Great Falls, Montana for Obama, the Greatest Politician since Mike Mansfield

Lessons from William Ayers

Doug Robinson — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 23:32:35 EDT

Now more than ever we need tolerance for those among us who offer a different approach than what we consider normal. Tolerance for differing views and experiences can help each of us to expand personal horizons, thus promoting individual growth and enrichment. Without the influence of differing ideas we all will only become increasingly narrow in our views over time, growing correspondingly limited in our ability to respond to the wonder of life around us. Above all, peace requires tolerance, conflict denies tolerance. While there are certainly things no democratic society should condone, we must also be judicious in where we place these restrictions lest we harm our own freedom and ultimate humanity in the process.

Spreading the Wealth

Doug Robinson — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 14:01:49 EDT

John McCain recently ridiculed Barack Obama for telling “Joe the Plumber” – in reality “Sam the contractor,” behind on paying his taxes – he wanted to “spread the wealth.” McCain said he wanted “Joe” to keep his wealth – actually much less than reported – to himself. McCain insisted that Obama’s tax plan would hurt Joe’s plan of buying his employer’s plumbing business when all indications are that Sam would actually benefit from Obama’s plan. Such is the continued misrepresentation that has become a hallmark of the McCain campaign. Obama’s desire to “spread the wealth” deserves more consideration.

McCain’s Choice and Our Response

Doug Robinson — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:25:49 EDT

To revert to oversimplification, slander, misrepresentation and, finally, tokenism to sway public opinion is reprehensible in itself. Such tactics, however, are effective only to the extent the public remains ready and willing to accept them.

Values, Statesmanship, Competency, Infrastructure - A Shared Vision for a New America

Doug Robinson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 16:29:47 EDT

Values, Statesmanship, Competency, Infrastructure: These four principals highlighted tonight’s Grass Roots Democratic Platform forum in Great Falls. Eight people, assisted by an able moderator, Chuck Tyler wove together an effective tapestry of issues in their discussion of primary concerns they would like to see addressed by the Democratic Party and its Presidential Nominee during the next four years. Though the overall discussion centered on domestic policy, the group was unanimous that foreign policy was of equal importance, one of its members pointing out that a balanced concern between domestic and foreign policy was indicative of a truly successful and responsible nation.

Yes we did!...step one and on to the presidency!

Montana for Obama — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:38:59 EDT

I don't know about you, but I was so jacked up when Barack met the nomination number. And today Hillary packed it in as well.

Her speech helped me realize that she was representing many people and the hopes of women and others who are relying on us all to help all of us to move forward together to elect Barack now, and then all Americans during the presidency. Now that the heat of the struggle for the nomination is over, we can begin to heal and come together as democrats.

I've been away for a bit but of course have absentee voted for our guy. It is a thrill isn't it to realize that we as citizens have the power to make change...and this is just for starters! Just wait until we have Barack as our president and our voice!

Thanks to everyone who worked so hard!

Frank

Printable Montana for Obama Signs

Dan — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:01:18 EDT

I've put together some ready-to-print 8½ by 11 inch signs made just for Montana. Print them out and tape them up in the windows of your house, tape some up in your car, give them to other supporters or use them as signs! Email your friends and family asking them to do the same!

I also have a growing collection of other signs, wallpapers, etc. at obamamedia.wordpress.com.

If you like the work I'm doing please consider helping Barack by making a donation and help me reach my personal fundraising goal (all donations go directly to the campaign).

Native American Early Vote Cookout in Great Falls

Caitlin Harvey — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 13:16:57 EDT

This past Wednesday, Native Americans from the Great Falls community gathered at our office and marched to the County Courthouse Annex to Early Vote. For some, it was the first time that they had ever voted. After casting their ballots, the group and local campaign staffers walked to a nearby park for a traditional cookout.

Residents of Great Falls can still participate in One-Stop Early Voting tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the County Courthouse Annex at 325 2nd Ave North. If you can't vote tomorrow morning, make sure to vote on Tuesday, June 3 between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Find your Election Day polling location here.

"Obama-mania hits ExpoPark"

Caitlin Harvey — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:22:56 EDT

From the Great Falls Tribune...

Obama appeared at a rally in Great Falls Friday evening in advance of Montana's Tuesday election primary, which may help determine a major party's presidential nominee for the first time in memory.

Montana's primary voting concludes Tuesday at 8 p.m. MDT, qualifying the state as the country's final primary. South Dakota voting also takes place Tuesday, but voting there will end at 7 p.m.

Mathematically, results from Montana and South Dakota could put Obama over the top on the Democratic side. Puerto Rico holds its primary Sunday, with 55 delegates at stake; Montana has 16 delegates up for grabs, and South Dakota 15.

News organizations have estimated Obama needs from 40 to 50 delegates to wrap up the nomination. Recent polls showed Obama leading in Montana and South Dakota, but a strong Clinton showing in Puerto Rico may leave the final decision up to superdelegates.

Issues were at the forefront of Obama's half-hour speech Friday in Great Falls. The Illinois senator said he would carefully withdraw American troops from Iraq as Iraqis take control of their country's security.

"We'll be as careful getting out as we were careless getting in," Obama said.

Make your voice heard by voting on Tuesday, June 3! Find your polling location here.

Rally in Great Falls, Montana

Caitlin Harvey — Fri, 30 May 2008 21:04:57 EDT

Barack just spoke about the differences between his Iraq policy and John McCain's at a rally in Great Falls, Montana. Check out the video:

Barack also spoke about his support for the second amendment, saying:

I believe in the second amendment, I believe in all parts of the Constitution. I believe in the rights of hunters and sportsmen, don't let folks tell you otherwise, because it's just not the facts. Remember, you're entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts.

If you live in Montana, make sure to vote on June 3! Find your polling location here.

Waiting for Barack in Great Falls

Caitlin Harvey — Fri, 30 May 2008 18:57:16 EDT

Barack is due to start speaking in about an hour at the Four Seasons Arena at Montana ExpoPark in Great Falls, and the crowd has been lining up for hours in order to get in!

I spoke with Donna and Linda, both of whom live in Denton, Montana. This is the first time that they will be hearing Barack speak in person, and even though doors didn't open until 4:00 p.m., they arrived at the Expo Center by 2:30 p.m.

Linda, an English and drama teacher, likes Barack's education plan and how he wants to make college affordable for all Americans. She says that Barack is intelligent, and likes how "he's not connected with lobbyists." She says:

He's got excellent ideas. I like how he expects us to work together...he'll be the people's President.

Donna, a nurse, says healthcare is an important issue to her, and she likes how "Barack can relate to our area. He gets the heartland and the west. He's worked in all levels of society."

Linda voted by absentee ballot for Barack, and Donna will be voting for Barack on Tuesday. Find your polling location, and make your voice heard on Tuesday, June 3!

Healthcare FLYER fromTime cover; plz distribute

Connie from Memphis, TN — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:34:28 EDT

"My mother died of cancer at 53. In those last painful months, she was more worried about paying her

medical bills than getting well. I hear stories like hers everyday.

For 20 years Washington has talked about health care reform and reformed nothing. I've got a plan to cut

costs and cover everyone. But unless we stop the bickering and the lobbyists we will be in the same place

twenty years from now."

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

Montana Volunteer Spotlight: Laura in Great Falls

Caitlin Harvey — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:46:19 EDT

Laura grew up on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana and owns an insurance agency in Great Falls. She's never been involved on a campaign before, but after meeting Barack, was inspired to become involved with his campaign.

As a volunteer, she makes phone calls to Native Americans in Montana and organizes meetings in Browning. Using my.barackobama.com, Laura was able to find 70 people in Browning in one hour to help get Barack on the ballot in Montana.

As a small business owner, "adequate and affordable healthcare" is an important issue to Laura. She's also "impressed with Barack's stances on Native Americans issues, and how he wants to appoint a Native American advisor" when he's President.

Laura is excited to hear Barack speak at the rally in Great Falls tomorrow. RSVP to attend the rally, then make sure to vote early!

What "CHANGE" Really Means; Many Don't Know; plz share

Connie from Memphis, TN — Thu, 29 May 2008 10:09:20 EDT

It's hard for us to imagine, but there are MILLIONS of voters who don't know what Barack wants to change, what "CHANGE" really means; some are fearful. Please copy, distribute, email this flyer to spread his definition of change that he gave to us in Iowa, May 20th, 2008:

Change is a tax code that rewards work instead of wealth by cutting taxes for middle-class families, and senior citizens, and struggling homeowners; a tax code that rewards businesses that create good jobs here in America instead of the corporations that ship them overseas.

That's what change is.

Change is a health care plan that guarantees insurance to every American who wants; that brings down premiums for every family who needs it; that stops insurance companies from discriminating and denying coverage to those who need it most.

Change is an energy policy that doesn't rely on buddying up to the Saudi Royal Family and then begging them for oil – an energy policy that puts a price on pollution and makes the oil companies invest their record profits in clean, renewable sources of energy that will create five million new jobs and leave our children a safer planet.

That's what change is.

Change is giving every child a world-class education by recruiting an army of new teachers with better pay and more support; by promising four years of tuition to any American willing to serve their community and their country; by realizing that the best education starts with parents who turn off the TV, and take away the video games, and read to our children once in awhile.

Change is ending a war that we never should've started and finishing a war against Al Qaeda in Afghanistan that we never should've ignored.

Change is facing the threats of the twenty-first century not with bluster, or fear-mongering, or tough talk, but with tough diplomacy, and strong alliances, and confidence in the ideals that have made this nation the last, best hope of Earth. That is the legacy of Roosevelt, and Truman, and Kennedy.

That is what change is.

That is the choice in this election.

For in the darkest days of this campaign, when we were dismissed by all the polls and all the pundits, I would see that there was something happening that the world did not yet understand. It's what led high school and college students to give up their vacations to stuff envelopes and knock on doors, why grandparents have spent all their afternoons making phone calls to perfect strangers, what led men and women who can barely pay the bills to dig into their savings and write five dollar checks and ten dollar checks, and why young people from all over this country have left their friends and their families for a job that offers little pay and less sleep.

Change is coming to America."

Barack in Great Falls on Friday!

Caitlin Harvey — Wed, 28 May 2008 17:48:45 EDT

Please join Barack Obama for a rally in Great Falls, where he'll talk about his vision for bringing America together and creating the kind of change we can believe in.

Rally with Barack Obama

Four Seasons Arena
Montana ExpoPark
400 3rd Street, NW
Great Falls, MT

Friday, May 30th
Doors Open: 4:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 5:45 p.m.

RSVP Now:

http://mt.barackobama.com/greatfalls

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Limited preferred viewing tickets are also available on a first-come, first-served basis at the following location:

Obama for America Great Falls Headquarters

18 Sixth Street North
Great Falls, MT

Thursday, May 29th
Tickets Available: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Please note: preferred viewing tickets are not required for admission.

For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal belongings. No signs or banners permitted.

We need your help volunteering at the rally sign up to volunteer!

Find your Early Vote location and vote for Barack today!

Montana Volunteer Spotlight: Vicki in Great Falls

Caitlin Harvey — Sun, 25 May 2008 19:35:57 EDT

Vicki, a former teacher from Great Falls, is a lifelong Republican who is supporting Barack for President. She admires Barack becase she says, "he's a thinking person," and she and her husband, a retired officer in the military, both voted for Barack by absentee ballot.

Vicki has canvassed her neighborhood, and stops by our Great Falls office on a regular basis to make phone calls to undecided voters. When she talks to someone who says they're a Republican, she replies, "well I'm a Republican too, but I'm supporting Barack because he's the most qualified candidate." She also passes out "Republicans for Obama" buttons around her neighborhood."

Vicki supplies gifts for veterans and says, "I support the veterans and the troops." She is opposed to the war in Iraq and is glad that "Barack had the judgment to speak out against it."

Vicki was one of the ten winners of the "Montana Change Challenge," and after knocking on over 100 doors last Saturday, she was able to meet Barack after his rally in Bozeman. She said that the event in Bozeman was "electrifying," and that Barack's charisma "reminds me of JFK. I like how he attracts the youth to vote."

Vicki is encouraging everyone she speaks with to vote early, and so can you! Visit your local office today and get involved!

Barack in Montana on Monday!

Caitlin Harvey — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:39:25 EDT

Barack will be holding events in Billings and Bozeman on Monday, May 19! Here are the details:

Town Hall With Barack Obama

Billings West High School
2201 St. Johns Avenue
Billings, MT 59102

Monday, May 19th, 2008
Doors Open: 9:00 a.m.
Program Begins: 10:45 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public. For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted.

Tickets are required. Admission is first-come, first-served for ticket-holders. Seating is limited and is based on a first-come first-serve basis. Tickets can be picked up at:

Obama for America Headquarters
222 North Broadway
Billings, MT 59101

Tickets are available:

Friday, May 16 - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Rally With Barack Obama

Brick Breeden Field House
Montana State University
1 Bobcat Circle
Bozeman, MT 59715

Monday, May 19th, 2008
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Program Begins: 7:30 PM

The event is free and open to the public. For security reasons, do not brings bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners permitted.

Tickets are required. Admission is first-come, first-served for ticket-holders. Seating is limited and is based on a first-come first-serve basis. Tickets can be picked up at:

Obama for America Headquarters
105 West Main Street
Suite 1 Mezzanine West
Bozeman, MT 59715

Tickets are available:

Friday, May 16 – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 17 – 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 18 – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 19 – 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Make sure that you vote early after you pick up a ticket! Hope to see you at an event!

Barack the Vote: High School One-Stop Early Voting

Caitlin Harvey — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:39:49 EDT

Attention Montana High School Students!

Have you voted early yet? There's no better time than now to vote early and make your voice heard!

Tomorrow and Friday, join other high school students in your area and vote early for Barack, then head to your local office and learn about how you can get involved in the campaign. Bring your friends!

In Montana, you can one-stop early vote from now until June 3rd, even if you are not already registered to vote.

Find the event nearest you here:

If there isn't an event in your area, you can create an event here:

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

If you'd like more information about one-stop early voting, call 1-877-MT-EARLY (877-683-2759).

Hope to see you at an event!

Montana Volunteer Spotlight: Dee in Great Falls

Caitlin Harvey — Tue, 13 May 2008 22:54:55 EDT

Dee is a native of Great Falls, Montana who works with juvenile offenders and has a son with a disability. She grew up in a military family and has a nephew who served in Afghanistan.

Dee supports Barack because "he has his pulse on what the nation needs...What a great opportunity we have to move his agenda forward and let the public know more about him."

Dee and her son are currently uninsured and have no access to medicine to help ease his disabilily. She supports Barack's plan to provide quality, affordable health insurance to all Americans.

Dee phonebanks in our Great Falls office and recruits volunteers to help spread the word about Barack. She shares her feelings about Barack and sets the record straight about false attacks against him. She says:

I ask people if they are happy with where they are right now, and if they see their family getting better or worse. I tell people that Barack is not divisive. He knows our stories are the same. We want to not live from paycheck to paycheck. We all have hope for the future.

You can make a difference in your community -- sign up to volunteer in your local office here, and make sure to vote early!

We Need Your Help Volunteering!

Caitlin Harvey — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:57:55 EDT

Carrie Glenn, Montana Field Director for the campaign, just sent out this email encouraging Montanans to volunteer:

Dear Caitlin,

Volunteer in Montana Last night, Barack won a decisive victory in North Carolina and finished closer than anyone expected in Indiana.

Today, the spotlight turns to the 6 remaining contests -- and with less than one month to go before Primary Day, Montana is playing an increasingly vital role in this election.

Together, we can finish this race off and secure the nomination, but we need your help. And the best place for you to make a difference is at the Obama office nearest you.

There are lots of ways you can help out at your local Obama office, so find yours today and sign up to volunteer before the primary:

http://mt.barackobama.com/MTofficevol

Like you, I've seen the excitement on the ground here for Barack's message of change.

It's because of this excitement -- and the amazing work of grassroots supporters like you across the country -- that we've won the most states, the most votes, and the most delegates with only 6 contests remaining.

You've helped create a movement that will compete in all 50 states in November, but we need to finish primary season strongly. And as the last state to vote, Montana can make a powerful statement that change is coming to our country.

We have just four weeks to make this happen, so sign up to volunteer at your local office:

http://mt.barackobama.com/MTofficevol

Thank you,

Carrie

Carrie Glenn
Montana Field Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- One-Stop Early Voting is underway in Montana, so you don't have to wait another day to add your voice to the millions in this country calling for change.

Even if you aren't registered to vote, you can register and vote early for Barack all at once.

Look up your early voting location and vote for Barack today:

http://mt.barackobama.com/MTonestoplookup

If you've already voted early, use our simple online tool to make sure your friends and family in Montana know where to vote early:

http://mt.barackobama.com/MTlookupinvite

New Radio Ad in Montana: "Tradition"

Caitlin Harvey — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:27:29 EDT

Yesterday, our campaign began running a 60-second radio ad entitled “Tradition,” which features Montanan Jim Posewitz, a lifelong sportsman, member of Helena Hunters and Anglers Association and retired biologist with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission. Mr. Posewitz affirms Barack’s commitment to preserving the Second Amendment and the rights of hunters and sportsmen.

You can listen to the ad here:

Make sure that you vote early!

New TV Ad in Montana: "Need"

Caitlin Harvey — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:32:00 EDT

Yesterday, our campaign began running a new television ad in Montana called "Need." The ad talks about Barack's plan to stand up for the middle class by returning balance to our tax code, closing corporate loopholes that lobbyists put in, and making sure that tax breaks are given to people who really need them.

Watch the ad here:

You can read Barack's full economic plan here.

Make sure that you vote early! Find your early vote location here.

Vote Early Today!

Caitlin Harvey — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:44:37 EDT

Lauren Watts, Early Vote Director here in Montana, just sent out this email:

Dear Caitlin,

As you read this message, Barack supporters in North Carolina and Indiana are casting their ballots.

You don't have to wait another day to join them in voting for change.

One-Stop Early Voting has begun in Montana, and any eligible voter can vote early at a local election office right away -- even if you are not currently registered to vote.

Early Voting continues through Primary Day, June 3rd. Visit your local election office Monday through Friday (most offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to complete a registration form and ballot.

Don't wait -- find your One-Stop Early Voting location and vote today:

http://mt.barackobama.com/MTonestoplookup

If you'd like more information about one-stop early voting, call 1-877-MT-EARLY (877-683-2759).

Thank you,

Lauren

Lauren Watts
Montana Early Vote Director
Obama for America

P.S. -- This week is Sportsmen for Obama Week, and Obama supporters across Montana are gathering for outdoor activities of all kinds -- then making our voices heard by voting early for Barack right away.

Find an event in your area and sign up to join us:

http://mt.barackobama.com/mtsportsmenweek

Positive Outcome to a Long Campaign

Doug Robinson — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:31:34 EDT

Both campaigns have positioned themselves to reap the victory of Democratic unity and ultimate campaign success following the convention. An atmosphere is now reestablished where either campaign can be strengthened for the Presidential contest ending in November. We owe both candidates, especially Barack Obama, a vote of thanks for overcoming negatives and regaining positive ground despite all odds.

Montana, The World is watching.

!Andy Shirtliff U of Montana SFBO — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:52:16 EDT

VOTE EARLY! VOTE OBAMA!

***THIS IS A REMINDER THAT D-Day May 5th, the Deadline to get an Early Vote ballot is fast approaching!***

Early votes are so paramount to the campaign because, Montana is the last state to vote. A large contingency of students leave Montana next week, if they haven't voted in their respective states, they will not be able to have their say until November.

In the past Montana has always been a fly over state, a state without much say. In the past, the nominee was chosen months before the primary got to us.

But this Election is different, This is the most historic and Important election of our life times, possibly this Nation's history. This time, Montana will have its say. This time, Montanans our voice will be heard.

With our work in these next few days, with early votes from communities and college campuses across the state, For the first time Montana will decide who will be the next President of the United States. Our Moment is now.

The race is close, our opponent wants the decision to be made on the convention floor in Denver or by Super-delegates, who the Clinton campaign believes owe them something. We CANNOT let this be another debacle like the Democratic Convention in '68

The nomination WILL be decided by Montana. THIS ENDS HERE.

VOTE EARLY! VOTE OBAMA!

FIRST: Register to Vote
http://sos.mt.gov/ELB/forms/voters/register.pdf

then, Print this absentee ballot request form,
http://sos.mt.gov/ELB/forms/voters/absenteeballot.pdf

Print it off, Fill it out, and Mail it/drop it off at your courthouse.

VOTE EARLY! VOTE OBAMA!

Montana For Obama

Andy Shirtliff
University of Montana
Students for Barack Obama

Superdelegate Jeanne Lemire Dahlman Endorses Barack

Montana for Obama — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:20:11 EDT

There is more news today about a super-delegate! Jeanne Lemire Dahlman - a national committeewoman - says she is backing Obama. However, Dahlman said she may reconsider if Montana voters pick Clinton in the state's June 3 primary.

Many thanks to Jeanne Lemire for endorsing Barack Obama! She has identified the person best suited to winning the Montana primary on June 3rd, and winning the White House in the general election.

Now, it's up to us as volunteers to demonstrate our willingness to do everything we can to be worthy of Jeanne's confidence in our candidate. We need to first win the primary with an impressive margin so that the majority of Montana's elected delegates are Obama delegates. That is something we can really work toward!

So, let's concentrate on that for now and prepare to continue into the general election later. Again Jeanne, thank you!

Cheers,

Frank

An Important Post by Nancy Wauer...a must see

Montana for Obama — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:27:58 EDT

Nancy Wauer posted this message on Whitefish for Obama. She says,

"This is the best response to the Rev. Wright issue I have seen. Open
the link below and then click on Fox News link and it will take you to
the interview clip. It is very powerful. Please pass this onto
everyone you know - it needs to be heard."

And here is the link. You need to understand it and be prepared to
speak the truth to people who might not understand the Rev. Wright and
what he said, IN CONTEXT."

Here is the link and thank you so much Nancy!

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/4/7/6543/06534/725/491505

Frank

John Melcher Backs Obama!

Montana for Obama — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:35:55 EDT

HELENA - Former U.S. Sen. John Melcher says he is going to cast his
key Democratic Party superdelegate vote for Barack Obama.

Melcher is one of eight Montana superdelegates who can vote for
whoever they please at the party's national convention this summer.

Melcher says he chose Obama because he believes the Illinois senator
has been against the Iraq war since the start.

One other Montana superdelegate, Ed Tinsley, earlier announced
support for Obama.

All the others - including Gov. Brian Schweitzer and U.S. Sens. Max
Baucus and Jon Tester - have said they will wait until after the
state's June 3 primary to decide.
--------------------
OK, now that's two for Barack. We are moving on...and with all of us
working together we will help Montana to see Barack as our primary
choice on June 3rd.

Thank you John!

Frank

Michelle Obama Addresses the Experience Factor

Montana for Obama — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:30:52 EDT

Now here is a down-to-earth person telling it like it is, addressing the "experience" issue often hurled at Barack. Why is it that he can deal with all the negative comments thrown at him? Why will he be able to win the presidency? You just have to listen to these comments below!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=l0LTGUSwdSo

Pretty amazing isn't it?

Cheers,

Frank

The Tide is Turning

Montana for Obama — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:58:51 EDT

Today I was talking with a friend of mine who is in finance. He was
acutely aware of the problems facing our country, in both human,
environmental and economic terms.

He was intersted in Barack Obama and admired what he had to say.
Yet, he was typical of many people in our community who ask questions
like, "Is Barack a muslim?" "What's that thing about his pastor and
himself?" "What makes him qualified to be president of the USA at
such a young age?" You know, these are questions you must be able to
answer. And there are many more in the realm of policy as well.

It just reminded me that although we know why Barack will be a superb
president, many others have basic and important questions which need
to be answered by you. He is depending on you to do that vital job
for him and for the future of our country.

But as you know, the tide is turning toward his message. We can help
make progress through our efforts to get his message out to voters.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7s9ubMQX7WE

This might also be a good video to present to others in your talks
with them...

Frank

Detroitoctane fires up!

Montana for Obama — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:48:12 EDT

Make sure you've got a lot of base on your computer speakers! Detroitoctane just hit youtube with a dynamite song that could be heard in Barack's campaign:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=kPLtotzqH0M

"He's the only way to go..."

Yeah!

Frank

The Treasure Trove of Barack Videos

Montana for Obama — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:47:24 EDT

Some of you asked where you can see all the Barack videos we've talked
about here, and more. Well, here is that link:

http://youtube.com/profile_videos?p=r&user=BarackObamadotcom&page=1

I'm also putting it on the "links" page of our Montana for Obama site on Yahoo groups so you can use it often. Join us there too! Here's how to get there:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Montana_For_Obama/

Did you know that you can now download youtube.com videos and create your
own informative DVD about Barack to show and to share with others? Yes
you can!...:)

It will be exciting to see what you come up with!

Frank

Time for your biggest smile of the day!

Montana for Obama — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:01:59 EDT

Casey Knowles, the young girl from Hillary Clinton's "3 am Ad", rejects the politics of fear...because she's supporting Barack Obama! And she will be voting for him in this election cycle!

Put a big smile on your face and watch this video: click below!

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

Go Casey!

Cheers,

Frank

What a great speech!

Montana for Obama — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:06:04 EDT

Barack's speech oh race was one of the finest speeches I've heard. It
was direct, honest, sensitive, informative, and contextual, being a big
picture examination, in both historical and then specific terms
regarding his now retired pastor and friend. And as I sat there
transfixed by his words, I thought to myself, "This is our president
talking to the nation."

I hope each of you will see the entire speech and then download and
read the text as there is much richness there to digest.

As with all issues, we need to digest it and all of his issue positions so that we
may voice and accurately explain his views and policies to others.

Barack's speech was a stunning moment in the living history of our
United States of America. Excellent work Barack!

Let's ramp up our efforts to help him secure the nomination! Now is
the time to reach out to others and enlist them in this great effort...

And when you need assistance in getting new groups started, let us know and we will all work together to get it done

Frank

Barack is coming to Butte!

Montana for Obama — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 11:09:34 EDT

It's true, he's coming to beautiful Butte! Here's the scoop from the
MT Democratic Party website:

"Montana Democrats to host Sens. Clinton and Obama at annual
Mansfield-Metcalf Dinner

Montana Democrats are proud to welcome Sens. Hillary Clinton and
Barack Obama to Montana for the annual Mansfield-Metcalf Dinner in
Butte. Want to see them? Here's how to get tickets:

WHEN: Saturday, April 5th at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Butte Civic Center, Butte, Montana
TICKETS: 2,400 general admission tickets will go on sale on the
morning of Wednesday, March 19th.

They are being sold on a `first-come, first-serve' basis and will
only be available here at www.montanademocrats.org.

General Admission Tickets are $40 and will include a sack-dinner."

An invitation for Barack to rally in Montana has also been made but
don't count on it right now. We will have to wait and see if this is
possible.

Exciting times, eh?

Frank

Primary wins: Popular vote or elected delegate totals?

Montana for Obama — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:43:01 EDT

I’ve been hearing the arguments about the popular vote determining the democratic party nominee.

OK, here is another argument supporting the most delegates. It is that this is a STATES RIGHTS issue. The rules which the party and all states signed on to, gives the states the right to allocate its delegates as the STATE sees fit, in the MANNER in which the states determine the process to be.

This is a very powerful argument which could be reasonably be asserted, with the vast majority of the states supporting it!

PLEASE forward this to the main campaign to the people responsible for determining policy and strategy for dealing with this issue. It is likely critical to Obama.

We need to speak loudly to our campaign people!

Cheers,

Frank

Legislative Experience

Montana for Obama — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 19:23:36 EST

Newsweek, Posted Friday, March 07, 2008 1:53 PM

I really hope that someone picks up on this factual statement.
Barack's folks must be similiarly assertive! OK, here's the argument:

Posted By: thechozyn1 (March 8, 2008 at 4:33 PM)
As a BHO supporter, my primary concern is how we quantify a
candidate's experience. Simply put, political experience is not
something that begins in Washington. BHO served the Illinois State
Senate from January 8, 1997 to November 4, 2004. When you couple
that term with his current term in the U.S. Senate, which started
January 5, 2005, BHO has served over 10 years in ELECTED office. On
the otherhand, you have HRC, who started her U.S. Senate term January
3, 2001. So far, HRC has little over 7+ years serving in an ELECTED
office compared to BHO's 10+. This is a cold hard fact that for
whatever reason gets very little press.

Granted, no reference was made to HRC's years as First Lady, because
the country does not elect First Spouses. In fact, if you had to
compare the First Spouse to other non-elected positions in
Washington, even high level appointments go through some sort of
confirmation process. Simply put, HRC has spent 8 years of her
political career in a position that was hers by default. Being First
Spouse is an entitlement due to being married to a President. There
are no electionrs or Senate confirmation hearings to be First Spouse

Of the 16 women now serving in the U.S. Senate, only 4 of them
reached the U.S. Senate without any prior ELECTED experience in the
House of Representatives or their respective state legislatures. 3
of the 4 served in some sort of politically appointed position. HRC
is the only one of the 16 that has neither prior ELECTED office nor
politically appointed experience. In fact, the vast majority of
U.S. Senators have had some prior stint in ELECTABLE office before
being put in a position as powerful as U.S. Senator. Chuck Schumer,
the other Senator from New York, served 18 years in the House of
Representatives prior to starting in the U.S. Senate in 1999.

As a BHO supporter, I am highly aware of these facts when leveling
criticism of HRC. From a feminist perspective, it is highly
insulting to suggest that she is the most qualified woman to
potentially hold the office of President. The current Madame Speaker
of the House has spent more time in Washington than either HRC or her
husband. True, the Speaker hails from a powerful political family,
but that doesn't make her much different from her male counterparts.
At least the Speaker did not have to marry into power. Afterall,
that has been the traditional way in which women have had to climb
the political ranks since the dawn of government, and in 2008 it is
both shameful and offensive that such a traditional and subservient
ascent to power is being trumpeted as experience worth recognizing.
To all the women that climbed the ranks of politicial power without
riding on the coattails of their male significant other, HRC's
candidacy is a step back for everything they have fought for. What
are we teaching young women? If you marry well, then you too can
become Senator or President?

Does anyone really think that anybody else could buy a home in New
York, after not living there before, and then be elected Senator of
one the nations most powerful states a year and two months later had
their spouse not been a popular President? It is dubious at best
that anyone else could accomplish such a feat without some sort of
significant Presidential backing.

For all is flaws, BHO is his own person, and nobody had given him
anything. Perhaps it is the years spent as a community organizer, or
the decade of experience that he has representing other people by
their consent and backing.

These campaigns have beeen the biggest things that either HRC or BHO
has ever run. BHO has planned for and has been prepared to run a
long campaign. HRC expected everything to be wrapped up by Super
Tuesday. For the candidate that claims to be ready to be President
on "Day One", why was she not ready to face such a challenge from BHO
on Day One?

Have you phone-banked yet?

Montana for Obama — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:55:44 EST

I spent time yesterday phone banking for Barack, first in Ohio and then in Texas. If you haven't done that yet, give it a try. It's a lot easier than you might think! You can do it in groups or you can do it in the privacy of your own home. That's all up to you. Barackobama.com has a system where you can follow a script if you like, or when you are more familiar with the task, you can improvise a bit also. What I like about doing it is that you can have an influence on primary voting, and later, in the general election. These things make a difference. Two more states are coming up soon and one of them is our neighbor Wyoming. Do you know people there? Contact them and let them know why you are supporting Barack. Personal contact counts the most as you know. Do you have time to volunteer in Wyoming? Go for it!

Each state counts now, as never before. It may be that Montana will be more important in the national mix than most people ever thought! Each of us can contribute to the outcome. It's all up to us.

Well, the Texas and Ohio primary contests were hard to watch weren't
they? And yet, notice that Barack got lots and lots of votes, and
still leads in the popular vote and in elected delegates.

I do think last night was a learning experience for him. Yes, half
truths, deceptive statements and falsehoods do work in our political
world. My own sense is that Barack will more vigorously push back,
but in an ethical way, bringing a sense of the good to the debate.

Given that he is the frontrunner, he is also likely to address the
Republican nominee more directly now as well. Life is interesting
isn't it?

Barack never said this would be easy. It's going to take all of us
working for a common good to get this part of the job done. But we
can do it...and we will. We have the outstanding candidate...but we
must be outstanding with him...and now is the time.

If you haven't yet, join us at

Montana_For_Obama · Winning the West for Barack Obama!

Check it out at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Montana_For_Obama/

There's good resource materials there and another easy way for all of our groups to "talk" to one another and network.

Take care,
Frank

We Are The Ones song by Will.I.Am

Montana for Obama — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 10:31:09 EST

One of the most powerful videos which speaks to why I as an American
am supporting Barack Obama. I see these many faces of all
backgrounds in our country, filled with hope for the future, their
future. We just can't let them down!

Will.I.Am created this from a phrase Barack spoke in his speech after
South Carolina. He was saying that we just can't wait for someone
else to address the urgent challanges facing American and the world.
As he said, "We are the ones, we've been waiting for."

Give a listen to the song, "We Are The Ones" and be inspired yet
again. Use it to get fired up and ready to go, to change our country
for the better! I'm including this on our "links" page as well, so
you can find it easily too.

I've included Will.I.Am's comments about the song after the link
which follows:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghSJsEVf0pU

people say Obama's words are just words...
but...
when was the last time "words" weren't important...???...

when was the last time a great leader didn't use words to lead...??...
when was the last time a person didn't use words to describe how they
felt...?...
when was the last time "words" weren't empowering...?...

and we can all recall the last time "words" were used to divide us
and install fear...

Bush used words to fear us into voting for him the second time
around...
terror this...
terror that...
nuclear here...
weapons of mass destruction there...

and those words effected a lot of people's choices...

"enough is enough"...
let's rebuild...

let's change ourselves...
let's allow positivity to guide us...

let's take action....
let's activate our passion...
we are Americans....

and this is the first time in forever that someone running for
president represents "US"...

some say this is all excitement...
I call it "proud to be an American"...

some say this whole Obama movement is "cult like"...
well...
if it comes across cult like...
then...
the cult is called America...

the Obama movement is connecting America.
and it has made "US" realize our importance...
the youth is excited and activated...
adults are passionate and motivated...
the elderly are proud to know the country they built is in safe
hands...

we are one...

for too long politics has been corrupt...
separate from the American people...
with agendas that go against what the American people "need"...
education...
health...
safety...
jobs
etc...

politicians have spoken a different language...
making it so the youth and poor people feel as if voting was only for
the wealthy and old people...
making "US" feel as if "we" had no voice...
making "US" feel powerless...
making it feel like if "we" did vote it wouldn't change anything...

but wait...
that did happen...
some of us voted, and it didn't change anything...

we were in the dark...
we had no voice...
we were powerless...

because America was not a united America...
and "they" spoke a different language...
and they had an agenda different from our well being...

correct me if I'm wrong... or speak up if I'm missing something...

we want education, health, safety, and good jobs...right???...
oh yeah...
and "a healthy planet to live on"...

but here we are...

in a war... poor education... poor health programs... the dollar is
down... the planet, polluted...
the rich, richer... and the poor, struggling...
with sky high gas prices to top it all off...

and now even the rich aren't really rich internationally because our
dollar is has fallen so far down...

in our slumber... a very small few got really rich...

because when you're sleeping...

"it's hard to change agendas"...

we know what happened in 2000 and 2004...
but in 2008...
it's different...

we are awake...
and there is a movement...

and "it's hard to change a movement"...

last time "we" didn't have a movement...
America wasn't united...

and now "United and "Standing"...for something...
we know the power of "US"...
and we have a person who represents the "U.S."...

"US"...

"we are the ones we've been waiting for"...

I'm proud to be an American...

will.i.am (less)

Clinton still leads Obama in Ohio, but by smaller margin

! 1 Robert Braggs III — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:12:56 EST

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-campaign26feb26,1,3776092.story

In 2 years as a Senator, Obama authored 152 bills - Hillary: 20 in 6 years

Montana for Obama — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 14:29:29 EST

Save this for referencing Barack Obama's legislative record.
People need to know this. I've also provided the link or url to it.

Frank

http://you.presscue.com/node/442

In 2 years as a Senator, Obama authored 152 bills - Hillary: 20 in 6
years
Posted 1 day ago by Anonymous

Let's take a closer look at who's really qualified and or who's
really working for the good of all of us in the Senate. Obama or
Clinton.
Records of these two candidates should be scrutinized in order to
make an informed decision.
Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term - 6yrs. - and
another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law -
20 - twenty pieces of
legislation in her first six years.
These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress
www.thomas.loc.gov, but to save you trouble, I'll post them here for
you.
1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site.
2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month.
3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall.
5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.
6. Name post office after Jonn A. O'Shea.
7. Designate Aug. 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.
8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition
Day.
9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the
bicentennial of his
death.
10. Congratulate the Syracuse Univ. Orange Men's Lacrosse Team on
winning the
championship.
11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Dolphins Men's Lacrosse Team on
winning
the championship.
12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution
Commemorative
Program.
13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda.
14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express
condolences on her death.
15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford, firefighters
who lost
their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton's bills are, more
substantive.
16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11.
17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11 18. Assist landmine
victims in
other countries.
19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care.
20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as
protected
in the wilderness preservation system.
There you have it, the fact's straight from the Senate Record.
Now, I would post those of Obama's, but the list is too substantive,
so I'll mainly categorize.
During the first - 8 - eight years of his elected service he
sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced
233 regarding healthcare reform,
125 on poverty and public assistance,
112 crime fighting bills,
97 economic bills,
60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills,
21 ethics reform bills,
15 gun control,
6 veterans affairs and many others.
His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-
sponsored another 427. These included
1. Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006 - became law,
2. Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons
Threat Reduction Act, - became law,
3. Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act, passed the Senate,
4. 2007 Government Ethics Bill, became law,
5. Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill, In
committee, and many more.
In all, since entering the State/U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has
written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096.
An impressive record, for someone who supposedly has no record
according to some who would prefer that this comparison not be made
public.
He's not just a talker.
He's a doer.

The Dixies Chicks & me...remembering 2003

johnwilliam — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 22:40:43 EST

This evening I watched the DVD "Shut Up & Sing", the strory of the fall-out on the remark by lead singer Natalie Maines in London right after the one million person anti-war march in that city. Her distress over the course of our nation, articulated against Bush led to economic boycott and death threats. I watched this movie tonight with my daughters so that can know what it was like in 2003 for those who opposed the Iraqi War.

This is the context for Barack Obama's stand then and now against the war. He had the courage to speak out against what was and is an unjust and unjustified attack; against this is of course HRC's calculated vote

Big Week for Montana

Nathan Kosted-OFA Montana Field Director — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:50:56 EST

So we received our first Montana Superdelegate endorsement in DNC member and Lewis and Clark County Commissioner Ed Tinsley last week as well having a huge day with the Obama money bomb event, I raised $1307.10, just on my personal page alone. We also were notified by the Montana Secretary of States office that Obama is the first candidate to be certified on Montana Primary ballot, along with wins in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland we are doing great and moving forward.

Keep it up, great work everyone!

These Videos Will Help You to Introduce Barack to Others

Montana for Obama — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 20:49:50 EST

These videos are suggested because they introduce Barack to new
people. They aren't a substitute for facts and substantive pieces
about our candidate. But they do give a good feel for why we feel as
strongly as we do about our next president of the United States of
America:

1. A Chorus of Millions (Tells something about the movement that
propels us forward:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsrgYvx7KJE

2. YES WE CAN - (New Title: READY TO BELIEVE) (This is a creative
expression of our willingness to work toward a new kind of politics
in America)

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

3. Why Lorna Switched from Clinton to Obama (Former President of
Chicago NOW, Lorna Brett Howard, tells the story of why she switched
from supporting Hillary Clinton to supporting Barack Obama.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVuMYKs8iJs&feature=related

4. Obama Answers an Undecided Voter: 'Why Should I Vote for You?'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3GLyuVzIn8&feature=user

Cut and paste these urls into your browser and hit "enter." You can
also search for them on youtube.com as well.

Remember, it's up to us to recruit more members of the public to
Barack Obama for president. It's up to us whether Barack carries
Montana and our delegates to the national convention. All of us need
you to work for his nomination in our state primary. Will you help
him by organizing your community? We can do it if you will help us.

Frank

The blood on Clintons' hands

johnwilliam — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:55:15 EST

Reading the description of where HRC finds measureable support, (in the great demographic parsing of our country) I found it striking that it contains two of the three groups that bear an significant burden of at least the American cost of the War; that is hispanic and lower income and those without post-secondary education. How much worse does this make her policitally calculated vote for the war?

It is February 5th are you ready and I shook his hand in Boise

Nathan Kosted-OFA Montana Field Director — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:21:54 EST

We drove 110 miles through snow storms and fights for the front seat. We Left Friday @ 2 pm and got into Boise, Idaho @ 12:30am Saturday. we proceeded to grab 2 hours of sleep bfore getting up at 4am to help volunteer and set up and run the event. Chris got a press pass and Andy was everywhere, I signed people in and wprked the doors until the fire marshall closed them with people outside and the 12,800 seat Taco Bell Arena had 14,000 people in it.

He was intrduced and endorsed by Cecil Andrus the former governor and then he gave a rousing speech. It seemed to be over in an instant, but it was at least 20 minutes. After the place was clearing out the volunteers were addressed by him and I actually got to shake his hand. It was incredible. The whole trip was worth it.

The future of America should be known in 24 hours...

February 5th-Will You be a Part-One week out

Nathan Kosted-OFA Montana Field Director — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 04:28:33 EST

So here I sit having attempted to contact everyone one I know over the course of the day. I have facebooked ex-girlfriends, e-mailed my grandfather a rebuttal to one of the infamous "Obama is a...(insert something with a negative connotation for people who are uneducated here)" e-mails, I have texted my friends in caucus states to tell them their polling location, I have called my uncle to be a precinct captain and knock doors in frigid Alaska, I talked a friend of mine who speaks spanish to commit to make 100 calls this weekend into spanish speaking areas, I have donated $435 over the course of the last 353 days and considering I am $60,000 in student loans deep I consider my self to have given 10 fold the maximum, I have convinced others to donate over $1000 more, I have canvassed for Barack in Missoula, Montana, I have phone called angry Republicans in South Carolina and actually convinced several that Obama was the right choice for them, I have given press releases and been on the local news, I have been the surrogate for Obama in Montana. I have been printed in the newspaper 4 times, I have driven to our state capitol to deliver a 7 minute speech I wrote about my dedication to the Senator. I have sent hundreds of youtube clips of the Senator to friends and family, I made my father read his books and then had them sent on to my Uncle in Texas. I have worn T-shirts and bulls jerseys with Obama's name on them, I have worried for nearly a year that this country would reject one of the last chances they had, I have been crushed over a state I know nothing about(New Hampshire) and I cried in joy for a state that I never planned to care so much about(South Carolina), I have learned to love Oprah and the State of Massachusetts. I joined a facebook group on January 16, 2007 as the 1,800 member called Barack Obama(One Million Strong), I joined the website on February 10th, I applied to be a chapter director of SFBO on February 13th and on the 21st the day after I was approved I started a Student group at the University of Montana and held our first meeting, I can remember every face, Jim, Julie, Erica, Jen, Dillon, Miller, Emily and Susan. I stuttered through a poorly prepared meeting with several odd handouts emphasizing personal action over well laid plans from there we have grown to three college chapters statewide and 2 high school chapters. I have met people I will never forget and I have grown and become a part of something bigger than myself. I know this sounds like I am bragging, and I may be, but the purpose of this note is to make a little perspective for you and ask you if you have made it this far to maybe come a little farther. Just look what I have done through sheer force of will and ask yourself how can I help: make a few phone calls this weekend, or donate $10, maybe even e-mail your friends and relatives or even possibly drive to a February 5th state and knock on some doors meet some people and change the World.

South Carolina...

Nathan Kosted-OFA Montana Field Director — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:23:20 EST

...It's like playing a whole half of football and then being tied 21-21 at halftime. I hope you are all ready for the next push. This was all preparation for the next 10 days, bring your A game, gut check time.

Hang in there, we're just getting started

Montana for Obama — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 14:31:00 EST

While it would have been good to "win" Nevada and enjoy the momentum for South Carolina, don't forget that Barack did win one more Nevada delegate than Hillary did. And the name of the game is the number of delegates he has going into the National Convention in Denver. It’s going to be a long process and we are just getting started.

The big challenge will be to convince the long term Democratic voters of Montana that Barack Obama is the best candidate of choice. If the beginning of the race is any indication, we are going to have to work hard to bring them “into the fold.” Yet, we have a lot of time to get it done. YOU are going to have to be the person to get it done. Are you up to it? Are you committed to action?

At the convention, John Edwards may turn out to be our ally. If he can’t muster enough delegate votes, he may then swing his votes to Barack for the majority needed to get the nomination. But we can’t count on him. Now, we can only count on ourselves. It’s up to us. Barack is giving it everything he has, and he is counting on us to do the same

Don’t forget, this is just the first quarter of the game and Barack is doing just fine!

Cheers,

Frank

History was made in Iowa

Montana for Obama — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:06:35 EST

Wow. Last night Barack Obama made history in Iowa, taking the first
step on the road to the White House. It was an inspiring moment for
all of us as Americans. Once more, a chance for all of us to dare to
hope again, that we can unite for the common good and work hard for
this grand country. Go to the barackobama.com main page and watch Barack's speech
last night. Read how people were touched by his words because they
heard the story of America told again in a new contempory form.
Contribute your own thoughts about his speech as well, there and also
here in Montana for Obama.

We've got work to do; to get Barack's message out to the people of
Montana. We need to insure that later this year, in our own primary,
we prepare ourselves as a great state to deliver our nominating votes
to the national convention in Denver. Then, we move forward together
to the White House.

It's up to you to do the organizing in your own area. You can do it.

Tell your friends about this moment and invite them to join us in this
effort. You and they will never forget it. Visit Yahoo groups, Montana for Obama and join there as well. We use it to communicate with people in our Montana

Frank

Cast a Vote for Obama NOW on Dailykos

Joe — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:05:43 EST

Go to http://www.dailykos.com/ and cast a vote for Obama as winning today's last Iowa debate.

Vote Today Online Poll for Obama

Joe — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 15:06:49 EST

Daily Kos has a poll put up today at 9:42 AM. Make sure to go there today and vote for Obama! It’s still early…Obama’s now in second place at 26% behind Edwards at 35% Let’s change these numbers to reflect the grassroots support we are seeing moving in his direction.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/11/29/124013/18

Join WY and MT Conference Call Wed with Deputy Director of Western Caucus States!

Suzanne Gelderman — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:22:48 EST

Hello Wyomingians and Montanans!

We're going to start weekly conference calls with all you Obama supporters in Wyoming and Montana. Our first call will be this Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 7pm MST.

Anyone interested is welcome to join. For our initial call, I will introduce myself and tell you about our plans for your states. I would like to get an update from you all on how things are going and how we as a campaign can better support you and how you can get involved in our efforts in the West.

I hope to meet many of you this Wednesday.

To join the call, dial: (605) 772-3900, then enter the following code: 22627.

I am based out of our Denver office - I would love to hear from any of you - you can call me at (303) 825-3408 or email me at sgelderman@barackobama.com.

I look forward to talking to you on Wednesday!

Suzanne Gelderman
Deputy Director of Western Caucus States
303-825-3408 (office)
303-818-2588 (cell)
sgelderman@barackobama.com

Barack Top Ten - 9-22-07 - Victory2008.net

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:18:45 EDT

1) Obama Condemns Jena Charges during Iowa State University Speech
9-22-07
Lisa Rossi - Des Moines Register
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070922/NEWS09/709220328/-1/NEWS04

2) Obama and Edwards Step Up Criticism of Clinton
9-22-07
Beth Fouhy - Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jPDo-NMvpVY4UgXpm2c296R0i3Jw

3) Obama Leads Both Giuliani and Thompson in Recent Poll
9-22-07
Rasmussen Reports
http://news.yahoo.com/s/rasmussen/20070921/pl_rasmussen/obamamatchup20070921_1

4) Obama's Mother Featured in New TV Ad Airing in Iowa
9-22-07
John McCormick - Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/obama/chi-obama_adsep21,0,7546153.story?coll=chi-news-col

5) JFK Advisor, Counsel and Speechwriter Ted Sorensen Backs Obama
9-22-07
Jennifer Feals - Seacoast Online
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070921/NEWS/709210402/-1/NEWS11&sfad=1

6) Students Like Obama in Iowa But Will They Caucus?
9-22-07
Dan Gearino - Sioux City Journal
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2007/09/22/news/iowa/3d06824cc7f1e10c8625735e000ce490.txt

7) Obama Wants to Expand Senior Volunteer Programs
9-22-07
Mike Glover - Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jDkaLoCLlGNuKVxZbfOhsUW7F7Dg

8) Democrats 2008 - Clinton - 36% - Obama - 23% - John Edwards - 18%
9-22-07
Angus Reid Global Monitor
http://www.angus-reid.com/polls/view/28315/democrats_2008_hillary_36_obama_at_23/

9) Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Ben Cohen Accuses Obama and Clinton of Timidity over Pentagon Cuts
9-22-07
Teddy Davis and Mike Chesney
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=3632367&page=1

10) In Polls Obama Lurks - Analysts Say Barack Needs to Soar
9-22-07
Jason Clayworth - Des Moines Register
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070922/NEWS/709220332/1001/ENT

Victory2008.net - Barack Top Ten - 9-20-07

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 23:48:47 EDT

1) Obama Rallies Supporters at Atlanta World Congress Center Rally
9-20-07
Jim Galloway - Atlanta Journal-Constitution
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/news/stories/2007/09/20/obama_0921.html

2) Obama Walks on Anti-MoveOn.org Senate Vote
9-20-07
Jill Zuckman - Balimore Sun
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2007/09/obama_walks_on_antimoveonorg_s.html

3) Obama Continues Big Iowa Push
9-20-07
Scott Helman - Boston Globe - Political Intelligence
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2007/09/obama_continues.html

4) Obama Cites Mother's Illness on New Iowa Ad
9-20-07
Jim Kuhnhenn - Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hh7VvIk7zB-lfToYbyWIybBiap3Q

5) Obama Uses Mom's Image in New Ad
9-20-07
John McCormick - Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-obama_adsep21,1,3964664.story

6) Jesse Jackson Disputes Report on Obama Remark
9-20-07
Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i5SL_j8SjhfK1-lzyjy6wOI3uSFA

7) Obama Brings in Long Term Advisor and Friend Valerie Jarrett to Advise on Campaign Strategy
9-20-07
Nedra Pickler - Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jpXh7-HKhyktrwvcuoIwFf3EzZxQ

8) Obama, Jackson and Jena
9-20-07
Tobin Harshaw - New York Times - The Opinionator
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/09/20/obama-jackson-and-jena/?hp

9) Obama's Return to Message of Change
9-20-07
Chris Cillizza - Washington Post - The Fix
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/09/obamas_movement_1.html

10) Obama Casts Voters as Agents of Change
9-20-07
Jim Kuhnhenn - Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jEs_MTJD-Gzvb5hksDWUuvnzSDJA

Students For Barack Obama

!Andy Shirtliff U of Montana SFBO — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:41:38 EDT

Attn: Students
College/High School students, Professors, Advisors, Parents of students, Obama Supporters....
We Want You!
Students for Obama chapters are starting up all across the country, including colleges and universities (even High Schools) here in Montana, And we want you to be a part of history.

Are you- intelligent, passionate, interested and creative? The purpose is to bring The true believers that support Barack Obama, together on campuses across the Big Sky state.

Summer smoke

Montana for Obama — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 16:55:18 EDT

Ahhhhh...Lana and I just got back from a trip to Spokane last evening. It was an easy and fun drive. As we left the big city, I must say that I really appreciated how the traffic thinned out as we approached Msla town. Then of course, there was Reserve Street...but even then it wasn't so bad as we headed toward our little piece of Montana heaven. Home is good.

I hope you have been having a good summer too. As the poll numbers came out, I confess I was getting worried with Hillary enjoying a two to one lead in national polling over Barack. As I tried to figure that out, I was worried. The facts are that Barack isn't as well known as Hillary, he doesn't yet have a head of steam up in the national campaign even though we all know he is the best candidate; others just don't knw as much about him...yet!

Also I think these early debates are allowing Hillary to have a modest "surge" and it seems clear that Barack is getting a fair but not outstanding profile in them. But we know that he has a wonderful advantage in that he is a competitive person and is excellent in learning from the early experiences he is having. As well, we have plenty of time for things to shift in Barack's favor as he moves to the front. But as you know, how he does isn't just up to him. It's also up to us! What we do in participating in county politics, in getting committments from party members and getting counties to bring their Barack nomination to the state nominating convention is so important. What happens in your county and adjacent counties is going to be up to you and your pals locally. Now is the time to make plans, bring Obama supporters together and make your case to the citizens of your own location in our state.

Here in Missoula County we will be campaigning for Barack and getting the word out. There is already a growing number of people here who support him as at least a partial result of Montana for Obama members.

Cheers,

Frank

Visit Your County Democratic Meeting!

Montana for Obama — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:31:59 EDT

If you aren't already in contact with your county Democratic committee folks, now is the time to start participating in meetings and getting known so that you can represent Barack when it's time for that. Be sure to wear your Barack gear so people know who you are supporting as well. If you get to the meetings early, bring your Montana for Obama handouts to give to democrats who are attending the meetings also. I usually stand right at the entrance door to the meeting site so I can get everyone as they come in. Then, ask when there will be discussions of the 08 Democratic candidates and whether you and your group might speak for Barack Obama.

I think you will be pleasently suprised at the response to this. Most folks are thinking about 08, and you will be an influential source in making sure that Barack gets full attention and hopefully the vote of your county members to take to the state nominating convention. But it all starts at the county level so your help for Barack is critical.

If it would help, feel free to download the two-page handout from the Montana for Obama website at Yahoo Groups. Also, check out the other organizing resources on the site. BTW, have you checked out Montana for Obama on myspace.com ? Andy is doing an amazing job there and it's really great.

For more information, get in touch with Beth:

Beth Murphy
104 Elmwood Lane, Helena , MT 59601
phone: 406-449-7778

We are on a roll...now to really start to develop momentum!

Frank

Opportunities for the MT Democratic Convention this Weekend

Montana for Obama — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 16:19:18 EDT

I just got back in town from a bit of a vacation, and here it is already time for the Montana Democratic Convention! Our Yahoo Groups, Montana for Obama web site also has this information but we wanted to post it here as well:

The Montana Democratic Party is holding its Annual Convention in
Helena August 3 - 4. You can attend portions of the Convention (only
county delegates can vote, but guests can attend as an observer). To
attend as a guest, it costs $50. Friday afternoon is a special
"Grassroots Campaign Training" that is a fabulous opportunity for any
of us Obama supporters who are new to campaigning, or want to gain
skills. The best part about this training is that it is FREE!

On Saturday, there are plans to have an Obama Hospitality Table in the lobby, and we encourage anyone who can make it to Helena that weekend to come work the table. You don't have to pay $50 just to work at the Obama Hospitality Table. Call or email Beth Murphy for more info:
Beth Murphy, (406) 449-7778, email bgelles@hotmail.com

Make sure to check-out the agenda for the State Convention if you're interested.

Again, the Friday Grassroots Campaign
Training from 1:00 to 4:00 is FREE. Also, apparently there is a free
lunch beforehand, and Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath is rumored
as the speaker. The location is the Red Lion Colonial Inn in Helena.
Please feel free to call or email Beth for info. Let's get as many
Obama people there as possible!

Many thanks to Beth for pulling this information together!

Go Obama!

Frank

Let's meet this Saturday!

Montana for Obama — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:32:39 EDT

I'm really looking forward to all the Montana supporters and interested people meeting together in Helena this Saturday, 14 July! There's nothing as good as face to face meeting and we will have a chance to see one another, work with one another and lay plans to make a BIG presence known at the Montana Democratic Nominating Convention to show support to our democratic delegates for Barack. This is really important if he is to win the nomination. We Montanans need to do our part.

At the Obama conference on Saturday we also hope to get publicity for Barack and to stimulate others to support him as well. You will also come back home with new ideas for promoting Senator Obama, and rejuvenated by being with all the rest of us who support Barack and want to see another kind of politics in our country.

We'll be meeting at Helena High School, from 10am to 3pm. There should be plenty of time to get there and get home afterward. Be sure and bring your friends too. Especially bring the other members of your group.

Lana and I are coming and we are looking forward to seeing you!

This one's for you and Barack,

Frank

Record Support for Barack

Montana for Obama — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:42:49 EDT

I'm sure you were excited about the second quarter totals for Barack's fund raising. It promises to be a historic high number. This is great because it signals that everyday people like you and me are choosing to support Barack because they and we see him as the very best person for president of our country. It's also important because it attracks interest from other people who are interested but not yet committed to Barack. The media will take time to cover him more and so more folks will hear about him. So, it's a good signal for the Obama presidential race, but there is a long, long way to go!

Lana and I were at a family get-together in Boise Idaho this past week. I went on a hike, had a BBQ, spent time just talking with family and hung out by a swimming pool. So I had lots of chances to learn about what people in Boise thought about the upcoming election of 08. What I learned is that Barack's profile is trending upward but there are a lot of people who know very little about him or why they should vote for him. So, I let folks know what I thought after they let me know what they were thinking about 08. I never let an opportunity go by to to tell people why I support Barack, what we are doing in Montana and what they could be doing in their state. It's so easy! Speak with your mind and your heart! Study what Barack's positions on issues are and share your knowledge! I was amazed at the support that people gave me for what I was saying. Person after person indicated that they were going to check our websites out and especially barackobama.com to find out what was going on in their area. I urged them to join us and to start their own groups for Barack. My main message was, "Be active!" Make history instead of waiting to see what history hands you. People care about their country and where we are headed for the future but you have to encourage their efforts. This summer, these are the things you can do too...in your everyday life, there are so many opportunities like this.

Back to fund raising. As you know, I'm a recurrent donor. And when I think I can do it, I give a little more at various times too. When Barack had his website showing why people were supporting him a few days ago, I was so moved...by people just like you...that I had to make another donation! And that is how it works; you set the example and people who care but who haven't yet started their involvement will get going. Set the example. Your deeds on behalf of Barack speak loudly. When you give of your service to your community, you are setting an example; when you donate you are an example to others; when you speak honestly about your enthusiasm for Barack you get others thinking seriously about his race for the presidency. Really listen to people and share your own views on things. It's a lot easier than most people think.

I really liked Boise, but it was great to cross that boarder back into Montana!

Cheers,

Frank

July 15th and Barack's only 4 points behind Hillary

Montana for Obama — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 18:49:55 EDT

This is great news! While 13 points separated Sen. Hillary Clinton and
Sen. Barack Obama just one month ago in the race for the Democratic
nomination for president in 2008, the gap between them has narrowed
considerably to just four points. According to a Harris Interactive
poll, just over one-third (36 percent) of adults who would vote in a
Democratic primary or caucus would vote for Clinton, D-N.Y., while 32
percent would vote for Obama, D-Ill. Last month, 40 percent would vote
for Clinton and 27 percent said they would vote for Obama.

But there is a long ways to go before the nomination and lots for us to
do in our own communities. When Barack goes down in the ratings, I
tend to worry. But then I realize that it is just a reminder that we
all need to work hard on his behalf and give the public the chance to
understand why Barack Obama is the best person to become president.

Anyway, the polls are swinging our way today! Go Barack!

By the way, have you made plans to attend the Helena Obama Statewide Conference? It's July 14, and should be a great event and a chance for us all to meet one another. Hop on over to the "events" section of barackobama.com and sign up! Then make sure all your members and friends interested in Barack come with you! It's gonna be a fun time, including a march to the capital for our candidate! See you there!

Cheers,

Frank

July 4th Activities in Montana

Montana for Obama — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 08:08:45 EDT

If you go to the following website:

montanademocrats.org

You will see that July 4th will feature parades in a number of locations around the state. How about considering participating in a parade for Barack Obama?

Another possibility is joining the local Democrats in the parade, wearing your Obama gear and carrying a Barack Obama placard?

Frank

Barack's Cooking now!

Montana for Obama — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 11:18:31 EDT

Did you see the latest poll showing that Barack could beat any of the Republican candidates for president at this moment? And the poll also shows that he could do it more decisively than any other Democratic challenger as well. Wow! That's not to bad...

While it's good news, it's also good to remember that it's a long time until the nominating convention and he may be up sometimes and down at other times. So if Barack is down at one point, don't lose heart; as my mother used to say, "It's just one of those things." Ah yes I'd think, that explains it! And so I wouldn't ask questions about it anymore. But in our case, "those things," that is the polls are interesting and can be informative, but they are not predictive of how the nomination is going to go here in Montana and in other states. We need to think that is up to each of us; Barack's supporters. In Montana, a few people can make a difference. But we have to get out there and get to work.

We need to be in touch with the citizens of our state, with the people who are going to be delegates to our Democratic convention, with our county Democratic members, and others who are in a position to make their voices heard about who Montana should back for president at the national convention.

Did you know that you can attend county and state Democratic meetings? That you can pass out materials about Barack in the halls outside meetings? That you can volunteer to speak to meetings of all sorts in your community? That you can be an Obama Volunteer in your community, and let many people know about him? That you can ask others to help you influence Montana's nominating convention's outcome? That you can ask others for ideas and suggestions about how to proceed? (Although remember, that advice is to be taken "under advisement," not swallowed whole!)

The second thing we can to which makes a big difference is to donate money to the campaign. That attracts big attention to Barack in the media, gets others interested in contributing to his campaign and provides "fuel" to for the work that needs to be done across the country in order to win the nomination and then the presidency.

Please consider being a "recurrent donor." That means that each month you make sure you automatically give to our effort. I'm one of those animals, and I'm glad to be a part of owning this campaign in that way. The nice thing is that I never miss it; the money is just sent according to the decisions I have made myself. On the main page of barackobama.com you can get this started. Give what you can afford and rest assured that you are providing constant support every month. I like that!

Have you headed over to our Yahoo Groups website? It's chocked full of information; things you can use in building your own group and communicating with other Obama supporters. Earlier on this blog, I gave the top ten reasons to join Montana for Obama at Yahoo Groups. Here's the address:

groups.yahoo.com/group/Montana_For_Obama/

Be sure to post your own message to everyone and say "hi." Check out the links, the files we are creating for you, the first album of pictures, the messages that have been left there about Barack. We have developed it as an "open discussion" group, meaning that it's purpose is to help us all to talk with one another and to meet Obama supporters from all over Montana.

What are you doing this summer? Drop us a note at our Yahoo Groups site and tell us about it!

Well, another great weekend in Montana is coming up! This morning when I went out to get the paper, the air smelled so good...

Cheers,

Frank