Hartford for Obama

We are Ground Warrios All and Change is Our Right of Passage!

Val McCall — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:34:43 EST

By Monday night, my voice was dry and hoarse from making phone calls in battleground states. My fingers numb from punching in the numbers on my phone. “Go to sleep!” I commanded myself, tomorrow is E Day and that meant one final day of canvassing, one final day of visibility, on final day of reminding folks to go vote. Unfortunately, I did not listen to myself and woke up every hour.

Finally, the darkness began to show signs of dawn. It’s November 4th. I got up and chanted (prayed) from the depths of my life – today, Victory.

After voting, we headed off to New Hampshire for one last canvass, for one last call. After canvassing, we did visibility on a prominent corner near the Claremont NH field office until it started to turn dark and then we drove back to Connecticut.

When I reached home, exhaustion was beginning to take hold. Then the polls began to close and the results – as well as projections – began to come in. A burst of energy renewed my senses and we went to a result watch party with friends, neighbors and family.

As I walked around, greeting familiar faces, sharing hugs and war stories, and cheering as the commentator would announce another state for Senator Obama, a sense of awe and history began to build in all of us.

I looked at my hands but not my feet. If I looked down, I might fall. This is happening. This is real. We came to the mountain and we did not walk around it or avoid it. Lead by a man who inspired us and rekindled within our hearts the natural element of self-empowerment, we moved through that mountain with clear, determined and purposeful steps until we reached the other side in complete triumph! A great sea of people, many in body, one in mind is the secret to our success. As we emerged, our battle scars transformed into golden memory jewels, expanding our lives to the far corners of 3,000 universes.

The numbers got higher – there were several ways to reach 270 and beyond. The noise level grew. We were watching several big screen TV’s in the atrium at Union Station in downtown Hartford. A vast station suddenly seemed small as the crowd filled every nook and cranny. The gap was closing, and now it was down to either of two states that would bring victory for Senator Obama. Then it happened.

High into the air, our arms raised, our voices one grand roar of eternal delight, and our feet lifted like feathers, dancing to victory’s song. This is real. Together, we changed history. We are ground warriors all and change is our right of passage!

Yes We Can. Yes We Can. Yes We Can.

Cell Phone Army Volunteer Receives Call Backs from Angry McCain Supporters

Ms Lovelee — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:12:52 EDT

Photo from MoveOn.Org Party Photos

I received an e-mail from a MoveOn.Org member inviting us to a Cell Phone Calling Party. I told my sister and we felt compelled to volunteer for the Cell Phone Army for Barack Obama. We thought if we did not participate in some way we would feel guilty for not doing our part in order for him to be our next President of the United States.   Politics has excited our family unlike ever before, we eagerly headed to the address sent to us by e-mail the week before by a MoveOn.Org member in our area. I had helped calling before for Hillary during the primaries but my sister never did any kind of calling before for a political candidate so I dragged her along.

As we parked our car we saw about 10 people in a backyard scattered, as if they were in a city park each with a phone in ear and a script in hand. Upon entering the home of an unknown fellow Obama supporter and MoveOn.org member, we saw at least a dozen people in the living room as well.   The Host greeted us with a warm welcome, food, coffee, and lots of goodies. She continued to hand us information on what our goal was for phone calls, a script and a list of people printed out from a database that MoveOn.Org uses online to contact their own members all over the country. The goal was to call all MoveOn.Org members in swing states and have them commit to volunteering next weekend. We had times and a list to check off yes, no, do not call, wrong number, etc...
I made calls from my own cell phone but a majority of my calls were not going through or went to a voicemail and we were told not to leave messages. I successfully called 4 pages of phone numbers which was way beyond what I thought I could do so upon completion I left with my head high and happy.

Last night, two days after my day at the Calling Party I started to receive calls back from Indiana. Some people were willing to go help in their area but I received 3 phone calls back from angry McCain supporters. They each asked me who I was and I proudly told them what I was calling about. After stating I was an Obama supporter asking for them to volunteer each of them verbally attacked me. The first woman said that she was a McCain supporter and why would I have her phone number. I explained where I got the numbers and told them they were registered with MoveOn.Org and that the phone number was on the roster. She then proclaimed her Patriotism and yelled that I was a fool and un-patriotic to believe in a Muslim Socialist and that anyone who was for Obama were commi's. Thankfully she hung up. The other 2 calls were from men who one called me a welfare monger who is trying to destroy our country to the last person who crank-called me for over an hour telling me that I am stealing their information and how did I get their cell phone number? That I was a liar and corrupt and that FOX News was going to hear about my fraudulent activity. The continued went with hang up calls with the final call asking me to volunteer for McCain's Campaign. I kindly declined by saying, " Oh, I'm sorry I can not volunteer for Senator McCain because I am an Obama supporter. I do appreciate the call and may the man with the most votes win! Thanks again.." I then hung up and never heard from them again....

I still feel good about what I did, I just wish people were not so angry and wished those people believed me that I did get their names and phone numbers from this organization that they signed up to be contacted. Maybe someone signed them up as a joke.... some joke huh...

McCain's Private Visit With Chilean Dictator Pinochet

Tim — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:13:37 EDT

McCain's Private Visit With Chilean Dictator Pinochet Revealed For First Time

John McCain, who has harshly criticized the idea of sitting down with dictators without pre-conditions, appears to have done just that. In 1985, McCain traveled to Chile for a friendly meeting with Chile's military ruler, General Augusto Pinochet, one of the world's most notorious violators of human rights credited with killing more than 3,000 civilians and jailing tens of thousands of others....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/justinwebb/2008/10/unhelpful_messages.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-dinges/mccain-meets-a-bloody-dic_b_137422.html

How to select the best candidate?

Tim — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 22:27:57 EDT

How to select the best candidate?

Have you looked at the candidates resumes carefully?

In any profession, when they are looking into hiring someone, first they look at each candidate's resume, and there, first thing they look at is his/her education, to make sure he/she has the required degree with enough & related training from a credible univ./collage and with a high standing. If that's not the case, they don't waist their time any more - just through the resume out, and move to the next one. If the candidate passes that, then they look at his/her related experience. If that one is also good then probably interview him/her to know more about his/her character & personal values and physical fitness for the job, and also how much his/her vision/goals aligns with the company's vision/goals.

For more than 20 years, every time that I've applied for a new job, I went through the same cycle of resume writing & interview process. Every time that I hired someone - from ordinary things, like car oil change to a family doctor for check up, to a repair person for the house, to hire someone for the company, I've performed the same steps.

Education without experience is lame, and experience without education is blind.

Probably, government positions are the only ones that may skip that process, and put someone with no, or little, or unrelated education and/or experience in the office. Ironically, higher the public responsibility, more people ignore following the above process in hiring a qualified person for the office. Positions like member of municipality, mayor of city/town, governor of state, state representative or senator of congress, or president of the country - in fact any position that you can vote for.

In any election, we should look at it as if we are hiring someone for the office with the fix salary & all the benefits that come with it (and of course, the high responsibility), and try to evaluate each candidate's resume with the same process as mentioned above, i.e.:

1- Education
2- Experience
3- Character/Personal values & Physical fitness
4- Vision/goals

Let me break them more:

-Education:
.high degree
.degree be related to the job
.from top university/collage
.good grade

-Experience:
.number of years in related field
.successful achievements & progress
.references/colleagues feedback

-Character/Personal values & Physical fitness:
.honesty, trustworthy, loyalty, integrity, leadership, good judgment, teamwork, good problem solving & decision making, good negotiating, understanding, care about people & environment, civilize/humane/moral values, intelligent, mature, good attitude
.physically fit, healthy, high energy, passion

-Vision/goals in related areas according to the job, like:
.economy
.peace/war
.security
.education
.health
.energy
.environment
.Tax
.family
.crime
.employment
.civil rights
.foreign affairs & human rights
.etc

For example for this coming presidential election we can try to define above parameters:

1- What education a president should have?

I think a president should have at least a bachelor's degree in one of the following areas:

Law
Economics
Political Science
Sociology or Social Work
International/Foreign affair

And enough courses/training in all the above areas as well as the following areas:

Public Policy (local or global)
Management & Leadership
Planning (for cities, environments, social & economic well-being)

I think a president needs to have academic training in all those areas that when he/she discusses issues in each area with a team of experts to find the best possible solution, be able to understand them and analyze their recommendations to be able to make the best decision (e.g., sitting with a team of economists with high degree & experience on economy issues).

2- In terms of experience, a president should have good public service experience like US senator, US representative, governor, mayor, state official, state senator, state representative, civil rights attorney, community work, etc. But let's be careful about this. As I mentioned above, experience without knowledge is blind and has little value because he/she has never had fundamental theory to fully comprehend and build those experiences on top of knowledge.

3- Character/Personal values as mentioned above are essential for a president to have, especially leadership, good judgment, good temper, and being able to work with people with different opinions. And being physically fit, healthy, and with high energy for such a stressful job is also very important. A president with little of these values can (for example) lead the country to an unnecessary war and risk the lives of millions of people, leave so many disables, and destroy so many families.

4- How much the vision & goals of the presidential candidate & VP, in areas that you think are very important, is compatible with yours? We should list those areas (similar to ones I listed above) and evaluate each candidate for each area. And when you do that, you shouldn't think about the things that are important ONLY for YOU and/or have immediate benefit for you but also for the people in your neighborhood/town/city, for your state, for your country, and also for the world. We should realize that we are responsible to all people of our country and the whole world who we elect and put in the office. A president can push the green button and lead the country toward peace & prosperity or push the red button toward world nuclear war & destruction of earth. Don't forget, in the face of history, people like Hitler didn't fall to office from sky; some people voted for & elected them.

We should carefully study each candidate and grade them for each & all of the parameters mentioned above to elect someone wisely & responsibly.

For example, for the first element, i.e., the candidate's education, I did some research and found the following info for this presidential election:

Obama:
.Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a specialization in
International Relations
.Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude, first black president of the "Harvard Law Review"

Biden:
.University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science.
.Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

McCain:
.United States Naval Academy (2.5 yrs training as a naval aviator); class rank: 894 of 899; he had conflict with higher-ranking personnel; he did not always obey the rules; struggled with mathematics

Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

For the rest of qualifying parameters, I suggest you do your own research. We should keep in mind that presidency is a serious job. Lives of millions are at stake. So, we want to hire some people who satisfy the education & training requirements for it, as well as experience, integrity, vision, etc.

While we should study & select our candidate carefully, at the same time, someone who doesn't have enough qualification for the job shouldn't apply for it - shouldn't candidate for it. Like any profession, if someone likes to have a specific position in public service, or become a politician (for example, become a mayor, governor, member of congress, VP, president, etc.), he/she should study in that field & work for it. It’s very ridiculous that some people with no or little qualification become candidate for these types of jobs. And what is more disappointing is WE contribute, support, vote for & elect these people for the office.

Vote wisely & responsibly.

By: Jaabeej
================
One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.
--Plato--
================

Some of the References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mccain
http://www.barackobama.com/learn/meet_barack.php
http://www.johnmccain.com/About/
http://obama.senate.gov/about/
http://mccain.senate.gov/

Presidential Endorsements

Tim — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:22:38 EDT

Interesting article about the people who has endorsed each candidate:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl99

Inside, you'll also find some interesting links about the reason of their endorsement, like:

Colin Powell:
------------
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/ynews_pl99
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27265490#27265490

Christopher Buckley:
-------------------
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081014/ap_en_ot/buckley_gop_1

Michael Smerconish:
------------------
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/31242619.html

Caroline Kennedy:
----------------
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27kennedy.html

Madeleine Albright:
------------------
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200810/20081020.html
http://www.wowowow.com/post/madeleine-albright-obamas-ready-anything-126776

and more.

McCain and AntiAmerican Message BS

Ms Lovelee — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:23:04 EDT

I am in total shock! I can not believe that McCain and Palin are saying that Voter Fraud is ocurring when it was Voter Registration errors. I am so sick of listening to the McCain campaign over and over talking about Ayers, Wright and ACORN.

ACORN was affiliated with McCain in 1996. But that is considered ok?!

Look at McCain onYouTube with ACORN:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ9wy2MI1NI

It was ok for him but not Obama??? What is this McCarthism - Unbelievable!!!!

What about Ayers?!?! Look here:

Ayers is on the Annenberg board of Directors for the Annenberg

John McCain has on a list (on his website) the name of an Annenberg! Yes, you heard me right, those same Annenbergs that have given money to Bill Ayres, 50 million worth, therefore the Annenbergs must be terrorist sponsors!

Leonore Annenberg is one of the 100 U.S. Ambassadors who support McCain.

http://www.johnmccain.com/informing/news/PressReleases/1b838127-b4a0-4868-9906-62f555376089.htm

I think Obama’s relatively weak but nonetheless real interactions with William Ayers are a legitimate campaign issue. But Obama’s best response, after telling the facts of the relationship, is to point out who else supported him. Republican machers Walter and Leonora Annenberg$50 million. They also gave money to Rick Santorum, Strom Thurmond and Mitt Romney. Annenberg was Nixon’s ambassador to Britain. If Obama is “palling around with terrorists,” the Republican Annenbergs are funding them. gave the former terrorist

Yesterday, the McCain campain put out a press release boasting that Leonore Annenberg had just endorsed him for president. Why is McCain happy to accept the endorsement of a funder of terrorism?

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/republicans-who.html

He also fails to point out the close relationship the Annenberg family had with the Reagan’s…..

This is going way too far and I believe is destroying the fabric of our Nation.

I support Barack Obama for President

rJo Winch — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:02:00 EDT

As a mother, Democrat, and Councilwoman in the City of Hartford, located in the State of CT Barack Obama is my only choice for real change in America. I want my children and all of America's children to have an opportunity to make valuable contributions to these United States that we love without being judge by the color of their skin. Every American should feel that they have the same rights as any other American. All are valuable and everyone has the ability to make contributions to our Nation. Councilwoman rJo Winch

Barack Evening Buzz - 9-28-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 22:46:14 EDT

Barack Evening Buzz - 9-28-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Thousands Rally with Obama and Biden in Detroit
Kathleen Gray and Dan Cortez-Detroit Free Press
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080928/NEWS15/80928016/&imw=Y

(2) Obama and Biden Appear with Detroit's New Mayor
Corey Williams-MLive.com
http://www.mlive.com/elections/index.ssf/2008/09/obama_biden_appear_with_detroi.html

(3) Obama Leads McCain 50% to 42%
Gallup.com
http://news.aol.com/elections/article/obama-moves-up-mccain-down-in-poll/192720?icid=100214839x1210494357x1200631137

(4) Obama Calls McCain Economic Ideas "Out of Touch"
Jesse J. Holland-Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5isOFwdbq0tsqatW6vJpkDRTI1gMgD93FTUU80

(5) Solider's Mother "Ecstatic" about Obama's Bracelet
Dinesh Ramde-Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hdsm_ntfH32sDoi1u_H9HYCDeaHAD93G1RBG0

(6) Obama Says McCain is "Katrina Like" on Economy
Ron Claiborne, John Berman and Kristin Red-Horse-ABC News
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=5906463&page=1

(7) Zeitgeist Drifts Toward Obama
Steven Thomma-McClatchy Newspapers
http://www.kansascity.com/444/story/817813.html

(8) The "Joe" Effect
Maria Gavrilovic-CBS News-From the Road
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/09/28/politics/fromtheroad/entry4484068.shtml

(9) Obama Advisor Says Voters Need to Decide Whether McCain Made a Good Choice in Palin
Ryan Corsaro-CBS News-From The Road
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/09/28/politics/fromtheroad/entry4484108.shtml

(10) For the First Time, There is a Clear Front Runner
John Ibbitson-Globe and Mail-Australia
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080928.wibbitson29/BNStory/usElection2008

(11) Financial Crisis has Boosted Obama
Leonard Doyle-The Independent-UK
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/race-for-whitehouse/financial-crisis-has-boosted-obama-polls-show-945287.html

(12) Obama Keeps Advantage over McCain in Post Debate Poll
Heidi Przybyla-Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a3EhjHAVkUjI&refer=home

(13) McCain's Lost Chance-Obama Holds His Own on Foreign Policy
E.J. Dionne Jr.-Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/28/AR2008092802233.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

(14) My Team vs. Your Team-The Political Arena Lives Up to Its Name
Shankar Vedantam-Washington Post-Department of Human Behavior
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/28/AR2008092802180.html

(15) Obama Slightly Widens Lead after Debate
Noah N. Levey-Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-poll29-2008sep29,0,57477.story

(16) Obama and McCain Express Cautious Support for Bailout
Michael D. Shear and Perry Bacon Jr.-Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/28/AR2008092802212.html?hpid=topnews

(17) How Helpful were Obama and McCain in Bailout Talks?
CNNPolitics
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/28/obama.mccain.bailout/

(18) McCain's Double "Rope Line" Standard
Jake Tapper-ABC News-Political Puncb
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/09/john-mccains-do.html

Registering High School Students at Weaver High

Val McCall — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:50:05 EDT

The beat is on in Connecticut's first Congressional District! Last week, a group of grassroots volunteers took some time out of their day to visit Weaver High School in Hartford, CT. Their purpose -- register high school students who will be 18 years old by November 4, 2008. Lead by Hartford's City Councilwoman and Majority Leader, rJo Winch, the group entered Weaver determined to reach as many students as possible.

The reception by the students was awesome. They were delighted to register to vote. Members of the group explained the importance of voting and the history of just one vote.

In a manner of a couple of hours, 100 Weaver High School students became regsitered voters!

Majority Leader Winch is working out the necessary details to obtain permission to allow students to go vote during the day. Grassroots volunteers are organizing van rides to pick up the students to drive them to and from the polls on November 4th so that they can vote.

Hartford's grassroots volunteers are determined to reach out to the other high schools in Hartford and set up the same kind of voter registration drive, coupled with van rides on election day!

Miss Alaska '84 endorsed Senator Barack Obama

Queen — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:16:21 EDT

Maryline Blackburn endorsed Senator Barack Obama.

See the article Miss Alaska '84 Recalls Rival's Winning Ways

www.marylineblackburn.com

Progressive Journalists Arrested at RNC for covering events- Calls Needed

Rev Renee Levant, Ph.D — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:36:31 EDT

Progressive Journalists Arrested at RNC for covering events- Calls Needed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
www.democracynow.org

September 1, 2008

Contact:
Dennis Moynihan
Mike Burke

ST. PAUL, MN—Democracy Now! host Amy Goodman was unlawfully arrested in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota at approximately 5 p.m. local time. Police violently manhandled Goodman, yanking her arm, as they arrested her. Video of her arrest can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjyvkR0bGQ

Goodman was arrested while attempting to free two Democracy Now! producers who were being unlawfuly detained. They are Sharif Abdel Kouddous and Nicole Salazar. Kouddous and Salazar were arrested while they carried out their journalistic duties in covering street demonstrations at the Republican National Convention. Goodman’s crime appears to have been defending her colleagues and the freedom of the press.

Ramsey County Sherrif Bob Fletcher told Democracy Now! that Kouddous and Salazar were being arrested on suspicion of rioting. They are currently being held at the Ramsey County jail in St. Paul.

Democracy Now! is calling on all journalists and concerned citizens to call the office of Mayor Chris Coleman and the Ramsey County Jail and demand the immediate release of Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar. These calls can be directed to: Chris Rider from Mayor Coleman’s office at 651-266-8535 and the Ramsey County Jail at 651-266-9350 (press extension 0).

Democracy Now! stands by Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar and condemns this action by Twin Cities law enforcement as a clear violation of the freedom of the press and the First Amenmdent rights of these journalists.

During the demonstration in which they were arrested law enforcement officers used pepper spray, rubber bullets, concussion grenades and excessive force. Several dozen others were also arrested during this action.

Amy Goodman is one of the most well-known and well-respected journalists in the United States. She has received journalism’s top honors for her reporting and has a distinguished reputation of bravery and courage. The arrest of Goodman, Kouddous and Salazar is a transparent attempt to intimidate journalists from the nation’s leading independent news outlet.

Democracy Now! is a nationally-syndicated public TV and radio program that airs on over 700 radio and TV stations across the US and the globe.

Video of Amy Goodman’s Arrest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYjyvkR0bGQ

Filed under News

Congressman Larson Fires Up Obama Supporters at the Obama Watch Party

Queen — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:42:01 EDT

On August 28, 2008, Congressman Larson hosted a Obama Watch Party at the Artist Collective in Hartford, CT. Congressman Larson fired up the energetic crowd. Over 300 supporters helped kicked off the general election.

Local Reaction to Obama Supporters

http://video.fox61.com/global/video/flash/flashvideoplayer.asp?playerName=miniplayer.swf&clipId=2855771&autoStart=false&mute=false

Obama Event

rJo — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:09:55 EDT

As a Councilwoman in the City of Hartford, CT, I find myself being concerned about more than my own re-election. I organized a meeting at my home and had 24 Obama supporters come together for Change. We registered 14 new voters at this meeting. 50% of the people who showed up were getting involved in the elections for the first time. Many said this race is the most important presidential race in their life time and they wanted to have an active part.

I encourage many of you to try and have a meeting of small groups at your home at least every two weeks right up to election day to be sure we get our Democratic President in office.

Obama TV - 7-22/8-2-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:35:29 EDT

Obama TV - 7-22/8-2-08

8-2-08
Obama Town Hall Meeting in Titusville, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdvAVSNRni4&feature=user

8-1-08
Obama Town Hall Meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGOlvwOm65Y&feature=user

8-1-08
"The One"-McCain Compares Obama to Moses
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=5498450

8-1-08
David Plouffe Thanks Donors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFMUfjUI5Ro&feature=user

7-31-08
Obama Revisits Cedar Rapids, Iowa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJER5YEHWI4&feature=user

7-30-08
Obama Town Hall Meeting in Rolla, Missouri
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHHFCxObhxk&feature=user

7-30-08
Obama Town Hall Meeting in Springfield, Missouri
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o5IQvMl4A0&feature=user

7-30-08
"Low Road" TV Ad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPPLSHKH0h4&feature=user

7-28-08
Obama Meeting with Economic Advisors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R05q0DHd8IE&feature=user

7-28-08
Michelle Obama at Women for Obama Luncheon in Chicago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLkasGj1JRw&feature=user

7-28-08
Backstage with Barack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGysjOixVNs&feature=user

7-27-08
Obama at Annual Unity Conference in Chicago
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EOzaakaWvM

7-26-08
Obama at 10 Downing Street in London
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd0nEyrwxSI

7-26-08
BBC Report on Obama in London
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucDwcIZfs4g

7-26-08
British Conservative Leader David Cameron Meets Obama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0U4jtKUQ5E

7-25-08
Obama in Paris-Joint News Conference with French President Nicolas Sarkovy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-iGWHamD0k

7-25-08
Obamessiah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0drwfnGlF_E

7-23-08
Obama Visits Sderot, Israel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFoj-PKJhck

7-23-08
Obama Visits Holocaust Museum in Yad Vashem, Israel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EOzaakaWvM

7-22-08
Obama at Amman Citadel in Jordan Discusses Iraq and Afghanistan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxqGH-lK5tk

Fundraising Event with Phylicia Rashad

Evan Blewett — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:02:08 EDT

Hey Connecticut folks!

Just wanted to let you know of a very exciting fundraiser coming up for Senator Obama next week in CT with historic Tony-Award winning actress Phylicia Rashad.

MyBO Event Page
Contribution Page

We hope to see you there!

Bonus Barack Afternoon Buzz - 6-7-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:46:20 EDT

Bonus Barack Afternoon Buzz - 6-7-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Clinton Says "I Throw My Full Support Behind Barack Obama"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7_mXyGu2vlQ

(2) Clinton Endorses Obama -"United and More Ready"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wJur9mJ6xbA

(3) Clinton Endorsement of Obama Speech - Part 1
http://youtube.com/watch?v=mxWrl9W9pf4

(4) Clinton Endorsement of Obama Speech - Part 2
http://youtube.com/watch?v=em8dWlgxsiY

(5) Clinton Endorses Obama and Suspends Campaign
Associated Press
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2008/06/07/VI2008060701032.html

(6) Clinton Concedes Race and Throws Full Support Behind Obama
Lorraine Woellert and Kristin Jensen-Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=adoAXI0Dsxyo&refer=home

(7) Clinton Says Do All You Can to "Help Elect Barack Obama"
Paul Harris-Guardian-UK
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/07/hillaryclinton.barackobama1?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront

(8) Clinton Gives Full Backing to Obama
Sara Hashash-Times Online-UK
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article4087349.ece

(9) Full Transcript of Clinton's Speech
CQ Transcripts Wire
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/07/AR2008060701029.html

(10) President Obama?-Place Your Bets
Sara Murray and Gerald F. Seib-Wall Street Journal
http://blogs.wsj.com/politicalperceptions/2008/06/07/political-wisdom-president-obama-place-your-bets/

Barack Morning Buzz - 5-8-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:43:49 EDT

Barack Morning Buzz - 5-8-08
On to Victory in November

(1) Obama's Got a Confident New Strategy
Peter Nicholas-Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-obama8-2008may08,0,6306550.story

(2) John Edwards' Campaign Manager David Bonior Endorses Obama
Jake Tapper-ABC News-Political Punch
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/05/edwards-campaig.html

(3) Former President Jimmy Carter Says Florida and Michigan Delegates Should Not Be Counted at Convention
Associated Press
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/05/jimmy_carter_florida_and_michi.html

(4) Obama's Game Changing
Joe Klein-TIME
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1738330,00.html

(5) Clinton's End-Time to Yield and Unify
Seattle Times-Editorial
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorialsopinion/2004398897_obamaed08.html

(6) Numbers Don't Add Up for Clinton
Dallas Morning News-Editorial
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-demsrace_08edi.ART.State.Edition1.45fca9c.html

(7) Face It, Hillary-It's Over
Chicago Sun-Times-Commentary
http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/938876,CST-EDT-edit08a.article

(8) Obama, Obviously-Clinton Might Be Only One Who Thinks She Has a Chance
Lisa Van Dusen-Edmonton Sun
http://www.edmontonsun.com/Comment/2008/05/08/5504871-sun.html

(9) Campaigns Throw Out Traditional Political Map
Laura Meckler-Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121020793505275591.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

(10) Rush Limbaugh Urges Super Delegates to Vote for Obama-"Weakest of Democratic Nominees"
Alexander Mooney-CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/07/limbaugh.obama/?iref=hpmostpop

Believe- America-Believe

rJo — Fri, 02 May 2008 09:44:13 EDT

Now is not the time for us to get off course. We must continue to push forward to make real change in America. Talking about change and really wanting to make change are two different things. Lets be the doers not the talkers.

I believe Barack Obama will make real changes in America because he understands that it's the average Americans who need their government to reach their communities. Big bucks do not need more big bucks or tax breaks. Tax cuts are what the average American needs. Those of us who may be just a paycheck away from homeless.

To make real change we must first believe it can happen, then make moves toward helping that change come about.

Let's not get distracted or derailed by the Republicans, instead lets keep pushing toward the mark for a victory in November with Barack Obama becoming our 44th President of these United States.

Councilwoman rJo Winch

Hartford, CT

My response to NY Times editorial on Obama's Wright speech

Lisa in Central Conn. HopeMonger! — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:05:05 EDT

I saw your article last night...and I was thrilled to see that you said what many other articles covering Senator Obama's denunciation of Wright do not...that other candidates and others seeking our public trust should likewise denounce race-baiting remarks.

As an Obama supporter, my heart sunk when the loops of Wright's remarks came out. I had no fear that those remarks represented Obama (my support for him has never wavered) but I fully realized the impact of those remarks as they went before an electorate that often does not look beyond what is readily available through word-of-mouth and mainstream media. Of course my fears bore out but I felt hopeful (and then my hopes were somewhat realized) when Obama gave his speech in Philadelphia. I applauded Obama's courage even as I wondered if his nuanced message was "enough". I watched the other candidates cower behind Obama's speech and avoid overt discussions of the topic.

Things looked OK but we all knew there was still a Wright effect "out there". Still we persisted (as Obama supporters) as our candidate did.

Then Wright appeared again...my heart sunk further.

Only time will tell if Obama's more direct assertion is enough. But he has proved he is the only candidate still in the race who has been asked to, and then responded to, show great political courage in the face of that which we do not talk about. He has stepped up. What will the other candidates do? Will the American people ever ever show equal political courage? Will we demand it in our politicians or still let them off the hook?

A lot of questions still to be answered by the Wright issue. But we Obama supporters can feel proud of our candidate. And that is a rarity in politics these days.

Momentum!!!

! Jim Chap — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 08:59:39 EDT

It's back. 35,000 people in PA for a rally, 3 key superdelegates, all intellectual and with a strong moral compass.

He's back and he's going to finish this off on May 6th. Whouda thunk it?

Manchester, Ct PA Primary Watch Night Potluck

Rev Renee Levant, Ph.D — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:49:43 EDT

The Details A Perfect Union Potlock PA Primary Watch Night (Meeting) Invitation to Greater Manchester For a More Perfect Union Potluck 6:30 pm- 9:30 pm

Join Dr Levant and Dr Heskett for a potluck and PA returns watching party at their house in downtown Manchester

Please No Alcohol.

We plan to have a series of discussions and events on campaign related issues. Call us and discuss your ideas!

Greater Manchester For a More Perfect Union

An organization which sponsors primary watching parties, Issues/Discussion Potlucks and an organized Pro-Obama media campaign and other activities in the Greater Manchester Connecticut area. Organized by two adjunct college instructors and ministers. http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4rr3s

Manchester CT Potluck Primary Party April 22nd

Rev Renee Levant, Ph.D — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 18:47:32 EDT

Hi Friends

If you are local consider joining Greater Manchester for a more perfect union and attending our potluck and primary watching party on april 22nd.

Manchester Group: http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/GreaterManchester-ForAMorePerfectUnion

Potluck sign up:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/4rr3s

Future events will focus on substantive issues

Work!

! Jim Chap — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:36:35 EDT

In addition to making calls, soliciting donations etc.., now might be a good time to help refocus the campaign

on several things. The first is Obama's platform, his position on the issues. While that may help sway some voters, it doesn't feed the media machine which is hungry for scandal, soundbites and gaffs.

That brings me to the second thing we can do. While the Rev. Wright situation is dying more slowly because the media needs a new story, we can help hasten it's departure by refocusing the machine on the recent "Dodging bullets in Bosnia" story. This was a blatant lie and needs to have more light shed upon it.

It helps illustrate the differences between the Obama and Hillary campaign. Obama faced his crises and gave an historical and sweeping look at race in America. He looked it squarely in the eye from every angle.

Hillary has simply lied (again) and the press is (again) giving her a free pass.

Write, call etc....the machine is hungry and needs a new story. Americans are falling asleep every time they replay the Wright footage.

This is not Obama's job, it's ours. To say one candidate is honest and the other is not, is simply shining light on the truth.

A letter to the editor.......

! Jim Chap — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 09:49:34 EDT

here's a letter I sent to my paper this morning. Things are turning ugly and we need to repond.

Not in an ugly fashion but with a barrage of letters and emails to your local paper.

CNN continues to run the 'footage' all the while decrying the media for running it.

Before he died, Peter Jennings was asked if he had any professional regrets.

His only regret was that he joined the media frenzy in crucifying Howard Dean for using the wrong microphone. ABC ran that footage over 750 times. Let's stop this from happening again.

Here's my letter, show me yours................................

This year, more than others, I have turned to the editorial section of the Courant first thing, every morning. Today, I find it impossible to contain my frustration with the parade of right wing, professional spin masters.

Senator Obama gave a brilliant, comprehensive and Presidential speech on race in America and simultaneously addressed and resolved any questions

about his candidacy. He proved that, if anything, he is overqualified (judging by recent standards) for the office of President.

On one page, there is the Courant having the courage to recognize this speech as historical and sweeping. On the other side we have the ever smug, self righteous posturing of Kathleen Parker. Her ability to focus on the frame and not the picture confirms my notion of her as a mile wide and an inch deep.

She, and others like Rush, Ann, Savage and other right wing sensationalists are simply using fear to cash in on the cult of personality that their droids seem willing to accept. I hope the Courant sees fit to rethink it's endorsement in light of back room politics as usual and endorse Senator Obama as the only candidate with the brains, integrity, disposition and ideas to help right our country at this most fractious time.

A Great Day!

! Jim Chap — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:21:31 EDT

Wow! I'm still jazzed about Obama's history making speech. He was human, he was himself, he was eloquent beyond words and his ability to put the race issue in clear focus is further proof that his judgement and ability to lead are far and away the best of any candidate in years.

I dipped into the savings once again. I hope you all will too. We still have a ways to go but today was a giant step forward.

Best speech ever!

El Chappo

Obama's Race Speech

! Jim Chap — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:08:50 EDT

I skipped work for a bit today so I could see Obama's speech. I was fully confident that he would silence his critics in the same level headed, logical and heartfelt way that he has.

As a supporter of Obama, even I was unprepared for the the amazing, historical, sweeping way in which he was able to contextualize all issues and be inclusive of every man woman and child in a hopeful and positive way.

He was able to shed historical light and address critics who will now seem trivial to remain focused on the events of last week. He has now made it impossible for HC trolls to spin this into 'Obama makes good speeches" as he took every issue head on and held a mirror to the face of every American of every color and gender. He was able to transcend the campaign. A truly historical moment.

He proved that in every way he is a great human and will make a great President.

Simply amazing. Bravo Senator. Bravo Mr. President.

Barack Evening Buzz - 3-15-08

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 18:41:02 EDT

Barack Evening Buzz-3-15-08
On to Victory in November

(1) House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Delegate Stance Boosts Obama
David Espo-Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jbmaeGHPflyoZifK0IsXS9tCsWvwD8VE3FU00

(2) Obama Decries "Forces of Division" in Democratic Campaign
Johanna Neuman-Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-campaign16mar16,0,3871376.story

(3) Obama Decries Racial Rhetoric
Tom Raum-Associated Press
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5isOFwdbq0tsqatW6vJpkDRTI1gMgD8VE3DF80

(4) Obama Lays Out Case to Hoosiers Why He Should be the Next President
Mary Beth Schneider-IndyStar.com
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080315/LOCAL/80315003/0/BUSINESS

(5) Obama Condemns Tibet Crackdown
Agence France Presse-AFP
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gYNrWbklSBpsRs1XZi1FyS8L0qrA

(6) Obama Says Let's Split Disputed Delegates in Michigan and Florida-Frontrunner Leery of Do Over
Stewart M. Powell-Hearst Newspapers
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/03/14/MN53VK8HS.DTL&type=politics

(7) San Francisco Voters-Tell Nancy Pelosi to Endorse Obama Now
Mark C. Eades-OpEdNews.com
http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/diarypage.php?did=6571

(8) Help from a High Ranking Supporter?
James Oliphant-Chicago Tribune-The Swamp
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2008/03/help_from_a_highranking_suppor.html

(9) Sketchy Comedy-Saturday Night Live Clueless for Not Recognizing How Parodies Have Influenced American Voters
Leslie Savan-Guardian-UK
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/leslie_savan/2008/03/sketchy_comedy.html

(10) Obama Explains Rezko Relationship
Chris Fusco, David McKinney, Tim Novak and Abdon M. Pallasch-Chicago Sun-Times
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/844634,obamasun031508.article

It's Friday

! Jim Chap — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:55:52 EDT

How to minimize the 'race' nonsense with a news starved media. Focus on Elliot.

Remind the media that Obama is half 'white'. Is he advantaged because of that too?

They can't have it both ways. Keep rolling out the ideas.

Talk with your friends. Build networks. Give money. Play good music.

I'm playing 3 gigs this weekend. I'll wear a big ole Obama button and invite conversation.

off to work............

Clintonia

! Jim Chap — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:26:59 EDT

Welcome to the state of Clintonia. This is a place where a Clintonian can leave an insensitive remark hanging in the public's eyes and ears, just long enough to avoid scrutiny or suffer political damage.

Where surrogates like Gerry Ferraro make the dumb remarks then 'distance' themselves from their candidate. The damage is done! She has focused the campaign on race and the press has bit into every sound bite while Hillary slooooowly makes her disclaimers.

It's Orwellian double speak and twisted logic that allows Clintonians to show great indignity when any questionable remark is made about their candidate. They demand action now! "Fire this person or you're sexist!", "Shame on you Barrack Obama!!" Rightious indignation all the while stirring the pot and filling peoples mind with carefully phrased ambiguous statements about qualifications and character questions.

It's classic old school politics. The problem is, it's a new world and it's time for new politics that show integrity, honesty and a commitment to solving problems.

People have told me that "Hope is a nice thing to have but it's not a strategy". What we get with Obama is hope WITH a strategy.

Rock on Obama! Keep the high road but when challenged, answer swiftly with certainty.

Ferraro a real Democrat?

! Jim Chap — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:12:34 EDT

Can someone please speak to the current racist of the month, Geraldine Ferraro?

I know she's trying to back pedal but Hillary is allowing racism to slowly seep into this campaign.

Obama is not a sexist. I think we should hold the Clintons to a higher standard where there's no place at the table for racist supporters. If Geraldine is a Democrat maybe she's really an old school Dixiecrat.

More slime in the bathtub from the Clinton side.

Time to shower.

Independent Volunteer

NL — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:34:47 EST

Hi! Thought I'd join in on the fun!

I actually volunteered for the first time (in a political capacity, that is) on Super Tuesday. After hearing Mr. Obama at the Hartford Rally the night before, I decided to spend a few hours doing whatever I could. I'm a registered independent, so I couldn't vote in the primary, but I wanted to do something.

I signed up and knocked on doors in the POURING rain on foot in my neighborhood that afternoon before I went to work. Talked to a few people, got a few to go to the polls (mostly from my building- thanks guys!) and despite being soaked it felt great.

I'll do it again in the general election- hopefully I can double up with somebody and cover more distances!

Carry the light...

Post SC Debate: Dealing with The Clinton Poison

OLU OGUIBE — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:04:43 EST

Well, the airwaves and the web are still abuzz with talk about the confrontation between Senator Obama and the Clintons (the one who was there and the one who wasn't) at the debates on Monday. While solid Obama supporters as well as radical Democrats appear to have approved of Senator Obama's decision to confront the Clintons (see polls at the Daily Kos), truth is that responses nationwide are quite mixed. Many have expressed revulsion at the thought that we're all back to where we always were; in the mud. Many feel torn, even disappointed, that this campaign has been pulled down by the Clinton machine. Some already fear that the one thing that stood the Obama campaign apart from all others, namely, the will to play politics differently and stay above the fray, is about to become a thing of the past. In some cases the reaction has been particularly strong.

This is no doubt part of the Clinton strategy. Needle them, lie about them, distort their records, arm-twist voters, play dirty, go to court to keep away their supporters, keep it all up and keep them permanently on the defense with constant attack till their facade of uplifting people politics eventually cracks, and once that facade has been torn away, mud-wrestle them to the ground.

It is textbook Marchiavellian strategy, it is politics as usual, and dirty politics as usual is Mr. Clinton's forte. However, it is also the anti-thesis of the message that Senator Obama has so far inspired America with. To be forced to devolve to that old politics would unravel everything that this movement has accomplished.

How does one deal with the Clinton poison? Try to ignore it, and it gets worse and wreaks irreparable havoc. Respond to it in kind and it gets worse and wreaks irreparable havoc. That is the dilemma.

It seems to me that the only way to deal with this obvious problem is for all those who are invested in The New Way to mount a concerted effort, as groups and individuals, to call the Clintons to order and make them more accountable. This should be done at their town hall meetings. It should be done at their diner stop-ins. It should be done at their press conferences. Wherever they go, someone should be there to question them on their commitment to play the old dirty way and win at all cost. Wherever they go someone must commit to ask them if it is fair and proper to lie about other candidates in order to win, and if so, how they can be trusted with power? Group members should inundate their local press with letters to the editor that express disgust with the old politics of slash and burn that the Clintons appear committed to sustain. All warriors for change who have the opportunity should now commit to pursue them all the way till they have a decisive Macaca moment. If either of them is speaking in your neighborhood, make a point to drop by, be sure to sit yourself upfront, and do not fail to put a question to them and challenge them on their lies.

Senator Obama cannot bear this cross alone or even by himself and should not, because it detracts from his message and places an unimaginable burden on him. But something has to do be done and Obama campaign strategists should seriously look into tactful but effective ways to address this. I suggested an answer in an earlier blog, but there is no shortage of ideas on how this can be accomplished.

For the Obama message to continue to inspire Americans it must remain true to itself by holding up the banner of a politics of decency and unity, not bickering and mud-wrestling. That is the only reason America is with us and we cannot fail on that promise. We cannot justify the promise of change if in the end we are forced to play like them.

However, if South Carolina is anything to go by, it also appears to me that the campaign must now begin to consider the possibility of an independent candidacy for Senator Obama. I intend to post on this at greater length. In the end the movement for change may have to find its own way outside the mudpit of the Clinton Democratic Party. If so, I am confident that America will follow suit. I believe that America is ready for a different and more uplifting tone in politics.

Open Letter to Senator Obama and Mr. David Axelrod: You Must Keep Hope Alive

OLU OGUIBE — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:44:01 EST

Dear Sirs,

The few days between now and January 26 will be the most critical period in Senator Obama's bid for the Presidency of the United States, as indeed they would be for the millions of Americans for whom he has become the torch-bearer for change.

In my thinking, the national television debate today will be even more critical than any other single event in this campaign.

I believe, sirs, that millions of Americans who now pin their hopes for change in Washington on this campaign and the Senator's message will be watching this evening, and they'll be watching out for one thing: renewed hope that this march is still worth their while and that it will be successfull. You both can allay their fears and renew that hope.

I believe it is critical to let those warriors for change know that we are winning. I believe it is even more critical to let all those who are undecided and who now vacillate not knowing whether this ship is sailing or sinking know that they should not give up hope at this critical hour because the ship is indeed still sailing.

What will matter most tonight is not what the Senator says about education or the war in Iraq or the economy because all that has been said. Thousands of foot soldiers have done the necessary work spreading the word on those issues. What will matter most tonight is what the Senator says to raise anew the hope and conviction that we will win.

So, I urge the Senator to use his first sentence at tonight's debate to say to South Carolina, California, and the American people: we did not lose in New Hampshire; we did not lose in Nevada, so do not lose hope or courage: we are still winning. I would be specific about it and say: we won enough in New Hampshire to stay even with the Clintons; we won enough in Nevada to beat the Clintons; so do not stay home on Saturday and think that all is lost and this is impossible: it will only be impossible if you stay home and do not caucus.

I would say in same breath, irrespective of the question from the moderator, that America should take note that everything has been done to twist this process and derail and deride this march for change: that every trick in the book has been tried, and so every trick that is not in the book, to mislead the American people by telling them lies about this campaign, and that America should remember that it is in character. Some people cannot help but lie and mislead the American people. That is what they do. They've done it before and as long as they can get away with it, they'll continue to do it.

I would ask the people of South Carolina to reject these divisive and sinister efforts because they represent exactly what is wrong with our politics, what is wrong with Washington, and why it is necessary to support a new way of serving the American people by sending someone to Washington who will change the old ways that these efforts and these people represent.

And before the moderator cuts me off, I would say directly to the people of South Carolina and the rest of the American people: This is why it is important for you to go out on Saturday and on February 5th, and do so in huge numbers, to use your votes to say: no to the politics of dirty tricks and lies, no to the politics of misrepresentation and character assassination, no to the politics of only my family is good enough for America, no to the politics of divisiveness and disdain for the American people. This is why it is very, very important for you to make sure you have registered, and then go out there on caucus day, come rain or snow or godly sunshine, and say yes to a new way of coming together and standing for what is best about America by voting for change. Only you can do it. If they try to misinform you, report it. If they try to arm-twist you at the precinct, don't turn away and walk home in frustration: resist it. If they try to disenfranchise you, reject it and be ready to fight tooth and nail to get your voice heard because otherwise the forces of the past will do everything they can to discourage you, and if they win, then Washington will return to the old ways of doing things: saying one thing and meaning another, breaking promises as soon as they're made, carving the American people up into fighting parties instead of uniting this country for the good of the ordinary people.

This, sirs, are a crucial message that you must get out tonight, and for the rest of this campaign. You must renew the promise that change is within the grasp of the American people, especially now that their hopes and determination are flagging. You must pull them up again, challenge them again, and do so by reassuring them that the battle is not lost, that we have won each step of the way despite the odds and the sinister efforts of some, and that it is critical now more than ever that they go out there and battle for what America believes in, and for the change that Americans deserve.

By the way, I think that the Senator should appear for the debates tonight with his young daughters and make a gesture of sitting them front stage where the cameras can see them. It would have a particular symbolism that South Carolina and the nation will not easily forget.

Finally, sirs, I have always believed, and have tried to get this across on several occasions, that this campaign is not a struggle with Hillary Clinton; this campaign is a struggle with Bill Clinton and all that he represents. He is the strategist that our strategist is pitched against, and we must defeat him if we hope to win.

So far Mr. Axelrod has done an impeccable job in taking a train once regarded as a flitting novelty, and setting it on track to victory. However, as I predicted, Mr. Clinton has always come back with his tricks, each time getting dirtier and nastier, and always managed to pry some semblance of victory from the teeth of complete vanquish. We ought to stop him, and stop him once and for all.

Mr. Axelrod, I think that there's only one party that can stop Bill Clinton: that party is the Senator's grandmother, Mrs. Dunham. I believe, sir, that if you would get Mrs. Dunham, who is in poor health, to state on national television how appalled she is by how Mr. Clinton has made it his duty to mislead the American people about her grandson, and ask him on national television to step aside and let the American people decide, Bill Clinton will have no answer. There is nothing like a grandmother stepping up to say, enough is enough. The 41st first lady once did so to great effect.

I believe also that leading up to February 5th, the Senator's sister should play a more visible role, join him on the campaign trail, be on television with her children, show her face and appeal directly to America.

However, my letter is about the debate tonight, about renewing the courage and conviction of supporters and undecideds alike that this is working and that change is possible, and about dealing with Mr. Clinton. God bless you both, and please keep Hope alive.

Rockville, Connecticut

Delegate for Delegate, Obama Is Still Ahead of The Clintons

OLU OGUIBE — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:19:52 EST

There is a little known fact among voters nationwide, even among volunteers on the Obama Campaign. And that fact is that even after the announced results in New Hampshire and most recently Nevada, Senator Obama is still ahead of Hillary Clinton in terms of delegates won to the Democratc National Convention. Voters out there who may be discouraged by thinking that Senator Obama may not be able to win the primaries ought to know this fact. In terms of delegates won, Obama is in fact still the front-runner in this race. The senator himself and the campaign ought to put that word out.

From his win in the Iowa Caucuses Senator Obama earned 16 delegates to the national convention as opposed to Hillary Clinton's 15.

In New Hampshire, despite coming a few percentage points behind Clinton in the annoucend polls, Senator Obama still gained the same number of elected delegates as Hillary Clinton, 9. That meant that Senator Obama left New Hampshire still ahead of Clinton regarding elected delegates won for the national convention: 25 delegates to her 24. That is probably why Bill Clinton felt so frustrated that he decided to support suppressing the casino workers' vote in Nevada.

And now, even after the Nevada results, again Senator Obama has come out with more delegates won in Nevada than Hillary Clinton, 13 delegates to her 12, giving him a total of 38 delegates won in the caucuses so far to her 36.

The Clintons must be super-frustrated and uber-furious! They will most probably get nastier than ever. But more importantly, it is critical that Obama supporters know that we haven't lost this race; quite the contrary, the campaign is in fact still ahead.

This is critical because if people begin to perceive the campaign as a flagging one without chances of success, many will turn away, and many more may feel disappointed and despondent enough to stay home and not bother going to the polls. This would hurt.

On the other hand, I believe that if enough people in the critical states remaining know that this is the case, that is, that the Obama campaign is in fact still ahead, it will give them encouragement to stay on and see the battle through, rather than lose courage.

So, I say, let's get out the word. Let the Senator mention this on national television on Monday during the debates. It will re-energize supporters and undecided voters who now need encouragement more than ever. There is no reason to be shy of this fact. In fact, to leave supporters and others with the impression that the campaign is on a losing trail does more harm and that harm is incremental and cumulative.

Now is the time to put this fact to good use and re-propel the national movement to further victories.

I notice that other list members have commented on this. I can only add that those who have the ear of the Senator and the Chief Campaign Strategist should put it to them soon that this message ought to become part of the stump speeches and press as quickly as possible. Perceptions matter, and no place would they matter more than in South Carolina where many voters are still watching to see whether it is worth their while throwing their support and caucus vote behind Obama or whether things remain the way they've always been, i.e., no faint chance for a Black candidate. If you have a line to the Senator, get the word to him. It will be worth it.

By the way, we must do better in getting people to reject President Clinton's dirty and divisive role in this race. It is time to make it a topic; to ask, why does Bill Clinton think that he has a duty to soil the Democratic primaries process with his lying and mud-slinging politics of the past? Why does he think that it is proper that he should be the first ever ex-President to actively campaign against a candidate, and to do so with such viciousness and hatred? It is a legitimate question to pose to the American people.

Want to help but how?

Anne from Hartford, CT — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:07:18 EST

I am having a bewildering time trying to get in touch with volunteers for Barack Obama. Where are you?

90 CT Volunteers Canvass New Hampshire Dec 1 & 2

Val McCall — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:09:14 EST

On Saturday morning, Dec 1st, 70 Connecticut volunteers car pooled to New Hampshire. Some cars started out as early as 6:00AM. Some drivers even back traced an hour to pick up canvassers. On Sunday morning, Dec 2nd, 20 more Connecticut volunteers car pooled to New Hampshire. All in All, 90 Connecticut volunteers car pooled to New Hampshire on Dec 1st and 2nd -- and the weather, although cold and blustery with a constant threat of snow, held out!

What a tremendous experience we had. The majority of volunteers hit the pavement, going door-to-door, while the rest of us manned the phones, calling voters. At the end of the canvass, volunteers returned and wrote postcards to the voters they had talked to.

The excitement in the campaign office was infectious. The laughter and smiles, the stories about their experiences was exhilerating and exciting. The commeraderie that was built this weekend turned the page for Connecticut.

That commeraderie and unity did not crop up overnight, it has been building day by day as we worked together, calling volunteers to come out to canvass, sending personalized emails to Obama supporters, friends, family and colleagues. It was challenging at times to keep track of who was riding with whom; car pool riders changed frequently as more volunteers signed up to go. Many solo drivers and those who signed up as maybes, joined in on the car pools. New freindships formed as folks worked with each other, uniting around turning the page in New Hampshire.

Out of this tremendous experience arose, "Count on Connecticut GOTV." Each weekend, Connecticut volunteers will continue to canvass in New Hampshire between now and GOTV week. We will be going primarily up to Keene NH. Each congressional district will take turns at the helm of this effort, bringing new volunteers up to New Hampshire every weekend.

We mean it when we say "Count on Connecticut to GOTV!

Connecticut Activities Update: November 10th Canvass Keene NH

Val McCall — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:59:34 EST

The sun came out to greet us in Keene NH, yesterday, as did the wonderful Obama staff (thank you especially Damian and David) and Keene volunteers! Approximately 30 Connecticut volunteers car pooled from New Haven, Gales Ferry, West hartford and Stamford to Keene NH, with a handful going up to Noshua NH.

Canvassing in Keene was a great experience. I found that voters were so willing to talk and were eager to share their concerns and their hopes in what they are looking for in the next president. I can confidently say that our campaign is way ahead of the rest. What became increasingly clear the more doors we knocked on and folks we spoke with, other presidential candidates are just leaving materials at the door and moving on. They are neither taking the time to create meaningful relationships through dialog, nor are they leaving substantive materials for voters to read.

This point was driven home at the last person we visited. We talked for about 15 minutes and at the end of our conversation, I asked if he used the computer much. He mentioned that his teenage kids get on the computer most of the time, and that he did not. So, we left him copies of literature on the issues he was most concerned about. He thanked us and said that it was really great to get this kind of information, noting that other candidates leave a piece of paper with mainly their picture on it saying, "vote for me."

At the end of the day, my canvass partner (my granddaughter, Electra) and I agreed, it is all about creating relationships in the small window of time that we spend with each person we talked to. It's about really "visiting" with each person we meet and forming a bond. All of us want change and there is one candidate out there who can bring about that change, Barack Obama.

It was a great day and we are looking forward to going up to canvass in New Hampshire as many times as we can between now and the New Hampshire primary.

Barack Top Ten - 10-19-07 - Victory2008.net

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 09:21:26 EDT

#1 Would be "Students for Barack Obama" at Claflin University in South Carolina Coerced to Attend
Hillary Press Conference as "Part of Class" - FITSNews Exclusive
Students at Claflin University, a historically black college in Orangeburg, S.C., are accusing the school’s administration of prohibiting them from forming a “Students for Barack Obama” chapter, yet simultaneously compelling them to attend a press conference supporting for his rival Clinton.
http://fitsnews.com/2007/10/18/

#2 Obama Wins Missouri/Kansas Service Employees International Union Endorsements
John McCormick - Chicago Tribune - The Swamp
When it comes to endorsements outside of Iowa from the powerful SEIU, Obama's presidential campaign started in the east with endorsements from the Illinois and Indiana councils. Now it has covered Iowa's southern flank with the backing of the Missouri / Kansas State Council of the SEIU.
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2007/10/by_john_mccormick_when_it.html

#3 Obama Touts Foreign Policy Record
Associated Press
Obama said his foreign policy record leaves him immune to Republican attacks likely to be lodged in a general election campaign. "My Republican opponent won't be able to say that we both supported the war in Iraq, because
I didn't," Obama told a crowd packed into a high school gym.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5isOFwdbq0tsqatW6vJpkDRTI1gMgD8SC49A80

#4 Obama Hires a Rapid Responder
Marc Ambinder - TheAtlantic.com
Obama's campaign has hired veteran Democratic strategist John Del Cecato to handle a newly created rapid response portfolio. Senior aide Dan Pfeiffer says that Del Cecato will work with press secretary Bill Burton and research director Devorah Adler to "help push back on attacks from the media and our friends in rival campaigns."
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/10/obama_hires_a_rapid_responder.php

#5 Obama's Black Wakeup Call
Roland S. Martin - CNN News
If the advisers around Obama want to continue to delude themselves into thinking they have lots of time for black voters to get around to figuring out their candidate's record on issues they care about, then the latest CNN poll surely must be the kind of slap in the face to bring them back to reality.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/18/roland.martin/

#6 Obama and Clinton Split Democratic Votes
Kenny Flowers - The A&T Register - North Carolina A&T State University
Obama and Clinton represent minorities in the race for the White House. Kevin Knight, a sophomore at A&T, believes it time for a black president. "Barack Obama. I like his views and agree with them and I think that a black president will do our country good. It"s time for a change."
http://media.www.ncatregister.com/media/storage/paper277/news/2007/10/17/Nationworld/Clinton.And.Obama.Split.Democratic.Votes-3039287.shtml

#7 Obama's Appeal
Matthew Rothschild - The Progressive
I saw Barack Obama speak in Madison, Wisconsin, on October 15 to a paying crowd of about 2,500. And the amazing thing is that about 1,500 of the people there were students who forked over $15 just to get in. Unlike
the other candidate in the race, Obama electrifies young people and his audiences are diverse.
http://www.progressive.org/mag_wx101707

#8 Obama Edges Clinton in 3rd Quarter Entertainment Industry Fundraising
Ted Johnson - Variety Business
Center for Responsive Politics reports Obama raised $580,000 from July 1-Sept. 30 from sources in the film,
TV and music industries. Clinton raised $530,589, followed by John Edwards with $96,052.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117974298.html?categoryid=18&cs=1

#9 Obama Works with Ethnic Social Sites to Remove Bad Ad Potential
Kate Kaye - The ClickZ Network
Obama would probably rather not have ads promoting "Asian Girl Photos" on his AsianAve.com profile. That's one reason his campaign worked directly with the Asian social network site's publisher to ensure a potential reputation damaging situation like that doesn't occur.
http://www.clickz.com/3627352

#10 Internet Smears Target Obama
Tim Harper - Toronto Star
She was a Republican backing Mitt Romney, but her frustration that late summer day in Iowa was spawned by
that "Muslim" running for the Democrats, Barack Obama.
http://www.thestar.com/News/article/268433

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

Barack Daily Buzz - Victory2008.net — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 16:26:40 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 23:51:02 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