California HQ Blog

Back in California

Christopher Hass — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:10:16 EDT

From Mary Jane Stevenson, the new California State Director for Organizing for America:

Since Inauguration Day, Organizing for America has been dedicated to making real the change we fought for during the election. But to be successful, we need to hear from you -- your effort and commitment are the backbone of this movement and this organization.

That's why I'm so excited to announce that we're back on the ground in California, where we'll be hosting Listening Tour Town Halls across the state starting next week.

Will you make your voice heard and join us on the Listening Tour?

At Listening Tour meetings, you'll get a chance to meet new state staff members, hear about some lessons learned during the general election, and offer your thoughts on how we can organize California going forward. Your ideas will be used to write a California-specific plan for Organizing for America in 2009 and beyond.

The campaign brought an unprecedented number of new voices into the process -- we need to make sure those voices remain at the center of the debate as the President and Congress work on providing solutions for our economy.

But these meetings are not just for folks who were involved in the campaign -- we're hopeful that every Californian will get involved.

We can't stop growing our movement now. We've never had a better opportunity to shape our future -- and just like during the election, we'll do it from the bottom up.

Sign up now to attend a Listening Tour event.

I look forward to seeing you,

Mary Jane

Mary Jane Stevenson
California State Director
Organizing for America

P.S. -- If you can't make it to a Listening Tour event, you can still get involved with Organizing for America in California. Let us know how you'd like to see California organized.

Change is Here in CA: 400 Strong in LA

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:54:51 EST

Yes We Can Continue! From Alida G's DailyKos Diary:

We weren't a battleground state, but we're a state of warriors ready for battle...scratch that, a state of community organizers ready to organize. I didn't take a head count but I would be reasonable/fair in saying 400 people showed up on a rainy Saturday morning in Downtown Los Angeles to brainstorm how to keep the movement moving. Needless to say, Californians are ready to continue working towards change.

Possibly the most perfect antidote to an Obama volunteer going through campaign withdrawals, hundreds of volunteers and previous staff members came together to learn, discuss, and organize. Keeping with the California congressional district structure, attendees sat at table with fellow members who shared the same elected representatives (who will be hearing from us soon ;)). It was a practical beginning, sitting with our neighbors; like President-Elect Obama frequently stated: block by block, city by city, state by state, we will change this country.

What made me feel most inspired was that I, a 25 year old, was the youngest person at my table. For two years we've heard about how Obama has inspired the young and hopeful, but this morning I witnessed people who have seen far more in their lifetimes who possibly feel the historic context of this election to a greater extent than I possibly can. It gave me the promise of inter-generational coalition building, that progressive no-longer means college-age liberal, but progressive means: I see a wrong, and I want to make it right, no matter what my background.

We heard stories from California State Field Director Mary Jane Stevenson, Western Region Field Director Matt Rodriguez, LA Community Organizer Solomon Rivera, and LGBT Activist Torie Osborn. Then we were called to act by a man named Bruce Rosen, involved with the Los Angeles Food Bank community...each congressional district left the event with a plan to collect food for the hungry within the next week.

Quite possibly the most important part of the day, albeit cut short due to time constraints, was the introduction to our neigbhors. Meeting, other individuals, who even if not like-minded, like-age, like-socio-economic status, like-gender, like-race, like-religion felt compelled to wake up, far too early on a rainy Saturday morning, to go meet and hear from others who feel that November 4th was the first victory of a movement that for years will follow.

Three and a half hours in a college cafeteria obviously was not enough time. But, the organizers launched CommunityOrganize.com a website that will enable us to communicate with each other, much in the like of other social networking sites, however with a community organizing focus, particularly within in our CD groups, to keep the ball moving with our neighbors.

It was a simple introduction to what will be what we in California make it. As President-Elect Obama states frequently via Gandhi: we are the ones we've been waiting for. It'll be up to us to see how much we answer our own call to create a new America.

Yes We Can, continue on the road to change.

Learning how connected we really are. Each district had a ball of yarn that traveled to other attendees that they knew in other districts to show the power of our network in the room.

The Next Step: Attend a Change is Coming House Meeting Dec. 13-14

Christopher Hass — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:59:59 EST

Today David Plouffe sent out the following message to supporters, inviting them to attend one the many grassroots house meetings taking place throughout the country later this month:

Exactly one month ago, you made history by giving all Americans a real opportunity for change.

Now it's time to start preparing and working for change in our communities.

On December 13th and 14th, supporters are coming together in every part of the country to reflect on what we've accomplished and plan the future of this movement. Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead.

Join your friends and neighbors -- sign up to host or attend a Change is Coming house meeting near you.

Since the election, the challenges we face -- and our responsibility to take action -- have only gotten more urgent.

You can connect with fellow supporters, make progress on the issues you care about, and help shape the future of your community and our country.

Learn what you can do now to support President-elect Obama's agenda for change and continue to make a difference in your community.

Take the first important step by hosting or attending a Change is Coming house meeting. Sign up right now.

To get our country back on track, it will take all of us working together.

Barack and Joe have a clear agenda and an unprecedented opportunity for change. But they can't do it alone.

Will you join us at a house meeting and help plan the next steps for this movement?

Thanks,

David

David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Thank You, California

Christopher Hass — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:27:17 EST

Video: Election Night Speech in Grant Park

Christopher Hass — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:00:36 EST

"I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you." - Barack Obama, Election Night 2008

Read the full speech, as prepared for delivery . . .

Yes We Can :: From Barack Obama, President-Elect

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:20:11 EST

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.

We just made history.

And I don't want you to forget how we did it.

You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change.

I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.

We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next.

But I want to be very clear about one thing...

All of this happened because of you.

Thank you,

Barack

Our Time is Now: Vote Today

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:15:00 EST

Make sure you know your polling place and get out to vote today. Take a friend and cast your votes.

Change is within our reach. We're counting on you to get us there today.
www.voteforchange.com

San Diego GOTV Rally Wrap Up :: By Ashley Stamets

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:28:48 EST

The San Diego City Hall rally at noon today was a success! We had approximately 150 attendees and four media cameras on-site. The crowd's enthusiasm was contagious and the energy uplifting.

In addition to more recent Obama supporters, there was a very enthusiastic group of long term volunteers who have been on the campaign for nearly two years. Everyone was very excited about being unified around a common cause of change.

In addition to local San Diego residents and community supporters who held placards promoting of Obama for Change, several elected officials attended and spoke to the crowd. Speakers included:

-Senator Christine Kehoe
-Assemblymember Lori Saldana
-Congressional Candidate Nick Leibham
-Candidate Marty Block
-Vince Hall, Planned Parenthood Spokesperson
-Trustee of the Cardiff School District Board, Francine Busby
-Abdhur-Rahim Hameed, Regional Field Organizer for Obama for America
The big push for the rally was to get everyone to the polls and make sure that everyone that their vote counts, and to go out and get their friends and family to the polls.

Volunteers worked the event, signing in attendees and passing out fliers advertising the all-important phone banks and our final get out the vote drive on November 4.

Definitely a day to remember and re-live in 4 years!

Obama Supporters Rally for Change in California

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:01:52 EST

Obama supporters held rallies in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Sacramento today. Hundreds of Obama supporters and local elected officials came together to show their support for Obama and rally to get everyone fired up to vote.

After the rallies, the supporters hit area phone banks to make phone calls to swing state voters, encouraging them to get to their polling places and cast their ballots for Obama.

Find a polling place near you at Last Call for Change.

California Phone Bankers Don't Quit

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:47:43 EST

Californians made a record number of phone calls to Obama supporters across the country, encouraging them to get to the polls and cast their votes.
Joined by celebrities like Orlando Bloom and Eliza Dushku, volunteers overflowed offices across California, sitting on file cabinets, in garages, in alleyways, on yards so that they could call for change all day.Check out the slideshow for more, then join us at a phone bank near you to make history!

Ryan Phillippe Works for Change

Sarah Gallagher — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 01:46:52 EDT

On Friday, Oct 31, Ryan Phillippe joined volunteers at the Obama for America California HQ to make phone calls asking voters in critical battleground states to get to the polls and cast their votes.

To learn more about what Ryan's volunteer effort and how you can get involved too, watch below and then go to Last Call For Change to find a phone bank near your house.

Adrian Grenier Gets to Work at Barack TV

Sarah Gallagher — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:09:07 EDT

Adrian Grenier, from HBO's hit show Entourage, joined volunteers at California Obama HQ to work for change, making phone calls to battleground states.

Adrian made calls to swing state voters, encouraging them to get to the polls to cast their votes for Barack Obama.

The volunteers took a break to watch Barack's 30 minute address to America on TV, then were fired by a quick speech from Mary Jane Stevenson, our Field Director. Everyone then got back on the phones, the office was quickly buzzing again with the voices of volunteers working to Get Out the Vote! Join volunteers at a phone bank near you to help Barack Get Out the Vote in the final days of this election!: ca.barackobama.com/LastCallCA

Oakland HOPE Mural

Sarah Gallagher — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:32:10 EDT

Faced with some open wall space next to the Oakland Obama office, Volunteers decided to create a mural as a tribute to the amazing campaign efforts of the East Bay community and their dedication to HOPE over fear.

The team plans to add a large white cloud beneath the "HOPE" with the
question: "What are you hoping for?" so that folks can add their thoughts to the mural.

If you're in the Oakland / Berkeley area, please stop by and add to the wall!

Making a difference by bus, plane or phone: Palo Alto Rally Wrap Up from Giselle Schmitz

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 17:41:07 EDT

Sunday's Obama rally at Palo Alto City Hall energized the troops.

Red, white and blue balloons brightened the plaza and a vast array of Obama T-Shirts and buttons adorned rally goers.

State Senator Leland Yee delivered a stirring speech on the importance of electing Barack Obama for both the country and the world. State Senator Elaine Alquist also spoke. Obama for America Regional Field Director Giselle Schmitz urged everyone to either travel to a battleground state, or to reach out to voters non-stop until election day on the phone banks.

More than 200 callers showed up, with the top award for "Top Agent of Change" going to Stanford student Marisa Juárez with 162 calls. Congratulations Marissa! Phone bankers were divided up into teams, named "hope," "inspiration" and "change." Callers sat scattered throughout the plaza working their phone lists, enjoying the balmy late October weather. The excitement was palpable, in the air a sense of hope and expectation, and recognition of the work still to be done.

Los Angeles Early Vote and Phonebank Wrap Up

Sarah Gallagher — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 18:47:34 EDT

Over 500 people gathered at the LA County Registrar's office to cast their votes early for Barack Obama. They joined California Field Director Mary Jane Stevenson and Obama for America staffers, who were fired up to vote for Obama and then get back outside to make phone calls for change!

You can still vote early in California, go to VoteForChange.com to find the early vote location for your county.

Once you vote early, join us to get out the vote by making calls into swing states from now through election day, or sign up now to drive for change to a swing state and make a big difference in this election!

Eric Garcetti, LA Council President, on Driving for Change

Sarah Gallagher — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:34:36 EDT

Last weekend, I traveled with 150 friends to the battleground state of Nevada, joining thousands of Californians in campaigning for Senator Barack Obama.

Over the weekend, our group knocked on over 5,000 doors. We spread out across Las Vegas, meeting people in their homes and talking to them about their hopes and concerns. What we heard is that Nevadans, like many of their fellow Americans, are worried. They are yearning for change and strong leadership to put our country back on track. Most were responsive to Senator Obama's economic plan of tax cuts for the middle class and smarter regulation of our financial sector.

I know that an Obama administration would bring renewed focus toward reviving our urban centers, and I will be working to bring that message to other voters between now and Election Day.

Join us on another Drive for Change for the final Get Out the Vote Weekend.

Oakland Rally Phonebank Wrap Up

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:39:59 EDT

Last weekend, the California Obama Campaign held a rally phonebank at an Oakland park. We are fired up to do it again next weekend bigger and better.

Over 300 supporters gathered at an Oakland city park, kicking off the rally with music and speakers. Then we got to work. Volunteers split up into groups calling different battleground states and relaxed on the grass while making calls to swing state voters.

Groups of friends and families enjoyed beautiful, sunny weather and were excited about the opportunity to make such a big difference in such a great setting. We had a bouncer and art table for the kids, Obama gear to buy, balloons, music, and local food vendors who set up shop next to the park.

In less than 3 hours, we made over 16,000 calls - more than 5000 calls an hour! We're fired up to do it bigger and better this weekend. Join us at our SF Rally on Saturday and make a difference in the final days of this election.

Phonebanking Old Hollywood Style: A Post from Nancy D in LA

Sarah Gallagher — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 19:07:02 EDT

This weekend, the Obama campaign held four ginormous super phonebanks in the Los Angeles area. Harnessing the amazing enthusiasm here in the final weeks of the Presidential campaign, these phonebanks are full of great energy, dedication, and cell phone waves (oh, and yummy snacks). In my neck of the woods, our Hollywood-Los Feliz-Silver Lake phonebanks joined forces at the fabled Sunset-Gower Studios, located at the corner of Sunset Blvd. and Gower St. (This intersection was once known as "Gower Gulch" - silver-screen cowboys used to gather there looking for work as extras on western films.) Last weekend, this particular phonebank drew 200 volunteers who made 13,000 calls to battleground states and, in phonebanks throughout California, over 500,000 voters were called! This weekend our goal was higher - the campaign has challenged California volunteers to reach at least 625,000 voters - the Last Call For Change!

Former home of Columbia Pictures ("It Happened One Night", "Funny Girl" and "The Caine Mutiny") and current home to such TV shows as Dexter and Heroes, Sunset-Gower houses many independent film and television production companies. It was also the former home of one of my all-time personal favorites: Six Feet Under. (You can read more about the studio's history here.)

Last weekend, entering data from calls to Colorado, I was really heartened by the number of voters solidly in the Obama camp, versus the ones for McCain. The polls there are bearing this out. This weekend, we're over halfway toward beating last week's totals - 111 volunteers on Saturday, making nearly 9,000 calls! Sunday will surely rock.

Thanks to the incredible volunteer coordinators who are making this phonebank happen every weekend. Your dedication is inspiring. And of course, the roomful of volunteers who didn't want to leave.

Folks, if you haven't tried it yet, it's not too late - get thee to CA.BarackObama.com and find the nearest phonebank. You can make calls, enter data, sell swag, bring snacks - the possibilities are endless. You won't regret it!

Los Angeles Times Endorses Obama for President

Sarah Gallagher — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:00:29 EDT

Today, the LA Times announced their endorsement of Barack Obama for president, touting him as "the competent, confident leader who represents the aspirations of the United States."

11:01 AM PDT, October 17, 2008

It is inherent in the American character to aspire to greatness, so it can be disorienting when the nation stumbles or loses confidence in bedrock principles or institutions. That's where the United States is as it prepares to select a new president: We have seen the government take a stake in venerable private financial houses; we have witnessed eight years of executive branch power grabs and erosion of civil liberties; we are still recovering from a murderous attack by terrorists on our own soil and still struggling with how best to prevent a recurrence.

We need a leader who demonstrates thoughtful calm and grace under pressure, one not prone to volatile gesture or capricious pronouncement. We need a leader well-grounded in the intellectual and legal foundations of American freedom. Yet we ask that the same person also possess the spark and passion to inspire the best within us: creativity, generosity and a fierce defense of justice and liberty.

The Times without hesitation endorses Barack Obama for president.

Blog from Veterans for Obama Co-Chair Dee Dee Gilliam

Sarah Gallagher — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:54:01 EDT

It's been 4 months since I was asked to take a leadership role with Veterans for Obama. Being a non-combat veteran, I knew who I would be representing; I had served with many of them during my 15 years as an Army Reserve nurse. The folks I represent are the finest of American citizens. They are soldiers, sailors, and airmen representing all branches of the uniformed services. They are veterans from World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, Somalia, Bosnia, Iraq x 2, Kuwait and Afghanistan, plus numerous other missions that would take too much space to name. They are the ones that I looked up to, every one of them, as heroes, and always wondered if I was made of the same mettle. Some of the best days of my life were when I was at drill. No matter how much I would moan and groan about going every month, I always came home happy, having spent time with some of the best friends I will ever make in my life.

I have not regretted a moment of the time I've spent doing this. I have met new friends, including many new heroes, and have learned more about the political process than I ever thought I would know. I have learned so much about veterans and military issues, and the various advocacy groups working these issues, that I know this is going to continue to be a part of my life long after Nov. 4. And I have learned so much about how much Barack Obama cares about veterans. I was a supporter before I took on this role, but what I have learned about this man, who has never served a day in uniform, but who, with his wife, goes out of his way to reach out not only to the person serving, but to the family members of that person, has not just reinforced my faith in his abilities as a leader, but as a human being who cares for his fellow man.

Barack Obama believes America has a sacred trust with our veterans. He is committed to creating a 21st Century Department of Veterans' Affairs that provides the care and benefits our nation's veterans deserve. Obama will demand that the military and the VA coordinate to provide a seamless transition from active duty to civilian life, and improve mental health treatment at every stage of military service. He will require that they work to recruit more health professionals, improve screening processes, offer more support to families and make PTSD benefits claims fairer. We shouldn't have to hear stories about veterans losing their families and careers after they come home because they cannot deal with the emotional scars created by repeated deployments. There shouldn't be more stories of veterans committing suicide because they can't re-integrate into civilian life.

Letter from Mary Jane, California Field Director, to All California Activists

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:01:33 EDT

Bravo, California!

This weekend, we exceeded our 500,000 call goal! You made 543,000 calls to Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico, crucial battleground states that will make the difference in this election. Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication.

Catch your breath and then get ready - we are three weeks from Election Day. Our goals will grow. And we will continue to exceed them. Now is the time to recruit all your friends who have been saying 'What can I do?'.

Join us this weekend at another Last Call For Change phonebank.

I am proud to be in the company of so many amazing volunteers.

Yes We Can,
Mary Jane Stevenson
California Field Director

South LA Community Rally Saturday 10/11 - Join the Movement

Sarah Gallagher — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:43:27 EDT

Join the Movement at our Obama Community Rally on Saturday, October 11, 2008 from 9:30 am - 11:00 am. You'll meet campaign staffers and fellow volunteers, and learn how to become a part of this historic campaign. We've also invited special guest speakers from our community and will have refreshments and speeches to honor our hardworking volunteers.

Los Angeles Obama Campaign Office
5444 South Crenshaw Boulevard
Los Angeles 90043
323.293.7132

If you can't make it on Saturday, stop by anytime to get involved. Office Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-9pm; Saturday 10am-8pm; Sunday Noon-8pm.

Debate #3: Sacramento Wrap Up

Sarah Gallagher — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:28:32 EDT

Mark Billingsley, Sacramento For Obama communications committee co-chair was fired up at the Sacramento Debate Watch Party

More than 175 supporters of Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Joe Biden met at the Red Lion Hotel at Arden Village in Sacramento Tuesday night to watch the second presidential debate on a pair of big-screen televisions.

They left happy that their candidate not only won the debate but has solidified and expanded his lead in polling across the country.

"Obama just looked more presidential up there tonight," said Morris Jones, 37, a truck driver from West Sacramento. "There wasn't a lot of new ideas presented, at least that I heard, but Obama showed that he knew what he was talking about and he laid out his plan to get us out of this (economic) mess."

Several loud cheers erupted from the Sacramento crowd after Obama delivered his answers to questions posed by audience members at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. An even louder cheer arose when Obama said, "Senator McCain, in the last debate and again today suggested that I don't understand. It's true. There are some things I don't understand. I don't understand how we ended up invading a country that had nothing to do with 9/11."

Debate #3: Los Angeles Wrap Up

Sarah Gallagher — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:06:24 EDT

Kit, a volunteer at Obama CA HQ, joined hundreds of supporters to cheer on Barack at the 3rd Debate Watch Party in Los Angeles

Tonight's debate watch party at the lovely Boulevard 3 was nothing short of exhilarating! Barack showed the steady leadership America needs from a president, and clearly outlined his plan for our country. Americans cannot doubt who would be best to lead our nation out of this economic crisis and regain our standing in the world.

The judgment and plans demonstrated by the Senator made a statement to the nation about the kind of President he will be - the President we need. We eagerly look forward to the final debate watch party. Come join fellow supporters next Wednesday 10/15, and make sure you sign up to donate one hour, one day, or one week of your time to elect Barack Obama!

Thursday: Join in a Conference Call with Campaign Staffers

Erik Weber — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:59:28 EDT

This Thursday, October 9th, at 7:30pm PDT, California supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how they can make a huge impact on this election over the next 30 days.

In addition to learning the basics of Neighbor to Neighbor, you wil hear from special guests who will talk about our ground game in the battleground states that you'll be calling into.

We'll be doing a conference call and a webinar (an online seminar), so you can follow along with the training on your own computer and ask questions. Even if you're not able to join the webinar, you can still listen in on the conference call.

Here are the details:

Phone Number: 703-259-9001
Access Code: 684577109

If you can join us for the webinar, RSVP now:

http://my.barackobama.com/webinar8

I hope you can join us!

If you can't make this special conference call, learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor by watching these training videos. Then, make sure you are signed up so you can start making calls as soon as possible. Every call plays a part in this campaign and puts us one step closer to our goal in November.

African-Americans - Drive For Change and Make Sure Our Voices are Heard

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:47:37 EDT

An Open Letter from Ciji McBride

California African-Americans:
Nevada is a crucial battleground in the race for the presidency, and Barack needs support not just from all Nevadans, but also from Nevada's neighbors -- especially California. This is the chance for Californians to have a major impact on this historic race.

The African-Americans - Drive for Change to Nevada will focus on getting out the vote in Nevada's African-American neighborhoods.
We will caravan to Nevada and work to get out the vote and make sure that our voices are heard.

Sign up now: my.barackobama.com/nvdfcgroup

If you have any questions about Drive for Change, please contact Ciji McBride at cijimcb@gmail.com or call 641-715-3900 ext 83786.

Yes, We Can!
Ciji McBride
641-715-3900 ext 83786
Out-of-State Travel Coordinator, African-American Constituency

Obama for America Opens New Office in Van Nuys!

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:08:39 EDT

Please join us in celebrating our fabulous new office space in Van Nuys.

We'll have food, music, friends, and information on how to become part of this amazing movement for change.

Let's get fired up to win this election!

Van Nuys Obama for America Office
6850 Van Nuys Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91405

Please RSVP here: my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gshwgw!

Official Debate Watch Parties on Tuesday!

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:22:36 EDT

With John McCain's announcement that he would rather spend the last month of this election smearing Barack's character instead of talking about the top priority issue for voters, it's more important than ever that you show your support for Obama at an Official California Debate Watch Party in LA, SF, Sacramento or San Diego!

Sign up at my.barackobama.com/cadebatewatch!

The California Obama campaign is hosting debate watch parties across the state.

We'll cheer on Barack at the second presidential debate, hear from local elected officials, discuss the issues, and get to work organizing our communities for change. You'll be able to meet field staff and sign up to make a difference in this campaign. Join us and fellow supporters on Tuesday, October 7th.

Sign up at my.barackobama.com/cadebatewatch!

VP Debate Watch Party - Los Angeles

Sarah Gallagher — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:22:46 EDT

Kit, a volunteer at our California HQ, was fired up at last night's VP Debate Watch Party at Hollywood Social in LA.

The VP Debate Watch Party at Social Hollywood drew an even larger crowd than the first Presidential debate for what was one of the most highly anticipated events of the campaign. As the two candidates approached their podiums, the excitement in the room reached fever pitch, and everyone was thrilled to see Joe Biden deliver! The statesman from Scranton clearly outlined how the Obama-Biden administration would bring the change the country so desperately needs to the White House. The hundreds of spectators in LA cheered loudly as Senator Biden advocated for the middle class and showed how we could restore America's leadership in the world. While Governor Palin defended the policies of the last eight years, Joe Biden showed the vision and judgement the country an expect from an Obama-Biden administration. And the crowd last night couldn't have been more proud!

California: Conference Call with Campaign Staffers Tonight at 7:30pm

Erik Weber — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:15:28 EDT

Today at 7:30pm PDT, California supporters are encouraged to join an official conference call with campaign staffers to learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how they can make a huge impact for Barack in this historic election.

Here is a message from online organizer Amy Hamblin with all the details:

Hi,

I'm an online organizer in our National Headquarters in Chicago, and I wanted to invite you to participate in a special conference call today, Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. PDT, where you can learn how to use our online phonebanking tool, Neighbor to Neighbor, to help swing this election.

In addition to learning the basics of Neighbor to Neighbor, you'll hear from Matt Rodriguez, our Western Regional Director, who will talk about our ground game in the battleground states you'll be calling into, like Nevada.

We'll be doing a conference call and a webinar (an online seminar), so you can follow along with the training on your own computer and ask questions. Don't worry though if you're not able to join the webinar - you can still listen in on the conference call!

Here are the details:

Phone Number: 703-259-9001
Access Code: 249498539

If you can join us for the webinar, RSVP now:

http://my.barackobama.com/CAWebinar1

I hope you can join us!

Amy Hamblin
My.BarackObama.com

If you can't make this special conference call, learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor by watching these training videos.

Then, make sure you are signed up so you can start making calls as soon as possible. Every call plays a part in this campaign and puts us one step closer to our goal in November.

Californians on Change: Tom Mullens, CA Veterans for Obama

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:55:54 EDT

Tom Mullens is the Co-Chair of California Veterans for Obama

"Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!"- Admiral David Farragut

It's only in the last couple of years that I learned how long my family has been part of this country. I found out that I have ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War and nearly every conflict where the country called. I also found that, according to U.S. Census data, up to the beginning of the 20th Century many of them could not read and write.

My dad, as a Navy veteran of the Korean War, was able to take advantage of the G.I. Bill. He became the first member of his family, after more than 250 years in America, to attend college. Unfortunately, he didn't get a degree. Feeding four hungry kids and keeping a roof over our heads eventually took precedence.

I served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and enrolled in college within weeks of my separation from active duty. The G.I. Bill allowed me to attend school full-time while I worked part-time. Four years later, I was the first member of my father's family to graduate from college. Almost as important, I had no student loans hanging over my head so I could afford to choose a career in education. Unfortunately, after Vietnam veterans' education benefits diminished sharply, what had been a major engine of upward advancement for working and middle-class Americans became an afterthought. But last year things changed.

Recap: Californians Drive for Change

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:08:13 EDT

Elizabeth Kim is a volunteer in Nevada.

This weekend Californians drove across state lines to canvass for Barack Obama alongside their Nevadan neighbors. The day started off with training sessions across the state. One group of Golden Staters got a quick tutorial on Nevada issues from NW Las Vegas Regional Field Director Evan Sutton.

Why is Nevada so important? Al Gore lost Nevada by 2% in 2000. If Nevada had turned, Gore would have won the election. The good news is that in previous cycles Democrats had a net negative of 8,000 registered voters in Nevada compared to Republicans. We now have a positive advantage of 75,000 registered Democrats over Republicans thanks to the hard work of our volunteers.

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Debate Watching Party Recap

Sarah Gallagher — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:43:06 EDT

Last night's event at Social Hollywood put the 'party' in Debate Watching party. Staffers and regular volunteers were joined by hundreds of new supporters to cheer on Obama in the first Presidential Debate on Friday night. The crowd was as ethnically and culturally diverse as LA itself - young, old, from Malibu to the Inland Empire, supporters came out to watch the debate and get involved in the campaign.

The debate watchers were super fired up - according to one of our volunteers, "the energy in the room was like watching the Super Bowl with 500 of your closest friends." One of the highlights for our team was the Republicans for Obama contingent in the audience. They cheered just as loud, if not louder, than everyone else and signed up to phone bank this weekend!

San Francisco Presidential Debate Watch Party Recap

Sarah Gallagher — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:19:27 EDT

Ruby Reid is a volunteer with the Obama for America Campaign in Oakland, CA

I had the pleasure of watching the first Presidential Debate with hundreds of Obama supporters at a fabulous club venue in San Francisco. Kamala Harris (San Francisco District Attorney) gave a rousing speech before the debate started, encouraging attendees to think about what they could do to help elect Barack Obama--then to do TWICE that much! The audience certainly took this message to heart, because over 200 volunteers signed up to phonebank and travel to battleground states!

Join us at the next debate watch party! Sign up at my.barackobama.com/cadebate.

Since I've been working all hours of the day and night to get Barack Obama elected as our next President, I have not had much time in recent weeks to sit and listen to his speeches--the debate watch party offered me a rare opportunity to pause for reflection. I got goosebumps at several points in the debate--all I could think was how Presidential his demeanor is and how John McCain seemed to be floundering. McCain was grasping at straws, trying to divert the blame for this country's economic crisis from the deregulation of the banking industry (of which McCain was a strong proponent) to anyone/anything else.

John McCain once again showcased his allegiance to the failed economic policies of the Bush Administration and even hearkened back to "Reagonomics" in which benefits offered to wealthy individuals and corporations are supposed to "trickle-down" to the rest of us. It seems to me that John McCain and a few wealthy Republicans who have disproportionally benefitted from these policies are the only people who think that the "trickle-down" system actually works. McCain made it clear that he is not reflective, not willing/able to be accountable for his mistakes, and not capable of changing the direction of this country's economy.

Join us at our South Los Angeles Obama for America Office Opening on Saturday!

Sarah Gallagher — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:34:35 EDT

This Saturday, September 27th, please join us at the grand opening of the South Los Angeles Obama for America Campaign Office.

Meet campaign staff and fellow supporters in the area, and learn how you can volunteer for the campaign. There are only a few more weeks until the election and we need your help.

5444 Crenshaw Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90043

9:00AM - 10:30AM Rally
10:30AM - 3:00PM Get Involved with the Campaign!

RSVP today

General Office Hours are Monday-Friday 9AM - 9PM. Saturday and Sunday 10AM - 8PM.
Please stop by anytime to volunteer for phonebanking or data entry (bring a cell phone and laptop if you have one!)

We also need volunteers to help us staff our office. We're looking for Volunteer Coordinators, Data Managers, Phone Bank Coordinators, Front Desk Managers and Office Managers. If you can make a commitment to join us for at least 16 hours a week in 4 hour shifts, please email Lauren Brown at lbrown@obamaca.com.

Barack is moving ahead with plans for Friday's debate - Join Us at a California Debate Watch Party

Sarah Gallagher — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:41:26 EDT

The election is less than 40 days away, and the American people deserve to hear directly from the candidates about how they intend to lead our country. We want to thank you for your support of this campaign so far and invite you to join Obama for America at one of the four Debate Watch Parties we're hosting across the state.

http://my.barackobama.com/cadebatewatch

We'll cheer for Barack Obama at the Presidential Debate, hear from local elected officials, discuss the issues and get to work organizing in our communities for change! Join us and your fellow supporters this Friday, September 26th.

We're hosting parties in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, but if you're in another town, you can also use our zip code locator to find a Debate Watch house party near you.

Join us tomorrow!

Yes we can,
Mary Jane Stevenson
Field Director
Obama for America, California

Californians on Change: A Message on the Economic Crisis

Sarah Gallagher — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:06:54 EDT

A message from Ted Lieu, Chair of the Assembly Rules Committee and former Chair of the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee.

If only we had listened to Senator Obama earlier, this entire crisis on Wall Street could have been avoided. Since the beginning of this year, Senator Obama repeatedly called for stemming the foreclosure crisis by providing relief to homeowners and hard-working Americans. No one up to speed on these issues seriously disputes that the root cause of this crisis is the massive and continuing wave of foreclosures caused by predatory and unsuitable loans sold during the mortgage frenzy.

Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, a former industry CEO on Wall Street, should have seen this foreclosure crisis coming. Before the crisis hit, Senator Obama made repeated calls for foreclosure relief, and Secretary Paulson ignored all of it. Instead, he put out his feeble industry-driven Hope Now plan at the beginning of this year, which I and many others criticized as doing virtually nothing to stem the rising tide of foreclosures.

Senator Obama was right on this issue, and the Bush Administration was wrong. More fundamentally, we need effective mortgage reform so a crisis of this magnitude never happens again. It was the Bush/McCain deregulation policies of the last eight years that directly resulted in the financial implosions occurring on Wall Street. The trickle-down, industry-driven economic policies of the Bush/McCain years have caused immense harm to our citizens.

Before giving away the largest taxpayer bailout in the history of the free world, getting an apology from President Bush, Treasury Secretary Paulson, and Senator John McCain would be nice.

Join Obama for America - California at a Debate Watch Party this Friday

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 20:18:18 EDT

Join us in Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles or San Diego as we bring people together, watch the debate, talk about the issues, and build this movement for change.

Find a California Debate Watch Party Near You

In another city? Debate Watch House Parties are happening all over the state - meet up with your friends and neighbors!

Recap: Camp Obama - Mamas for Obama

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:10:11 EDT

Last Sunday, over 100 Moms (and some Dads, and plenty of kids) came out to a Culver City park to hear from the Obama for America, California Field Team to learn how to become Community Organizers. The CA Field Team created a condensed Camp Obama, tailored especially for Moms of young kids who might not be able to dedicate large chunks of time to campaigning but still want to be an important part of this election.

Mary Jane Stevenson, California Field Director, kicked off the afternoon by getting the crowd fired up to learn how to organize "with kids sitting on your hips". A mother of twins, Mary Jane talked about her own experience as a Community Organizer and how she balances that with her role as a mother.

The women met other moms in their Congressional Districts and started planning phonebanks and local events. The teams held an impromptu 15 minute phonebank in the park and cranked out over 500 calls!

The field team brought in babysitters to keep the kids entertained with games, arts & crafts and sports, making this an outstanding afternoon for everyone who joined.

Obama Nos Llama! Join the California Latino Vote Program

Sarah Gallagher — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 08:50:57 EDT

The Obama for America, California team is proud to continue to create opportunities for our Latino community to get involved in this election.
On Sept 26th the Obama Nos Llama! - Caravana a Nevada will gather a large group of California Latinos working specifically to register Latinos in Nevada to vote. Latinos make up 24% of Nevada's population but only 12% of the electorate. This needs to increase significantly & immediately. Let's be clear: Latinos can win this election.

Sign up to join us for the Obama Nos Llama - Caravana a Nevada.

We are happy to announce our 100 Latino Leaders Initiative: Los/Las Cien. In addition to our general sign up, the CA Latino Vote Program invites you to be one of our statewide 100 Latino Leaders for the Obama Nos Llama! Caravana. Each member will confirm 9 people who are willing to go participate on the Sept. 26th-28th caravan, our last chance to register Nevadans to vote. The 100 people who confirm 9 volunteers each will together make "Mil Voces," a monumental and proud accomplishment for all of us California Latinos for Obama.

Californians on Change: San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom on the Economy

Sarah Gallagher — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:10:02 EDT

The headlines might be coming from Wall Street, but the economy in California is also facing some rocky times. Our state government is going on 80 days without a budget, leaving open the real possibility of hospital and care facilities shutting down. Foreclosure rates throughout the state are the highest in memory, and our statewide unemployment rate, at 7.3% is a 12-year high. Retailers are preparing for a disappointing holiday season, and between surging food and fuel costs - Californians are feeling the pressure.

The jobs of the future will not be created by the politicians of the past. When it comes to fixing our economy, the change we need right now is being offered by Senator Barack Obama.

We're feeling it here too in San Francisco - we had to make the tough decisions to close a record financial shortfall and balance our budget - but in light of what's happening around the state and the nation, San Francisco isn't doing too badly. Much of that has to do with our investments in new technology and efforts to attract new business. As home to many biotech and cleantech firms, we're creating the kind of family sustaining jobs that help communities weather bad economic times. Close to 130 new companies have headquartered or relocated to San Francisco since 2004, 41 of those in biotech. Our unemployment rate continues to rank well below the state and national averages.

Obama for America Sacramento Office Opening!

Sarah Gallagher — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:56:31 EDT

On Thursday, 9/18, Obama for America opened another California office in Sacramento with a fired up crowd!

Regional Field Director Kim Mack introduced speakers from the labor movement, read a special letter from Congresswoman Doris Matsui and got the crowd to direct their energy to start making phone calls.

Of the 150+ people who attended, many were new faces to the effort for Senator Obama in Sacramento and ALL got involved straight away by doing some phone banking or signing up for a Drive for Change or attending a neighborhood group meeting.

Republican Mayor Richard Riordan Endorses Obama for President

Sarah Gallagher — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:43:42 EDT

Press Release from Gabriel Sanchez, Obama for America, California
Former LA Mayor Says "Clearly, Obama is the Best Candidate

LOS ANGELES - Former Los Angeles Mayor Riordan, a Republican, today formally announced his endorsement of Barack Obama for President. Crossing party lines, Mayor Riordan said he supports Obama because "we want the best person to be President of the United States, whether they are Republican or Democrat, and clearly Obama is the best candidate."

Senator Obama is the kind of leader we need to get us through these tough economic times. If you truly want to do what's best for the country, you should vote for Barack Obama for President.

"Senator Obama is the kind of leader we need to get us through these tough economic times," said Riordan, explaining why he favors Obama over McCain. "If you truly want to do what's best for the country, you should vote for Barack Obama for President."

Riordan, a registered Republican, was elected Mayor of Los Angeles in 1993 and served until 2001. During his tenure he worked successfully with community and business leaders to revitalize the city of Los Angeles, which was struck hard by the recession of the early 1990s and several natural disaster including the Northridge quake in 1994.

Get Ready for Women's Weekend of Action with Camp Obama - Mamas for Obama!

Sarah Gallagher — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:29:55 EDT

On Sunday, September 21st please join us for Mamas for Obama, a special Camp Obama mini-training session, geared toward mothers who want to roll up their sleeves and volunteer for the campaign but cannot attend a traditional two-day Camp Obama. There will be child-care assistance in the park during the training session.

Join us for Camp Obama - Mamas for Obama
A special mini-training welcoming Moms who can volunteer for Obama for America

Kids welcome
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st
Location: Culver City (address will be confirmed on RSVP)
Check in: 12:30pm
Training: 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
RSVP: http://my.barackobama.com/CampObamaCAMama

Recap: Drive for Change Day Trip

Sarah Gallagher — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:12:44 EDT

Crowds gathered early at meeting places in cities across California as volunteers set off on the first big Drive for Change of September.

Kicking off at 5AM on Saturday, teams hit the ground Saturday morning and got to work.

Teams started the day registering people to vote, and finished the afternoon talking with supporters and undecided voters.

The best answer I got all day was when I asked a booster what his level of support is. The reply was worthy of the casinos visible from his neighborhood: "I'm all in!" - Cheyney, Volunteer

The teams wrapped up the Drive for Change Day Trip by jumping back on the bus to escape the 90-plus-degree weather and driving back across the Mojave Desert to California.

Rally for Change with Barack Obama in Las Vegas on Wednesday!

Sarah Gallagher — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 23:59:42 EDT

The big California to Nevada Drive for Change will kick off with Barack Obama in Las Vegas this week.

Commit to working for Barack Wednesday through Sunday in Las Vegas and be one of 50 Californians to get guaranteed seats at the Rally for Change on Wednesday night.

Be one of the first 50 people to commit by signing up here: http://my.barackobama.com/catonvrally

We know this is last minute, but just received notice of these limited guaranteed seating opportunities and hope you can still join us. We will contact you by Tuesday evening if you are one of the first 50, and will send an email to everyone who signs up by Tuesday night to let you know when the event is full.

Yes We Can!

Support the victims of the commuter train tragedy

Sarah Gallagher — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:20:03 EDT

Friday afternoon, a Metrolink commuter train carrying 225 collided into a freight train, killing 18 and leaving at least 135 injured. The crash is the deadliest in Metrolink’s history. Survivors have been rushed to several local area hospitals and far too many are in critical condition.

Many of you have asked what you can do to help.

The UCLA Blood and Platelet Center will be open this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accept blood donations. Healthy donors of all blood types are needed to donate blood. Appointments can be made by calling 310-794-7217 ext. 2.

Contact the Red Cross at 800-RED-CROSS or visit www.redcross.org for other information about blood donation or ways you can help.

NorCal Obama Headquarters Grand Opening!!

Allison Ruby Reid-Cunningham — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:21:09 EDT

I drove home from the DNC to Berkeley (from Reno today) because I had a feeling that I should be at the Grand Opening for the Northern Cali HQ of the Obama campaign, and I thought it would be fun to surprise people at the event.

The East Bay Field Office is also home to the NorCal Headquarters, and tonight was the GRAND OPENING!!

When I drove up to the office tonight, I was astonished.

Before I could see any of the crowd,

I could hear them chanting, "Yes We Can!"

There were hundreds of people lining the streets and clamoring to volunteer and express their support for Obama.

I got goosebumps and (finally) a parking spot...

The office was absolutely overun with people all fired up about Obama--we had over 500 people at the event!!!

Hundreds of people signed up to volunteer for phone-banking, traveling, and other help for the Obama campaign!!

I hadn't realized when I left Nevada this morning what a big event this was--I could hardly get into the office through the flood of people trying to get in to sign up to help.

We had an amazing set of speakers, who addressed the crowd from the upper balcony. Included in the program were San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CD-9), and Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates.

Assemblymember Loni Hancock (CD-14), Alameda Central Labor Council Executive Director Sharon Cornu, Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, and Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the California Labor Foundation Art Pulaski, and a representative from Ron Dellums office were also featured speakers.

The speeches engaged the crowd, which responded with cheers, emphatic chants of "Yes We CAN," and winning smiles!!

Mayor Gavin Newson mentioned that it is was better to be here at this grand opening event than to be watching Fox News; he continued by expressing that the Republicans are out of touch with the priorities of this country. He reminded us that the future is not in front of us: the future is within us!

Mayor Tom Bates spoke about taking our country back, and now is the time to do that together. These past years have been very hard on Americans and we have a chance right now to turn that around and take our country back.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee was stirring, eloquent, and as wonderful as a speaker can possibly be. The crowd loved her--they went wild when she spoke, when she raised her arms up, they cheered. When she finished speaking, the crowd began chanting, "Barbara Lee speaks for me." I couldn't agree more--as a fellow social worker and Obama supporter, Barbara Lee definitely speaks for me!! This was my first time meeting her, and she was as lovely and genuine in person as I imagined she would be.

Our Deputy Field Director for California, the dynamic and phenomenal Peggy Moore introduced the speakers and fired up the crowd! Her comments were inspiring and it was truly impressive to see how she was able to engage with the hundreds of people gathered below in a way that felt direct and personal, as if she were speaking to each person individually.

Peggy introduced Pam Coukos, our Regional Field Director for Northern California/SF & East Bay. Pam gave a rousing speech highlighting the work that needs to be done in the next 60 days. Check out the video by clicking here.

Peggy Moore, Barbara Lee, and Pam Coukos

Amazing Crowd Packs SoCal Headquarters

Jeremy D. Thompson — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:10:15 EDT

Boosted by Barack’s powerful speech in Denver, and girded against continuing baseless attacks from St. Paul; grassroots activists and community organizers arrived in awe inspiring numbers at the opening of the Southern California headquarters of the Obama/Biden campaign.

With the office packed to capacity and supporters lined up for blocks down the street; the program, stage and crowd moved to the parking lot to accommodate not only the size but also the energy of a California campaign not content to win just one state, but dedicated to delivering victories across the West.

The bottom up coalition that grew from organic groups to a well-trained, well-oiled machine capable of making hundreds of thousands of volunteer calls each day never rested between Super Tuesday and now. In the months since February 5, Barack’s supporters have continued to train and organize new voices committed to bringing California (and America) the change it needs.

Those voices - old and new - cheered along with rousing speeches from early Obama supporters Maria Elena Durazo, Eric Garcetti, Mark Ridley Thomas and Rocky Delgadillo before Field Director Mary Jane Stevenson jumped in to give marching orders on how Californians can continue to make a difference in the Golden State and beyond.

While there is much to do to assure success up and down the ballot here, another huge part of our effort will be to effect change in neighboring Nevada. Nevada is a crucial battleground for November, and Barack needs support not just from all Nevadans, but also their neighbors - especially from California. To that end, the California campaign is recreating its “Drive for Change” program that was so successful during the Nevada caucuses in January.

Eventually, the excitement of the event had to end and the work needed to resume. For those who couldn’t attend, here’s how to jump in on the action:

First - if you haven’t already - sign up to be a part of the California team at http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/casignup.

Then, head to http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/CampObamaCA to enroll in an upcoming Camp Obama, where you can develop your skills as an organizer.

Most importantly, volunteers can participate in the Drive for Change program into Nevada at http://my.barackobama.com/page/s/nvdfcsept12. If you’re a student, consider a Nevada internship with the campaign (http://my.barackobama.com/nvoosintern).

The other party can mock Barack’s time as a community organizer. They can scoff at the dedication of volunteers committed to creating change in America. But come election day, it will be the voices of this overflow crowd in a Culver City parking lot, and millions more across this nation whose familiar chant of “Yes, we can!” will ring out in a resounding “Yes, we did!”

Make this America the one you want to see.

Vote for Change: Torrance, California

Amanda Scott — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 14:11:30 EDT

Peter is a resident of Torrance California and spent his July 4th registering voters. He told the campaign…

The July 4 celebration and fireworks at this nearby park was going to be a good audience for registering new voters, so I planned the event for it. It also struck me that one of the most fundamental things about our system of government is the vote, and voting (and helping people register to vote) is one of the more patriotic things you can do. So, it seemed quite natural to register people to vote on the day we celebrate the declaration of independence from the British crown.  
I also like hosting events because it gets people to be more active - I've given them an event in their area to participate in, and afterwards they are trained in voter registration and more comfortable with it. Turning ‘newbies’ to voter registration into people with some experience is pivotal, because it makes them realize it's not rocket science. They are more likely to do it in the future and to tell others that they are capable of doing it too.  

I can also feel the roots spreading in other ways: One new volunteer is on the faculty at a local college and arranged for Vote for Change to have a table at the college's new student orientation - she wouldn't have done this if she hadn't known there was a way to find volunteers to staff it. Also, a couple other attendees met each other today and are making plans to do registration efforts targeting young Korean-Americans in the area. Without the event, they wouldn't have been able to meet, brainstorm and plan future efforts.  
Voter registration is important because it's actively building the party, and the new Democrats and left-leaning independents will help not only Barack Obama, but all the down ticket races. The trend in California is that every single congressional district is getting bluer - registration drives like we did today help continue this trend.

Peter has done voter registration events because he feels proud to be a part of this campaign. He explains why this campaign is different from others…

I support Barack because of the emphasis in his campaign on empowering people to make the change they want to see. This aspect of the campaign, and his providing infrastructure support to let supporters make connections amongst ourselves on MyBO, shows that he means what he says.

He's constantly making the point that people need to get engaged, and that simply voting isn't enough. This is the only way real change can happen - if we the people make it happen.  
I became an Obama supporter following John Edwards’s departure from the primaries. Barack's embrace of the 50-state strategy and his putting real resources to build the whole party and not just help his campaign were really important things that made me come to support him.

Are you involved in the campaign? Create a my.barackobama.com account to connect with other supporters and sign up to attend a voter registration drive in your town.

One Million Calls: Phonebanking in California

Christopher Hass — Sun, 04 May 2008 13:28:51 EDT

We are slowly but steadily closing in on our goal of one million phone calls to voters by the close of polls on May 6th. All weekend, supporters have been gathering at campaign headquarters, makeshift offices, and their own home to help make calls.

In California, there are phonebanking events taking place across the state. As Veritas in San Fransisco reported the other day:

I just got back from a couple hours of phonebanking to Indiana.

Of those whom I spoke to, the biggest issue by far was jobs. People were very frustrated that they couldn't find jobs. One man said his company was going through another round of offshoring right now.

Healthcare and the price of gas were also key. Nobody I talked to was particularly interested in the "gas tax gimmick" - they were tired of the oil companies making record profits on the backs of American consumers ... Most folks were very polite, even if they didn't support Barack.

... The room was filled with callers, and the bell kept going off as we identified (or converted) Obama supporters. Probably my best conversation was speaking with the mother of a young sailor who was deployed on a Navy carrier (the young man was the name on my list). I'm also in the military, and had lived where her son had been stationed, so we had a great conversation. I'm pretty sure the woman was not even a Democrat, but we found common ground quickly and agreed on the issues we felt were important to address.

I probably went through about 75 names — keep up the good work everyone! It is making a difference.

And from Diane:

Some of my friends from my retirement community and I will be heading to our Obama office in Sacramento, CA to make phone calls this weekend. It's great fun and so rewarding. People are great to talk to and it's so rewarding when you feel that you've turned another vote to Senator Obama. I hope anyone who can will make calls this weekend — it's so important. We can win Indiana and North Carolina!!!

There are phonebanking events taking place at offices and in homes across the country throughout the next three days — you can search for an event near you. Whether you can commit to an entire day or just a few hours, your work is valuable and your energy will be welcomed.

And no matter where you are, you can make calls from home using our online phonebanking system.

From Yvette:

Wishing I could make some calls :( I'm out of town with my job and wish I could make some calls to Indiana. I can't but my mom (she's 70 and lives in San Diego) will be making her first calls EVER today and tomorrow to Indiana!

She's been on board the Obama-train (she was originally for Edwards) for some time. She knows how heartbroken I am about not being able to call on the weekends and said she would do it for me/us!!

I truly believe the distractions don't matter to those good people in Indiana, at least not to the ones I talked to before I left last week ...

YES WE CAN!!

It only takes a minute to get started. The Indiana and North Carolina calling campaigns run until 9:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) Endorses Obama; Delegate Countdown - 285 To Go

Sam Graham-Felsen — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:54:58 EDT

Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) has endorsed Barack Obama for President, bringing the total number of delegates Obama needs to secure the nomination down to 285.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (CA-23), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and Chair of the Democratic Women's Working Group, released the following statement regarding her endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President:
"Today, I am announcing my endorsement of Barack Obama for President.
"This wasn't an easy decision for me. Democrats were blessed this year with many talented and capable candidates, and I believe both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama would make fine presidents. But Sen. Obama's proven judgment, his hopeful vision for America, and his unmatched ability to motivate millions of Americans eager for change made the choice for me.

"I have enormous respect for Sen. Clinton. She is smart, dedicated and a champion of those often underserved and forgotten. She has a remarkable record of achievement that inspires us all. And her election would fulfill a life long dream for so many of us who have been fighting for women's rights. She would make a great president.
"But for me, Barack Obama is the best choice.
"There are a number of reasons I could cite. He has promoted smart policies to address our nation's greatest challenges. He was right on Iraq when so many were wrong. He speaks with an eloquence that most public officials can only dream of and is inspiring millions of Americans to reconnect with politics or connect for the first time. And he can win in November.

"These are all true and good reasons, but I also believe Barack Obama is the better choice because of something larger and perhaps more important. Simply put, he has made a call to the better angels of our nature. He is challenging us to lift ourselves out of the ugliness that increasingly consumes Washington, where the heat of your argument counts for more than the light it should bring. He is asking us to stand together as Americans and transcend the traditional lines that have so often divided us by party affiliation, economic status, gender, or race. He is calling on us to rethink our approach to problem solving in the face of the enormous challenges facing our country, like Iraq, economic recession, global warming, record energy prices, and 47 million Americans without health insurance, to name just a few. I believe in his effort to put our country on a new path and want to help him make that happen.

"I came to Washington 10 years ago after winning the seat my husband Walter held. In office for a mere 10 months before he died, he had lost none of the idealism and faith in American democracy that propelled his life. Quite frankly, I don't believe he ever would have and I know that I have tried to keep that fire burning. But I'll admit it's hard, when so much of what's going on around you is less about meeting our country's challenges and more about demonizing your political opponents.
"Walter once said that "we are strongest as people when we are directed by that which unites us, rather than giving into the fears, suspicions, innuendos and paranoias that divide." For years I have been waiting for a President that speaks to that vision. I believe Barack Obama may very well be that rare leader."

California delegates

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:25:46 EDT

David Plouffe just sent out this email...

There has been an extraordinary outpouring of grassroots support for Senator Obama among Democrats and Independents in all 53 California Congressional districts.
In recognition of this tremendous enthusiasm, our campaign has asked the California Democratic Party to allow all persons who have filed to be a district delegate candidate for Senator Obama at the Democratic National Convention to participate in the caucuses this Sunday, April 13, 2008.
We are confident that delegates elected from this pool will reflect the Senator's commitment to a diverse and unified delegation at the National Convention.
An overwhelming number of supporters have signed up to run for delegate, so there will likely be lines and tight space at the caucus locations. We ask for everyone's patience and cooperation.
Most of all, please enjoy this opportunity to meet other Obama supporters and elect delegate candidates to the Convention in Denver.
If you have any questions, please contact Daryl Sprague at dsprague@barackobama.com.
Thanks for your interest and active participation in Barack's campaign to change politics and change America.
David
David Plouffe
Campaign Manager
Obama for America

Fired up in Cali

Sam Graham-Felsen — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 17:04:30 EST

Send us your GOTV pictures to blog@barackobama.com.

California: Fired Up, Ready to Vote

Jeremy D. Thompson — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 01:21:22 EST

The Obama movement in California began quietly.

In recreation centers and coffee shops, a volunteer vanguard self-organized, operating well in advance of any official campaign presence.

In time a staff developed, organizers found their voices at Camp Obama training sessions throughout the state, and the grassroots campaign grew to over 5,000 precinct captains speaking one-on-one to more than a million voters.

By the arrival of the January 31st Democratic debate, those voices in reverberating meeting rooms had multiplied - gaining strength and clarity - into a chorus for change that drowns out the insiders and skeptics who fall back on tired can’t-be-done-ism.

Check out the video above to hear the mighty voice of this grassroots movement for change and to see the passion and drive in the eyes of these dedicated volunteers who showed up outside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood to support Barack as he debated Senator Clinton.

Super Tuesday is here and California is fired up and ready to vote!

If you don’t know your polling place, check the Secratary of State’s website at http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_ppl.htm.

For any other questions or concerns related to the February 5th vote, contact your local California for Obama campaign headquarters.

Canvassing in East Los Angeles

Greg Hauenstein — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:11:02 EST

The pride of this campaign is its volunteers. People who give their time and energy, asking nothing in return. Just happy they can contribute to a cause they believe in.

California doesn't usually see a campaign like this. A campaign that empowers individual citizens to mobilize and organize those around them. Yesterday, across the state, volunteers took to the streets to inform, educate, and inspire their neighbors and friends on behalf of Senator Obama.

In East Los Angeles, we followed Nancy Meza, a college student, as she walked her community and did the footwork that will help deliver California on Tuesday.

Senator Edward Kennedy in East Los Angeles

Greg Hauenstein — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 16:21:03 EST

For over forty years, the Kennedy family has been helping those whose voices are not heard in the halls of Washington. Those who aren't getting a fair shake, regardless of race, color, or creed. It is this leadership that makes Senator Edward Kennedy such an inspiring leader to the citizens of East Los Angeles. He is a fighter for their causes, and knows Senator Obama is the same brand of fighter.

Senator Kennedy came to East Los Angeles Community College and spoke to an overflowing crowd. He told the crowd why he believed Barack Obama is most qualified, the most inspiring, and the most capable candidate to take that torch, as his brother did almost fifty years ago, and begin the next chapter of the American story.

Here's Senator Kennedy, introduced by community leader and national campaign co-chair Maria Elena Durazo.

'Rory Kennedy: Two fine choices, one clear decision - Obama'

Christopher Hass — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:28:36 EST

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

Last Monday, I was very moved to see my uncle, Sen. Edward Kennedy, and my cousin, Caroline Kennedy, publicly endorse Sen. Barack Obama. I thought their statements of support were brave, intelligent and responsible. Given the importance of this election, and the remarkable strength of our candidates, it's not an easy decision for anyone looking to cast a vote for a new direction in this country.

… right now, what I would love most is to elect the best person for the job.

I believe that person is Sen. Barack Obama. As a leader, he has inspired generations of Americans to look beyond reductive categories like gender or race. Instead, he calls on us to think past our own individual interests, to envision a world that is better for every person in it.

… Recently, my mother, Ethel Kennedy, said of Obama: "I think he feels it. He feels it just like Bobby did. He has the passion in his heart. He's not selling you. It's just him."

I agree. Obama is a genuine leader. We Americans - women included - desperately need that kind of leader now. Not a president of a particular gender or a specific race, but a president with a different vision, one who inspires a sense of hope.

To elect Barack Obama is to choose a new direction, set a new course - to steer America toward a better place, better for women as well as men, better for us all.

Oakland Tribune Endorses Barack Obama

Christopher Hass — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 23:26:13 EST

From the Oakland Tribune:

We strongly believes that the nation is in dire need of a president who has the vision, ability and desire to reach out to all Americans in a positive manner.

We need a leader who listens to the views of others, domestically and abroad, and who truly embraces bipartisanship at home and cooperation internationally.

… the Democratic Party has such a leader this year: Sen. Barack Obama.

… He has emerged as a formidable leader after just a short time as a senator from Illinois. In fact, he is reminiscent of John Kennedy, who was about the same age as Obama when he was elected president in 1960.

… Obama has a rare combination of youthful optimism and mature sagacity that have made him a national leader and one who would be the best choice for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Announcement: Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy Rally this Sunday in Los Angeles

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:58:46 EST

The Obama for America campaign today announced that Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Caroline Kennedy will hold a Get Out The Vote Rally this Sunday in Los Angeles. The rally will be free and open to the public. More details will be released when they become available.

WHO: Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Caroline Kennedy

WHEN: Sunday, February 3rd

WHAT: Get Out The Vote Rally

WHERE: Los Angeles, CA

For more information visit california.barackobama.com/michelleinla. Further details will be announced.

North Coast Journal Endorses Barack Obama

Christopher Hass — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:57:49 EST

From the North Coast Journal:

We need to go to the polls next week — young voters and old — and throw the switch on this train. But we need to throw that switch hard. That’s why I’m voting for Barack Obama.

… Obama was right about Iraq from the beginning. He doesn’t have to check the wind direction to find his moral compass. And he has demonstrated time and again his unique ability to mobilize a broad coalition of people toward a common purpose, including the young and many who have opted out of the system in the past. I think he would do very well against either McCain or Romney without tearing this country apart. Coupled with a supportive Congress next year, we can and will correct the direction of this country.

And that Obama speech last Saturday? As good as any John Kennedy ever gave. He has even given this cynical old reporter hope.

'Salinas Latinos offer support to Obama'

Christopher Hass — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:55:03 EST

From the Salinas Californian:

Several Latino community leaders from the Central Coast joined together Thursday in Salinas to publicly endorse Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination.

“It’s because of the change that (Barack) Obama brings to the political scene,” said Carlos Ramos, a voting-rights activist and president of the Monterey chapter of the League Of United Latin American Citizens. “He has the wherewithal, energy and vision to move our country forward. To me, it’s a no-brainer.”

Ramos and four other community leaders made their announcement at the Obama campaign’s new Salinas call center, 545 E. Alisal St.

… The group praised Obama’s stances on issues including education reform, immigration and health care, including a plan to offer health insurance to all Americans.

Los Angeles Times Endorses Obama for President

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:44:16 EST

The Los Angeles Times has endorsed Barack Obama ...

Barack Obama for Democratic nominee
February 3, 2008

Democrats preparing to vote in Tuesday's California primary can mark their ballots with confidence, knowing that either candidate would make a strong nominee and, if elected, a groundbreaking leader and capable president. But just because the ballot features two strong candidates does not mean that it is difficult to choose between them. We urge voters to make the most of this historic moment by choosing the Democrat most focused on steering the nation toward constructive change: We strongly endorse Barack Obama.

The U.S. senator from Illinois distinguishes himself as an inspiring leader who cuts through typical internecine campaign bickering and appeals to Americans long weary of divisive and destructive politics. He electrifies young voters, not because he is young but because he embodies the desire to move to the next chapter of the American story. He brings with him deep knowledge on foreign relations and on this nation's particular struggles with identity and opportunity. His flair for expression, both in print and on the stump, too easily leads observers to forget that Obama is a man not just of style but of substance. He's a thoughtful student of the Constitution and an experienced lawmaker in his home state and, for the last three years, in the Senate.

On policy, Obama and his rival Democratic candidate, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, are a hairsbreadth apart. Both vow to pull troops from Iraq. Both are committed to healthcare reform. Both offer candid critiques of the failed George W. Bush presidency, its blustering adventurism, its alienating stance toward other countries and its cavalier disregard for sacred American values such as individual liberty and due process of law.

With two candidates so closely aligned on the issues, we look to their abilities and potential as leaders, and their record of action in service of their stated ideals. Clinton is an accomplished public servant whose election would provide familiarity and, most important, competence in the White House, when for seven years it has been lacking. But experience has value only if it is accompanied by courage and leads to judgment.

Nowhere was that judgment more needed than in 2003, when Congress was called upon to accept or reject the disastrous Iraq invasion. Clinton faced a test and failed, joining the stampede as Congress voted to authorize war. At last week's debate and in previous such sessions, Clinton blamed Bush for abusing the authority she helped to give him, and she has made much of the fact that Obama was not yet in the Senate and didn't face the same test. But Obama was in public life, saw the danger of the invasion and the consequences of occupation, and he said so. He was right.

Obama demonstrates as well that he is open-eyed about the terrorist threat posed to the nation, and would not shrink from military action where it is warranted. He does not oppose all wars, he has famously stated, but rather "dumb wars." He also has the edge in economic policy, less because of particular planks in his platform than because of his understanding that some liberal orthodoxies developed during the last 40 years have been overtaken by history. He offers leadership on education, technology policy and environmental protection unfettered by the positions of previous administrations.

By contrast, Clinton's return to the White House that she occupied for eight years as first lady would resurrect some of the triumph and argument of that era. Yes, Bill Clinton's presidency was a period of growth and opportunity, and Democrats are justly nostalgic for it. But it also was a time of withering political fire, as the former president's recent comments on the campaign trail reminded the nation. Hillary Clinton's election also would drag into a third decade the post-Reagan political duel between two families, the Bushes and the Clintons. Obama is correct: It is time to turn the page.

An Obama presidency would present, as a distinctly American face, a man of African descent, born in the nation's youngest state, with a childhood spent partly in Asia, among Muslims. No public relations campaign could do more than Obama's mere presence in the White House to defuse anti-American passion around the world, nor could any political experience surpass Obama's life story in preparing a president to understand the American character. His candidacy offers Democrats the best hope of leading America into the future, and gives Californians the opportunity to cast their most exciting and consequential ballot in a generation.

In the language of metaphor, Clinton is an essay, solid and reasoned; Obama is a poem, lyric and filled with possibility. Clinton would be a valuable and competent executive, but Obama matches her in substance and adds something that the nation has been missing far too long -- a sense of aspiration.

This is special -- the LA Times hasn't endorsed since 1972.

If you're from California, check out CA.BarackObama.com for information on how you can get involved locally and help us win in the Golden State!

Videos: Latino leaders for Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:33:24 EST

Yesterday, various Latino leaders spoke on behalf of Senator Obama in Los Angeles...

US Congressman Xavier Becerra...

California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero...

California State Senator Dean Flores...

And Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary--Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor...

For more, check out Latinos.BarackObama.com.

Breaking from the AP: California SEIU to Endorse Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:25:51 EST

Breaking from the AP...

SACRAMENTO—One of California's largest unions is throwing its support to Barack Obama for president, according to a spokeswoman.

A spokeswoman for the Service Employees International Union told The Associated Press of the union's decision two days after its first choice, John Edwards, dropped out of the race. The president of the state council, Annelle Grajeda, was to formally announce the endorsement in a statement later Friday, spokeswoman Jeanine Meyer Rodriguez said.

The 650,000-member union's backing could help Obama cut into Hillary Rodham Clinton's lead in the polls among Democratic base voters, many of whom are union members.

The SEIU includes city, county and state workers, as well as in-home support and health care workers.

Liveblog from the Kodak Theater: California is FIRED UP

Greg Hauenstein — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:47:03 EST

The crowds are huge, and the pictures speak for themselves: this campaign has built a solid grassroots organization able to mobilize their friends and neighbors to take action for a common cause. It's this kind of ability that has prevailed in the past and will help push Senator Obama to victory on Tuesday.

There are hundreds of supporters here, on every balcony, in every corner, and right in front of the cameras.

From the Kodak Theater: Early birds...

Greg Hauenstein — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:29:03 EST

Sometimes waking up at 5:00 am has its advantages. There's plenty of time to get the day's business taken care of. Today's business: real estate. These supporters grabbed up space in front of CNN's main stage as soon as we arrived.

Here's the flickr page for the photos being taken today.

More pictures and coverage to come.

Video: Barack at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:55:07 EST

Barack held a town hall at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College today. He spoke about the work he did organizing working people of all different races on the South Side of Chicago. Watch the video...

Liveblog from the Kodak Theater

Greg Hauenstein — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:46:59 EST

"What do you mean there's no red carpet?"

As you can see, not even the lack of a crimson carpet can keep James from being fired up today.

Today isn't just Debate Day, it's Debate Day at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood, California.

As the campaign has done in the past, our movement knows how to make its voice heard at big events. Supporters by the hundreds will be pouring in around 2:00pm to show their support and watch the debate on the giant screen. If you're in Los Angeles, come join us!

More pictures to come as the day goes on.

Barack addresses education and health care in East Los Angeles

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:30:06 EST

Over 1,500 people showed up to a town hall with Barack in East Los Angeles, California on a beautiful, sunny day...

Barack spoke about the need to provide every child with a quality education and provide affordable health care for all Americans. The crowd chanted "Si Se Puede!"

For more, check out CA.BarackObama.com and Latinos.BarackObama.com.

Building Momentum in California

Jeremy D. Thompson — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:49:14 EST

The Obama campaign in California has demonstrated the growing strength and depth of our organization as we make the final push towards the February 5 primary.

The excitement about Senator Obama’s candidacy has driven a dramatic state-wide grassroots campaign:

Over 1 million phone calls made to registered voters across the state including over 220,000 phone calls made by Obama volunteers on Saturday, January 26 alone – see the video below (One Day, 100k).
Over 6,000 precinct captains who galvanize their friends and neighbors to spread Senator Obama’s message of hope.
Offices open in 18 locations across the state, including most recent office opening in East Los Angeles, so that volunteers can more easily voters in their own communities.
Over 220 teams comprised of more than 1,500 volunteers organizing in all 53 Congressional Districts, and the only campaign to have volunteer capacity spanning every Congressional District across California.
22 newspapers across the state including the San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Daily News, San Jose Mercury News and Sacramento Bee.

Check out this video of our organization in action from last week’s record breaking phone bank:

Join us in these final days and directly impact the race in California.

Help us Get out the Vote by talking to California voters

Organizing the Movement: Marshall Ganz

Greg Hauenstein — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:00:55 EST

"We are a movement that builds and not destroys," said Cesar Chavez. As an organizer, his life's work was to help ordinary people create a better life for themselves through unionizing, non-violent protest, and political action.

Aiding in this struggle was Marshall Ganz. He worked with Chavez for over sixteen years organizing with the United Farm Workers. Forty years ago he organized a Get Out the Vote campaign for Robert F. Kennedy during the California primary. Through this effort, he was able to help Kennedy win the states highly contested primary.

He sees today a clear comparison between Robert F. Kennedy and Barack Obama...

There are just seven days until the California primary, Feb. 5th . Help make history today and Get Out the Vote for Barack Obama.

'Marin students pick Obama in mock election'

Christopher Hass — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:37:13 EST

From the Marin Independent Journal:

Most may be too young to vote in Tuesday's California primary election, but students at Terra Linda High School this week found a way to make their voices heard.The school was among more than 400 schools with a total 240,000 students in California to participate Tuesday in the MyVote student mock election staged by the California secretary of state's office.

...Students voted overwhelmingly in favor of Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., who received nearly 51 percent of the county's 1,750 tallied votes.

Video: Congressman Xavier Becerra

Greg Hauenstein — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 13:50:26 EST

Sam's post the other day told you about Congressman Becerra's endorsement of Senator Obama for President. He joins an ever growing list of California's elected officials that have signed on to this campaign.

We caught up with Congressman Becerra at the LA office and he told us more:

We're a week away from the California Primary, and this campaign needs your help. Write a letter to the editor, become a precinct captain, or come to a local event!

To learn more about how you can help Barack win in the Golden State, check out CA.BarackObama.com.

'Venice Dials In for Obama'

Christopher Hass — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:28:25 EST

From the Venice Paper:

Local volunteers and campaign delivered heavily for the Barack Obama campaign yesterday. Providing a full 10,000, phone calls as part of the campaign’s goal of phoning 100,000 Californian voters in a single day.

According the campaign communication’s coordinator for CD 30, Kirsten Pierce, 240 volunteers took part in the effort. Statewide, 160,000 calls were placed.

Pierce said volunteers working from the phone bank situated in Venice were tasked with reaching Independent voters—informing them that they may request the Democrat’s ballot on primary day, February 5.

Endorsement: Inland Daily Bulletin

Christopher Hass — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:40:15 EST

From the Inland Daily Bulletin:

Obama also has the potential to break apart the old coalitions of American politics and create dynamic new ones in their place.

His is a candidacy that gives hope to many - to African-Americans, to be sure, and the young as well as people of all races who are inspired by his eloquence and delight in the thought of the U.S. putting the final nail in the coffin of its racist past by electing an African-American to the highest office in the land.

The Illinois senator's appeal is about much more than race. Obama speaks of hope in a way that Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton did before him. He doesn't despair over what is wrong in America today, but points to what is right, and how we can become better.

Congressman Xavier Becerra endorses Barack Obama for President

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:15:16 EST

LOS ANGELES, CA – Congressman Xavier Becerra today endorsed Barack Obama for President, citing his ability to unite Americans to lead our country in a new direction. Becerra serves on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and as the Assistant to the Speaker of the House is the highest ranking Latino in the House.

"Senator Obama is the most qualified candidate to lead our country in a new direction," said Congressman Becerra. “Throughout his 20 years in public service, Barack Obama has united and inspired people from all walks of life and from all parties to bring change we can believe in. As war rages abroad and Americans worry about what the struggling economy means for their families, we need a leader who will tell us not what we want to hear but what we need to hear about the challenges we face. Barack Obama is our strongest candidate for president because of his great crossover appeal that spans parties and regions and his unique ability to rally the American people behind a common purpose.”

“Congressman Becerra has spent his career taking on the special interests to put the American Dream back in reach for working families, and I’m grateful for his endorsement,” said Senator Obama. “Xavier Becerra knows that to get things done, we must reach across the aisle and bring people of all parties together to find common ground. Xavier Becerra’s inspiring story demonstrates what is possible in America, and he will be a great help in our effort to build a broad coalition to solve the complex challenges that lie ahead.”

Congressman Becerra represents the 31st Congressional District of California in the city of Los Angeles. Becerra is the son of working-class immigrants and was the first in his family to graduate from college. On the Ways and Means Committee, Becerra has worked to restore fairness and balance to the economy and to strengthen Social Security for women and minorities. Becerra is a former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

San Francisco Chronicle endorses Barack Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 10:57:20 EST

The San Francisco Chronicle has endorsed Barack Obama for president...

The American political system needs a period of reprieve and renewal.
It needs a reprieve from a White House that draws power from fear, sneers at any science that gets in the way of corporate or theocratic missions and stubbornly adheres to policies that leave the nation sinking in debt and mired in war. It craves a reprieve from the politics of bloodsport that prize clever calculation over courage, winning over principle, party label over national interest.
The renewal must come from a president who can lead by inspiration, who can set partisanship aside to define and achieve common goals, who can persuade a new generation of Americans that there is something noble and something important about public service.
There is no doubt about the Democrat with the vision and skills to bring that period of reprieve and renewal. It is Sen. Barack Obama.
As is often the case in a heavily contested primary, the relatively modest policy differences among the candidates have become magnified and inflamed beyond all due perspective. For example, Obama, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. John Edwards have pledged to expand health coverage, albeit with somewhat different approaches. Obama's is certainly the most cautious, though perhaps the most realistic, considering that any overhaul of the health care system would require buy-in from at least some Republicans and myriad business interests that would be affected by such landmark federal regulation.
All three have vowed to phase out the U.S. military presence in Iraq. Obama, however, stands alone in his opposition to the invasion at the outset. Clinton and Edwards each voted to give President Bush the authorization to use military force against Saddam Hussein. Edwards acknowledges his mistake, Clinton parses the meaning of the resolution. It was Obama's instincts that proved sound.
Clinton, who arrived in the U.S. Senate four years before Obama, has tried to make experience the issue. As senator, she has proved skillful at representing diverse New York interests and working with Republicans. But if she wants to highlight her White House experience as a defining difference, then it's only fair to point out that two of the projects she was most deeply involved with produced a debacle (health care) and scandals (fund raising). Especially in recent days, her campaign has shown the sharp elbows that evoke the ugly underside of the Clinton years, and the (Karl Rove inspired) Bush years that succeeded them: the reflex to scorch the Earth, to do what is necessary to vanquish political adversaries ... all is justified if you are left standing at the end.
America deserves better than these cycles of vengeance and retribution. Its possibilities are too great, its challenges too daunting, for partisan pettiness.
In a Jan. 17 meeting with our editorial board, Obama demonstrated an impressive command of a wide variety of issues. He listened intently to the questions. He responded with substance. He did not control a format without a stopwatch on answers or constraints on follow-up questions, yet he flourished in it.
He radiated the sense of possibility that has attracted the votes of independents and tapped into the idealism of young people during this campaign. He exuded the aura of a 46-year-old leader who could once again persuade the best and the brightest to forestall or pause their grand professional goals to serve in his administration.
Of all the candidates who talk about change, Barack Obama has made the case most forcefully and most convincingly. He gets our endorsement for the Democratic nomination.

Be Heard: Write a Letter to the Editor

Christopher Hass — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:52:43 EST

Getting the word out about the movement for change growing behind Barack Obama requires reaching out to people that haven’t been involved in politics before.

One of the ways you can help us keep our movement growing is by writing a Letter to the Editor of your local paper. Your letters will play a crucial role in inspiring other supporters to get involved with our campaign to change America. It's one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard in your community and share your hope with your neighbors.

You can use the link below to submit your letters online to California newspapers:

Sacramento Bee

San Diego Union-Tribune

San Francisco Chronicle

California for Obama: By the Numbers

Anshul Amar — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 18:14:28 EST

As a community organizer in Chicago's South Side, Barack Obama worked on the grassroots level to register people to vote and help communities devestated by job loss. Obama's years as an organizer provided valuable experience bringing people together to create change from the grassroots level. Right here in California, engaging and empowering voters across the state has produced a grassroots movement of thousands of volunteers throughout the state who are working to turn out the vote for Barack Obama on February 5th.

Offices opened in California: 13 (highest among other candidates: 3)

California newspaper endorsements: 15*

Volunteers trained at Camp Obama sessions across the state: 2,000

California members of the campaign's online organizing tool, my.BarackObama.com: 50,000

California volunteer groups created on my.BarackObama.com: 800

Precinct captains who galvanize their friends and neighbors to spread Senator Obama's message: 5,000

Volunteers organizing Congressional Districts: 1,500

Congressional Districts those volunteers cover: 53 (out of 53)

Homes canvassed: 48,000

Phone calls made by California volunteers: 550,000

Phone calls we're hoping to make this Saturday, January 26th: 100,000 (help us!)

*CA Paper Endorsements: Sacramento Bee, Palm Springs Desert Sun, Riverside Press-Enterprise, San Francisco Bay Guardian, Santa Barbara Independent, Los Angeles Sentinel, Black Voice News, San Francisco Bay View, San Diego City Beat, Chico News & Review, San Jose Mercury News, North Bay Bohemian, Marin Pacific Sun, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Modesto Bee.

Check out CA.BarackObama.com for more info on how you can get involved locally!

'Obama has the vision to return the U.S. to itself'

Christopher Hass — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:29:51 EST

From the Bohemian:

Obama has the vision to return the U.S. to itself.

Bill Clinton and Al Gore erected a bridge to the new century. George W. Bush bombed it. We need to rebuild it.

If Barack Obama is elected, it will send the world a message that this is a new America: not the monocultural, aggressive, ugly America that we occupy this very moment, but one that is hopeful, forward-looking and engaged with a diverse planet.

… We recommend voting for Barack Obama.

New Spanish-Language TV Ad: “Hope”

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:27:18 EST

LOS ANGELES, CA – On a press conference call today, the Obama Campaign announced a new Spanish-language television ad airing in LA. The ad titled “Hope” highlights Barack Obama’s personal story and vision of hope for our country.

In the ad Obama says, “In this election -- in this moment -- let us reach for what we know is possible. A nation healed. A world repaired. An America that believes again.”

See below for the script in Spanish followed by the translation in English:

VO: ¿Recuerdas la ilusión que te trajo a ti o a tus padres a este país? (00:04)

SUBTITLE: Esperanza, eso es lo que me ha impulsado hasta aquí. Con un padre de Kenia, mi madre de Kansas y una historia que sólo puede suceder en los Estados Unidos de América.

VO: Este ya es tu país. No dejes que nada ni nadie te quite la ilusión. (00:05)

SUBTITLE: Hemos elegido esperanza en lugar de miedo.

VO: No estás solo. Somos millones. Gente común, cocineros, obreros, profesionistas, amas de casa, que junto a Barack Obama estamos decididos a desafiar lo imposible.

Ganar la paz y heredarle a nuestros hijos, un mundo más limpio y seguro, una América más justa y unida.

SUBTITLE: En esta elección –en este momento– luchemos por alcanzar lo que sabemos que es posible. Sanar la nación. Reparar el mundo. Por una América que vuelva a creer.

LOGO, BO’S PIC, PHONE & SUPER: (El 19 de enero, haz caucus por Barack Obama.)

BO: Soy Barack Obama y yo apruebo este mensaje. (00:04)

VO: Do you remember the dream that brought you or your parents to this country?

BO: Hope -- hope is what led me here today. With a father from Kenya, a mother from Kansas and a story that could only happen in the United States of America. (00:11)

VO: Now this is your country. Don’t let anyone or anything take away those dreams. (hopes, dreams, promise)

BO: We are choosing hope over fear. (00:11)

VO: You’re not alone. We’re millions. Ordinary people, cooks, construction workers, professionals, heads of house, who together can believe with Barack Obama that we can indeed do extraordinary things. That we can bring peace and leave a better world for our children and that we can create a just and United America.

BO: In this election -- in this moment -- let us reach for what we know is possible. A nation healed. A world repaired. An America that believes again. (00:15)

LOGO, BO’S PIC, PHONE & SUPER: (El 19 de enero, haz caucus por Barack Obama.)

BO: I’m Barack Obama and I approve this message.

'Craigslist founder endorses Obama'

Christopher Hass — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:02:45 EST

From the Fog City Journal:

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama (D-Illinois) can add technology whiz Craig Newmark to a growing list of important endorsements.

Newmark, of Craigslist fame, echoed his support for Obama during the opening of Obama's San Francisco campaign offices yesterday.

… The star-studded event drew an A-list of local prominent San Francisco politicos including District Attorney Kamala Harris and Supervisor Chris Daly.

… "With the Democratic race now all but narrowed to a 2-person contest, it's time to rally support for the upstart progressive against the status quo," Daly recently wrote on his blog.

Video: Congresswoman Linda Sanchez endorses Barack

Greg Hauenstein — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:09:53 EST

Last week, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez of the 39th District joined the Movement for Change behind Senator Obama here in California.

Representative Sanchez sat down for a minute to discuss why Barack is the best hope for the change Californians seek, and to encourage all Californians to become a part of this grassroots movement.

"Get out there and work for Obama. It'll be the most fun you've ever had. You'll feel like you're really making a difference in your country. You're going to feel great at the end of it."

With twelve days until the Primary on February 5th, the California campaign is growing at a tremendous rate.

You can read more about Congresswoman Sanchez's endorsement of Barack in Sam's post from the 18th.

Endorsement: Santa Cruz Sentinel

Christopher Hass — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:13:34 EST

From the Santa Cruz Sentinel:

Is this truly the year of meaningful political change in America?

We think so. We hope so.

And although both of the leading candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination would, if elected, be historic firsts for this country, we support Sen. Barack Obama in the Feb. 5 California presidential primary.

… we support Obama for the Democratic nomination as the candidate who truly appeals to people's best instincts, for their country and for the future.

'Local Obama volunteers dial up voters'

Christopher Hass — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:10:50 EST

From La Cañada Valley Sun:

The political season is in full swing and many registered voters in the area have received phones calls asking them to support one presidential candidate or another. What many locals may not realize is that those phone calls are being made by their neighbors and friends.

“I think he is overall the best hope for change in our country,” said Nancy Samuels, a La Cañada resident who joined other Barack Obama supporters last Saturday at the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge.

Nine Obama supporters gather at the center every Saturday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to work for their candidate in the tradition of a grass roots campaign.

… “I haven’t felt this strong about a candidate in many years,” she said. Samuels said she wanted her daughter to see that her efforts matched her convictions. “My daughter will be voting this year for the first time.”

Los Angeles MLK Day Parade

Greg Hauenstein — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 23:18:39 EST

Thousands packed the streets of Los Angeles to celebrate the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Marching bands, community organizations, and elected officials all joined in the march, as well as volunteers and supporters of Senator Obama.

We talked to many people at the parade, and the most common given answer for why they supported Barack Obama was that they wanted change.

Barack Obama is the only candidate that has the ability to bridge this country’s political divide and form a working majority to push forward an agenda that will bring health care to all, new jobs to rural and urban communities, and an end to the war in Iraq.

Here's a video of the parade and our supporters in action:

The primary is now only 13 days away. Help change the world. Get Involved TODAY!

California Precinct House Party

Greg Hauenstein — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:18:51 EST

Barack has stated many times throughout this campaign that real change only happens from the bottom up. It's the central theme of this campaign and it’s being practiced by every day people taking an active role in organizing their communities. It's not something you usually see in a state-wide campaign here in California, but the Obama for America precinct captains are organizing and mobilizing their local communities to get involved with the campaign.

Last Sunday many of of our captains held house parties to reach out to members of their communities and let them know how they could help the campaign. They took part in a conference call with other house parties throughout the state and heard from campaign officials to let them know what the final weeks of the California primary hold.

Here's a video of one such house party.

Are you interested in being a precint captain? Visit obamaprecinctcaptains.com or call your local field office.

With two weeks to go until the primary - NOW is the time to step up and take action in California.

'Obama augments ads with network of volunteers'

Christopher Hass — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:56:52 EST

From the San Francisco Chronicle:

The Barack Obama campaign is trying something different, something that that even its top organizers jokingly say is "insane" to try in a state that's 163,695 square miles broad: They're approaching voters as a community organizer might. Neighborhood by neighborhood, precinct by precinct, block by block.

… The strategy is a nod to Obama, a former community organizer in Chicago before he ran for office. Since July, the campaign been training a pyramid of organizers in many of the 22 states that vote Feb. 5, including California. Now, it has 5,080 precinct captains - the foot soldiers of a campaign - canvassing the state's predominantly Democratic neighborhoods by foot and phone. On Saturday, volunteers will try to make 100,000 calls to voters from 50 locations across the state.

Register to Vote - Tuesday, January 22nd

Anshul Amar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:16:20 EST

Today -- Tuesday, January 22nd -- is the last day to register to vote in California. If you're eligible for the first time: register. If you've moved to a new address since you last voted, register. If you're unsure if you're registered: walk down to your local Obama HQ or post office, fill out the form, and drop it into a mailbox. Make sure you're registered.

Then, begin on these urgent tasks: tell your brothers and sisters, your daughters and your sons. Tell them they need to register. Call your friends or send them a text message. Tell your co-workers, and walk down with them to the post office at lunch. Tell your classmates, and walk with them to register after classes. Tell everyone you know, tell them that this day, two weeks before the Feb. 5th election, is their last chance to register and say they will be counted and their voice will be heard.

When we register, we announce that we will count, that we will make our voices heard. We tell Washington that we can fundamentally transform politics to serve the common good. We tell the nation that we can achieve a more perfect union. We tell the world that we can renew it and repair it. We tell them: yes, we can.

Decline to State (Independent) voters can vote for Senator Obama

Anshul Amar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:07:39 EST

In California, 19% of voters are not registered with a political party, and the number is growing every year. Nationally, these voters are usually called Independent voters, but in California we usually call them "Decline to State" voters.

Due to recent changes in election rules, California " Decline to State " voters can vote in the Democratic presidential primary, so they can vote for Senator Barack Obama. However, they must specifically ask for a Democratic ballot:

If you're voting in person, request a Democratic ballot at the polling place.
If you're voting by mail, contact your County Elections Officer and request a Democratic ballot by January 29th: http://my.barackobama.com/CAVoteByMail. If you miss the deadline, please vote in person at the polling place!

In this campaign, we've met many Republicans who've been moved by Senator Obama and his vision for better government and a better America. Republicans who may want to participate in the Democratic pimary, must re-register as a Democrat or a Decline to State voter by tomorrow, January 22nd, at the latest.

One final note: the Republican party has not allowed Decline to State voters to participate in their primary on February 5th, so the Democratic primary is "open" while the Republican primary is "closed."

Please share this information with your friends who may be Decline to State voters . Don't let them sit out this vital election at this crucial moment in history.

How We Do It In The O.C.

Jeremy D. Thompson — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:34:38 EST

Just as Senator Obama brings new people to politics, and re-invigorates those who've lost faith, so do his supporters in Orange County.

Often written-off as an impregnable bastion of Republicanism, Orange County is actually chalk-full of Democrats.

Just ask county party Chairman Frank Barbaro.

Welcoming the Obama campaign to The O.C., Barbaro reminds us that 1 out of every 100 Americans lives in Orange County - which is second only to Los Angeles for the number of residents who are registered Democrats.

Working to organize and mobilize those Dems are the team members of the Obama office in Santa Ana - the heart of Orange County.

From their HQ at 214 N. Broadway in Santa Ana, staff and volunteers are reaching out to those voters too often left out by other campaigns; reminding us that - while there are no red counties and blue counties - there is Orange County.

And the Obama campaign is there.

Video: Womens Economic Issues Roundtable

Greg Hauenstein — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:25:07 EST

Last Thursday, Senator Obama visited with women in Los Angeles and San Francisco to hear their concerns about our nation's economy and let them know how his policies would benifit them and other in similar situations.

These roundtable discussions are a staple of Senator Obama's campaign, giving average citizens access to Presidential candidates and help shape policy.

Here's a video of the event from San Francisco:

Why I support Senator Obama

Representative George Miller — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:32:16 EST

Rep. George Miller (D-CA) has represented the 7th District of California in the East Bay of San Francisco since 1975 and serves as chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee.

I have served in the Congress a long time and I have seen a lot of different people throw their hats into the presidential ring. I am really excited by what I see in Senator Barack Obama and I am proud to support him for president. The energy and enthusiasm he brings to the democratic process is exciting. But more than that -- it is necessary to strengthen our country and move us beyond the very harmful and deeply cynical politics of George W. Bush.

Our country desperately needs to move in a new direction and I feel strongly that Barack Obama has the experience, the courage, and the passion to lead us there. Obama is the candidate who is most committed to making positive change for Americans today and the generations ahead. Californians concerned with health care and education, with ending the war, and with restoring our justice system have every reason to support Barack Obama. Californians who care about unifying our great nation have every reason to support Barack Obama. And Californians who want to continue to bring young people into our political process have every reason to support Barack Obama.

Obama is bringing the country together, tackling the issues that matter most to working people, women, youth, and to the future of the planet. He is bold and he has vision. He is ready to lead and ready to govern. The question for the rest of us is whether we are ready to do the work that is necessary to get Barack Obama elected president. I am ready. And I believe Californians are ready. I share his hope and his burning desire for change.

If you're from California, check out CA.BarackObama.com for info on how you can get involved locally and help Barack win in the Golden State.

Obama urges aid for struggling families

Christopher Hass — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:31:58 EST

From the Oakland Tribune:

Working families, especially single working mothers, need immediate help as costs rise, incomes stagnate and the economy stumbles, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Thursday in pitching a relief plan.

… "The price of the American dream has gone up," he said, and his plan will help "to reclaim the American dream for working Americans, but particularly for working women in this country who are facing uncertainty."

His presence in California, even as he strives to prevail in the Nevada caucuses Saturday and South Carolina's primary a week later, underscores the Golden State's vital role in the "Tsunami Tuesday" Feb. 5 primaries.

… On Sunday [Obama] opened campaign offices in San Jose, Palo Alto, Santa Ana, and San Bernardino to complement those already open in Oakland, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego. His campaign has been hard at work recruiting and training precinct captains -- many of whom will hold house parties this Sunday -- to mobilize voters.

More Big Endorsements from California

Buffy Wicks — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:04:43 EST

Ever since his important win in the Iowa Caucus, endorsements have been piling up for Senator Obama all across the country, including Senator John Kerry, Senator Patrick Leahy, and Congressman Linda Sanchez (read below). And with the Big Tuesday Primary fast approaching, a few notable Californians have joined the movement.

A key endorsement for Obama comes in the form of Los Angeles labor leader Maria Elena Durazo. As executive secretary-treasurer for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, representing over 800,000 workers, Durazo’s endorsement speaks volumes. He already has attracted union endorsements in Nevada and now California is following suit. Read more about the endorsement here.

A few newspapers have also let their readers know exactly how they feel this presidential primary. Speaking of Nevada, the Las Vegas Review-Journal came out on Wednesday in support of Obama in their January 19 primary; read about it here. And in California, the San Francisco Bay Guardian also determined the best Democratic candidate in the presidential primary was Senator Obama, citing his opposition for the Iraq War from the start as a compelling difference between him and the other candidates. Read it here.

We also have a live radio broadcast from Las Vegas, with California volunteers speaking about their experiences in Nevada canvassing for the Obama Campaign. Listen in here.

A few more days, and we all get to give him our endorsement, too.

California Congresswoman Linda Sanchez Endorses Barack Obama

Sam Graham-Felsen — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:56:31 EST

Los Angeles, CA – Congresswoman Linda Sanchez today endorsed Barack Obama for President and released the following statement:

"After much consideration, I am excited to endorse Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for President. In a talented field, Barack Obama stands out as the best candidate to deliver the change that America desperately needs.”

"Since I began serving in Congress five years ago, I have seen the difficulty in bringing fresh ideas to Washington, DC, and to our country. Sadly, great talent and ideas are too often dismissed because those who possessed them were seen as too idealistic, too young, or too unwilling to submit to the same old Washington way of doing things. Senator Obama is the candidate who can change that culture by mobilizing a new generation to get involved in the civic life of our country. He is reinvigorating America by showing us that we all have a stake -- and a say -- in our democracy and our country's future.”

"America faces economic and foreign policy challenges so great that no single person or group of political insiders can solve them. We need to change that. Barack Obama has already shown he can deliver by bringing people together."

"Throughout my career, both before, and in, Congress, I have fought for working families like my own. Families who are working hard, yet still struggling to make ends meet, need a president who knows their struggle. I believe that with Barack Obama, they will have a president that doesn't just understand the difficulties they face, but will stand up and fight for them.”

"In the coming days and weeks, I will be talking with my fellow Californians about why I think it's important we vote for Barack Obama on February 5. Beyond that, I look forward to a future of working with President Obama to deliver the change America needs."

Congresswoman Sanchez is serving in her third term representing California’s 39th Congressional District which includes parts of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and other communities in Los Angeles County. Sanchez is the co-founder of the House Labor and Working Families Caucus, and she serves on both the Education and Labor Committee as well as the Foreign Affairs Committee. She is the first Latina to serve on the House Judiciary Committee. Prior to coming to Congress, Sanchez served as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Orange County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO.

For President: Barack Obama

Christopher Hass — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:59:34 EST

From the Santa Barbara Independent:

The primary on February 5 is the first chance Californians will have to help set the nation on the right path. The Independent rarely endorses in party primaries, but this year we endorse with confidence one candidate who is uniquely qualified to be president: Barack Obama.

What impresses us most about Obama is his ability to inspire hope in those who've learned to dismiss the political process as a cynical joke. And his gift goes beyond speechifying, which he does with uncommon grace. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has charged that he is short on experience. We disagree. He has had more years of legislative experience than Clinton, with three years in the U.S. Senate and eight years in that rough-and-tumble body known as the Illinois Legislature. During those 11 years, he successfully brought together Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation benefitting ordinary people -- from tax credits for children to ethics reform in Congress.

The groundswell of support for Barack Obama is based on the belief that he has the ability to inspire hope and define our aspirations as a nation in a way that reaches not only Americans, but the world. We believe this as well, and urge you to vote for Barack Obama in the Democratic primary on February 5.

Obama in the Bay Area

Sam Graham-Felsen — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:11:21 EST

Barack is in San Francisco today, holding a roundtable with California women to discuss the impact of the economic downturn on families.

This is the latest of several trips Obama has made throughout the year to the Bay Area, including this remarkable rally in Oakland that took place on St. Patrick's Day last year...

San Jose Office Opening

Greg Hauenstein — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:50:19 EST

The "Capital of Silicon Valley" just got a new resident.

The grand opening of the San Jose office was attended by local elected officials and activists alike and drew a crowd of many, and many honks from supporters driving by.

Most notably, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren of California's 16th District, which includes San Jose, was there to publicly endorse Senator Obama.

Here's a video of the event.