may have put country before party at one time, but 2008 candidate McCain clearly has bowed to his GOP & corporate puppet-master's will. John McCain isn't a maverick anymore! The GOP wants you to believe he's still a maverick because it portrays the illusion of change without really changing anything that matters most to the powers that be (at the expense of the American people).

John McCain is what he's always been... a good soldier. Someone who follows orders, regardless of his personal beliefs.

Take 2000 turncoat Joe Lieberman for example, who helped steal the election from his own running mate and give it to the GOP... If John McCain had it his way, it'd be a McCain/Lieberman ticket now, but Senator Lieberman's new republican friends (John McCain's masters) know he can't be trusted and therefore won't allow their McSoldier to put him in the White House... probably a good move.

So what???... extreme right-wing "yes-woman" Sarah Palin is an example of John McCain putting country before party??? Are you kidding yourselves?

Again, this is just a political move to feign the appearance of change to the duped masses who help those in power get even more powerful at the expense of their own meager wealth and fading freedoms.

A vote for John McCain is a vote against yourselves America!

McCain's Dangerous Judgment

Michael — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:25:49 EDT

Unfortunately, the average life expectancy of a white male in the United States today is just 73.6 years. John McCain is now 72… And though he may believe he’s going to live happily for years to come (and I’m sure we all certainly wish that for him), the truth of the matter is that the odds are very good that should he become President, he will pass, or become incapable of fulfilling his duties, while in office. This fact makes his VP choice all the more crucial, and therein lies the concern…

It appears that with the seemingly politically-driven, spur-of-the-moment pick of barely-vetted and relatively untested Sarah Palin as a running mate, John McCain’s “maverick”, “roll-the-dice” approach to critical decision-making lacks well-tempered judgment, and puts our country in unnecessary peril. I believe this is but one glaring example of a dangerous pattern of “from-the-hip” behavior we can expect from would-be President McCain on all issues, foreign and domestic.

Ask yourself… Would a Fortune 500 company hire even a mid-to-senior level manager after just one single face-to-face interview and phone conversation?…

John McCain is dangerous for America.

McCain/Palin

Michael — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:42:43 EDT

McCain/Palin is just the "McSame" and pale in comparison to the true leadership of Barack Obama and Joe Biden!

At the end of the day, parading Sarah Palin out in front of the cameras doesn't distract me one bit from the undeniable fact that John McCain still fully embraces George Bush & Dick Cheney's politics and failed policies both at home and abroad.

Getting involved & Volunteering

Student for Obama — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:40:18 EDT

For starters - this is the first campaign I've ever helped. I was never really interested in politics before I was inspired by Senator Obama. Up until December 2007, I would usually just gripe about George W. Bush. I had become so angry with President Bush's mistakes. I was - and still am angry about Bush's invasion of Iraq - because I have friends serving over there in Iraq. I want my friends to come home. This war was based on faulty information. Bush is simply wrong. In contrast, Senator Obama brought a new hope to the country. He has better plans for the USA - and his judgment is more solid than McCain's. That's why I'm volunteering for Senator Obama. I urge you all to volunteer or get involved because we can each make an impact in small and big ways.

When I first started volunteering, I wasn't sure I could do it - because it meant stepping outside my comfort zone. But, I realized - that I had to act. I had to do something because I couldn't let John McCain continue Bush's failed policies. I knew we needed new leadership in the White House, and that's why I took that first step - and Volunteered for the Obama campaign. I found that volunteering CAN make an impact. There are lots of things you can do - and I've written some of them out below. Today, I am asking you to take a stand with me. I encourage you to find something you're comfortable with - and put in 110%. If we all STAND-UP and help - then our campaign will WIN. But we have to fight for our campaign. We all want to win - but we have to fight to help Senator Obama. We have to put our energy and ethusiasm TO USE - by becoming hopeful of a better future. Please join me in volunteering. Consider some of the options below, or suggest some!

Volunteering for the Obama Campaign: Here are some ways you can help the campaign

1. Phonebanking: You can help the campaign by making calls. You can make calls to find new volunteers, or you can make calls to find out about the level of interest. The Obama campaign has a good script for these calls and they're easy. I've had lots of good experiences with this.

2. Door-Knocking: We can help register new voters and learn about people's interests by knocking on doors. This part of the campaign is so important - because it helps us to increase our voter numbers. It's easy, and the campaign has a helpful script for this project.

3. Voter Registration: Senator Obama's campaign is having a nation-wide voter registration drive in every state. Please help the campaign - by stopping by and picking up the materials. They can train you on this - and it's very useful. You can help register voters in numerous locations.

4. Visibility and Community: You can help grow this movement by putting up a sign in your window, or a yardside in your yard. Or you can show your support by putting a bumper sticker on your car. These simple acts - can show a common purpose. They help to show a community's purpose to elect better leaders. They help to show that our community wants real change this fall.

5. Support Your Obama Office: Our offices are largely the products of donations. Many people have donated the furniture, the tables, the signs and more. I urge you to stop by your Obama office - and ask what you can donate. They need lots of things. See what you can do. For example, you can make a casserole - to keep the volunteers energized. This helps to keep us going!

6. Data-Entry: Our office needs volunteers to help enter new information into the databases. This is an easy way to help - and there's lots of work to do. Just stop by and ask to use a computer. They can quickly set you up and train you on what to do. This is a great way to volunteer.

7. Beds for Volunteers: Our campaign consists of thousands of out-of-state volunteers who help in the swing-states. For all these volunteers - we need beds. Contact the campaign - and mention that you're interested in housing a volunteer. This helps so much to keep the campaign going.

8. Letter Writing: You can change the tone of the campaign by writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper. These letters can express why you're supporting Barack Obama. They can explain why we need Change in this country. It's simple, and easy. Or, you can help write postcards to local voters - telling them why you're passionate for Senator Obama's candidacy.

9. If you don't have time to volunteer, you can always make a donation to the campaign. Even $10 can help the campaign. We need to keep Senator Obama's campaign running - and we're the spirit of the campaign. Our small-dollar donations add up, so let's help him win the White House!

10. Talk to Friends and Neighbors: Tell them why you're passionate for Senator Obama's candidacy. We need to help our families understand why Senator Obama is the best candidate for November's election. We also need to help our families to register to vote. We can reach a lot of people by talking with our circle of friends. Have an Obama house party and invite them over!

Support Your Local Volunteers & Staffers!

schalliol — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 15:40:07 EDT

We thought it would be fun to celebrate the Obama Biden tickets with ObamaBidencakes on Saturday for the workers at our local office and make some up using the new logo treatments. Here's a picture of one of the sets.

Please support by getting out the vote and supporting others doing so! If anyone wants the files I used to create these flags, please let me know.

Barack For President of The World!

schalliol — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:18:12 EDT

I just watched Barack's speech in Berlin tonight andcouldn't help to think that Barack can really help to bring the world together. We are all connected, and I know that Barack will give us the best chance at unity. If you haven't, watch the video:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/berlinvideo/

Indiana Voter Registration Form

Miguel Solis — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:52:06 EDT

Hey Indiana,

Here is the link to the Indiana Voter Registration Application:

http://www.in.gov/sos/elections/pdfs/50504.pdf

Remember, you must fill this out and turn it in to your county voter registration office no later than 29 days before the next election. A list of Indiana county offices can be found at this link as well.

If you wish to mail your application in to your county office, you must provide a copy of an identification document (These may include a current and valid photo id, current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or governmental document that shows the name and address of the voter.) DO NOT MAIL AN ORIGINAL COPY OF YOUR DOCUMENT!

If you do not provide identification with this application or to the county voter registration office before election day, you will be asked for it the first time you vote.

Also guys and gals, if you think you may already be registered but you are not sure, the link to check this information is:

http://www.indianavoters.com/PublicSite/Public/FT1/PublicLookupMain.aspx?Link=Registration

If you are a student at any university in Indiana who does not happen to live in Indiana, email me at msolis11408@gmail.com and I will be here to assist you.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we can not enact change without proper registration of voters. We have come so far in the fight for justice and equality in American Poltics. Do not let such a simple task cost you your chance at history.

-Miguel Solis

Obama for America

It is time for CHANGE.

Jeff T — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:29:33 EDT

Yesterday was a great day. Went to a minor league game, partied with good friends, food, and wine, the home team won; all in all a picture perfect Indiana summer evening. But, upon returning home I soon discovered the events that unfolded in the political world. As I was enjoying my peanuts and Crackerjacks, the Republican in this election (PRN: Presumptive Republican Nominee) was once again proving his ineptitude, possibly via his unhealthy obsession with war and winning. I was quickly reminded of the current U.S. administration and became enraged. America, it is time for change.

Over the past week, the PRN has, at first glance, made but a few gaffes that are concurrent with 24-7 surveillance. However, these misspeaks, as innocent as some reporters would like us to think, must remain highly publicized. The PRN's blunders are all major mistakes and involve more than just the crumbling of the his main campaign issue, they involve the future of the United States being subjected to another Commander in Chief who, falling in line with the majority of Americans, cannot correctly point to Iraq or Afghanistan on a map. By repeatedly not acknowledging the dissolution of Czechoslovakia and not knowing that the border of Iraq and Pakistan is, as Jon Stewart put it, Iran, the PRN has displayed what can best be described as ineptitude. To have worked in public service for as long as he has, to be as well traveled as he claims to be, all the while not knowing the geographic layout of the world, is embarrassing and more importantly, compelling evidence of the PRN being a George W. Bush crony and a maladroit, say-anything politician. America, it is time for change.

The mercury in my political thermometer began rapidly accelerating when I heard the PRN's comments to a member of the press regarding the "success" of the surge:

"I don't know how you respond to something that is such a false depiction of what actually happened. Colonel McFarlane (phonetic) was contacted by one of the major Sunni sheiks. Because of the surge we were able to go out and protect that sheik and others. And it began the Anbar awakening. I mean, that's just a matter of history. Thanks to General Petraeus, our leadership, and the sacrifice of brave young Americans. I mean, to deny that their sacrifice didn't make possible the success of the surge in Iraq, I think, does a great disservice to young men and women who are serving and have sacrificed."

This blatant disregard of facts and history is unreservedly disturbing and demands and answer to the questions about dealing with the consequences we are now facing due to one man's unhealthy preoccupation with war. Meanwhile, while the PRN is struggling with historical and geographical facts, my family and I are struggling to make it through the week after week after week. America, it is time for change.

This post is not intended as a slam on the PRN or his cohorts and colleagues; rather I hope that it serves as a motivational tool to get folks moving and voting for Senator Barack Obama. Senator Obama is the change that we need, and the time for change is now.

America, it is time for President Obama.

WaPo Ombudsman Responds to Criticism of Obama Hit-Piece

""""Jeff C."""" — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:32:49 EDT

Deborah Powell, the Washington Post's ombudsman, responded to criticism the Post had received for its article concerning Barack Obama's home mortgage.

The story that originated the criticism ran on page A3 of the July 2nd paper & was titled: "Obama Got Discount on Home Loan."

Where do I even begin with both the story and Howell's analysis of the story? Neither of the articles are exactly moving targets.

I won't even dissect the original WaPo article, which was a gutter-level smear through innuendo masquerading as investigative journalism.

Howell provides some context under which the original story was written, but gets to the meat of her analysis near the end of her critique. The circular logic is simply priceless.

In the second to last paragraph, Howell states:

Readers deserve to know everything pertinent The Post can find out about Barack Obama and John McCain's finances. In that context [the public deserving to know everything pertinent--brackets mine] and in the context of the home mortgage crisis, the story had news value.

Moving to the last paragraph, Howell concludes:

Still, the story had a negative cast to it. It also lacked the important context that other wealthy and savvy borrowers could have done as well under similar circumstances.

Let me attempt to wrap my noodle around those two statements.
Think about those sentences for a moment.

I, the reader, as a member of the public, deserve to know everything pertinent about public officials getting sweetheart deals, specifically, I assume, because of
the home mortgage crisis. In that context, Howell writes that "the story had news value".

Howell then pivots off of that statement to conclude that "other wealthy and savvy borrowers could have done as well under similar circumstances" [could have done just as well=no sweetheart deal].

So, unless I'm completely dense, Howell has just admitted that "the story had a negative cast to it" while maintaining its newsworthiness. Ostensibly, Howell admits that the condition that needed to exist [Sen. Obama receiving a sweetheart deal] for the story to be pertinent did not, in fact, exist.

This article was a hit piece.

I'm sure that it wasn't meant to be a hit piece. I'm sure that everyone involved had the best journalistic intentions, although I'm not sure what is worse: the smear by innuendo nature of the article or Howell's insistence that it was "newsworthy".

I was reading through a message board of a Jake Tapper story the other day concerning Sen. McCain and his Pittsburgh Steelers comments. There were multiple posts in which the posters trotted out all the greatest hits: "Rezko", Bitter-Gate", "Lapel Pin" & "Michelle not Proud of America" to diminish Sen. Obama.

However, now they had a new one--"Sweetheart Deal". Short. Easy to understand. Encapsulating multiple problems and themes into one word.

You can't put the genie back into the bottle now, WaPo [not that you're even trying]. Howell should be ashamed of this story and the implications it has for the quality of journalism at WaPo in that it was able to make it to press. This story should have been killed.

And it's, frankly, the type of hit-piece that someone needs to lose their job over. And people wonder why readers are abandoning newspapers in droves.

VOTE. VOLUNTEER. DONATE.

From my e-mail...

Andy Burns — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:07:26 EDT

From Barack, With Love
By David E. McClean

Dorothy Day once wrote that “the greatest challenge of the day is how to bring about a revolution of the heart.” It is the perennial challenge. To speak of revolutions of the heart is to speak neither of mere changes of social structures or mere policy plumbing, nor of Realpolitik, which is but the strategies and tactics that attend the art of the deal. To speak of revolutions of the heart is to change the subject from Realpolitik to the Judeo-Christian concepts of agape and caritas – it is to shift from crass political pragmatism to love and love talk.

Unfortunately, love is a word that, in our culture, is relegated to Sabbath days, to churches, mosques, synagogues and temples. This is the tragic ghettoization of love that is, at least in part, the consequence of a badly conceived form of secularism that tosses out the baby with the bathwater, that marginalizes high and prophetic ideals. It is the ghettoization of the best thing that we human beings have going – our ability to transcend self-interest and love each other for the sake of each other. The purge of love talk and transcendent idioms from the public square has produced the cynical political space in which bad policies have flourished. It is worth considering how we may take the risk to free love talk from its various ghettoes and re-insert it into the public discourses about what is to be done – boldly, without embarrassment, without tentativeness. Love is not merely a religious concept; it is a ubiquitous human imperative whose application is equally ubiquitous.

Sen. Obama's Growing Enthusiasm Gap

""""Jeff C."""" — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:02:31 EDT

Hello All:

A quick thought before the holiday.

Barack Obama has a growing enthusiasm gap. Not with John McCain mind you; his support would have to completely flat-line before it would sink below the enthusiasm of McCain's supporters; who have the collective enthusiasm of a group going for a root-canal. No, the enthusiasm gap is with his own supporters [myself included]; and our view towards Sen. Obama during the primary campaign compared to their view of him at the moment.

Sure, I don't think anyone has abandoned Sen. Obama. I still write the occasional blog in support of Barack and will certainly cast my vote for him in the fall. However, the frequency with which I'm donating to his campaign and expending energy on his behalf has markedly decreased. I've been disappointed with Sen. Obama's rightward tack since clinching the nomination. I understand why he's doing what he's doing [although I disagree with the political effectiveness of the strategy and strongly believe he is doing incredible damage to his political brand].

It seems to me that the Obama campaign, which to now has been quite forward thinking, has allowed itself to be drawn to the "center" based on what constituted the "center" in previous elections. Unfortunately, the "center" in American politics has drifted increasingly rightward over the past thirty years; which menas it's somewhat of a false floor. And the only way to have the debate on Democratic Party turf is to strongly advocate progressive positions and pull the "center" back to a more traditionally center place.

Prior to this year's campaign I was a fairly apathetic [at least politically] registered independent that leaned towards the Democratic Party, although I did not always cast my votes for a Democrat. I gave money [for the first time] to the DCCC in 2006; a whopping sum of $50. This year I have given the maximum $2300 during the primary campaign, blogged, did volunteer work and raised an additional $1500 through my Obama Fundraising Page. In short, I have expended a considerable amount of time and energy; time and energy that could easily be allocated to any number of other endeavors in my life.

I did this [such as making some contributions on my credit card--I know, I'm not a smart man, but that's for another diary] because Barack was able to tap into the general dissatisfaction with the political process that many people genuinely held. I think there are millions of others out there that were there for the political taking, but just didn't see anything worth getting excited about. Barack expertly tapped into that dissatisfaction with Washington in general, and, politics specifically.

I started my Obama page in January. This is what I wrote then:

Barack Obama and I are committed to changing the political process with a campaign built on a broad base of support from ordinary Americans. We believe the only way to bring about lasting and needed change in our government is by rejecting the typical Washington-style slash and burn politics; by seeking to inspire voters by highlighting our possibilities rather than preying on our fears; and, by tapping into the hard work and ingenuity that has served us so well. But this can only happen with your help.
Today, I ask you to stand with me and believe that government can be more than driving up your opponent's negatives; that government can be more than lowest common denominator partisanship. Our government is a direct reflection of who we are. Our elected leaders represent us. It is not enough to merely replace a president with an "R" next to their name with someone with a "D" next to their name.

Those words seem kind of overly simplistic and, frankly, silly now. Maybe that's for the best. Maybe the old adage that 'Democrats fall in love & Republicans fall in line' is correct. I certainly wouldn't take any pride in some dreamy, wide-eyed idealistic losing campaign. The most important thing is to win.

However, I have quite a bit to do during my day. Like most people, I'm quite busy. I also have about $100K in law school loans and can't really afford to give any more money away. So, it's not too difficult to find an excuse not to donate to Sen. Obama's campaign. And not that I'm a harbinger by any stretch, but I think there are a lot of people out there like me. Sen. Obama isn't going to lose our vote. But he can lose our enthusiasm. In the end, that might be just as bad because it was the enthusiasm that allowed Barack to prevail over Sen. Clinton in the primary.

Maybe I'm wrong; perhaps it was inevitable at the end of a long, hard-fought primary campaign to lose a little steam. I certainly hope so. However, if I were with the Obama campaign, I'd be concerned.

Sincerely,

Jeff Cronin

Let's Get Out The Vote At Indiana Black Expo!

schalliol — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 09:58:47 EDT

We have a great opportunity in Indiana Black Expo, which is coming up shortly. Let's get out the vote there!

I have a My Barack Obama event started for the event and we have a local campaign coordinator for the event as well. Sign up and get in with the official event.

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4glpg

who is your local under 30 hero?

darlene matthews — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 13:35:10 EDT

http://bravenation.com/heroes.php

nominate!

Gas Prices & US Supply

Rebecca Ward — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:35:45 EDT

I don't understand why the news coverage about the Bush administration's/Republican push to drill in the Alaskan reserve is so lax. I have only seen one show where they even began to explore the issue(MSNBC 'Hardball'). If we start drilling in Alaska it will be at least 5 years until gas prices are lessened. Not to mention how it might damage the National Wildlife Reserve there.

Also, is drilling even addressing the real issue? Isn't the real issue that we are running out of oil? Aren't we finally facing the consequences of our cherished American lifestyle? How and why are we so short sighted and greedy? Do people care about the future of their progeny? Are they banking on a miracle or the second coming? I'm confused, disenfranchised, and sad.

The only point of light I can see is Senator Obama's alternative energy/economic plan. Thank goodness someone isn't afraid to address the real issues.

Someone tell Hillary that Obama won

Kim — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:37:34 EDT

Would someone please contact the Clintons and let them know that Barack Obama won the nomination? I think they lost touch in the basement of that small college in NY and fell into some kind of time warp. They now are seemingly operating in a separate reality, a wrinkle in time, a mesmerizing universe that offers them the glamour so longed for. They've been zapped by ambition. Sad.

Fox pundit wishes for Obama assassination... and Laughs!

Garry — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:26:41 EDT

http://digg.com/2008_us_elections/FOX_Pundit_Wishes_for_Obama_Assassination_Laughs

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ER052408/petition.html

Senator Clinton has once again crossed the line of decency. Even if one wishes to give her the benefit of the doubt with her assassination ‘gaffe’, her lack of historical accuracy makes this a 'Bosnian sniper fire' level discrepancy. Her husband had, in fact been, assured of the nomination with Paul Tsongas withdrawal in March of 1992. Further recent history has shown that those campaigns which fight on into the convention always lead to general election losses. These facts coupled with her previous effective endorsement of Senator McCain’s qualifications over Senator Obama’s, along with the not so very subtle racism of her campaign, make her utterly unfit to be Senator Obama’s Vice-President.

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ER052408/petition.html

Reject Clinton for VP

Garry — Sat, 24 May 2008 17:06:21 EDT

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ER052408/petition.html

Senator Clinton has once again crossed the line of decency. Even if one wishes to give her the benefit of the doubt with her assassination ‘gaffe’, her lack of historical accuracy makes this a 'Bosnian sniper fire' level discrepancy. Her husband had, in fact been, assured of the nomination with Paul Tsongas withdrawal in March of 1992. Further recent history has shown that those campaigns which fight on into the convention always lead to general election losses. These facts coupled with her previous effective endorsement of Senator McCain’s qualifications over Senator Obama’s, along with the not so very subtle racism of her campaign, make her utterly unfit to be Senator Obama’s Vice-President.

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ER052408/petition.html

Reject Clinton for VP

Garry — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:59:37 EDT

CBS tonite on Obama looking for a vp? and more!

darlene matthews — Fri, 23 May 2008 16:45:15 EDT

Hi everyone,

Shocking legal news out of Texas today: An appeals court said the state didn't have the right to take the 400-plus children from a polygamist compound, separating them from their parents. Is one of the biggest child-custody cases in American history unraveling at the seams? Hari Sreenivasan explains the legal twists behind the decision.

In politics: Sources say Barack Obama is beginning his search for a running mate – behind closed doors. That's a fresh signal that he's planning for life after a Democratic nomination. But should that be the case, John McCain still has a big head-start on him. And late today, he rejected the endorsement of Pastor John Hagee. Chip Reid has the latest on the presidential race.

Continuing our series The War on Cancer, Dr. Emily Senay goes behind the scenes with researchers seeking high-tech cancer cures. Is there a magic bullet in our battle against cancer?

Also tonight: A four-year government investigation into a major aircraft-materials supplier alleges fraud – and a serious potential threat to the safety of passengers. That includes soldiers who fly planes that include the materials – and even passengers like you. Armen Keteyian has the exclusive story.

Finally, a bittersweet story of a soldier's glory … and his personal sorrow. Lauded today by the president, he told our David Martin what's really on his mind.

I hope you'll join us for all this and more,

75,0000 show to see THE NEXT PRESIDENT-see pics

darlene matthews — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:06:55 EDT

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/obama-draws-record-crowd-in-oregon/?hp

Obama Draws Record Crowd in Oregon

An estimated 75,000 gathered on the banks of the Willamette River in Portland on Sunday to see Barack Obama.

“Wow! Wow! Wow!” were his first words, as he surveyed the multitude, which included people in kayaks and small pleasure craft on the river....

Bush McCain Challenge

Merrilee — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:05:54 EDT

From Move on . Wish I could host an event with this. It would be fun. But of course I'm a poor working schmuck. So are most of us I bet. So check out the link and pass it on. Its fun and informative and will surprise you.

http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/create.html?r=3640&id=12656-9109838-iSg.CY&action_id=121

also Yeah John Edwards!!!! and NARAL action needed here. take the time to tell NARAL thank you for endorsing Barack Obama

NARAL Pro-Choice America
1156 15th Street, NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 2000can@prochoiceamerica.org
Main Number: 202.973.3000
Main Fax: 202.973.3096 thank you and yes can!!!

This is What This Campaign is all About

J. Schacht — Sat, 10 May 2008 17:13:25 EDT

I read a story last night that needs some publicity. It's not a copyrighted work so I will reproduce it wholesale, but you can find it by clicking here

This is not my story, but it is indicitive of the movement that is building to take America back:

This afternoon I started calling West Virginia for Barack Obama. I had read "Big Coal" by Jeff Goodell and felt a special empathy for the people of West Virginia and wanted to share with people why I thought they would be best served by an Obama presidency.
Most of the people I called weren't home so I left several messages. I did speak to one woman who was undecided and said she appreciated hearing from me and having a chance to hear what I had to say. She said she was most concerned about the candidates' principles and their faith.
Then came the call that put a wrench into my calling.

Indiana Defended!...

Michael — Wed, 07 May 2008 09:33:23 EDT

Hoosiers came out in record numbers yesterday and said no to pandering and divisiveness, and yes to the true American leader we see in Barack Obama. And though we may not have won our state's bragging rights, we (along with the help of our North Carolina brothers and sisters) have indeed won the night, and may very well have stopped Hillary Clinton in her tracks.

I'm extremely proud of my state... proud to be a Hoosier... and very proud of my next President, Barack Obama!

Thank you Indiana!

Obama '08
YES WE CAN!!!

I want to have hope folks, but...

Michael — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:50:43 EDT

I get so discouraged by the effectiveness of "say anything" kitchen-sink smear tactics, incessant tabloid-media distractions passed off as real news, pandering, innuendo, and outright lies that rely on the general ignorance of the lowest common denominator in this country - confidently knowing all along that by the time the actual truth filters down to the masses, it'll be too late!... it makes me sick!

Over the weekend, my girlfriend was walking through the parking lot of our semi-rural Indiana Walmart wearing her Obama shirt, when some hayseed jackass called her a "terrorist lover"!

You know, I WANT to have hope... I WANT to believe in this country's ability to rise above the BS... But misinformed hate like this makes me infinitely frustrated, bitter, and angry! Not to mention the fact that it happened to MY girlfriend! (I really hope I'm the one that runs across you next time you redneck pr***!)

I'm no less proud to be an American, but I'm a little less proud of America - and its liars and hate-mongers from both the GOP and (yes) the Clinton campaign that continue to perpetuate their vile messages to the gullible, with absolutely no remorse what-so-ever! Stupid people shouldn't be allowed to vote, but unfortunately they are - with their evil puppet-masters happily pulling their strings all the way to the polls!

HOPE...

I HOPE the majority of people aren't this ignorant. I HOPE we outnumber the stupid. I HOPE we will collectively rise-up and politically crush the manipulative evil that runs rampant within our system. I HOPE this really IS "our time".

Rednecks 4 Obama '08
Ye-ha we can, y'all!!!

P.S.: Let's do it tomorrow Hoosiers!!! I DO have faith in us!!!

STEVIE WONDER & BARACK IN INDIANAPOLIS!

Jennifer Haro — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:44:06 EDT

Legendary musician STEVIE WONDER will join Barack tonight for a rally in INDIANAPOLIS!!! Location: American Legion Mall
Entrance: N. Meridian St. & E. North St.
Gates Open: 7:30pm
Monday, May 5thhttp://my.barackobama.com/page/s/indianapolis BE THERE EARLY!VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!3pm - Volunteers please meet at the corner of N. Meridian St. & E. North St.Let's rock the Mall!

HILLARY TO ATTEMPT TO STEAL NOMINATION

John — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:30:27 EDT

According to the Huffingtonpost.com, Clinton Aides say that when the Democratic National Committee meets at the end of May, Hillary will try to use her influence and negative campaigning to seat Michigan and Florida, and will use tomorrows elections in Indiana and North Carolina as reasons that she is the only nominee. She has employed ABC, who is owned by Disney, whose CEO is a Clinton Contributor, and CNN and Fox News to spread her negative message.

To all those in Indiana and North Carolina, please show up to vote and get as many people you can to vote....its the end. It is all up to you. If you dont show for Obama, it could be over.

Calculate your savings a better site

Merrilee — Sat, 03 May 2008 22:25:52 EDT

For the smart argument against the Gas tax Holiday.

http://www.jabberwonk.com/flinker.cfm?cliid=13lkzo

Job Losses with Gas Holiday

Merrilee — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:13:55 EDT

Economists agree the job losses would be costly. The price would be hiked anyway consumers often absorb corporate taxes. Here is one assessment of the cost in jobs.

This is from the DailyKos:
State by State breakdown of the Jobs and Federal Highway Funds that would be lost during the 15 week "Gas Tax Holiday" proposed by John McCain and Hillary Clinton.

NC 7,071 Jobs -$203 Million, IN 6,390 Jobs - 183 Million, OR 2,881 Jobs - $82 Million, KY 4,298 Jobs - 123 Million, MT 2,348 Jobs - $67 Million, SD 1,623 Jobs- $46 Million, WV 2,691 Jobs - $77Million. Just here 7 States america loses 310,750 Jobs and 8.9 Billion Dollars

Friends of the Earth endorses Barack

Merrilee — Sat, 03 May 2008 17:41:06 EDT

Now this may seem at first glance as though it is nothing more than a peripheral endorsement, however, this is a well established group and the reason because Barack speaks the truth about that gas tax holiday plan. His is the principled stand. As is his whole being. So here is the link to this Great Endorsement. Make sure you let your NC and Indiana Friends know. And lastly with 95% in and Obama maintaining his lead I say go Guam go!!!!

http://action.foe.org/t/4027/pressRelease.jsp?press_release_KEY=367

With Us or Against Us

""""Jeff C."""" — Sat, 03 May 2008 12:15:08 EDT

Seems like a no-brainer to me. I throw my hat in with the "against" folks.

In case everyone hasn't already heard, Sen. Clinton--tired of co-opting John McCain's campaign material, dusted off one of President Bush's golden oldies during a campaign speech in Indiana the other night. The line was in reference to her gratuitously pandering "gas-tax holiday" idea.

Always one to double down on a bad bet, Sen. Clinton stated she would introduce legislation in Congress, which she framed this way:

I want them [meaning Congress] to tell us, are they with us or against us when it comes to taking on the oil companies?

Don't we already have enough experience with a president that refuses to admit they're wrong and plows ahead despite all evidence to the contrary? How's that been working out for us?

OK--put aside for the moment that the "them" to which Sen. Clinton refers is a Congress that is controlled by the Democratic Party; the party of which she is a member.

Put aside that the "us" to which she is referring are members of the Democratic Party that support her.

Put aside that the Speaker of the House, a democrat, has said the proposal is going nowhere.

Put aside that no one actually believes Sen. Clinton's proposal is a good idea, which more than likely includes herself. In fact, 150 economists across the political spectrum independently put out a petition stating what a hare-brained idea this is.

Putting aside all that, is there really anyone left out there--with the exception of the most dyed-in-the-wool Clinton supporters, that honestly believes Sen. Clinton is placing the interests of the country or her party ahead of herself?

Aren't we long past accepting this type of cheap gimmickry from our elected leaders? If not, this is exatcly the type of vote-buying crap that we deserve.

"Indiana? Those people are sh*t!" Gee thanks, Hillary!

Pirate Nurse Dux � Bitter Woman — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:37:44 EDT

Want to know what the Clinton campaign "really" thinks of Indiana voters?Forward to every contact you have...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-MzByUHIzw&feature=email

NPR is on the RoboCall fiasco w/Clinton ties

Merrilee — Thu, 01 May 2008 23:09:32 EDT

Check out the article on NPR. Activist all over the country got this into the press. Send this to every one you know.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90114863#email

scroll up

this needs to hit the regular newscasts. Send this to all your friends.

The "Gas-Tax Holiday" is the Defining Issue of the Campaign

""""Jeff C."""" — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:04:17 EDT

The current Clinton campaign spin, which actually means the Clinton campaignitself, is that they have a political "winner" with regards tothe "gas-tax holiday" issue. Never mind that the McCain-Clinton proposal hasbeen universally panned as the crassest form of short-term pandering.

Sen. Obama has a put out a response ad that I believe is largely ineffectiveand walks right into a trap that has been set by the Clinton campaign. InSen. Obama's ad, he mocks the amount of money that the average driverwill save on gas and decries the McCain-Clinton proposal as typical
Washington game-playing [which is exactly what it is].

However, Sen. Obama has exposed his flank with the ad. It allows the Clinton campaign to respond with the kind of mock-outrage and tsk-tsk'ing for which they have no peers. The Clinton campaign response, which I'm paraphrasing, goes something like this:

Well, Sen. Obama might not think that $30 is much money, but to working families struggling to make their mortgage payments and put food on the table it's a welcome break.

The response plays right into the perceived weakness of Sen. Obama [which I happen to think is ludicrous]; which is, that he doesn't understand the struggles of blue-collar workers and cannot connect with them.

The intrepid folks at Talking Points Memo reported the spin from the Clinton campaign in today's conference call this way:

Is Hillary gaining politically by her support for a so-called "gas tax holiday"?
On a conference call with reporters just now, Hillary chief strategist Geoff Garin claimed that the campaign's internal polling shows that it is.
"We're seeing in our polling that working people appreciate the fact that Senator Clinton understands the incredible economic strain they are facing," Garin said.
Also, Garin sought to spin one of the main arguments against the gas tax holiday -- the fact that it saves consumers a negligible amount on average -- as a further sign that Hillary's in touch with blue-collar workers.
"It may not seem like a lot to some people," Garin said, adding that "every penny counts."
The fact that Hillary supports the gas tax holiday because she understands that the meager average savings involved do matter to ordinary folks is likely to be core Hillary spin as the gas tax argument continues to unfold.

Sen. Obama needs to put out a response ad that basically squarely hits back on the jaw-dropping hypocrisy of the Clinton campaign spin. No one actually believes that Sen. Clinton thinks this is a prudent policy choice. However, because the Clinton campaign's internal polling shows that this is a good political issue, then Sen. Clinton is willing to crassly milk it for all its worth.

Never mind that no one actually believes that its a good idea. Sen. Obama should be hammering this issue because it plays right into the worst stereotype with regards to Sen. Clinton--and fairly, I believe. That is, that she is willing to do or say anything in order to win an election. That every decision she makes is not about what's best for Indiana, or North Carolina, or America; but rather, what is best for her.

She has the same position as John McCain on this issue.

She was with John McCain in voting to label the Iranian Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization.

She was with John McCain in voting to authorize this disastrous war.

Why? Because she believed it was the right thing to do? No--it was because it was the politically expedient thing to do at the time for her; damn the consequences for the country. Republican policies have been a disaster for blue-collar folks for the past eight years. The Democratic Party will not win this year simply by being republican-lite.

That's why today's conference call should be so damaging to the Clinton campaign. Chief Strategist Geoff Garin only stated what many folks already know: that the Clinton campaign is pushing this proposal because their internal polling tells them it helps Sen. Clinton now.

It's really this simple: Sen. Clinton is doing what she thinks is best for her; Sen. Obama is doing what he thinks is best for America.

Think about the question posed by TPM and the answer for America and states such as Indiana & North Carolina:

Is Hillary gaining politically by her support for a so-called "gas tax holiday?

When she wins; we lose.

As always folks take care and keep up the good work.

Jeff Cronin

VoterID what to Bring Indiana

Rebecca Ward — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:46:53 EDT

Here is a link about what kind of ID you need to bring to be eligible to vote in the primary!

My driver's license is expired so I am bringing my passport too, just in case!

Indiana's offical guide

Anyone need a ride to the rally?

Kellye S: precinct captain New Perry 4.(indiana) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:14:40 EDT

Hi there,

If there is anyone out there who needs a ride to Assembly Hall on Wed. Please let me know.

I'm likely to plan on getting there early, as I am excited about the chance to hear Senator Obama speak live..

Please send me a message to this site and I will get back to you;

The Undeniable "Bill" Factor

Michael — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 22:49:53 EDT

Lately, I’ve heard political pundits and so-called analysts asking questions like, “If Senator Obama is supposed to be such a great candidate, then why in outspending Hillary Clinton nearly 4 to 1 in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, can he still not seal the deal?”

Well, I think I have part of the answer…

Last night, President Bill Clinton came to my small little hometown of Martinsville Indiana, to speak at one of our two local middle schools. And even though I’m a huge Obama supporter, I HAD to go see him… I mean, c’mon, he IS Bill Clinton! Plus, an intimate setting like that, here in Martinsville Indiana, just doesn’t come around that often.

So I faithfully donned my big, black, “Obama ‘08” t-shirt (which I love by the way), took my Obama rally sign, and marched straight into the lion’s den of about 600 (mostly) Clinton-democrats gathered in a small school, in a rural, republican Indiana county. As it turned out, the lady to my left was a huge HRC supporter, but her friend was an Obama supporter… as was the lady to my right, and a man in a wheelchair in front of me (funny story – he also wore an Obama shirt, but covered it up with another shirt… I suppose if I were already in a wheelchair, I too might not risk being beaten with sticks by an angry Hillary mob). Anyway, in talking with these nice people, it seemed the general consensus (at least right around me) was that they didn’t care too much whether Obama or Hillary eventually won the nomination, just as long as the Republicans didn’t win in November. Primarily (like me), they were really all there to see Bill. Then it struck me…

Hillary’s out stumping in the cities, and Bill’s cleaning up with the rural democrats, while Barack Obama is just one man. And although I admire Michelle Obama’s efforts… she’s no Bill Clinton. Meaning; meeting “the great orator” in person really sticks with us rural folks and probably goes a long way to swaying an otherwise “toss-up” crowd toward Hillary come Election Day. So while it may be true that Senator Obama outspends HRC nearly 4 to 1, the Clinton campaign effectively out-rallies Senator Obama 2 to 1 in charismatic, larger-than-life figures, which I believe partially is what's keeping her alive in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and (hopefully not) Indiana.

And when they call Bill Clinton “the great orator”, it’s well deserved. He said he started his career in the car business which didn’t surprise me one bit after listening to him speak. I swear, the man would get to talking about details then say something like, “… and that’s why I think you should vote for Hillary”, and I’d quickly snap back to reality and remember, “Oh yeah, HE’S not running… SHE is!” But when the man talks for a little while, you unconsciously stop differentiating between the two… It’s scary, and extremely effective.

I couldn’t have had a much better spot in the crowd too, standing right up front-stage-right, about 2 people back – 20 feet or so from the podium with that big Obama logo splayed across my chest, glaring the former President right in the face the entire time. It didn’t faze him though, and I really didn’t expect it to… It was the principle of the thing. However, I didn’t lower myself to heckling or taunting him though – that just wouldn’t have been cool. And in all fairness, he didn’t slam Obama the entire evening… not once. In fact, he spoke favorably on those few occasions where he DID mention Senator Obama. Instead, he spoke about issues and details in a way that really connected with people. But in the end, he gave a speech that pretty much mirrored Senator Obama’s positions on the real issues… it’s just that it was “Bill” giving it, and like I said, I think that’s going to have a lasting effect on my fellow townsfolk come Election Day.

I will share this about the man though…

At the end of the rally, I got the chance to meet him briefly and shake his hand. I told him it was an honor to meet him, and asked if he would be willing to autograph my Obama rally sign as a “gesture of good will”, to which he smiled and said, “sure”. So he took my sign along with everyone else’s books and signs and stuff, and at the end of the reception line brought them all backstage to autograph. An assistant came out periodically to give the items back. Eventually, she came out with the freshly-autographed Hillary rally sign that had been taped to the podium during his speech (duct tape and all), and came up to me and said, “The President wanted you to have this”. Wow!... I was very grateful, but wondered if I’d ever get my Obama sign back. At the end, she DID give it back to me, unsigned of course. To which I said, “He isn’t going to sign it is he”? “No”, she said with a grin… Oh well, I tried.

So basically, Bill Clinton lied to my face!... He didn’t have sex with that woman, he didn’t inhale, and he didn’t autograph my Obama sign after he said he would!... slick, Willie… slick!

All-in-all though, I walked away happy; with an autograph, a smile, and a moment to remember. Thanks Bill! It really WAS an honor to meet you…

But I’m still voting for Obama! ;)

Obama '08
Yes we can!!!

John McCain's Hyper Macho Posturing

""""Jeff C."""" — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 17:52:51 EDT

Cutting off your nose to spite your face is generally thought of as "an expression used to describe a needlessly self-destructive overreaction to a problem."

With Sen. McCain's recent--and borderline loony, comments that he will be "Hamas' worst nightmare;" it's becoming increasingly clear that John McCain will cut off America's nose to spite its face.

Sen. McCain made the comment while dishing out a little red meat on a conference call with conservative bloggers. The comment, made in the context of criticizing Barack Obama, is as follows:

All I can tell you is that I think it's very clear who Hamas wants to be the next president of the United States ... I think that people should understand that I will be Hamas' worst nightmare ... If Sen. Obama is favored by Hamas I think people can make judgments accordingly.

This statement is not just wrong-headed and foolish, but rather, incredibly dangerous and destructive. It's exactly the kind of foreign policy perspective that spends far too much time seeking to punish others for perceived slights and too little promoting our own bests interests.

Matthew Yglesias had an interesting, and what I believe should be the predominant, reaction to Sen. McCain's comments in his blog at the Atlantic yesterday:

As well as being kind of scumbaggy, this way of looking at the world reveals a seriously flawed foreign policy outlook. Consider Saddam Hussein. He's a bad dude. And which American president is his worst nightmare? Well, it's George W. Bush. Thanks to Bush, Saddam got booted from power and killed. Compared to George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Dubya was a disaster for Saddam. But of course Dubya's Iraq policy has also been a disaster for the United States of America, whereas Clinton and Papa Bush ran policies that made us better off. International politics shouldn't be conceived of as some nutty zero-sum race to the bottom where our goal is to make Hamas cry -- the question is who are we trying to help and do we have ways to do it. Probably the worst thing that could happen to Hamas would be for it to be supplanted by some more radical group like al-Qaeda. But that wouldn't help Israel or the United States, any more than getting into a self-destructive conflict with Iran is a good idea just because it might make some bad Iranians suffer.

Unfortunately, Sen. McCain's loony comments seem to form the prevailing view over the past eight years. Everything is about retribution. It's about punishment. It's about taking an eye for an eye. What it's not about is taking actions that promote the long-term interests of the United States and its allies.

It's time for a little nuance. It's time for a little "turn the other cheek". What it most definitely is not time for, is John McCain's retributive views on dealing with the people that he doesn't like.

John. C. Reilly's police officer in movie "Magnolia" debates these issues aloud in a voice-over narrative near the end of the movie. John McCain could learn a thing or two from this statement:

And what most people don't see is just how hard it is to do the right thing. I have to take everything and play it as it lays.
Sometimes people need a little help.
Sometimes people need to be forgiven.
And sometimes they need to go to jail.
And that is a very tricky thing on my part . . . making that call.

Very tricky indeed.

Isn't it about time to turn the page on the needlessly self-destructive "lock 'em up and throw away the key" crowd? Aren't we long past realizing that this sort of hyper-macho, bring-'em-on posturing has been a disaster to the long-term prosperity of America? Do we really want another hot-tempered practitioner of sandbox diplomacy in the White House?

John McCain's foreign policy world-view, and domestic policy view for that matter, is a retribution-based folly that would only ensure this country's continued moral erosion around the world and make us all decidedly less safe.

The policies and worldview of John McCain are America's worst enemy.

"Is he one of us? Is he safe? Does he love America?" --the ANSWER

Connie from Memphis, TN — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:55:14 EDT

Democratic Pollster Peter Hart said these are the questions undecided voters have about Barack.--

"Is he one of us? Is he safe? Does he love America?"

Because they dont know him, if these qustions were answered, he would have their support. Here's how to answer these questions,,,let Barack do what he does best--

Hard to believe, but there are ALOT of people, UNDECIDED VOTERS among them,
who have never heard Barack's famous "not a red America, not a blue America,
but the UNITED States of America" speech. Imagine what a difference it would
make if EVERY voter in IN and NC heard it. That's not possible, but we can make a real,
targeted difference. Most undecided voters are not voting on issues, but their GUT...
how they FEEL about the candidate. Let's do our part, door to door, block by block... .

I encourage you to download the speech and 'burn' it onto a DVD to give away. Directions below...

2004 Democratic National Convention Speech P1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQkJNVsgKM

Convention Speech P2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UDKXKGZ3PY&feature=related

HOW TO TRANSFER VIDEOS TO DVD:
Here's how to download videos and transfer to dvd-

first find the URLs of the videos you want ...listed above
then go to VideoDownloadX.com and paste the video URL into their download box
now click 'Download' and it will open a new page with the download link
download each video to your computer
download free DVD authoring software called DVD Flick; it takes all your videos in a batch, and converts into a DVD format and
burns a DVD that can play inside any DVD player or even your computer.

...or call your nearest geek...or your Obama office volunteers to help you,.

To see a complete VIDEO/AUDIO ARCHIVE of SPEECHES, go here

ObamaPodcast.blogspot.com Is A Hit

FutureMedia - Taylor Barcroft — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:56:24 EDT

In only 2 days since I started publicizing the Obama Podcast on Sunday, it went from 2 Subscriptions to 145 subscriptions as of Tuesday evening. Thanks for passing this URL on to all the callers and door knockers. Undecideds and volunteers alike can finally get an in depth look at Senator Obama with these audios and videos.

The Monday talk with Working Families in Blue Bell PA audio is now up and video will be up in a few more hours. If any of you can take the initiative, please try to make sure all callers and door-to-door canvasers have this URL with them for undecideds and other volunteers to use to get more info about Barack.

ObamaPodcast.blogspot.com also listed in the iTunes Podcast Store FREE of course.

I flew into Louisville Wednesday afternoon from Philly but not soon enough to document Barack's Town Hall in New Albany IN. So I headed out to LaGrange KY where I have temporary accommodations with a volunteer until Monday.

On Monday April 28 I need another housing volunteer to come forward for me to stay with. Could be in South or Central Indiana, anywhere Kentucky, west WV or western NC. Please email me at Support at FutureMedia.org or phone 323.819.5659 Taylor Barcroft.

I am a Macintosh and Multimedia Consultant and fun to be around. I need stability to be able to continue the videography of Barack Events, editing and posting. I will also be doing phoning and door to door work when nothing's happening and everything is posted to date. I walked door to door all day on Tuesday in the Philly area. I can provide references from the Springfield PA office as well as whom I stayed with.

The Springfield staff was thrilled that I was doing videos for everyone. Full support from their Manager and staff in that office.

Please Subscribe and Leave Comments. Barack Obama AV Podcast-Blog iTunes - Barack Obama AV Podcast Feedburner: Camp Obama Video-Audio Blog-Podcast New High Quality Video & Audio National Obama Podcast

I've been working my heart out here in PA since April 2nd to give you the most extensive and highest quality Obama audio and video in the world. Please do what you can to get this URL in the hands of all phone and door to door canvassers.

These are complete PA Town Halls, The Complete 54 minute Michelle Obama at Haverford College Tuesday April 15 MASTERPIECE. I cannot stress enough how all undecided voters will be convinced Obama is the one by watching Michelle from Tuesday. Be prepared to cry. She makes Barack look like a Hack Speaker.

The 35,000 persons Friday Night Rally on Independence Mall COMPLETE without edits. There are audio as well as video files for all these events. Over 20 posts to date. Saturday morning Whistle Stop in Wynnewood PA is up. Audio too.

These videos are super high quality HD, iPod, iPhone, AppleTV and Zune compatible files that play fantastic on your TV. I Start Shooting Indiana and Kentucky Events Friday with a Michelle event in Fort Wayne IN and a new Barack Town Hall Saturday morning.

Taylor Barcroft Videographer, Editor, Publisher Barack Obama AV Podcast

another gop for ObamA - maybe...

darlene matthews — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:20:36 EDT

just had a long conversation with a die hard gop that would like Obama- if he was showing stronger (doesn't want mccain.) and says clinton needs to either do the vp positon or bow out Now.

as mccains just smiling and piling up stuff to use fro Nov.

what do you thinK?

Bill Clinton Denies Race Card Comment

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 5:43 PM

Article Font Size

Former president Bill Clinton was embroiled Tuesday in a new campaign flap after accusing his wife's White House rival Barack Obama of playing "the race card on me."

A day after making the race card remark in a radio interview, in a discussion about January's bruising South Carolina primary, Clinton told reporters in Pittsburgh: "No, no, no. That's not what I said.

"You always follow me around and play these little games, and I'm not going to play your games today. This is a day about election day," he said, as Pennsylvania Democrats decided between Obama and Hillary Clinton.

"You have mischaracterized it to get another cheap story to divert the American people from the real urgent issues before us, and I choose not to play your game today. Have a nice day," the former president added.

Interviewed Monday by a Philadelphia radio station, Clinton was asked whether it was a mistake by him in January to liken Obama's candidacy to the African-American Jesse Jackson's in 1988.

"No. I think that they (the Obama campaign) played the race card on me. And we now know, from memos from the campaign and everything, that they planned to do it all along," Clinton had told the WHYY station.

After the interview was over but with the microphone still on, Clinton was heard to growl: "I don't think I should take any s(expletive) from anybody on that, do you?"

Clinton's South Carolina remark alienated several top black Democrats, who saw an attempt by the former president to belittle the mixed-race Obama and portray his White House bid as fueled only by African-American support.

Asked about Clinton's latest intervention Tuesday while campaigning in Pittsburgh, Obama said he had "no idea" what the former president was talking about.

"Was there a plan to get him to say that my campaign was like Jesse Jackson's? I don't know what he was referring to, unfortunately," the Illinois senator told reporters.

"So former president Clinton dismissed my victory in South Carolina as being similar to Jesse Jackson and he is suggesting that somehow I had something to do with it? OK, well you better ask him what he meant by that," he said.

Clinton adopted a much lower profile on his wife's campaign trail after the South Carolina primary, which Obama won in a landslide.

But the former president has periodically waded into controversy, most recently being admonished by Hillary Clinton for reviving her exaggerated claim that she endured sniper fire during a 1996 trip to Bosnia.

--AFP

let's cOunter this nOw/ BE THE CHANGE

darlene matthews — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:55:16 EDT

Group to Air Obama 'Willie Horton' Ad
Monday, April 21, 2008 8:34 PM

By: Jim MeyersArticle Font Size

The political operative behind the Willie Horton ad that helped defeat Michael Dukakis in the 1988 presidential race is releasing a new ad this week targeting Democratic White House hopeful Barack Obama.

Floyd Brown, a longtime conservative strategist who heads the conservative National Campaign Fund, said he is launching the ad to expose Obama’s weakness on gang violence.

“The ad draws a parallel between Obama’s weakness on gang violence and the war on terror,” said Brown. Brown is the former head of Citizens United, which claims to be the largest political action group for conservatives in the United States.

In his new ad Brown tells of a woman leaving church choir practice who was killed by gang gunfire while shielding her 6-year-old daughter, a 15-year-old boy beaten with bricks after a gang member crashed into his car, and a 14-year-old boy shot five times in the back for refusing to flash a gang hand sign.

“They all died in 2001. In Chicago,” the voice-over declares.

That same year, Barack Obama — then an Illinois state senator — voted against expanding the death penalty for gang-related murders, the ad points out.

The ad concludes, “When the time came to get tough, Obama chose to be weak. So the question is: Can a man so weak in the war on gangs be trusted in the war on terror?”

Brown says the ad will run in targeted states beginning on Tuesday.

You can view the ad by Clicking Here Now.

During the early part of Barack Obama's political career he opposed the death penalty. In recent years, however, he has modified his position to

support the death penalty in cases involving the "most heinous" of crimes.

In 2001 as an Illinois state senator, Obama did vote against a proposed law that would have widened the scope of the death penalty to include some gang activity. The bill passed the legislature but was later vetoed by then Republican Gov. George Ryan, who imposed a moratorium on death penalty executions.

Obama defended his opposition to the gang death penalty bill because, he argued, it would unevenly apply to minorities.

“There’s a strong overlap between gang affiliation and young men of color . . . I think it’s problematic for them to be singled out as more likely to receive the death penalty for carrying out certain acts than are others who do the same thing,” Obama said at the time.

Whether this highly partisan ad will stick as Obama’s “Willie Horton” is yet to be seen.

Massachusetts inmate Willie Horton was serving a life sentence for murder, without parole, when he was released as part of a weekend furlough program in June 1986. He did not return, and in April 1987 he twice raped a woman in Maryland after pistol-whipping and knifing her fiancé.

Michael Dukakis was the governor of Massachusetts at the time of Horton’s release. He supported the furlough program as a method of criminal rehabilitation, and when the Massachusetts legislature passed a bill prohibiting furloughs for first-degree murderers, Dukakis vetoed the bill.

Beginning in September 1988, an organization headed by Floyd Brown backed George H.W. Bush in his race against Dukakis. Brown’s group produced and aired an ad detailing the Horton case and Dukakis’ role.

To conservatives, the name Willie Horton became synonymous with soft-on-crime liberalism. Liberals said the ad was nothing more than veiled racism. Horton was an African-American. The ad is widely thought to have played a significant role in helping Bush win the presidency.

Lawyers and law students needed May 6th in Indiana!

Indiana from Indianapolis, IN — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:13:54 EDT

The Obama for America campaign is looking for lawyers and law students to volunteer with our Promote the Vote program. Election law experience is not required, but a commitment to protecting the voting rights of Indiana citizens is a must.

To be a volunteer election monitor, we ask that you commit to spending Tuesday, May 6th assisting all eligible voters in casting their votes. In addition to helping voters, you will be the campaign’s eyes and ears on the ground, reporting any problems that need to be resolved at the precinct, township, county or state level. We will provide training materials to assist you, and ask that you attend a training session in the weeks just prior to the election, specific dates and times TBD.

If you are interested in being a part of this effort, please fill out the form here:

http://my.barackobama.com/IndianaPTV.

Also, please feel free (and be encouraged) to share this invitation with others. You can email IndianaLegal@BarackObama.com with any questions. Together we will work to elect a president who will unite our country and bring about change we can believe in.

Join us.

Indiana Promote the Vote Team
Obama for America

Bloomington For Obama Sign

Kathrina from Nashville, IN — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:07:50 EDT

Made a sign "Bloomington For Obama" - You can download it from my flickr account:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/historyweaver/2432519993/in/set-72157604670070163/

You can easily print the original size on a single sheet of paper to hang in a window. I also made a 17x8 version to print in two halves.

Sen. Clinton May Have Secured My Vote

""""Jeff C."""" — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 02:45:51 EDT

I'm wavering in my support for Sen. Obama.

I've been leaning towards Barack Obama for a few months now. However, Sen. Clinton, in a speech today highlighting the importance of the Pennsylvania Primary on Tuesday, said the words that these ears have longed to hear:

Continue reading:

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/04/sen-clinton-may-have-secured-m.php

Jay Carson's Letter to Tom Shales

""""Jeff C."""" — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:29:22 EDT

Instead of posting the entire blog, I'm leaving a link to Talking Points Memo where the story is currently #4 on the reccommended reader list.

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/04/jay-carsons-letter-to-tom-shal.php

Hope everyone has an opportunity to read it. Keep up the good work and, as always, take care.

Jeff Cronin

Why Nash McCabe Makes Barack Obama's Point

""""Jeff C."""" — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 16:24:27 EDT

Instead of posting the entire blog, I'm leaving a link to Talking Points Memo where the story is currently #2 on the reccommended reader list.

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/04/why-nash-mccabe-makes-barack-o.php

Hope everyone has an opportunity to read it. Keep up the good work and, as always, take care.

Jeff Cronin

Reich, Nunn, Boren, & the Boss for Obama: Appalled at meanness, demonizing, bickering

chicagoexpat — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 16:16:38 EDT

Reich: “appalled” at “outright meanness and negativity.”
http://robertreich.blogspot.com/

On his decision:
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2008/04/heilemann_robert_reich_to_endo.html

    “I saw the ads and I was appalled, frankly. ” — the negative man-on-street commercials that the Clinton campaign put up in Pennsylvania in the wake of Obama’s bitter/cling comments a week ago —” I thought it represented the nadir of mean-spirited, negative politics. And also of the politics of distraction, of gotcha politics. It’s the worst of all worlds. We have three terrible traditions that we’ve developed in American campaigns.

       1. One is outright meanness and negativity.
       2. The second is taking out of context something your opponent said, maybe inartfully, and blowing it up into something your opponent doesn’t possibly believe and doesn’t possibly represent.
       3. And third is a kind of tradition of distraction, of getting off the big subject with sideshows that have nothing to do with what matters.

    And these three aspects of the old politics I’ve seen growing in Hillary’s campaign. And I’ve come to the point, after seeing those ads, where I can’t in good conscience not say out loud what I believe about who should be president. Those ads are nothing but Republicanism. They’re lending legitimacy to a Republican message that’s wrong to begin with, and they harken back to the past 20 years of demagoguery on guns and religion. It’s old politics at its worst — and old Republican politics, not even old Democratic politics. It’s just so deeply cynical.”

Former Georgia Sen. Sam Nunn: “demonizing” Obama
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/entries/2008/04/18/sam_nunn_lines_up_behind_barac.html

    “Based on my conversations with Senator Obama, reading his book and his speeches and seeing the kind of campaign he has run, I believe that he is our best choice to lead our nation. Senator Obama, as evidenced by his words and his deeds, recognizes that:

    — We have developed a habit of avoiding the tough decisions and seemingly lost our ability to build consensus to tackle head-on our biggest challenges.

    — Demonizing the opposition, oversimplifying the issues, and dumbing down the political debate prevent our country from coming together to make tough decisions and tackle our biggest challenges.”

Former Oklahoma Sen. David Boren: “Stop the political bickering”
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/04/nunn_boren_back.html

“Our most urgent task is to end the divisions in our country, to stop the political bickering, and to unite our talents and efforts. Americans of all persuasions are pleading with our political leaders to bring us together.

I believe Senator Obama is sincerely committed to that effort. He has made a non-partisan approach to all issues a top priority.”

Nunn and Boren are top Democratic security, foreign policy heavyweights. Their endorsements come after the earlier one by former Indiana Rep. Lee Hamilton (vice chairman of the Sept. 11 commission).

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1727145,00.html

Bruce Springsteen: “head and shoulders above the rest”
http://brucespringsteen.net/news/index.html

“LIke most of you, I’ve been following the campaign and I have now seen and heard enough to know where I stand. Senator Obama, in my view, is head and shoulders above the rest.

He has the depth, the reflectiveness, and the resilience to be our next President. He speaks to the America I’ve envisioned in my music for the past 35 years, a generous nation with a citizenry willing to tackle nuanced and complex problems, a country that’s interested in its collective destiny and in the potential of its gathered spirit. A place where “…nobody crowds you, and nobody goes it alone.”

At the moment, critics have tried to diminish Senator Obama through the exaggeration of certain of his comments and relationships. While these matters are worthy of some discussion, they have been ripped out of the context and fabric of the man’s life and vision, so well described in his excellent book, Dreams From My Father, often in order to distract us from discussing the real issues: war and peace, the fight for economic and racial justice, reaffirming our Constitution, and the protection and enhancement of our environment.”

Want to see what a true patriot looks like?...see it/share it‏

Connie from Memphis, TN — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:34:30 EDT

Hard to believe, but there are ALOT of people, UNDECIDED VOTERS among them,
who have never heard Barack's famous "not a red America, not a blue America,
but the UNITED States of America" speech. Imagine what a difference it would
make if EVERY voter in PA heard it. That's not possible, but we can make a real,
targeted difference. Most undecided voters are not voting on issues, but their GUT...
how they FEEL about the candidate. Let's do our part, door to door, block by block... .

I encourage you to download the speech and 'burn' it onto a DVD to give away. Directions below...

2004 Democratic National Convention Speech P1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQkJNVsgKM

Convention Speech P2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UDKXKGZ3PY&feature=related

HOW TO TRANSFER VIDEOS TO DVD:

Here's how to download videos and transfer to dvd-

first find the URLs of the videos you want ...listed above
then go to VideoDownloadX.com and paste the video URL into their download box
now click 'Download' and it will open a new page with the download link
download each video to your computer
download free DVD authoring software called DVD Flick; it takes all your videos in a batch, and converts into a DVD format and
burns a DVD that can play inside any DVD player or even your computer.

...or call your nearest geek.

To see a complete VIDEO/AUDIO ARCHIVE of SPEECHES, go here

ABC news= Already Biased for Clinton

Kellye S: precinct captain New Perry 4.(indiana) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:49:23 EDT

I was so annoyed with ABC. Lets not talk about the issues that matter most to this country, lets talk about the issues that the media fabricates instead. Surely, getting our troops out of Iraq is not NEARLY as important as whether or not one wears a flagpin. Sheesh. It is not the accessories that one wears that makes them a true Patriot of this country. Come the hell on! If the media continues to dwell on non-issues then a good portion of the American people will forget what is important come voting day. We like to credit the American people as being "smarter than that" but in reality, some voters decide their candidate based on whomever their favorite talk show hosts endorses. I wish Obama would have said "enough". Enough with the non-essential questions, ask me how I am going to fix this country, not why I don't wear a flag pin. And why was George a commentator on the debate? Wasn't he involved with President Clinton's administration?

4 points & the real travesty

Michael — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:09:07 EDT

Point 1: William Ayers

Here's the facts... William Ayers was once a member of the radical, anti-war, "Weather Underground Organization", responsible for a dozen bombings between 1970 and 1974 (Barack Obama would have been 8-12 years old during this time). Mr. Ayers is currently a distinguished professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago and a prominent, influential figure in Chicago democratic politics.

In 1995, State Senator Alice Palmer chose Mr. Ayers home to announce she was stepping down from the State Senate to run for Congress. Among a handful of others, she decided to invite to the event, her chosen successor, Barack Obama.

Between 1999 and 2002, Mr. Ayers and Mr. Obama both served on the board of the anti-poverty charity group, the "Woods Fund of Chicago".

In April of 2001, Mr. Ayers donated a whopping $200 dollars to then-State Senator Obama's re-election fund.

And that's basically it... Attempting to make anything more out of this and tie Senator Obama to Mr. Ayers' radical views during the time Senator Obama was a child half-a-world away is just ludicrous. Here’s a wild parallel... The current Pope was enrolled into the Hitler Youth in 1941 after his 14th birthday. Now does that make the Holy Father guilty by association of Nazi atrocities? I know this is an extreme analogy, but goes to prove my point. This extreme twisting of guilt-by-association is just a distraction meant to influence people who may not have all the facts. (BTW: In all fairness to the Pope, membership in the Hitler Youth was legally required in Germany beginning in 1939.)

Point 2: Reverend Wright, and "God damn America"

To echo the sentiments of columnist/author Dan Savage, I too might say "God damn my mother!" when she's out of line and really pisses me off... and I love her dearly and unconditionally, as I, and I'm sure Rev. Wright, loves this great country. What is wrong with rebuking the people and things we love the most when they're clearly in the wrong? Remember, as an ex-Marine who faithfully served this country, Rev. Wright is also a patriot. Additionally, as a black man who lived through segregation, riots, and worse during the height of the civil rights movement, he has a first-hand perspective that tends to stick with a man.

But again, taken out of context, this all becomes a twisted, guilt-by-association attack on Barack Obama that is just as ludicrous as the Ayers attack - again, as a distraction meant to influence those who may not have all the facts.

What upsets me about these first two points is that they're used as political tactics by those who know that sensationalistic innuendo (and sometimes outright lies) spreads like wildfire to the public. What upsets me even more is that these same people also know that because the truth is usually not so sensational, it takes much longer to filter down to the masses... hopefully sometime well after the polls close. Case in point... if even one person refuses to vote for Senator Obama because they're still convinced he's a Muslim, then the tactic worked!... shame on those people.

Point 3: Flag Pins

Really?... I mean, really?!!... Look, putting the Senator's patriotism under a microscope at this level, and stirring up fervor over it is not only ridiculous, it's dangerous. To paraphrase Travis Smiley (in my own way), this type of massive suspicious questioning of patriotism can lead to rampant nationalism, which in-turn can lead a nation to jack boots and arm bands. This type of diversion needs to stop before it gets out of hand.

Point 4: "bitter":

My mother would often get flustered in her speaking when she was impassioned, fatigued, or just plain mad... and whenever she'd gaffe and I called her on it, she'd always say, "Listen to what I mean, not what I say." I think this is good advice we should all take, especially when listening to the media or the opposition. It's for this reason I don't attack John McCain too badly when he mixes Shiites and Sunnis, and it's for this reason Senator Obama's "bitter" remark is really a non-issue. Listen to what the man meant, not what he said... and reject (AND denounce) anyone who focuses too much on syntax.

The travesty of it all:

The real travesty here is that these four mostly irrelevant points are what ABC News (and I now use the term loosely) chose to focus on during the majority of their "so-called" debate last night. It's what the Republicans will focus on going forward, it's certainly the sensationalistic crap Fox News likes to focus on, and sadly Senator Clinton's campaign does its share too. These are all four, utter distractions that keep the American people from engaging in serious dialogs regarding the relevant issues of our time. Remember… dirty tactics baby, dirty tactics.

In conclusion:

Forget this garbage! Senator Barack Obama is a true, unifying leader, and a great American. His candor and character are outstanding, his record and achievements, impeccable. Never in my lifetime have I witnessed a presidential candidate with the charisma, integrity and ability to deftly unite this nation and bring about real and lasting change in Washington that returns power to the American people - in such a way as to get us back on track to becoming a caring national family, tolerant international neighbor, and responsible global tenant.

In this election, don't let sensationalist political tactics cloud the real issues... Instead, look to the those who will best mobilize “we, the people” and get this great nation back on track... Look to Senator Barack Obama, and look to ourselves.

Obama '08
Yes we can!!!

Top 5 Flyers/voters' concerns; plz share while canvassing‏

Connie from Memphis, TN — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 11:23:14 EDT

"Plan to Strengthen the Economy" ...use with "Economic Crisis Plan"
"Economic Crisis Plan" (deals with foreclosure crisis)
"Mother" Healthcare ...echoes NEW Barack tv ad & new Time cover
"Making College Affordable"
Issue Flyers for College Students

I know these are challenging times right now, but the MOST constructive way to spend our energy is to spread Barack's message to undecided voters; everything else is secondary.

I voted!

Kellye S: precinct captain New Perry 4.(indiana) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 18:50:51 EDT

My civic duty is "officially" over but now the unofficial work begins.

Look forward to encouraging others to go vote early. If there are people out there

that need a ride to the polls. Please let me know..

Yes We Can (bitter or not)

Kellye

I Just Voted!

schalliol — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:56:27 EDT

It was so quick and easy to do here in Bloomington at 8th and Morton (I think). I'd recommend anyone go ahead and vote early. I was probably in and out in about 7 minutes. There were two obama vans there shuttling people to vote. Excellent!

NEW "Making College Affordable" flyer; copy/distribute

Connie from Memphis, TN — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 08:40:00 EDT

NEW Flyer:"Plan to Strengthen the Economy" -plz distribute‏

Connie from Memphis, TN — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 12:18:16 EDT

Plan to Strengthen the Economy

Provide Middle Class Americans Tax Relief

Provide a Tax Cut for Working Families: Obama will cut income taxes by $1,000 for working
families to offset the payroll tax they pay by creating a new "Making Work Pay" tax credit of up
to $500 per person, or $1,000 per family.

Simplify Tax Filings for Middle Class Americans: Obama will simplify tax filings so millions of
Americans will be able to do their taxes in less than five minutes, giving the option of
pre-filled tax forms to verify, sign and return, saving Americans up to 200 million total hours of
work and aggravation and up to $2 billion in tax preparer fees.

Labor

Raise the Minimum Wage: Obama will raise the minimum wage, index it to inflation and increase
the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Ensure Freedom to Unionize: Obama cosponsored the Employee Free Choice Act to assure that
workers should have the freedom to choose whether to join a union without harassment or
intimidation from their employers.

Technology, Innovation and Creating Jobs

Create New Job Training Programs for Clean Technologies: The plan will increase funding for
workforce training programs and direct these programs to incorporate green technologies training,
such as advanced manufacturing and weatherization training, into their efforts to help Americans
find stable, high-paying jobs. Obama will also create an energy-focused youth jobs program to
invest in disconnected and disadvantaged youth.

Invest in U.S. Manufacturing: The Obama comprehensive energy independence and climate change
plan will invest in America's highly-skilled manufacturing workforce and manufacturing centers to ensure
that American workers have the skills and tools they need to pioneer the first wave of green
technologies that will be in high demand throughout the world.

I just met Obama

Kellye S: precinct captain New Perry 4.(indiana) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:21:21 EDT

he was at the little 500 in bloomington. he had a huge smile on his face the whole time and you could tell that he was excited to be there.

He has an incredible feeling about him that seems to spread to all those around.

It was an honor to shake the hand of our Nation's next President.

-k

From HQ: Issue flyers for college students

Connie from Memphis, TN — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:29:46 EDT

These have been created by my.barackobama.com to help students in canvassing--

Barack Obama on Education
Barack Obama on the Environment
Barack Obama on the War in Iraq
Barack Obama on Israel
Barack Obama on Energy
Barack Obama on the Job Market
Barack Obama on Stem Cells
Barack Obama on LGBT Rights
Barack Obama on Women's Rights

"Making College Affordable" flyer

Other Flyers to Download:
Flyers are a great way to share information about Barack...pass them out in public spaces, share them with or leave them in key places; print them out and pass them along!

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/resourceflyers/

FLYER that echoes NEW Barack ad & new Time cover; plz distribute to coordinate w/new ad campaign‏

Connie from Memphis, TN — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:24:34 EDT

"My mother died of cancer at 53. In those last painful months, she was more worried about paying her medical bills than getting well. I hear stories like hers everyday.

For 20 years Washington has talked about health care reform and reformed nothing. I've got a plan to cut costs and cover everyone. But unless we stop the bickering and the lobbyists we will be in the same place twenty years from now."

-The typical American family will save up to $2,500 per year on medical costs.
-Offering a new public health plan that will give individuals the choice to buy affordable health coverage that is similar to the plan available to federal employees. The new public plan will be open to individuals without access to group coverage through their workplace or current public programs.
-Establishing a National Health Insurance Exchange to help individuals who wish to purchase an insurance plan for themselves. The Exchange will act as a watchdog group and help reform the private insurance market by creating rules and standards for participating insurance plans to ensure fairness and to make individual coverage more affordable and accessible.
-Requiring all employers to make a meaningful contribution towards health coverage for their employees.
-Mandating all children have health care coverage and expanding the number of options for young adults up to age 25 to continue coverage through their parent's plans.
-Expanding eligibility for the Medicaid and SCHIP programs and ensure that these programs continue to serve their critical safety net function.

VIDEO ARCHIVE of SPEECHES; convert to DVDs; distribute

Connie from Memphis, TN — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 07:39:31 EDT

I encourage you to download some of the videos of Barack Obama's speeches and 'burn' them onto DVDs to give away. Seeing and hearing him speak is one of the best ways to recruit supporters.

Here is an AUDIO archive someone else set up w/directions to convert to CDs to give away.

Below is the VIDEO archive w/directions to convert to DVDs---

2004 Democratic National Convention Speech P1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awQkJNVsgKM

Convention Speech P2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UDKXKGZ3PY&feature=related

Iowa Jefferson-Jackson Dinner Speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tydfsfSQiYc

Iowa Caucus Victory Speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqoFwZUp5vc

Yes We Can...NH Speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe751kMBwm

South Carolina Victory Speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iVAPH_EcmQ

Super Tuesday Speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dzHDzvTfzQ

Virginia Jefferson-Jackson Dinner http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hUngQ8-wLU

Potomac Primary Victory Speech http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxd8x7UGOuo

Speech in San Antonio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxvSqSXs0io

Barack Obama Speaks at Dr. King's Church http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf0x_TpDris

Barack Obama at Cooper Union http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSuT5zN2SPI

Obama Speech: 'A More Perfect Union' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrp-v2tHaDo

HOW TO TRANSFER VIDEOS TO DVD:

Here's how to download videos and transfer to dvd-

first find the URLs of the videos you want
then go to VideoDownloadX.com and paste the video URL into their download box
now click 'Download' and it will open a new page with the download link
download each video to your computer
download free DVD authoring software called DVD Flick; it takes all your videos in a batch, and converts into a DVD format and
burns a DVD that can play inside any DVD player or even your computer.

...or call your nearest geek.

Barack 's "Economic Crisis Plan" flyer; plz email, copy, distribute

Connie from Memphis, TN — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 06:05:24 EDT

Obama would enact a comprehensive plan to help bring an end to the foreclosure crisis that threatens millions of families. Obama supports efforts to create a new FHA Housing Security Program to provide significant incentives and guarantees for lenders to buy out mortgages that exceed the value of homes and convert them into stable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages that homeowners can afford. This is a responsible plan designed to help responsible homeowners without rewarding borrowers or investors who helped create the problem.

Obama would couple this plan with a direct interest-rate subsidy for low-and middle-income borrowers patterned on the mortgage interest deduction used by high-income itemizers, as well as with comprehensive credit counseling, additional aid for loan workouts and reform of the bankruptcy code.

Obama is now calling for a second stimulus package to help hardworking families and strengthen our middle class: making sure that we get money into the pockets of people who need it and invest in sustainable job growth, giving substantial permanent tax relief to seniors and working people --up to $1,000 per working family This would include extending unemployment benefits, helping those make ends meet while they're out of work, and make sure they're still spending money so we can keep the wheels of our economy turning.

Obama's called for a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank that will invest $60 billion over ten years and generate nearly two million new jobs - many of them in the construction industry that's suffered during this housing crisis. And that's why he's proposed investing $150 billion in our green energy sector over the next ten years. This won't just help reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and it won't just help save this planet for our children. It will also create up to five million new jobs - and those are jobs that pay well and can't be outsourced.

Obama wiill work to insure that a housing crisis like this does not happen again by installing responsible oversight of credit markets that has been lacking -- on mortgages, but also on credit cards, which threaten to be the next version of the mortgage crisis. It also means increasing people's savings so they have something to fall back on; enacting his long-run savings program would give every worker in America a portable pension savings account.

JUDICIAL WATCH VS HILLARY

darlene matthews — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:48:40 EDT

PASS THEM TO THE LOCAL NEWS..AND WE CAN WORK ON THE POSITIVES of OBAMA

http://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-files-lawsuit-obtain-hillary-health-care-records-clinton-presidential-library

http://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-asks-court-continue-lawsuit-over-hillary-s-health-care-task-force-records

Judicial Watch Asks Court to Continue Lawsuit Over Hillary’s Health Care Task Force Records

Contact:
Press Office 202-646-5188

Also Seeks Limited Discovery into Clinton Presidential Library Operations - National Archives Seeks to Delay Records Release Until After Election

(Washington,DC) - Judicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, announced today that Judicial Watch filed on February 27th a new brief in its lawsuit to obtain records related to the National Taskforce on Health Care Reform, a “cabinet-level” taskforce chaired by former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton [Judicial Watch, Inc. v U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Civil Action No: 1:07-cv-07-1987 (PLF)]. The National Archives has asked the court for permission to delay the release of any records indefinitely (after the November presidential elections). Per the request of Bill Clinton, the earliest some of the records could be released is 2012.

“…More than seven years after taking possession of the records of former President William J. Clinton, and almost two years after receiving [Judicial Watch’s] FOIA request, the Clinton Presidential Library (“Library”), which Defendant controls, has not even begun processing [Judicial Watch’s] request,” Judicial Watch states in its brief. “…Instead, Defendant asks this Court to dismiss or stay this case despite Defendant’s admission that it wildly underestimated the public’s interest in the records, was woefully unprepared when it started receiving FOIA requests, and remains understaffed and entirely unable to comply with its statutory responsibilities…. At a minimum, Defendant’s motion to dismiss or stay this case should be denied.”

According to Clinton Presidential Library records, “The cabinet-level Task Force, chaired by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, was given primary responsibility for providing advice and making recommendations to the President regarding the national health care reform package.” A small category of Health Care Task Force-related documents have been released by the Clinton Presidential Library, but the records of the Health Care Task Force itself have not been disclosed.

The National Archives admitted in correspondence to Judicial Watch that there are approximately 3,022,030 textual records, 2,884 pages of electronic records, 1,021 photographs, 3 videotapes and 3 audiotapes that must be reviewed to respond to Judicial Watch’s April 4, 2006 FOIA request. Recently, Judicial Watch agreed to limit its FOIA request to the universe of 1 million responsive documents which include the Task Force staff files and internal documents. In addition, given the byzantine and arbitrary system the Archives has developed for responding to FOIA requests, Judicial Watch is also seeking court permission for limited discovery into the operation of the Clinton Presidential Library.

“The National Archives does not want to do what the law requires – make the Clinton records available to the public in a timely basis,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “Virtually every public request for Clinton records has been stonewalled by the Clinton Presidential Library. This serves no interest but that of the Clinton campaign.”

In a separate lawsuit, Judicial Watch also seeks access to Hillary Clinton’s daily schedule, among other records. The Justice Department has confirmed that the National Archives completed its processing of these records and that they are now in the hands of former President Clinton’s representatives. Bill Clinton can authorize the release of these records at any time. A status report from the Archives on these and other records is due to the court on Monday, March 3.

To read Judicial Watch’s brief, click here.

February 28, 2008

###

Printer-friendly version

http://www.judicialwatch.org/blog/vendors-say-clinton-deadbeat Vendors Say Clinton Is A DeadbeatWed, 04/02/2008 - 11:04 — Judicial Watch Blog

Although Hillary Clinton has millions in the bank, she has for months stiffed hundreds of small vendors who are owed tens of thousands of dollars for work on her presidential campaign.

Two Ohio businesses that are owed more than $25,000 for staging campaign events are warning those who plan to do business with the former First Lady to get the money up front. Employees say Clinton’s campaign has ignored phone calls, electronic mail and even a certified letter seeking payment leaving one worker to say “I feel insulted by the way that the campaign treated this company and treated us personally.”

Clinton owes money to many other small businesses that depend on regular and timely payments to survive. She owes an Iowa catering firm $3,500, a New Hampshire school district $4,400 in event costs, a local phone company $24,000 for service, an Iowa supermarket chain $15,000 for food and beverages and a Massachusetts theatrical group nearly $8,000 for equipment costs.

Early in Clinton’s campaign, a New Hampshire landlord, an Iowa office cleaner and a New York caterer reported that they were not paid by the New York senator and evidently the problem has snowballed, victimizing dozens of small businesses across the nation.

It’s not like Clinton doesn’t have the money. She ended February with $33 million in her presidential campaign account, which makes the owners of the stiffed businesses all the more frustrated. One of Clinton’s trusted spokesmen, Jay Carson, denies any wrongdoing and insists that the campaign pays its bills “regularly and in the normal course of business.”

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4 Videos that can win the Indiana Primary !!!

Connie from Memphis, TN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:30:18 EDT

The pollster Peter Hart says the central questions in the voters' minds are: "Is Hillary honest?" and "Is Obama safe?"

A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS:

We can answer these questions with 4 short videos you can burn on a DVD...instructions below...(or a mini video cd since more people have cd burners, and the discs are cheaper). The shorter videos will fit on the mini cds, which will make nice handouts to give to voters. You can also email the youtube video links to voters you know.

Clinton lost credibility after CBS and MSNBC proved she lied 3 times about being under sniper fire in Bosnia.
Clinton won Ohio by stating she was against NAFTA , but later it was proved she promoted it as First Lady.
Obama lost critical votes in Texas by Hillary raising fears w/3 am Phone Ad.

Don't let this happen again in PA.

BOSNIA-

CBS Exposes Hillary Clinton Bosnia Trip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BfNqhV5hg4

MSNBC report: Hillary Clinton's Repeated LIES on Bosnia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQPqUAgkKl8

NAFTA-
Hillary is claiming she fought NAFTA when she was First Lady. Her husband, was a strong supporter of the ill fated trade agreement and pushed it through Congress. This trade policy has cost millions of jobs, and states like Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania were extremely hard hit. Our jobs went to Mexico and thousands of middle class incomes soon followed.

1. A leader of the International Transport Workers Union was on an Obama media call last week stating he worked hard against NAFTA around Capital Hill and knew Mrs. Clinton was working equally hard for it. Now people lobbying always know who their opposition is, who is working the other argument. Everyone who followed that debate knew how hard the Clintons were pushing this trade bill.

2. Her First Lady schedules show she hosted several meetings about NAFTA and health care. They are claiming she was pushing healthcare over NAFTA. Those who attended these meetings have a different recollection.

MSNBC Questions Hillary's Truthfulness, Says She Was Pro-NAFTA

David Shuster reports saying that Clinton helped get NAFTA approved--

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG00SWAqcvw

3 AM PHONE AD

The Obama campaign produced this video, showing how it was made "scary", narrated by Casey Knowles, the sleeping young girl from Clinton's "3 a.m. Ad". Casey is grown now, a precinct captain for Barack, and rejects the politics of fear used in the ad. As she says at the end of this video, "I approve this message, and NOT that other one."

"3 A.M. ad" Girl Doesn't Approve of that Message

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXmYVRIpu2w

HOW TO TRANSFER VIDEOS TO DVD ...or a mini video CD:

Here's how to download videos and transfer to dvd-

first find the URLs of the videos you want
then go to VideoDownloadX.com and paste the video URL into their download box
now click â€˜Downloadâ€™ and it will open a new page with the download link
download each video to your computer
download free DVD authoring software called DVD Flick - it takes all your videos in a batch, and converts into a DVD format and
burns a DVD that can play inside any DVD player or even your computer.

Now copy as many DVDs as you want to give to undecided voters who may be concerned about Hillary's TRUSTWORTHINESS, their jobs being lost to another country, or people who may persuaded by the 'politics of fear' to doubt who is capable of passing the 'Commander-in-chief' test. The best defense is a good offense.

Obama Didn't Want My Money- Great story!

Kellye S: precinct captain New Perry 4.(indiana) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:22:12 EDT

I got this posting off a Women for Obama group that I belong to. I think it is a good read as it speaks to the integrity of the Obama campaign. Your thoughts?

>>>>I just had the strangest experience. A presidential candidate gave me back my donation, told me would not accept it because of what I do for a living, and it left me more committeed to the candidate and conviced that he is the person that must be the next president.

I went to the mailbox and found a letter from the Obama Campaign. Enclosed was a check for $100, the return of my contribution from earlier this month along with a letter explaining why it would not be accepted.

You see, I am a registered lobbyist for a non-profit organziation. We are a non-partisan, non-political membership organziation, we do not have a political action committee and strictly observe a policy of non-particpation in any event that even remotely appears political. I serve as their legislative rep, trying to ensure that expertise of our membership is heard by public officials on issues related to their area of expertise (public safety).

I guess given the fact that I was not a corporate/industry lobbyist, I never really considered that Obama's no-lobbyist money ban would apply to me, but it did! The letter thanked me for my interest in the campaign, but stated flately that my donation was not acceptable.

It's not often you get told that you are persona non grata and end up praising the person who exiled you. But that what I am doing. Obama actions are living up to his words. Through the actions of his campaign he is demonstrating that his values are real and his commitment is certain.

Another aspect that is quite impressive to me is that the Obama campaign has a mechnism set up to check each donation, even one as small as mine, against the lobbyist database, and then return it.

If I ever doubted the sincerity of the Obama Campaign, this action removed any questions.

I know my donation is not going to make a difference one way or another, and I hope that I am not the type of "corrupt lobbyist" that has infested washington.

Obama, and his campaign, are committed to bringing about change. They are doing this in both large and small steps. Refusing my money is a small step, but it spoke volumes to me. It showed me Obama means what he says and backs it up with action. It shows me that no detail is to small and that his organization is top notch. It strengthened my commitment to see him elected President.

I guess I just can't use my money to do it:).

p.s.: As a side note, last year my spouse had set up automatic monthly payments to Hillary (nothing big $10/month) but after switching to Obama, had to battle with the Clinton campaign to cancel the automatic payment. I find it ironic that one campaign won't take my money, the other won't give it back!

Updated to add: I though we had finally stopped the payments to the Clinton Campaign, but after checking with my spouse, it turns out they are still taking the payments 3-4 months after we asked them to stop.

Updated: Couldn't figure out how to post the image of the letter on the site. So below is a link. If nyone can figure out how to post in the comments, pls feel free. Thanks

http://s297.photobucket.com/...

From HQ: Flyers to Download

Connie from Memphis, TN — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:11:36 EDT

Action Guide: Our Time is Now.
There’s no later, and no tomorrow. Our moment is now.
This guide has been created to help grassroots supporters like you all across the country
structure your activities.

Flyers to Download
Flyers are a great way to share information about Barack Obama. You can pass them out in public spaces, share them with people who might not have Internet access, or leave them in key places for people to peruse when they have a spare moment.
Print them out and pass them along!

Meet Barack Obama
Meet Michelle Obama

Issue flyers:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/actionguide

Indiana Hoosiers Voter Registration Deadline Today

Ron J. from Ellsworth, WI — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:34:06 EDT

If you or anyone you know hasn't registered to vote, PLEASE take the time to get them to REGISTER TODAY, Monday, April 7th. Then, you can both celebrate the anniversary of the end of prohibition in 1933, in an appropriate way. The Primary is May 6th. GOTV Yours in Barack, Ron J. Campbell

Indiana Primaries

Paul Romero — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:05:28 EDT

I'll tell you the church that I attend (mostly white republicans) are very worried about this election. I have even heard some of these same christians say that if Obama is elected that he'll be killed and the KKK will not let him be president. This is so stupid of someone who is supposed to be christian and thinks themselves as being pentecostal and holders of truth of God? What is wrong with people like this? I couldn't believe in what this person who is a good friend, or used to be up to this point, would say and mean something like this just because of the color of his skin which also happens to be the color of mine. We need Obama!

Monroe County voter registration

Kellye S: precinct captain New Perry 4.(indiana) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:52:52 EDT

I dropped off a change of address to my voter registration this morning at the local voting office.

The person who took my form was gracious, however, had a slightly crazed look in her eye.

It was a sign that the numbers of those registering are incredibly high. While I felt bad for how overworked that office will be over the next few weeks, I am incredibly in awe of the people of Monroe County for their desire to have their vote count.

Thank you to the Monroe County voter registration office for your hard work.

--k.